Podcasts about Potiphar

In this episode we see the growth and development of Joseph's character as he is transformed from a self-centered teenager into a prototype of a righteous saint and a moral role model.

Series: N/AService: Wednesday ServiceType: Short TalkSpeaker: Jeremy Bowling Genesis 39:1-939:1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. 2 The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. 5 So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and…

Sexual sin isn't something to manage, it's something to run from. In this episode of The Pursuit, Pastor James Griffin, Brad Chandler, and Matt Moody unpack why the Bible says to flee sexual sin, not flirt with it.From Joseph running out of Potiphar's house to Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 6, the guys get real about temptation, porn, dating, marriage, and raising kids in a culture obsessed with sex. You'll learn why sexual sin is uniquely destructive, how boundaries protect freedom, and how the Holy Spirit gives power to walk in purity.If you've ever wrestled with lust, porn, or brokenness in relationships, this conversation will encourage you with truth, hope, and practical steps toward freedom in Christ.SHOW NOTESThese notes are packed with key insights and scripture to help you know and follow Jesus – https://mycpcc.com/notes146To submit a question, send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook.Crosspoint City Church exists to relentlessly pursue those far from God to help them know and follow Jesus. To help support this mission and work, visit https://www.mycpcc.com/giveTo learn more about all of our locations or what is coming up at Crosspoint City, check out https://www.crosspointcity.com/ or follow us on your favorite social platform ‪@CrosspointCity

This week we return to the story of Joseph and his arrival as the slave of Potiphar. We look at how this is the first time that Adonai speaks into the life of Egypt by blessing his household through Joseph. We also speak about some of the hidden connections of Joseph and Yeshua and Joseph's conduct when falsely accused.

God has a way of changing life very quickly. At 17 the life of Joseph drastically changed and he had to adjust to an extreme life of adversity. God has put Joesph in the right place at the right time.

