YOUR DILIGENCE SORTS YOU OUT 2: Devotion for Friday May 20, 2016

YOUR DILIGENCE SORTS YOU OUT 2: Devotion for Friday May 20, 2016

Text: Genesis 39:20- – 23       Memory verse: v 22

Two days ago, we read how Joseph’s diligence sought him out in Potiphar’s house. Going to prison did not lessen that virtue in him. Some will easily conclude that there is no need being good and diligent if they were in Joseph’s shoes having passed through all the trouble from his brothers down to Egypt. But it wasn’t so with Joseph. Rather he chose to fear God and live a Godly life. He brought his diligence and Godly life to bear in his activities in the prison. He didn’t pretend or hide his true identity. He demonstrated his religion which affected all. The Prison Guard noticed him and sorts him out (39:21). All these were possible because God’s favour was upon him even in the prison.

Family Bible Notes stated that “No evils which men can inflict can shut out the presence and favour of God from those who trust in Him; and a servant in a dungeon may be happier than a king on his throne. Though he may suffer for righteousness' sake, in due time he will be delivered, and his sorrow turned into joy.” Don’t let people’s judgment about you dampen your enthusiasm for righteousness and holiness. Do not betray your faith in Christ because you feel you are being punished wrongly. It may be a stepping stone into greatness. As you maintain your diligence in your marriage, office, prison, market, business, etc, as a Christian, God will certainly sort you out for greatness among your fellows.

Food for Thought: Diligence in our service and endeavour is for our good than the people we serve.

Prayer: Make me more diligent, O Lord, because it is for my own good.     

YOUR DILIGENCE SORTS YOU OUT 1: Devotion for Wednesday May 18, 2016

YOUR DILIGENCE SORTS YOU OUT 1: Devotion for Wednesday May 18, 2016

Text: Genesis 39:1 – 6     Memory verse: v 3

Beloved, our enemies may strip us of outward distinctions and ornaments; but wisdom and grace cannot be taken from us. They may separate us from friends, relatives, and country; but they cannot take from us the presence of the Lord. They may shut us from outward blessings, rob us of liberty, and confine us in prisons; but they cannot shut us out from communion with God, from the throne of grace, or take from us the blessings of salvation (Gen. 37:31–36). Have your enemies robbed you of your distinction? Never mind, God’s presence and favour are still with you and that will make the difference in your life. Just be diligent. Joseph was blessed and God’s presence was with him even in the house of slavery. He was diligent not minding what he had passed through. This singled him out in the house of Potiphar.        

It was Joseph diligence that made him a sort out in another country where he was a mere slave. Many of us usually complain about our environment not being conducive enough to practice our Christian faith. We complain about the people we work with; our bosses, our neighbourhood, our pastors, our Bible study leaders, etc, thus using such as excuse to fail in our duties. Thus many have left their God-given talent because they see all around them as not conducive. Joseph proved to us that we can thrive more in an environment that may not be conducive. Arise and shine, O Child of God! God is with you in that environment.

Food for Thought: Our diligence is noticed and appreciated the more when we practice it in environment that is not conducive.

Prayer: Lord God, help me to be diligent no matter where I may be because that is the only way I will be a sort out by you and men in Jesus name.