Word: And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:2, 3. 

Thought: We saw yesterday on the blessed man who will bear fruit even in the year of drought, because the Lord was with him and Joseph is a perfect epitome of it. Even as a slave in the master’s house or as a prisoner, the eyes of his master or the prison keeper were able to see that God was with him and everything he did prospered. Joseph was not just blessed, but was a channel of blessing. In our workplace, is our boss able to see us a different person because the Lord is with us? Not just by being different, but by showing the difference in our work – If the Lord is with us, anything we do should prosper. Let us examine ourselves to see if we labor in vain or see the fruits of our hand. Do we restrict God to outside of our workplace and toil hard with less outcome in our work. When God is with us, we should be better in whatever we do and whatever the situation might be – may be a tough terrain, a difficult boss, a complicated project, tight deadline – when the Lord is with you, you can do what others can’t do and you will rise up to be a testimony in the place where God has placed you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, be with me and let people see you in me and in everything that I do, that your name be glorified. Amen.

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals Gen 2:20

Purpose of creating man Gen 1:24 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over. From this text we understand Lord made man so we will be like Him. Jesus came into this world to save us from the fallen state to be more like Christ. Lord wants us to rule over His creation.

First step to rule is to name what we have to rule. Lord brought all what was created to man so man will name it. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. Gen 2:19 And we see man named everything.

Same way if we have to rule over our tough times, let us name. Call into existence the deliverance. We can name only things, which are under our submission. When we name our situation we proclaim by faith that we subdue it and they do not control us.

Prayer: Lord; anoint me to take control over my situation. Teach me to name my situation rightly in Jesus name. Amen.

Psalm 54:7 “For he has delivered me”

This psalm was written when David was betrayed by Ziphites. David was running away from Saul because Saul was trying to kill him. David when he reached the place where Ziphities were staying, people there informed Saul. When David came to know of this, (Psalm 54) made a prayer to God and that is this psalm. His prayer had two portions.

Petition: David directly told his need; Psalm 54:1 “Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might” He knew the power in the Lord’s name, and Lord’s mercy to intervene.

David asked the Lord to hear and listen to his words. Psalm 54:2 “Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth” Are we so discouraged that we are not even calling on the Lord. No way out, then Lord is the only way.

Praise: David then said, even if enemies come to attack, Lord will help and sustain. Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” Irrespective of our situation Lord will help and will sustain

David was sure, even if troubles are too many and too tough, for sure Lord will deliver. Psalm 54:7 “For he has delivered me from all my troubles” Praise God for the surety of your faith

Prayer:  My Lord, My Lord; my eyes are on you. My hope is in you. Amen.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over Mat 14:20

Only miracle that has been mentioned in all four gospels, that Jesus performed during His ministry. 5000 men fed and were satisfied by just 5 loaves and 2 fish, also gathered 12 baskets of extra loaves. How did this miracle happen? Can a miracle of such magnitude happen in our times?

There was a need and Jesus seeing the need  1. Jesus had compassion: Mat 14:14, Mark 6:34, immediate response of Jesus after having compassion 2. Jesus spoke on people’ s behalf Mark 6:37, Mat 14:16 Luke 9:13 and as next step once he received the 5 bread and 2 fishes 3. Jesus directed people to be seated Mat 14:18,19, Mark 6:39, Luke 9:14 and final step that led to the provision 4 Jesus took and thanked Mat 14:19, mark 6:41, Luke 9:16, Jh 6:11

Prayer: Lord, we need your compassion, yes Lord we believe even today great miracles will happen for your name to be glorified. Amen.

:…in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken … the Lord moved the heart …. Ezra 1:1

Story: Through Jeremiah the Lord had given a promise to the people of Judah who were taken into captivity by Babylonian kingdom. Promise was that they will come back free after 70 years and Lord will help them to build the temple of God. Babylonian empire was overthrown by the Persians, and for the promise of God to be fulfilled, Lord moved and heart of King Cyrus and he made a proclamation to all his kingdom that people of Israel could go back and start building the temple, as he was appointed by God for that purpose, also he gave a word that from the royal treasury they will provide the support too.

Lesson: 70 years in a foreign land as slaves, no possibility of the promise to be fulfilled. But Lord who promised is faithful to fulfill even if that needs a miracle. During the waiting time let us be like Daniel who held on to the promise. What are the promises that we received? If that requires the most powerful kings to pass a rule, yes Lord will make it happen. As one who promised is powerful to perform what He promised. One night; is all what it takes to move from troubles to triumphs, when the Lord moves.

Prayer: Father Lord, we are fully persuaded that the Lord who promised is powerful enough to fulfill the promises He gave. While waiting we will trust the word. Amen.