Rewards of Giving and Receiving (audio) David Eells – 8/17/25 Father, we thank you so much for being in our midst. We are so privileged, Lord. The overwhelming majority of the world doesn't know You and we'd certainly like to be Your vessels through whom You reveal Yourself to them, and we pray toward that end earnestly. Lord, forgive us of our sins and our foolishness. Give us Your grace. Please rise up in us and do Your wonderful work in these days. Please anoint us and give us wisdom. Lord, we want to return to what You gave the early church and even go beyond that. We want You to teach us, Lord; show us how to walk in Your steps. We just ask for Your mercy and grace today. We see old world crumbling around us and we need Your wisdom now. We want to come out of this world and totally into Your kingdom. We want to know the difference and know Your principles. Lord, we've been reading them and studying them, and we ask You to help us put them into effect in our lives and in our midst. We just need You, Lord. We need You now more than ever. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen. So we're hidden in Christ. Most people never think to pray about those kinds of things, to be hidden from the Beast and take our name out of their system. There is a new Beast in town that is much more favorable to Christians. I believe the Lord is getting ready to prepare us to separate somewhat from this new system soon because it's rising only to fall again as history repeats. There's no use in us continuing to hemorrhage Kingdom supplies to the Beast. As I've said, we're headed back to the Book of Acts. We know we're going there, and you need to be prepared. Failure doesn't have to happen for us because we live in a different Kingdom, and we need to be living according to that Kingdom and according to the Word of God. We have a precedent in the scriptures to follow, and we know from the scriptures that it's important for us to work. I had a lady ask me years ago, “Was I supposed to be working in a secular job?” I said, “Well, why don't you go ask the Lord that?” And so she did. And she came back and said, “No, the Lord told me you were doing exactly what He told you to do”. And I said, “Well, that's right”. But it wasn't always that way with me. I worked for a long time, enjoyed it, and I had a very fruitful ministry when I was doing what the world calls a part-time ministry. But it really wasn't part-time ministry because I got to minister to a lot of people I never would have touched otherwise. Toward the end of that kind of a ministry, I was working for Exxon, and we had gatherings every day of men and women from across the plant. It was a very large plant, which took up a good portion of downtown Baton Rouge on the river. When Christians around the place heard that we were having Bible studies, they would flock from every corner of that plant and join in. We started having two meetings like that -- one in the field and one in the central mechanical building, and we had a large church assembled out there, and lots of miracles were happening. Multitudes of religious people were finding out that God was bigger than they originally thought. They were coming out of their structured churches and fellowshipping with other Christians and learning that there was more to Christianity than what they thought in their little sheltered clique that they were in. I believe the same thing is going to happen soon. I really believe that there are many people for us to reach, and that's going to happen. I think one way it's going to happen is that we will have something in common with them, with other Christians, and that is, we're coming into tribulation soon. Even before The Tribulation, we're coming into tribulation, and that kind of draws people together. It causes them to drop their sectarianism for the sake of survival. I'm not worried about survival. I don't know about you, but I'm not doing this because of survival; I'm doing it because it's scriptural. I believe that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these other things will be added unto us. We won't have to worry about a thing. But if we're seeking God and His righteousness, let's face it, we're going to be doing some things that those first disciples did. If we get what they got, we'll do what they did, as I've said so often. And if we do what they did, we'll get what they got. And so we have a precedent here in the scriptures. The apostle Paul worked for many years in a fruitful ministry, tent making, which led him from city to city with other people in the same business. He didn't like relying on people; he didn't like being a burden on people; he said so. And I felt the same way. I mean, I didn't get out of my ministry at Exxon, and having Bible studies. I didn't get out of that and start into what they call the full-time ministry because I wanted to wait on the Lord and this was bearing fruit. I just told the Lord, 'Hey, Lord, I need more time to study; I'd like to have more time to share,' but I waited. And I waited for a few years until the Lord told me, Okay, it's time. I didn't choose that for myself; the Lord is the one Who has to open the doors. As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. We have to be led of the Lord. We shouldn't be making steps on our own. Now we know from Paul's testimony that he did this, and we know it's scriptural. We'd all like to just live by our faith and sit out there and meditate on God and let Him drop manna out of heaven, and there's no doubt we'll get into situations where He's going to do just exactly that. But the Lord has multiplied food for me and even put it in my stomach when it wasn't there, so I know God's a mighty God. And Jesus multiplied the fishes and the loaves, and we're going to do the exact same thing. But where did the fishes and the loaves come from? Have you ever thought about that? Well, somebody had those fishes and loaves before Jesus multiplied them. So, I believe that it's scriptural for us to be effectively working, according to the scriptures. I'll just share a few with you. (1Th.4:11) And that you study to be quiet and to do your own business and to work with your hands even as we charged you... You think there's any difference today? I don't think so. Now, we know that we're in the process of easing ourselves out of this worldly business and into the King's business all the time, and that's good. Ultimately, that's all we're going to be doing because soon the world is not going to accept us doing any business with them anymore, and so God's going to use that to put us totally in the wilderness. But there's no reason not to be walking out a little into that wilderness right now because we're going to need to prepare for what's coming. I believe it's good and right and proper for people who have good-paying jobs to continue to work because, if we're successful in doing what they did, a lot more of our finances are going to stay with us and a lot less of it is going to go out into the world. And for people who have jobs, there is still a need for money to pay monthly bills, etc.. I mean, be useful where you are until God moves you. I found a very useful, very fruitful ministry while working at Exxon and I was enjoying that, and when I went into what they call the full-time ministry and God moved me to Florida. I was there a little while when I said, 'Lord, I think I was bearing more fruit there doing that than I am now.' But I was studying the Word and digging in the Word, and I asked, “Lord, do You want me to go out and knock on doors?” He said, “No, I want you to do just what you're doing now, except a lot more of it”. I said, Okay. There is a very fruitful ministry out there among the people who won't come into a church; they won't listen to a preacher. You know, you can talk to them where you are. So I'm not talking about departing from that yet, but I am saying this: Some of us have some time on our hands that we could fulfill some other things that we see in the scriptures. (1Th.4:12) ... that you may walk becomingly towards them that are without and may have need of nothing. So he says to work with your hands so you won't have any needs. Well, we can pray it all down out of heaven, can't we? Yes, but it's scriptural. You still have to obey these principles. And certainly, when we get into a spot, and we will get into spots where we need a miracle, a creative miracle, praise the Lord, these creative miracles are going to convert a lot of people. I received many of them in my wilderness before the Lord moved us to TN. I believed we could have good association with the people around this area too. There are a lot of Christians here and there are some innocent people here. Some of them might be ignorant, but that doesn't make them evil because, if you're walking where you know to walk and you're walking as close to the Lord as you understand, you are innocent and the Lord looks upon them that way and we should look upon them that way, too. We're supposed to be making friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness so that they can receive us into eternal tabernacles, right? (Luk.16:9) So we're supposed to use everything around us, to have associations with these people, not to go into the corrupt lifestyles that some Christians are in or into the apostasy that they're in, but we still have to love them, and we still have to share with them graciously. We're going to be close together in the end times and I believe that when we start living the way we see in the scriptures, we'll be able to associate with them and they will see some things in us and they will want some things we have.  We'll be able to share, not just how to bake bread with them or how to raise chickens with them, but more about the Gospel. You'll have something in common. We all have a need, right? So I think what he says right here is very plain: “So we can walk becomingly towards them that are without and have need of nothing.” (Eph.4:27) Neither give place to the devil. But let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need. So, one reason we work is not just for ourselves, but to give to people who have needs, which I did for many years. There are a lot of people who won't know where we're going right now, and they're going to have needs because they haven't been prepared, and that's going to put them at the mercy of God and, in some cases, at our mercy. So we work in order to be prepared to give to those who have need. There will be many Christians and many neighbors who have needs. We are about to have great abundance and we can give. This world is going to persecute Christians and do what they have done in the past; they're going to separate them, and they're going to plunder them. The further we separate from the dependency upon this system, the better. We don't need to be dependent upon this system; we need to be dependent upon God. That's what the wilderness was about. Now, we've been studying faith and that is good; you'll need that all the way through the Tribulation, but there are some things I believe we can do to be more like the early church and less dependent upon this world. You know how often you need to go to the grocery store, right? You know how often you need what they have. Well, I believe we ought to come to the place where we need a whole lot less of what they have and not be dependent upon them because the powers that be are using that dependency to bring you under their thumb. There are a lot of ignorant people out there who are walking with God where they are, who are going to take the mark of the Beast because they don't know God supplies. They don't know that they don't have to because they haven't been taught the Truth of the Gospel. They don't know that God supplies. They don't know how a Christian community works because they go to church, as a spectator, they get up, and they go home. They don't know that God still does these things because they've been lied to. So, when we rub elbows with them, we share with them the Good News that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. So, he says, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have whereof to give to him that hath need.” (2Th.3:6) Now we commend you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly... I might say, there are some people who judge saying, “they just have to have faith”; I've run into them. It's not an evil in them, necessarily. Many don't see examples of people who live by faith in their churches. They want to serve Jesus, and all true Christians want to serve Jesus. But they're imbalanced. They need some help; they need some wisdom from those who are older in the Lord, because we can serve Jesus anywhere. Anywhere we are, we ought to be serving Jesus. We work as unto the Lord. As the Bible says, we are to work like we work for the Lord. We're not here to be men pleasers, right? We're here to work for the Lord, in whatever ways we can serve His Kingdom. We either work in ministry or at a secular job while we minister. (6) ...Withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly and not after the tradition which they received of us. (7) For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; (8) neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you. (9) Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example unto you that you should imitate us. (10) For even when we were with you this we commanded you: If any will not work, neither let him eat. Some tough love there, isn't it? And, of course, sometimes people don't have jobs and they don't think they can work, but I really believe that can change. And I think some ideas are going to come from each of us that are going to show us a way to do this. (11) For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busy-bodies. (12) Now, them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. (13) But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. (14) And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. You know, there is something almost anybody can do to serve in the Kingdom and to be able to meet the needs of other people. I believe we're about to see a lot of needs presented before us very soon. The dollar is dying very fast. It's going to crumble. The whole system they have is going to crumble. They know it, they're forcing it, they're doing it on purpose. They want a New World Order. They have set up the NESARA and QFS plan, and soon there will be the new world currency and then total digital. All will have to work who can work to receive their income. They know that if we are totally dependent upon them, we'll be at their mercy. But we're not totally dependent upon them and we need to get prepared to live in the Kingdom like a body would. We know that the world doesn't know anything about this. But a body meets its own needs. We are all built for some service in God. Praise be to God! Our ministry is even now supporting missionaries on other continents and we are about to be able to do much more. I can see  that God's going to bring all we need into this ministry in order to meet people's needs so the Gospel can be sent to the World. He showed us that very plainly. We're waiting for that to come and it's on the way now; but at the same time, we still have to obey the scriptures and every one of us ought to be giving and receiving. You know, there is no reward in the scriptures for buying and selling whatsoever. The reward in the scriptures is for giving and we can be doing that weekly or daily. Some will work at secular jobs and others will have their hands free to bring the Gospel to the world and some will do both. He's promised a great reward multiplied many times over in the Kingdom forever, so He wants us to do it. Let's do it. Giving brings an eternal reward. Some people could supply milk, some could raise beef. We will inherit cows for meat and milk and fields. We will have Tesla free energy. Some could supply feed, some could supply corn and some other vegetables. Some could supply chickens and eggs. Some could be butchers and some could be mechanics. Some could be cooks. Some would say, “Thank you for your milk.”  Another would say, “I have something to give you.” Or “I'll meet your needs in some other way.”  We're going to get equipment to plow those fields. We're going to get equipment to plant and harvest those fields. I think all of this is coming, but again, we are learning how to live differently. We're learning how to fellowship with one another about this work and to have more in common with one another than we do just coming to what people call ‘church'. Some people know how to make bread; they're very good at it. They can teach others. There are some people who have poultry, eggs, turkeys, chickens, rabbits and so on and so forth. Just some ideas here. If anyone feels led to go in any direction, that's what I'm asking. What do you feel led to do? Everything you do, you need to be led of the Lord. I'm just putting these ideas out there to share so you can think about it, because the Lord spoke it to me a few nights ago in the middle of the night, and I don't want Him to talk to me again about this in the middle of the night, so I'm going to share it with you. I like talking to the Lord in the middle of the night, but not having to repeat the same things. Some people are good at vegetable growing. I was telling somebody the other day that the house I moved into several weeks before my family moved here, I found one tomato plant on my property that somebody had forgotten about. It was behind a wood pile, and nobody had ever staked up the plant; it was just lying up on the ground, growing this way and that way. And I got to walking around behind this wood pile, and I saw there were tomatoes all over the place down there, so I had been eating tomatoes every day ever since then. That's just one tomato vine. Then the frost got them one night. I decided that I had better go out and gather what tomatoes were still there. So I got them; however, the frost had gotten a few of them, but I was able to gather a few tomatoes from it. I just placed them on the windowsill. But I sure enjoyed being able to eat plenty of tomatoes from one vine that somebody forgot about. The landlord was telling me, “Hey, you can eat the fruit off that tree over there”, and I said, “Hey, I've been eating your tomatoes ever since you left here”. I was watching some brethren make some soap the other day. That was pretty neat. I said, “Hey, you need a machine to grind that”. They were hand-grinding. I believe some people can make soap in order to have soap for their neighbors. You've been paying way too much for soap, and it doesn't work nearly as well as these folks' soap would. And some people would be good at distributing the products to the people. There are people good at doing taxes; there are people good at law. They can offer their services to the brethren and vice versa. Carpentry, mechanics and electricians, handymen, techies, etc. You can think of a lot of things, all kinds of services you can give to others, and they can give to you. And this giving and sharing is just part of being a Christian. In some cases we will hire the world to be laborers while we will be priests and ministers of the Lord. Isa 61:5  And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vine-dressers. 6  But ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah; men shall call you the ministers of our God: ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.  These are all part time jobs. No one is going to have to slave to stay alive for God has given abundantly and the ministry will make sure all needs are met as it was in Acts. Our main job will be to put the word and gifts of the Spirit in our hearts so we can give this to others. The world is buying and selling. God kept complaining about the buying and selling and the marrying and giving in marriage, and we see that that's the way of the world. Suretyship is the way of the world. Borrowing and mortgaging and guaranteeing to pay back -- that's the way of the world. The Bible teaches against “suretyship.” (Pro.11:15) He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; But he that hateth suretyship is secure. The Hebrew word there actually means “to be a guarantor of an agreement; to give or to be security”; in other words, “to mortgage.” It's making a guarantee to pay back what has been borrowed, but we can't even guarantee that we'll be here tomorrow. The Bible also warns us against making promises, pledges, or guarantees of any sort. I think the Amish have something to teach us there. They all gathered together and built the house. Okay, we'll build you the house, and you won't be going into debt either. We can gather together and build a few chicken coops and rabbit coops, and whatever. We can do these things. The ministry can help some of you get started in what some people have called a cottage industry. We can give you something that will, for example, get you a grinder that will grind soap all by itself. Just some ideas. We already have Telsa free energy here waiting to be turned on. we've received several prophecies about a virus that's going to shut down the Internet and the grid but that may be out in the world. The worldly church has no way to know this is going to happen because they're not led by the Spirit, and they're not aware of these warnings in dreams and prophesies. We don't have to stop; we've been warned. We can listen to God and ask, “Hey, God, what do you want me to do about this?” Well, He's giving us some ideas. But we know the Lord is going to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. That's what He said, right? But we just need to believe and obey Him to receive all needs. We also know there's small earthquakes coming through here to separate the land from the mainland. The Lord showed us that. That's going to run people off and make this a peninsula. But we know it's going to happen and we just need to be ready. Even bartering is taxable, so giving freely and receiving freely is the best policy and has heavenly rewards. We're headed toward the mark. Some people are going to take the mark because they don't know that they have a choice. And we can show them not only some supernatural choices, but we can also show them some natural choices because we live the way we're supposed to live toward one another scripturally by meeting one another's needs and working to make sure everybody's needs are met, making sure that there is equality. And the Lord spoke in 2 Corinthians about equality. He wants equality in His church. He wants all of His people to have their needs met. And the way of the world is, I'm in a race with my neighbor: I gotta have the biggest car, the biggest house, swimming pool, etc.; but that's not us. We're here to serve and to lift up our neighbors and to be a community, a body, in order to make sure that everybody's needs are met through giving and receiving, right? The idea of gaining from your neighbor is less important to us than making sure our neighbors' needs are met and our needs are met. It's a control thing with the DS. They think that if they bring down the economy, we will be under their control. And it's true; for an awful lot of Christians, it's true. We can give them a choice here. I believe that if we do a little bit of specializing and less duplicating, we can get this thing up and going pretty fast. Everybody does not need a lawnmower. Some are already set up to do this. Our trips to the store will be for almost no staples and pay their exorbitant prices, and that money will go to feed the Beast; we don't care about that. Whatever we make, we would like it to totally serve the Kingdom. That's the way. I'm not talking about names and storefronts and things like that. These are things we have to avoid. We want to have a low profile where we're going. We want to avoid open rebellion against the system because they'll come to get you. They'll figure out a way to do it. We know we're protected by God and hidden in Christ, but we don't want to dare them, right? And we can do a lot of things just the way we normally do them, just naturally. The way of the world, of opening a big storefront, saying, 'We're not buying and selling, we're bartering'; they'll tax you and figure a way to shut you down. They want control and they don't want anybody to be independent. We can be very independent if we give and receive individually, and we can bring in a lot of Christians who don't know what's coming. We'll enjoy fellowshipping with them too, and not just around these things, but around the Word of God. So we can share with others this way. In Acts 6:1-4, there were some people complaining about their system not working very well, so they chose and ordained some deacons to make sure that the widows weren't missing out. We have lots of deacons in our ministry. “Deacon” just means “servant” in the Word of God. We have servants who do all kinds of things in our ministry. People have many different gifts and talents with backgrounds and training in several areas. This is one we need to move toward, too: People whose whole concern is to make sure that everybody's needs are met, that the system is working, it's not breaking down somewhere. So we'll be thinking about this, and you be thinking about this, too, because it's definitely going to be needed. As the apostle said, they did it at that time so that they could continue in prayer, be able to study in the Word of God and teaching, and these ordained brothers can handle this. Many Man-child families are coming here. Man-child reformers will teach and minister in our bible schools that the Lord has given us. Other specialty teachers will be here too. Let me also say this: Because you're a deacon does not negate you from being an elder or being one of the two-witnesses or being in the Man-child. It doesn't negate that at all. Remember, Jesus was called a deacon, too. In the scriptures, in every way people served others, the word diakonos was used; it just wasn't always translated that way. So, if we translated it the same way every time, we would find out that Jesus was a deacon, all of His disciples were deacons, and everybody was a servant in one form or another. But deacons do not have to be elders. And our ministry has lots of servants. Many people are coming together here to serve the Word of God to people and to make sure it's prepared properly. I'm not bringing this up for any other reason than I feel like the Lord brought it up to me, and I'm not bringing it up in desperation because I'm worried about what's coming. I'm not in the slightest bit worried about what's coming. I am eager to get the Gospel out to the world and we shall. We can be giving and receiving. We can receive the benefits of the eternal kingdom. God's already taken care of all of this. I'm doing this because we can offer blessings to the people by just learning to give to them and making sure their spiritual and physical needs are met. And as we read in the Scriptures, they worked for more than just me, my, and mine; it was for the purpose of giving to other people who were in need. We're going to see multitudes in need. God's giving us property, schools, meeting places and houses here. There are going to be many people, refugees from all over this country and from other countries coming here, and we want to be hospitable. We want to be able to take care of them and help them to move into something that, even if they don't have a secular job, the ministry can meet their needs and meet the needs of people around them. Now, we're not trying to build what the world would call a commune here. You won't see anybody in our ministry running around giving orders. It's a little different than a lot of ministries you've been involved in, or heard about, I'm sure. Most of the people in this ministry who are deacons in this ministry, they have that because it was in their heart to do it, and they came to us and said, 'Hey, I'd like to do this', or ‘I can do this', and so praise God. We want people to be free to do these things from the heart. If you give from your heart, that's a good sacrifice before the Lord, according to 2 Corinthians. From the very beginning of our ministry, we've never charged for anything; we just give it. If people want to give back, that's fine; if they don't, they still receive what they ask for, so we can't really call it bartering when you're not demanding anything in return. We're not talking about hoarding either; we're just talking about meeting needs. Well, we can do some workshops here, people showing other people how to do things, and people gathering together to get these things started in a really good way. And, as I said, I felt the Lord told me that the ministry could also contribute money toward things that people need to get started in this way. Everyone does not belong here for God has not called them to a refuge but tribulation. We can take a lesson from the Amish. They gather together and do something in a group that they could never do individually, or at least, it would take a lot longer time. We don't have a long time. We are not needing to build houses or many buildings that are already provided. I know that we have people to fill every specialty and we can get up and going quickly. And of course, this is all voluntary, whatever a person feels their gift is or the Lord is guiding them to do. The funny thing is, I'm visiting people's houses, and the house I'm living in now, and they are all electric and we have free electricity. One of the Bible colleges has natural gas. There is a rich deposit of gas right here, and that's free energy. We had a brother whose family came down and visited us, who was just north of us, and he has a gas well in his backyard, and I'm thinking, why aren't more people punching holes in the ground around here? That's free heat; that's energy. Well, if you have a community of people who aren't far apart, or if you want to, use it to pressurize it and run vehicles. When I was young, we used gas tractors, gas trucks, and we had the old International Harvester trucks that were converted to run on gas because it was readily available, so you can do the same thing today. People are talking about all different kinds of ways to keep your car running when gasoline becomes hard to find, which it will. Not necessarily here, but it will. But certainly, if you have the availability of a gas well you can buy the converter kits for tractors. We will have electric cars. Birds are hand-to-mouth, aren't they? They don't worry about storing it up; they just eat it. Well, I think you got the idea, so really just pray and ask the Lord if He wants you to do something and, if so, what, and just be ready and willing for Him to use you. You can train people in what you know, and you can be trained by others, and we can all come together with what we each know the Lord is leading us to do. And the ministry would be glad to contribute to anybody who wants to get a start, so you all think about it and pray about it, and we'll see where it takes us. But only consider coming if God says so. Lord, we just ask you, Father, in the name of Jesus, to give us all wisdom. You know what's coming down the road. You see the end from the beginning. We see nothing, Lord; we just trust in You. We want to be led by Your Spirit. We are the sons of God by faith, and we're asking You to lead us and guide us into something that will be very useful, not only to us, but to the people around us and to get the Gospel out. Lord, we thank You for Your mercy toward us, and we know that we have nothing to worry about; we just put all of our faith in You. We know that You are an absolute miracle-working God and You will multiply the fishes and the loaves. And You will bring us manna out of heaven, and You'll do everything that's necessary to provide for Your people. So we just trust in You and we just want to be useful to serve. And we thank You for it, Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen.   Greed and the Tithe (by David Eells) Paul gave Timothy a revelation of the false prophets and those who follow them in the “last days”. (2Ti.3:1) But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, (4) traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; (5) holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. These men, who are identified by their egotistical appetite for money, prestige, pleasure, and position, love their religious “form of godliness”. Among these are the false prophets who lead captive the like-minded apostate religious sects. (6) For of these are they that creep into houses (of worship), and take captive silly women (sects of God's people - Isa.4:1, 32:9) laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, (7) ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Those who love to justify their own sinful ways respect these “impostors” and their “form of godliness”. (13) But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. These false prophets are identified as “lovers of money”. These are the merchants of religious Babylon (Rev.18). They make “Father's house a house of merchandise” (Joh.2:16). Since God will not support their personal kingdom-building, they peddle books, tapes, trinkets, chicken dinners, tours, etc. This is the way of the world, and for those who have an impoverished God. Why would anyone who was sent by God and believed the promises of our provision through Christ do this? Our examples in the early leadership of the Church certainly did not. (Joh.2:13) ...Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (14) And he found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) and he made a scourge of cords, and cast all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables; (16) and to them that sold the doves he said, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house a house of merchandise. They peddle the promises of God's provision to those who give to their ministry. They make “merchandise of the word of God” (2Co.2:17 [in Greek]). They peddle the Word for salaries like hirelings. When a person is not sent by God, he does not have faith that “God shall supply every need” (Php.4:19). Where God sends, He supplies. Without God's supernatural supply, people have to resort to other tactics to support “their” ministry. The Lord has not changed His mind, “the righteous shall live by faith”, not salaries. He commanded His ministers, “Freely ye received, Freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses”. A man who lives by faith has to walk with God because “if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight” (1Jn.3:21,22). God's command that His leaders walk by faith ensures righteous leadership. The early Church leadership was not in the habit of taking up collections, but when they did, it was not for themselves but for the saints in persecution and had needs, as it was with Jerusalem. (1Co.16:1) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. (2) Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. (3) And when I arrive, whomsoever ye shall approve, them will I send with letters to carry your bounty unto Jerusalem. Notice that Paul didn't handle the money, but approved brethren did. He preferred to not even be present when the collection for the saints was received, so that there would be no extortion involved, as it was with the Macedonian collection. He also didn't use the Macedonians' presence to shame and extort the Corinthians. (2Co.9:3) But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared: (4) lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence. (5) I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion. Ministers received free will offerings and did not demand their rights through condemnation or legalism. (1Co.9:11) If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? (12) If others partake of [this] right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. (13) Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar? (14) Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel. (15) But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for [it were] good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void. Paul said, “we did not use this right...that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel”. Even the world sees through the “gimmee gospel” and its con men, and they disrespect the true Gospel because of it. In obeying the command “freely ye received, freely give” we leave no room for suspicion. (2Pe.2:1) But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies.... (3) And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. One way they “make merchandise of you” is to put God's people under the Law to support them when the Scripture clearly states that our giving is “not of necessity” (2Co.9:7). “[Let] each man [do] according as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity (this is not according to the law of tithing): for God loveth a cheerful giver”. In the New Covenant, God wants an offering from the heart from those born of His Spirit. God made the Old Covenant with natural Israel and refused the Gentiles. (Psa.147:19) He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. (20) He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Now the New Covenant is made only with the Church and is refused to those under the Law. If a doctrine like tithing is not in the New Covenant, then it was never made with you! It will only separate you from Christ and grace. (Gal.5:4) Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. Jesus rebuked the false prophets of His day saying, “Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin (even their seasoning), and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these you ought to have done (this is past tense in all ancient manuscripts, Numerics, and the Received Text), and not to have left the other undone” (Mat 23:23). Jesus clearly said here that tithing was both in the past and under the Law. Some say tithing was before the Law. Yes, circumcision and animal sacrifice were before the Law, too, but they were included in the law and we are not under Law to do them anymore either. Paul also said tithing was of the Law in Hebrews 7:5-11. There is no New Covenant command or request to tithe because we are no longer stewards of ten percent. Jesus taught that we have to renounce ownership of the other ninety percent, or we cannot be His disciples. (Luk.14:33) So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. “All” here means all possessions, rights, and will. Those who claim possession of the other ninety percent are thieves. The Holy Spirit and the New Covenant commands were given to establish where, how much, and to whom we give. We are merely stewards of what He has put in our hands. The church's system of tithing is extortion and graft. It is not even righteous when compared to the Old Covenant tithe. Under the type and shadow of the tithe, ten percent was taken from eleven tribes and given to one tribe, the Levites ([ministers] Num.18:24). Then the Levites gave one ten percent (tithe) to the high priest (25-28). This left the Levites with ten percent from ten tribes. That is an average of what the other eleven tribes had to live on. Even when Israel's economy grew, they still lived on an average income. Today, with a larger percentage of the people doing the supporting, coupled with the fact that the pastors have usurped the authority of the rest of the five-fold ministry (Eph.4:11), ministers have become fat and filthy rich. This is a great stumbling block to both the world that sees through this and to the ministers. This also makes the people of God bad stewards. We have made God's house a “den of robbers” (Mat.21:13). (Eze.34:2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? (3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. These men make it plain that we are not under the Law except when there is a profit involved and then we are told to “bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse”, which is a command of the Old Covenant. Of course, they falsely claim to be the storehouse. In Old Covenant type and shadow, tithes were cast into the treasury, which was in the midst of the temple (1Ki.7:51; Mar.12:41). In the New Covenant, the temple is God's people, and Jesus said that we would be judged by whether we meet the needs of His people (Mat.25:31-46; 1Jn.3:16,17). This is how we store up treasure in heaven (Luk.12:33,34). We are taught to not store up our treasures on earth (Mat.6:19-21) but to meet the needs of the brethren so “that there may be equality” (2Co.8:14). Those who will not renounce ownership and become stewards of one hundred percent are not being disciples for “we were bought with a price”. We are now bondservants of Christ. The Holy Spirit now tells the disciples of Christ how much, to whom, where, and when to give. Amen. Now, the Bible specifically says you get a reward for giving, and the interest is much better. The interest is “good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” I've tried God on this and it works. He is faithful — consistently faithful. He is our surety. I learned that you just give and meet the needs of the brethren around you, and not worry about what you have left because God is never going to fail you. Never. From the time the Lord showed me about faith and how He forbade debt to His people, I haven't stored up or borrowed any money, and the Lord has never failed to make sure we had a good car, a good house, and all our needs met. The world says that you have to store up the money until you have enough, or even more commonly, borrow it from the bank, which is debt. But you don't need to go the way of the world, because God can bring it in a lump sum. He did it for us many times. Men serve insurance companies, H.M.O.s, banks and store up their treasures on earth for the security they think it gives them. But we are told in (Mat.6:19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal. Y2K revealed the paranoia and lack of trust in those who stored up their treasures on earth contrary to our Lord's command. Quite a few people that I showed these principles to went home to give their store away and found it full of bugs, just as Jesus said, “thieves break through and steal.” Jesus told of a man who found peace in the insurance of storing up his goods in greater barns (Luk.12:18). He said to himself, (Luk.12:19)… Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. (His misplaced trust brought judgment.) (20) But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required (Greek: “they require thy soul”) of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? (21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Notice that it was his stored-up treasures that required his soul. Jesus promised the unfailing kingdom provisions to those who would store up their treasures in heaven by giving. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (33) Sell that which ye have, and give alms; make for yourselves purses which wax not old (That means you're not storing it up or keeping it for a long time.), a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief draweth near, neither moth destroyeth. Give alms. Meet the needs of people around you. That's what He calls “a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” Any treasure you store up on earth is going to fail. The world is going to plunder you, folks, and, if not the world, the devil is going to plunder you by the curse, but you're going to be plundered. Let me tell you how not to get plundered: Give! Meet the needs of the brethren around you. Give and then it will be coming the other way because it says in (Luk.6:38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. That's how it works. You can make a living by giving. It works. (Luk.12:34) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Some people tell me, “It's okay to have it. Just don't set your heart on it.” That's not what Jesus said. He said, “If you have it, your heart will be on it.” “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If you're thinking, “Well, David, doesn't it say that Joseph stored up for the years of plenty so that he could give it back in the years of famine?” Yes, but let me point out to you who Joseph very clearly represents in type and shadow. Joseph was among the elders of Israel, but his own brethren sold him into bondage to the Gentiles for silver, just like Jesus. Joseph was lied about by the harlot, Potiphar's wife, just like Jesus. Joseph was persecuted by them and he was cast into prison, just like Jesus. Jesus went and preached to the souls in prison after He was crucified and what did Jesus do to the souls in prison? He decided who went to Abraham's Bosom and who went to Hades; in other words, He judged between the good souls and bad souls. The same thing happened to Joseph when he was cast into prison. He decided between the butler, who came out of prison and went up to serve Pharaoh, and the baker, who lost his head. When Joseph came out of prison, he was ruler over all of the earth, second only to Pharaoh, who was worshipped as a god. And when Jesus came out of prison, He was ruler over all of creation, second only to God. The types and shadows are all there to show that Joseph represented Jesus. If you store up on this earth, you are disobeying Jesus. It's only good for spending, and then you learn to walk by faith. (Jas.2:5) Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? God chose those who are poor of the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom. A person who is rich in faith will never go without. God always provides for them. So how do you store up under the hand of “Joseph”? How do you store up your treasures in Heaven under Jesus? You do that by giving alms, by making yourselves purses that wax not old, by meeting the needs of the brethren. You give and it will be given unto you. When you get out in that wilderness, don't you want to have something stored up in the Bank of Heaven? He said, “A treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” If you pack food out there into that wilderness, it will fail you. If you pack gold out into that wilderness, the world will plunder you. But if you store it up by giving, God said He will give unto you. Now I'm not asking for anything; I'm just telling you how to get prepared for what's coming because a lot of you have been hearing a bunch of baloney from apostate preachers. That is not how you get prepared for the wilderness. If you want to be prepared, you store up your treasures under the hand of Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven, and then you can get it back when you need it. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall they give into your bosom.” The way to make money in the world is not to store up, it's not to bring people under the Law, it's not to tell everybody your needs. Those are the methods of Egypt, but God wants you to stay in the wilderness. The Israelites cried out to go back to Egypt. They didn't like the trials of their faith and they wanted to go back to the ways of the world. The way of God is to give what you have and then God will multiply it back. It's happened to me many, many times that when I did not have enough money to take care of my needs, I would just go and give it. And you know what? God has never failed me, not once. I walked by faith and raised five children, and God always met our needs. Now, one time we were forced into a fast as a trial of our faith, and that's the only time we were ever put in that position, but we got in a position many times where God literally multiplied food, multiplied money and even multiplied gas in our tank. We got to see wondrous miracles from God and we're still seeing them! God sees to it that His Word is fulfilled. (Jer.1:12) Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. He stands behind His Word, and He will never fail you. He cannot fail. One thing I've learned about God is that He can do everything but fail. He will supply your every need according to His riches in glory. Our brother, Curt Bryan, had always given sacrificially to our ministry. He had given testimony several times where he had written checks to pay his own bills without the money in the bank to cover them, believing God to have the money there in time. In his business, many of his customers were walk-ins, so income was hard to predict. Whenever he had stepped out by faith in this way, God would always come through. A sudden rush of customers would come in, or a generous tip would be given to him. (2Co.9:6)… He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. An opportunity to give can also be an opportunity to sit on, or eat the seed. We can only reap to the extent we sow. God multiplies it back, not to make us rich but to make us channels of His blessing to the needy. He multiplies our seed for sowing, not hoarding. (10) And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. God's promise to those who are faithful in giving is here. (8) And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work. This is one of the most powerful, all-encompassing promises of provision in all of the Scriptures. Here are a few other testimonies from our site of how the Lord miraculously provided financially when people acted in faith.   Give and It Will Be Given Gideon Smith - 03/08/2012 My wife and I had a medical bill we couldn't afford to pay, so we told them we couldn't afford it. We then gave some money to a ministry that helps our brothers and sisters who are persecuted. The next day, my wife was contacted by the medical people and was told that the bill was cleared, and we owed them nothing. God blessed us five times the amount that we gave by taking care of that debt. When my wife told me this, I was amazed and said, “Wow! Since we had some of that money set aside to pay the bill from our income tax, we should give again.” So right at the table tonight, l prayed, “Lord, if You want us to give again, You will send someone to us in need. Well, I went to the grocery store and had to get some stuff, but I forgot to get everything, so I had to go back. When I went back, I first began to murmur, but instead I praised God. When I left the store, a man approached me with an empty gas container, asking if I could help him. I said, “Sorry, I don't have any cash.” But then I remembered the prayer I prayed. At this point, I said, “Give me the tank. I will fill it up for you. I filled the container up and went to the ATM to get him some cash. When I got back to him, I told him about my prayer and let him know that it was Christ Who just showed him and me this miracle. I am so in awe of God's direction and all His works. Praise the Lord, in Jesus name! You want proof of Christ, there you go. Hallelujah!   Trusting God for Finances Anna Higareda - 04/28/2010 Hello, Brother Eells. This is the first time I have written you. The Lord has put it on my heart to send you a great THANK YOU, as I am sitting here listening to your teaching, Wilderness Living Now. My husband, Jon, has written an email to you once before regarding a dream he had, and you actually spoke about it in one of your teachings. My husband and I have been listening and learning from your teachings and reading your books now for about two years, and we have recently been brought to a point of weakness and have been forced to live in the “wilderness”, as you speak of in your teachings. I wanted to send you a great THANK YOU; it is because of the good Lord and your teachings that we have learned to live by pure faith, and we have also been able to teach our kids to look to God and thank HIM every day. Your stories of faith and your life experiences have really inspired us and given us all the more faith to trust in the Lord for everything we need. As a matter of fact, besides your ministry, my husband received word to be faithful to one other ministry here in Campbell, CA. He was helping at that ministry last Thursday evening (he helps set up and take down all the technical stuff) and when they were taking down and putting things away, one of the elders told him, “I just had a vision, out of nowhere, that you were putting on your coat and it was made of money”. So my husband said, “Hmm, wow, that's pretty neat!” Then he continued on with putting things away, and the elder said to him, “Jon, well ...?!” So my husband looked dumbfounded, and the elder motioned for him to feel his pockets. So he put his hands back in his coat, and he felt paper; it was a $100 bill in his coat pocket! My husband was shocked and in disbelief because it wasn't too long before that, he had had his hands in his pockets and his pockets were empty. My brother-in-law was also there that night, and my husband asked him, “Did you do this?” He said, “No way. I couldn't have done that. I only brought $4 with me tonight”. Then my husband asked the elder the same question, and the response was, “I didn't do that; I guarantee!” This was truly amazing, Brother Eells, because no one knew we had been going through any type of financial struggle. We kept it all to ourselves and that morning I got my paycheck, and my entire check went towards the bills. What was left over after paying bills was $266 and I thought to myself, “That's funny. I thought we would have $366 left over yesterday after bills. There is no way we could make it with this amount until the next time I get paid”. I ended up with $100 less than I thought I would have after bills. Then I talked to God at my work desk and told him, “Lord, I know you have provided many times before and I have faith you will provide again for my family, so I am not going to worry; it's in your hands!” I thanked God and moved forward with my day, and then that night, the Lord put that extra $100 in my husband's pocket at the ministry. I saw my brother-in-law two days later, and he asked, “Did Jon tell you about what happened at the ministry with his jacket?!” I replied, “Yes, isn't that amazing!” Then he said, “I know! Jon asked if one of us had put it in his pocket, but I am telling you, Anna, there is no possible way that anyone put that money in his pocket that night”. I then told him and his wife about the rest of the testimony, and they said, “Thank you, Jesus!” :) God is amazing! So I want to say thank you so very much for all the hard work you do for HIS kingdom; it is truly inspiring! My family and I have been abundantly blessed to have come across your ministry two years ago! Thank you and I wish you and your family all the best! So, Saints, don't fear the wilderness. God designed this wilderness. He's ordained this wilderness. He's even ordained the Beast that's going to cause this wilderness. He's ordained Pharaoh's army to get behind God's people and force them out there into that wilderness. God is not going to fail you. Learn to walk by faith because the wilderness will be nothing for the people who walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). But for those who are fearful and murmur and complain and walk by sight (Numbers 11:1; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Jude 16; Revelation 21:8; etc.), they are not going to make it through. Why is God doing this? He's doing this because He's raising up believers. (Heb.10:38) But my righteous one shall live by faith: And if he shrink back, my soul hath no pleasure in him.

