Genesis chapters 41-42

God's message to me: God has things planned out far in advance. Joseph was 17 when tattling on his brothers and dreaming of them bowing to him caused them so much anger. It was more than 20 years later when those dreams became real.

Promises: God's promises never fail. His timing is his own. 2nd, He makes a way in the darkest hour. 7 years of drought would be deadly detestation but the 7 years of plenty provided surplus to be saved against that drought and God warned it would come.

Commands: Everything you do is because God works through you. He deserves the credit because without Him you are nothing.

Timeless principles: BE PREPARED. Saving for your lean times is a universal principle. If you ever wondered about how much to save this is a good guide. God gives us all years of plenty. When the surplus is there we are to save. In the case of Egypt they saved 20% and used it to survive and thrive in disaster.

How can I apply what I've learned: When finances are available, save 20% towards times of need.

More to study: When Joseph was taken from prison to meet pharaoh he looked the part. Before seeing the king he bathed, shaved and put on clean, new clothes. Doing so was respectful of Pharaoh's position.

We Go before the King of kings whenever we pray. We are honored to be granted audience at his throne whenever we wish. Do we do so with the due respect?

Reuben makes another great move in this passage. To ransom his brother he offers the lives of his sons as ransom for the safety of his youngest brother. He Asks that his own sons be killed if he fails to protect his baby brother. He also chastises his brothers for their plot reminding them that the problems befalling them are no doubt due to their sin against Joseph.

Joseph has gone from bratty little brother to slave, to chief butler of a local leader, to prisoner, to prison trustee, to prime Minister of Egypt. When Pharaoh said he was giving Joseph all power he proved it by giving him his signet ring. This ring was the royal seal and a written decree bearing that seal was considered the order of the king. Keep in mind that Egyptian Pharaohs were considered the descendants of the gods by their people. A royal command was instantly and fully followed without question. The authority to give those command had just been given to a foreigner a few hours after he had been removed from the kings prison. Now that's a Cinderella story that only God could make happen.