Daily Bible Reading Reflections

“It Is Not In Me, But God”

Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 41 and Luke 14.

It was a rough night for Pharaoh. Two dreams. Thin cows eating plump cows and thin ears of grain swallowing full ears.

And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. So in the morning his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was none who could interpret them to Pharaoh. (Gen 41:7-8)

Joseph, falsely accused, had been in prison for two whole years. Genesis 41:14 describes it as “the pit.”

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Gen 14:14-16)

You don’t live in Egypt and you aren’t Joseph, but his answer to Pharaoh is worth thinking about today: “It is not in me, but God.”

Where might you have opportunity to do exactly what Joseph did this week?

  • As attention turns to you, redirecting that attention toward your heavenly Father
  • As praise is heaped on you, reflecting that praise toward the Lord of glory
  • As credit is given to you, making sure the Fount of every blessing is given his due

“It is not in me, but God.”

For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 2:13)

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)

“It is not in me, but God.” Who knows the impact you could have with that mindset this week?

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