Scripture Reading and Interpretation (Psalm 42) Reading of Psalm 42, focusing on the soul's thirst for God and the experience of being taunted by others questioning God's presence. "As the heart panteth after the water brook, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." Recalling past experiences and pouring out one's soul. Acknowledging feelings of being cast down and disquieted, but encouraged to hope in God. Remembering God from the land of Jordan and the hill of Bazaar. Acknowledging the depth calling unto depth amidst life's overwhelming challenges. Trusting in God's loving-kindness and song, even in the darkest nights. Questioning God in times of oppression but ultimately finding hope and praise in Him. Prayer and Invocation Seeking God's unction and will, asking for divine guidance in speaking and delivering the message. Expressing gratitude for the day, the place, and the people present. Personal Testimony and Reflection Reflecting on past hard times and tears, now seen as a source of nourishment and strength. Hardships and difficult situations were challenging at the time. Looking back, one can see God's faithfulness. Sharing personal experiences of bondage and torment before finding salvation in Jesus Christ on September 28, 2014. Experiencing torment and not even realizing it. Jesus Christ was sent to die for an unworthy soul. The importance of returning to the "old altar" where tears were shed, symbolizing a return to the foundational experience of faith. The enemy tries to undermine faith and make one feel inadequate. Recalling past experiences of God's faithfulness to combat doubt. Recalling a Monday night when feeling defeated and questioning the call to preach. Questioning salvation and feeling overwhelmed. Hearing a message from the pulpit about God finishing the good work He started. Experiencing multiple messages reinforcing this theme, leading to a powerful prayer experience. Finding strength and sustenance in past tears and struggles, using them as a reminder of God's faithfulness when facing current doubts. The tears cried on that Monday night now provide sustenance. Using past experiences to combat doubts about salvation. God's Faithfulness and Provision Reflecting on God's goodness to oneself, family, and church, urging others to recognize God's faithfulness in their own lives. Acknowledging seasons of hardship but emphasizing God's promise and faithfulness to His people. Enduring hardships and trials. God is not slack concerning His promises. Sharing anecdotes of Valerie and Kinsey as examples of God's faithfulness in their lives. Valerie's story of questioning God but later recognizing His faithfulness. Kinsey's healing and recovery, providing encouragement for future trials. Recognizing that personal shortcomings are the only barriers to God's faithfulness. God never lets anyone down. The only way God's faithfulness fails is if we let Him down. The Story of Joseph Referring to the story of Joseph in Genesis 37 as an example of enduring hardship and God's ultimate plan. Joseph's brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery. Asking where God was in that situation. Highlighting Joseph's journey through slavery, imprisonment, and eventual rise to power in Egypt. Joseph was sold into slavery and ended up in Potiphar's house. He was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Reflecting on Joseph's potential feelings of abandonment and questioning God's plan during his trials. Wondering why God was allowing these things to happen. Recognizing the difference between oneself and men of God who trust in God's faithfulness. Emphasizing that Joseph's hardships were necessary for him to be in a position to save his family from famine. Joseph interpreted the dreams of the butler and baker in pr...

