Sin Foundations - Justification

"And it came about after these events that his master's wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, 'Lie with me.'  But he refused and said to his master's wife, 'Behold, with me here my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge.  There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife.  How then could I do this great evil, and sin against God?'

"And it came about as she spoke to Joseph day after day, that he did not listen to her to lie beside her, or be with her.  Now it happened one day that he went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the household was there inside.  And she caught him by his garment, saying, 'Lie with me!'  And he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside." Genesis 39:7-12

Joseph was attractive, trustworthy, honourable, skilled and studied.  He was also humble, realistic and somewhat naive.  But he kept his heavenly Father in the centre of his life and when confronted made it clear he was grateful for his position of advantage in Potipher's household, but not interested in evil behaviour against God.   

It would have been so easy to give in -- he had a many reasons to justify giving in -- his family's treatment of him in the past, his time of being a slave, his lack or real power, how attractive she was, how lonely he was....Well you see the point.  But he focused on what would bring glory to the Lord.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene 

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:  Kaitlyn (five year old) heart surgery is scheduled for this Thursday 31 Oct from 8AM-EST in Cleveland Clinic.  I have just been asked to work on a wonderful project from the USA, but urgently need enough funds to cover the next month and a half, if I am to be able to do this work.  PaulNS needs a positive result from his many meetings as he searches for a project. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS?  

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Raven - is recovering, surrounded by the healing support of her family.  Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%. 

Thank you for continuing to pray for Adrian - his pain is lessening and he's getting some normal movement back and preparing for more hospital time to relieve the pain from the damage done to his spine from the cancer.  Carlton (painful bone infections) is feeling a bit better finally.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  David R losing his eyesight due to macular degeneration. I hope to go home to see him before he can no longer see me.  For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his new endeavour.  For Nancy who is growing stronger and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Continue to pray for Scott for mental and physical healing, God focus and ability to think clearly.  Pray for the two surviving sons of Melanie Karunaratne in New Zealand.  

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Barbara (sister-in-law) that the Lord would encourage her as she waits for a new project or full time role. 

For PJ that he may find projects to fill his needs.  Please pray for a new project for me and the wisdom of my next steps - the end of the month is a brick wall for me now.  A 6-12 month project that looks like I will get won't start till late November.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Isaac's Dad (84 years old) after a heart attack still needs procedures and for Isaac in the Philippines where his ministry is searching for the Lord's fruit.  Pray for Milo as he studies in Germany till February and for his mom, Sabine as she adjusts to this time away. 

Carla & Paul K for good results from their business plans.  For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and her wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  Elaine and Jim back in Hong Kong.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations and individuals suffering from global financial mismanagement.  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.