The inside scoop...from God

Today: Genesis 41-42

I'm continually amazed at all the TV shows, mobile apps, newspapers and magazines focused on giving us "the inside scoop" about something. You can track what your friends are doing minute by the minute on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. You can get the scores from every sport imaginable sent directly to your phone. You can find out details about who Jennifer Aniston is dating on five different TV entertainment news shows and 12 magazines placed enticingly at the front of your grocery store checkout line.

But have you ever thought that it was possible to get inside scoop from God?

In today's passage, Joseph demonstrated that it's possible. Take a look at what happened after God helped Joseph interpret Pharaoh's dreams:

Then Pharaoh said to his officials, "Isn't this the man we need?

Are we going to find anyone else who has God's spirit in him like this?"
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "You're the man for us.

God has given you the inside story—

no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom.

From now on, you're in charge of my affairs;

all my people will report to you.

Only as king will I be over you."
So Pharaoh commissioned Joseph:

"I'm putting you in charge of the entire country of Egypt."

Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger and slipped it on Joseph's hand.

He outfitted him in robes of the best linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

He put the second-in-command chariot at his disposal,

and as he rode people shouted "Bravo!"
Joseph was in charge of the entire country of Egypt.

What an incredible turnaround story! Remember Joseph--the guy who was unjustly in jail in the passage we read yesterday? Yeah...today's he's the guy with inside scoop from God who is placed in charge of an entire country.

I don't think that was a coincidence. Even while in jail, Joseph worked hard and dedicated himself to being the best worker he could be--that takes an incredible heart. Joseph developed a deep relationship with God that deepened his character. He trusted God completely--and God trusted him in return.

Tomorrow: Genesis 43-45

The evidence is you

Today: 1 Thessalonians

When I was younger, I had a little fascination with courtroom dramas. I watched "The People's Court" and "Matlock." Even now, I'll periodically get sucked in to "Law & Order."

There's something compelling about watching detectives and lawyers build up a case and find evidence. Then, you wait in anticipation to see the wise judge determine a verdict.

Imagine if a judge looked at you and said, "You're the evidence."

Huh?

That sounds kind of strange, but when it comes to supporting a case for the existence of God, it could be true.

Have you ever heard the saying, "You're the only Jesus someone might ever see?" There's a bit of truth in that statement. But I think it slightly misses the mark. Whether or not people see Jesus in you or me, they could see Him in creation, in the Bible, in music or even in writings from other people (like C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado or other great authors). However, you and I could definitely be part of the "evidence" that someone uses to determine whether or not God is real.

That sounds like a tall order--it is. But we don't have to be the "evidence" on our own. The Holy Spirit can give us "convictions of steel." Take heart in what we read in today's passage:

It is clear to us, friends,

that God not only loves you very much

but also has put his hand on you

for something special.

When the Message we preached came to you,

it wasn't just words.

Something happened in you.

The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions...
Do you know that all over the provinces...

believers look up to you?

The word has gotten around.

Your lives are echoing the Master's Word,

not only in the provinces but all over the place.

The news of your faith in God is out.

We don't even have to say anything anymore—

you're the message!

Tomorrow: 2 Thessalonians