"The Non-Microwaved Truth" is on microwave time, so we'll have a quick message today. If you are human, you'll face temptation in your life. How are you handling it? Let's learn how we can handle it, where we can run to, and how temptation is usually presented to us.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 12th of August, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Genesis 39:3:”And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand.” Then we go straight to 1 Corinthians 10:12:”Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” What had happened was Joseph had found favour with Potiphar, Pharaoh's officer.The Bible tells us that Joseph was a very handsome young man and everything he did, he succeeded in and Potiphar gave him control over his whole household, but there was problem. There was Potiphar's wife who looked at Joseph and wanted to sleep with Joseph. Joseph did not yield to the temptation, but it got him into big trouble.I want to say to you today, be careful how you stand lest you fall - that's what the Lord says! You know, the most dangerous place to be is really in a place where you are succeeding. When you are taking strain and you're down on you knees, you can't fall any further, can you? But when you succeed the devil will try everything to tempt you to fall. When your business is going well and you, all of a sudden, start throwing caution to the wind, as they say. You start taking chances because you think you can't fail and that is when you overstep your mark and you end up getting into big financial trouble. We really need to be careful.You know, I heard a very sad story about a young golf professional. He was a rookie, he had just started. A very big club employed him, the people loved him, he was a good looking man, he was a very good golfer. He had great prospects, and after he had played his 18 holes, the older guys in the club would invite him up to come and have a drink with them. He said, ”Sir, I don't drink, but thank you for the kind offer.” But they persisted. You see, just like Potiphar's wife persisted with Joseph, but unlike Joseph, this young man eventually said he would go up to the club and have a few drinks. Of course, he continued to do that and eventually he started to have a drinking problem. The tragedy is, the very same men who persuaded him to come and have a drink with them said, “Let's get this youngster out of the club because he's become a drunkard and he's an embarrassment to us.” The very same people! Be careful how you stand today, lest you fall. Do not let success cause you to be tempted to compromise your stand for God.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

This is the second devotional study in our series about the Bible principles for interpersonal relations between men and women -- especially husbands and wives.  This week, we will find some of these principles in the story of Potiphar's wife, as reported in Genesis 39.Genesis 39:7-10 KJVAnd it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”  But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, “Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;  There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”  And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.Related Podcasts:— God's Perspective on Gender Roles— Male/Female Dynamics, Part 1— The Weaker Vessel— Every Wise WomanRelated Podcasts at TrueWisdom:— A Woman of Action— True Valor— In the Beginning— The Bride of Christ— Joseph and His ConflictsText UsSupport the showSend questions or comments to: BibleQuestions@ASBzone.comThe Key Principles of Effective Bible Study is a resource which outlines core concepts shown in the Scriptures that will help you to better understand many Biblical themes and doctrines. We have a whole podcast series on these principles at BibleStudy.ASBzone.com/357512/8572886.God's Precious Word is a condensed, 9-part series based on the same resource. Check out these awesome Bible Maps! Lastly, we recommend that you check out https://TrueWisdom.buzzsprout.com for a related Bible Study podcast, in a different format, co-hosted with Robert Baker.We pray that all of these resources will be very helpful to you in your Bible Studies.

“Ayyy, Jordan!” He turned. He turned. It was Paris—19, popular, confident, and the daughter of the gym's owner. She came in often, usually just to scroll on her phone at the juice bar or flirt with the trainers. Jordan had always been polite to her but kept things light. He could sense she liked attention, and he didn't want drama. “You're still here,” she said, leaning on the doorframe. “It's basically just us.” Jordan smiled politely. “Yeah—closing shift. Just about done.” Paris stepped inside slowly, letting the door swing shut behind her. Her eyes lingered on him. “You work hard,” she said, walking closer. “Too hard. Don't you ever... get bored of being the good guy?” Jordan chuckled nervously. “Not really. Someone's gotta be.” She moved closer, lowering her voice. “Come on, Jordan. You're always so serious. You could relax a little... just this once.” Her hand touched his arm. His heart jumped. He stepped back gently. “Paris, I don't think this is a good idea.” “Why not?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “No one's here. I won't tell.” He paused. Everything in the room suddenly felt heavy. Quiet. Still.                        Join us as we dive into the story of Jordan and Paris - the modernised story of Joseph and Mrs. Potiphar found in Genesis 39. ALSO We did a mic roam and asked girls and guys your age about facing temptation. What did they say?  Tune in to find out.                                    ___________________________________ READ STORY ON THE BLOG Contact us to sign up Visit our website Artist of the month: Casting Crowns Keep in the loop by signing to our GIGI Notes HERE DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE  Hosts: Esther & Steph Mix & effects: Stephanie Giselle Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/ email us: writegigi5@gmail.com Write by post GIGI Teen Radio PO BOX 6505 Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 music credit: Purple planet music All music played on the podcast radio is covered under the APRA AMCOS Online Mini Licence.  

Yahweh's Presence in InjusticeGenesis 39IntroductionBig Idea: Recognize that Yahweh's presence brings blessing, so turn away from evil, no matter the outcome.1. Yahweh is with Joseph in Potiphar's house. (1–6)2. Joseph turns away from evil. (7–12)3. An evil report turns Joseph toward prison. (13–20)4. Yahweh is with Joseph in the king's prison. (21–23)Conclusion:

Different spirit I. Cain II. Potiphar's wife III. Nabal IV. James & John V. Paul & Silas

Listen in as Pst. Ednah Kimani takes us through Genesis 39, the story of Joseph in Egypt, where he is sold into the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Despite being a slave in a foreign land, Joseph's diligence, integrity, and God's favor elevate him to a position of great responsibility. His success is a testament to how God's presence can prosper a person even in adverse circumstances. However, the chapter also highlights the vulnerability that comes with trust, favor and power — Potiphar's wife's persistent advances test Joseph's moral convictions. His refusal, grounded in loyalty to both Potiphar and God, reflects a deep commitment to righteousness, even at personal cost.The false accusation that follows Joseph's rejection of Potiphar's wife leads to his imprisonment, seemingly a setback in his life's trajectory. Yet, even in prison, God's favor remains with him, granting him influence and responsibility once again. This chapter reminds us that faithfulness to God does not guarantee a trouble-free life, but it ensures God's presence in every season. Joseph's unwavering integrity amid temptation and injustice stands as a model of Godly character, showing that true success is not measured by positions of power or comfort, but by steadfast obedience to God's principles.

God's Word for Today31 Jul, 202510 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.-Prov 28:10 ESV THE BLAMELESS HAVE A GOODLY INHERITANCEHistory reveals the way sin spreads through temptation, eventually leading a culture to dire consequences (Prov 16:29; Jas 1:13–15). Convincing others to join in immorality seems like freedom at first, but it ends in negative results, even destruction. (Prov 24:21–22; 26:27).The Bible is filled with examples of unrighteous people dragging society away from God and into sin. Potiphar's wicked wife tried unsuccessfully to seduce Joseph (Gen 39:7–10). Queen Jezebel introduced Baal worship into Israel and successfully lured her husband and his nation away from the worship of Jehovah (1 Kings 16:30–33; 21:25). Wicked kings such as Manasseh (2 Kings 21:9–12) did the same. Absalom, David's son, triggered a bloody civil war against his father (2 Sam 15:12–14).The New Testament warns about false teachers who would lead believers away from truth. Paul warned the Galatian churches about such men. He writes in Galatians 1:7–8: "There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed."This proverb speaks of judgment for the enticers but reward for those who resist (1 Corinthians 10:13). The word translated "blameless" here comes from a term implying someone with a clear reputation for morality (Gen 6:9; Psa 15:2; Prov 2:21; 11:20; 28:18). In such contexts, a person is "blameless" when they cannot be credibly accused by others: they are not perfectly sinless, but they are clearly obedient to God. Proverbs 1:10 is clear: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent."Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPuuvKVODmgListen and FOLLOW us on our podcast Spotify: http://bit.ly/glccfil_spotify Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-applepcast Audible Podcast: http://bit.ly/glccfil-audibleFollow us on various media platforms: https://gospellightfilipino.contactin.bio#gospellightfilipino#godswordfortoday

In our recent learning from the Zohar on Parshat Pinchas (Zohar III:213, Resha Gimmel), we uncover a powerful mystical teaching about Yosef HaTzaddik, temptation, language, and the secret connection between Yosef and Pinchas.The Zohar opens with Rabbi Chiya patach—"Rabbi Chiya opened"—with the verse from Tehillim (Psalms 81:6), “Edut b'Yosef Samo”—“He established it as a testimony for Yosef when he went out over the land of Egypt.” This verse, the Zohar teaches, is not just historical commentary but a gateway into understanding Yosef's deep spiritual test and transformation.Yosef was granted the knowledge of all seventy languages, equal to Pharaoh, who was regarded as the most intellectually powerful man in Egypt. But the Zohar emphasizes something more: Yosef knew one language beyond them all—the Lashon HaKodesh, the holy tongue, Hebrew. This extra language was not merely linguistic but spiritual; it symbolized Yosef's connection to the Divine.The Zohar then shifts to the well-known story of Yosef and the wife of Potiphar. It explains that when she attempted to seduce him, Yosef pretended not to understand her words. Although he already knew Egyptian, he acted as if he was confused by her language—avoiding engagement with her advances day after day. Only when she physically seized his cloak did he become visibly confronted by the test. At that moment, the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, cried out within him, invoking the verse from Mishlei (Proverbs), “To guard you from the foreign woman, from the stranger who uses seductive words.”This moment of inner strength and restraint, says the Zohar, became Yosef's greatest testimony. The Adut—testimony—mentioned in the verse refers to his embodiment of the Sefirah of Yesod, the Divine attribute of foundation, which is deeply connected to sexual integrity and moral restraint.Because of Yosef's merit, he was granted an additional letter in his name: the letter "Hey", becoming Yehosef. In Kabbalah, the letter Hey symbolizes the Shechinah, the Divine Presence. It was now integrated into Yosef's very being, testifying that he had become a vessel for holiness.And then the Zohar draws a profound parallel: just as Yosef merited the Hey, Pinchas merited the letter Yud added to his name. Both letters—Hey and Yud—are facets of the Shechinah, representing different expressions of Divine energy. Yosef faced inner seduction and resisted. Pinchas faced societal collapse and acted. Both withstood immense spiritual pressure and aligned themselves with Divine will.Through this, the Zohar reveals a deeper mystery: Pinchas is rooted in the soul of Yosef. Both were alone in their moment of testing. Both chose righteousness. And both merited transformation—Pinchas ultimately becoming Eliyahu HaNavi, the eternal prophet.

Series: Lessons from the Life of JosephService: Sun ClassType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Mark Cook

Thank you for joining us! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call the church office at 661-833-2800 or check out our website www.laurelglen.org.Scripture Reference: Genesis 39:1-23

Temptation sometimes feels unbelievably strong and you feel very alone. In the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, Joseph stand up under an intense temptation, which is impressive enough—but the question is how? The answer is that the Lord was with him. In this message, we learn that that we are not on our own in the face of temptation, but that our strong Savior stands with us. And because He Himself has withstood the most persistent temptations, He is able to help us in times of need, even in the face of serious sexual temptation.

One late afternoon, as the shadows stretched long and the palace began to cool, Joseph passed through the inner hallways of the house carrying scrolls. The wind blew softly through the open windows, rustling linen curtains. A voice called gently, “Joseph.” He turned, and there stood Potiphar's wife, dressed in fine silk, her eyes fixed intently on him. “Yes, mistress?” he asked politely, lowering his gaze respectfully. Her voice was smooth like honey. “Come and lie with me.” Joseph's heart pounded. He froze. The silence between them thickened like desert heat. He took a step back. “No, my lady. My master has placed everything in this house under my care. He trusts me completely. How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” But she didn't give up. Today's story can be found in Genesis 39.                                                            ___________________________________ Read story on the blog Visit our website Artist of the month: Casting Crowns Keep in the loop by signing to our GIGI Notes HERE DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE  Hosts: Esther & Steph Mix & effects: Stephanie Giselle Purple Planet Music https://www.purple-planet.com/ email us: writegigi5@gmail.com Write by post GIGI Teen Radio PO BOX 6505 Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 music credit: Purple planet music All music played on the podcast radio is covered under the APRA AMCOS Online Mini Licence.  

After being sold into slavery, Joseph sees a series of highs and lows in his life. But the overarching theme is that God is with Him. What can we learn from Joseph's time in Potiphar's house? Genesis 39

God is a second mile God — and He's raising up a second mile church. In this message, Pastor Marcus unpacks what it means to go beyond what's expected, just like Jacob, Joseph, and Rebekah.When others mistreat you… when life feels unfair… God sees your faithfulness. And He blesses those who go further when no one's watching. Don't settle for average. The first mile is law — the second mile is love.

Pastor Dave Larmourfalse00:35:105510Genesis: Lessons in Adversity and Blessing from Joseph in Potiphar's Housefull

Joseph's life in Egypt begins in forced servitude, yet even in a foreign land and in the house of Potiphar, an Egyptian official, something extraordinary happens: “The Lord was with Joseph.” His integrity, skill, and God-given favor cause him to rise, and things are going well until temptation strikes. Potiphar's wife tries to seduce him, and when Joseph refuses her advances out of fear of sinning against God, she falsely accuses him. Thrown into prison for doing the right thing, Joseph could have given in to despair. But once again, Scripture reminds us: “The Lord was with him.” The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 39. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith.

Scripture: Genesis 39In this message, we explore the life of Joseph and how God remained present even in the darkest seasons of his life. Though sold into slavery and falsely imprisoned, Joseph's story reminds us that God's silence is not His absence.Key Points:Family dysfunction doesn't disqualify God's purpose – Joseph's trials began with generational brokenness, yet God still had a plan.God's presence changes everything – Genesis 39:2-6 shows that the Lord was with Joseph and caused all he did to succeed, even in slavery.Favor follows faithfulness – Joseph excelled because of his integrity and diligence, not because of ideal circumstances.Temptation is relentless, but God provides a way out – Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, modeling obedience even when it cost him.Sin undersells its consequences – Disobedience in the palace could have cost Joseph everything. Instead, he chose the hard path of righteousness.Victory begins with vigilance – Proverbs 14:16 and 22:3 remind us that wisdom avoids evil and takes refuge in God's truth.God is working even in waiting – Psalm 27:14, Psalm 130:5-6, and James 5:7-8 encourage us to trust God's timing.There are no coincidences in God's plan – What may look like setbacks were divinely orchestrated setups for Joseph's future role in saving a nation (Psalm 105:16-17).Main Truth: God is present in your prison, and His plan is unfolding—even when it feels like you're going backward.

We continue the inspiring story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and purchased by the Egyptian official Potiphar. Despite adversity, Joseph remained faithful to God and rose to become Chief Steward in Potiphar's house. However, his fortunes took a turn when he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Refusing to be defined by his circumstances, Joseph kept his faith and earned the trust of the prison warden. With God's guidance, he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's butler and baker. These interpretations opened the way for a greater purpose when Pharaoh himself had troubling dreams. God orchestrated events that elevated Joseph to prominence, ultimately positioning him to save an entire nation. Join us for Part 2 of Joseph's powerful and inspiring journey in Egypt.

One of the greatest stories ever told was told in the Bible.    It's in Genesis.    A story about a man named Joseph, not Jesus' Earthly Dad, but another Joseph.    A pair of brothers sell their brother Joseph into slavery to a man named Potiphar.    Joseph gains favor with Potiphar and works in the house.    Potiphar's wife asks Joseph to take her to bed, and he refuses.    She rips her clothes and Joseph is taken into custody on her accusation.    Long story short, he interprets a dream for a Pharoah and is liberated.    Out of this story comes my favorite word to this day.    Listen for the lesson.    About the ReWire Podcast   The ReWire Podcast with Ryan Stewman – Dive into powerful insights as Ryan Stewman, the HardCore Closer, breaks down mental barriers and shares actionable steps to rewire your thoughts. Each episode is a fast-paced journey designed to reshape your mindset, align your actions, and guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself. Join in for a daily dose of real talk that empowers you to embrace change and unlock your full potential.    Learn how you can become a member of a powerful community consistently rewiring itself for success at https://www.jointheapex.com/   Rise Above

Ever notice how nobody plans to wreck their life? We don't wake up intending to damage our health, finances, or relationships – yet many of us make choices that lead exactly there. The crucial difference between staying on track and derailing comes down to one powerful practice: pre-decision.When temptation strikes, our willpower is often already depleted by decision fatigue. Those countless choices we make throughout the day wear us down, leaving us vulnerable precisely when we need strength most. That's why relying on willpower alone is a losing strategy. We're simply not as strong as we think we are – something psychologists call "restraint bias" – and there's a spiritual enemy constantly studying our weaknesses.This episode offers three practical strategies for fighting temptation before it overwhelms you. First, move the line – create distance between yourself and potential compromise instead of seeing how close you can get without crossing over. Second, magnify the costs by honestly confronting what you'd lose if you gave in. And third, plan your escape route in advance, just like Joseph did when fleeing Potiphar's wife rather than compromising his integrity.The beautiful truth is that God always provides a way out of temptation, but we must be ready to take it. By identifying your specific vulnerabilities and pre-deciding your response strategy, you position yourself to experience the incredible life God has planned for you. Don't let unplanned moments of weakness derail God's best for your future. Pre-decide today to live in freedom tomorrow.Support the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

In Genesis 39, we see Joseph faced with intense temptation. He is alone, far from home, and seemingly without consequences. Yet Joseph refuses to compromise. He resists the seduction of Potiphar's wife, choosing to flee rather than fall. This sermon explores three biblical principles for resisting temptation: knowing God's standard ahead of time, not flirting with sin, and being willing to flee when necessary. But even for those that have given into temptation, there is mercy at the cross of The post Genesis 39 – Joseph and Temptation appeared first on Island Pond Baptist Church.

Joseph is tempted and betrayed by Potiphar's wife. How does Joseph respond in the face of temptation? And how does Joseph handle utter betrayal? Rev. Peter Lebhar | May 4th, 2025 __________________________________________________________ We're Incarnation Tallahassee! Visit our website! www.incarnationtlh.org/
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We can practice righteousness when being treated unfairly because we have been justified by Christ. Genesis 39:1–22 (ESV): 39 Now Joseph had been brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, had bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 His master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. 4 So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. 5 From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field. 6 So he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. 7 And after a time his master's wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master's wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. 9 He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. 11 But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, 12 she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. 13 And as soon as she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out of the house, 14 she called to the men of her household and said to them, “See, he has brought among us a Hebrew to laugh at us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. 15 And as soon as he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, he left his garment beside me and fled and got out of the house.” 16 Then she laid up his garment by her until his master came home, 17 and she told him the same story, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought among us, came in to me to laugh at me. 18 But as soon as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment beside me and fled out of the house.” 19 As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. 20 And Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. 21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it.

Joseph: In God's HandsBeholding the Perfect Sovereignty of GodThe life of Joseph illustrates what it looks like to be blindsided by life – to be hitting the curb as it were. Whether these collisions are a result of his own mistakes, the blunders or intentional harm of others, or simply life slamming into him, the pain and loss he suffered was staggering. Yet, Joseph's story also reveals to us all a most unexpected gift that can emerge. From a slave's cell to a minister's house, from prison to a throne, Joseph's journey ultimately reveals the wondrous presence and power of God. Indeed, Joseph's pain wonderfully reveals God's power, and his hurt exposes God's heart for him. In fact, by stepping into the difficulty, Joseph understands God more clearly than he could ever possibly understand him without the pain.Now enslaved in Egypt, Joseph thrives in his service to Potiphar, a leading official in Pharaoh's army. In the center of this powerful nation, the Lord brings him success as he manages Potiphar's household. At first, his prominent position might seem like a fortunate turn of events, but trouble arises when Potiphar's wife becomes infatuated with Joseph. So torn between loyalty to his master and temptation against God, Joseph faces a difficult moral dilemma. Yet even amidst these false accusations and unjust attacks, God's presence remains with him, shielding him, and while God's favor doesn't exempt Joseph from hardship, it does assure his incredible protection.WEEK 2 – GOD'S PRESENCE IN BETRAYAL“God's favor doesn't mean you won't suffer. It means you won't suffer alone.”Key Themes:God's presence in seasons of injusticeHow integrity honors God in private and publicFalse accusations and faithful obedienceTrusting God's protection even when wrongly treatedWhy favor from God does not equal escape from painThis message speaks to those navigating:Workplace betrayal or false accusationsThe pain of being misunderstoodSeasons where doing right leads to sufferingThe long wait for justiceThe challenge of staying faithful when wrongly treatedIn Genesis 39, Joseph rises to a position of influence in Potiphar's household, only to be falsely accused and thrown into prison. What we learn in this chapter is not just about character or integrity, but about the unwavering presence of God in betrayal and injustice.This sermon explores what it means to stay faithful when wrongly treated—and how God does some of His deepest work in us not by pulling us out of hardship, but by walking with us through it.Study Guide AvailableGet the full Genesis study guide with Life Group questions, weekly passages, and additional resources:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2ZYH815Joseph's life is a reminder that favor and hardship are not opposites—they often walk side by side. The same God who gives dreams is the God who walks with you through dungeons.God's plan for Joseph wasn't to rescue him from difficulty, but to transform him through it. And in that transformation, Joseph begins to reflect the very heart of God.If you've ever faced betrayal, rejection, or unjust treatment—this message is for you. God sees. God knows. And God is with you.You're not forgotten. You're not alone. You're in God's hands.

We explore the story of Joseph in Egypt. Despite being enslaved and falsely accused, Joseph remains faithful and thrives due to God's presence. Though being falsely accused of assault by Potiphar's wife, Joseph remains faithful even as he is thrown in prison. God has a greater plan at work, through even these trials of Joseph.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Episode 30: “Potiphar's Decision”Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife Zuleika – but how will her enraged husband respond to this servant he thought he could trust? Meanwhile, Nigel has begun taking the mousie martial arts known as Tai Cheese, so he is able to defend himself against… a delivery guy? This oughtta be fun! Featuring the audiobook “The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe,” by Jenny L. Cote1:13 – Are you the tactile type? Max thinks you're more likely to be human…. 2:25 – Where's Nigel – practicing Tai Cheese? Indeed – and he'll give us a demonstration!6:34 – Chapter 29: “Potiphar's Decision”20:06 – when the doorbell rings – we find the real reason Nigel has taken up Tai Cheese – some dirty rat?24:40 – In Jenny's Corner, Miss Jenny shares a way you can dig even deeper into her stories – and even get school credit – how cool is that! And as always – we'd love to hear from you! Email Jenny: Jenny@epicorderoftheseven.comBy the way - the audiobook, “The Dreamer, the Schemer,& the Robe: written by Jenny L. Cote, and narrated by Denny Brownlee, is available on Audible.com. To order your copy - Click here: adbl.co/3BPQ1Zy

Temptation is as constant and real as gravity—a daily battle that every believer faces. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind Christians that they are never alone in this struggle, and the enemy wants them to believe otherwise. Isolation is one of Satan's strongest tools, but God calls believers to live in the light and walk in community. When one believer confesses a struggle, another can offer encouragement, reminding them that being tempted is part of the Christian journey. A fear of the Lord becomes a shield against compromise. Every time Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scripture. In the same way, when believers store the Word in their hearts, the Holy Spirit brings it to mind at crucial moments, arming them with truth that weakens the power of temptation.Prayer is to be ongoing. Even Elijah, who shared the same human nature, prayed earnestly and witnessed the power of God. The model of praying to be delivered from temptation and evil is not optional—it is essential. Spiritual discipline plays a critical role in a believer's strength. Fasting, once a common practice in the early church, has been overlooked by many today. In avoiding legalism, many have also rejected discipline, but Scripture teaches that while salvation is a gift of grace, Christians are created for good works. Discipline, when motivated by love for God, helps conform believers to the image of Christ.Resisting temptation is not about earning favor, but about growing in Christlikeness. God has predestined His people to be conformed to His Son, and resistance is a part of that transformation. Humility is key—recognizing that apart from God, nothing is deserved but judgment. Gratitude flows from this awareness. The best way to flee temptation is to have somewhere better to run. Redirecting desires toward Christ changes the battle entirely. Believers are the reward of Jesus's obedience, and understanding His love is stronger than any willpower.Standing strong also means running with the right people. Christians grow when they walk with others who are running the race well. Community, scripture, prayer, evangelism, and fellowship all strengthen the soul. Ephesians teaches that the real battle is spiritual and that the armor of God is essential. Believers must be aware of their weaknesses, seek counsel, pursue repentance, and embrace accountability. Like Joseph before Potiphar's wife, believers must refuse, reason, resist—and then run. Those who believe they cannot fall are often the first to do so. Temptation is real, but so is the strength found in Christ.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The guys discuss how temptation is a constant and unavoidable part of the Christian life, but believers are not alone in the fight. Through Scripture, prayer, spiritual discipline, and community, Christians are equipped to resist temptation and grow in Christlikeness. The fear of the Lord acts as a shield, and memorizing Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to bring truth to mind in moments of weakness. Practices like fasting and consistent prayer strengthen believers spiritually, while humility and gratitude keep their hearts aligned with God. Standing strong also means walking with others who are pursuing Christ, staying aware of personal weaknesses, and embracing accountability. Like Joseph fleeing from Potiphar's wife, Christians must be ready to refuse, reason, resist, and run—trusting that God's strength is greater than any temptation they face.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

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Episode 28: “The Dream Book”It's our 150th all-time Episode! With Liz and Nigel observing, Potiphar's wife seeks direction and wisdom by consulting the (evil, pagan) Book of Dreams. In the studio Max, Liz and Nigel seem too preoccupied to do the show – for they are locked in on Animalgram – social media for animals. Eventually our Epic hosts start seeing the modern and ancient similarities! Featuring the audiobook “The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe,” by Jenny L. Cote1:23 – Max Liz and Nigel seem too preoccupied to start the show, as they each explore their “Animalgram” profiles.4:51 – In Jenny's Corner – Miss Jenny tells us what's going on with this rather dark chapter6:26 – Chapter 27: “The Dream Book”26:10 – Our hosts begin to see the similarities between the Dream Book and their online profiles. And they also find the “antidote to the poison.”And as always – we'd love to hear from you! Email Jenny: Jenny@epicorderoftheseven.comBy the way - the audiobook, “The Dreamer, the Schemer,& the Robe: written by Jenny L. Cote, and narrated by Denny Brownlee, is available on Audible.com. To order your copy - Click here: adbl.co/3BPQ1Zy

Potiphar's Wife: The Vatican's Secret and Child Sexual AbuseThe ‘cover-up' of child sexual abuse by the Catholic  Church has been occurring under the pontificate of six popes since 1922.  For 1500 years, the Catholic Church accepted that clergy who sexually  abused children deserved to be stripped of their status as priests and  then imprisoned. A series of papal and Council decrees from the twelfth  century required such priests to be dismissed from the priesthood, and  then handed over to the civil authorities for further punishment.That  all changed in 1922 when Pope Pius XI issued his decree Crimen  Sollicitationis that created a de facto ‘privilege of clergy' by  imposing the ‘secret of the Holy Office' on all information obtained  through the Church's canonical investigations. If the State did not know  about these crimes, then there would be no State trials, and the matter  could be treated as a purely canonical crime to be dealt with in secret  in the Church courts. Pope Pius XII continued the decree. Pope John  XXIII reissued it in 1962. Pope Paul VI in 1974 extended the reach of  ‘pontifical secrecy' to the allegation itself. Pope John Paul II  confirmed the application of pontifical secrecy in 2001, and in 2010,  Benedict XVI even extended it to allegations about priests sexually  abusing intellectually disabled adults. In 2010, Pope Benedict gave a  dispensation to pontifical secrecy to allow reporting to the police  where the local civil law required it, that is, just enough to keep  bishops out of jail. Most countries in the world do not have any such  reporting laws for the vast majority of complaints about the sexual  abuse of children. Pontifical secrecy, the cornerstone of the cover up  continues. The effect on the lives of children by the imposition of the  Church's Top Secret classification on clergy sex abuse allegations may  not have been so bad if canon law had a decent disciplinary system to  dismiss these priests. The 1983 Code of Canon Law imposed a five year  limitation period which virtually ensured there would be no canonical  trials. It required bishops to try to reform these priests before  putting them on trial. When they were on trial, the priest could plead  the Vatican ‘Catch 22' defence—he should not be dismissed because he  couldn't control himself. The Church claims that all of this has  changed. Very little has changed. It has fiddled around the edges of  pontifical secrecy and the disciplinary canons. The Church has been  moonwalking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Every dream from God will _______ before it is ______________. [Exodus 2:15] And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well. The dream gives us the _______________ to go through the _______________. [Genesis 37:18-20] When Joseph's brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. [19] “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. [20] “Come on, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.' Then we'll see what becomes of his dreams!” [Genesis 37:26-28] Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain by killing our brother? We'd have to cover up the crime. [27] Instead of hurting him, let's sell him to those Ishmaelite traders. After all, he is our brother—our own flesh and blood!” And his brothers agreed. [28] So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph's brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt. Sometimes the __________________ in your life will be in direct conflict with your dream. What Joseph thought was _______________ became his _______________ to Egypt. [Genesis 39:2; 6-12] The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. [6] So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn't worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, [7] and Potiphar's wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. [8] But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. [9] No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” [10] She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. [11] One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. [12] She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. Joseph had dreams of a _______________ but first had to go through the ________ and the ____________. Don't _______________ the dream when it dies. [Galatians 6:9] So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. When life is in the _______ see what you can _________ ______.

More twins. Joseph at Potiphar's house, then the royal prison. But blessed every step of the way.

Episode 26: “The Favor of Potiphar”Potiphar throws an elaborate party to show off all that Joseph has helped bring about – and the big winner of the night is – Joseph! Meanwhile back at the studio, our wee hosts have a wee bit of trouble with being wee, and in Nigel's News Nuggets, our intellectual mouse schools us about traveling in a litter …which apparently can have more than one meaning! Featuring the audiobook “The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe,” by Jenny L. Cote0:36 – Our Epic hosts have a wee conversation about being wee, while Announcer Lad seems to just have self-esteem issues… Huh?4:32 – Chapter 25: “The Favor of Potiphar”27:24 - Max seems confused about Potiphar's guests bringing their own litter… soo…28:23 – In Nigel's News Nuggets – we learn far more about litters than we thought possible – though we're not sure if Max really gets it..And as always – we'd love to hear from you! Email Jenny: Jenny@epicorderoftheseven.comBy the way - the audiobook, “The Dreamer, the Schemer,& the Robe: written by Jenny L. Cote, and narrated by Denny Brownlee, is available on Audible.com. To order your copy - Click here: adbl.co/3BPQ1Zy

In this thrilling Bible story, Joseph finds himself in a precarious situation as Potiphar's wife unleashes a web of deceitful lies against him! Will Joseph's integrity and faith be enough to save him from the clutches of this manipulative woman? Join us as we delve into the dramatic events that unfold in this iconic biblical tale of trust, loyalty, and redemption.

This is the last week of the Bible Characters of the Old Testament series, and Pastor Jeff will share about Joseph. Today, we learn that Joseph teaches us that even in hard situations, we can serve God in His strength, and the Lord can work wonders through us. Genesis 39:2-4 2 The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.  

Nothing brings me greater joy than when a deep exploration into the artistry of a favorite singer yields even more delights than I could have possibly imagined. And when I have a personal friendship with that singer, my cup truly runneth over. A week ago the music world once again celebrated the birthday of the treasurable soprano Roberta Alexander. Today, in a belated birthday tribute, I offer recordings of Roberta singing the music of composers of The Netherlands, where she has made her adoptive home since the mid-1970s. As befits Roberta Alexander's eclecticism, the range of musical styles is wide, ranging from the baroque oratorio Joseph, by Willem de Fesch, to the romanticism of early 20th-century composers Hendrik Andriessen, Alphons Diepenbrock, and Julius Röntgen, to the more astringent (yet still lush and colorful) idiom of Robert Heppener and Willem Frederik Bon. Prepare yourself to be swept away by these magnificent works in brilliant performances recorded between 1979 and 2000 in which Roberta Alexander is joined by fellow singers Claron McFadden and Nico van der Meel, and accompanied by Bernard Haitink, Rudolf Jansen, David Porcelijn, Ed Spanjaard, and Jed Wentz. If you are thinking of passing this episode by because of the obscure repertoire, I encourage you to take a chance, not only because these recordings present Alexander in all her glory, but because you will get to hear fascinating music by composers you might not have heard before, ranging from a dramatic Baroque seduction scene between Joseph and Potiphar's wife, to an erotically-charged setting of Verlaine, to exquisite settings of meditative texts for the Lenten season. Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and journalist yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.

In this Bible Story, Everything Joseph does succeeds and thrives. So much so, that he becomes the overseer of Potiphar’s household. But then, Joseph is accused of wrongdoing by Potiphar’s wife and is thrown in prison. This story is inspired by Genesis 39:20-41:57. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Genesis 39:7 from the King James Version.Episode 27: Though sold into slavery, Joseph found himself serving in the house of an Egyptian official named Potiphar. While serving there, God blessed Joseph and made everything he did successful. Potiphar recognized this blessing was coming from Joseph, but Potiphar’s wife did not, and by her wicked accusations, Joseph went from palace to prison. But even in this dark prison, God continued to bless him and those he served.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Scripture passages are Genesis 39 - 40 | Matthew 3:13-17 | Mark 1:13 | Luke 3:21-22.Read by Christina Edmondson. Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.