“The Lord blessed . . the household because of Joseph.” Genesis 39:5 NIV
“Intentionally place yourself in the path of God’s shared blessings.”
My thoughts today are about “shared blessings.”
Have you noticed that there are people that others just want to be around? There seems a magnetism of ability or personality to which others are drawn. Some people make others feel better about themselves; their example and confidence inspire assurance in other people to believe they can do more than they thought they could. In June 2011, a lunch with Warren Buffett, famed investor of Berkshire Hathaway, was auctioned on EBay. The winning bid? $2.63 million, $100 more than the previously highest 2010 bid. Someone valued the benefits of association.
It is a simple principle really; if you wish to learn, associate with those who know what you need to know. If you wish to be a better person, spend more meaningful time with better people. If you wish to be wise, spend time with wiser people. If you desire to be Godly, acquaint yourself with Godly people. Got the picture? There are very real benefits from associations.
All of us can be influenced by associations for benefit or detriment to some degree, by those close or even acquaintances. The Bible warns, “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:13 NIV. That being true, it is safe to assume that good companions encourage good character! Something of who you become is influenced by the people you choose to be around. Choose well and wisely; you will become more like them without realizing that. I am a blessed and better man because of the friends in my life; I hope others can say that about my friendship.
Joseph is a most interesting story. Joseph began as a slave in the household of a military and government official, Potiphar. “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered and lived in the house of his master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord gave him success in all he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes.” Read Genesis 39:1-6 NIV. From slave, to house servant, to attendant, to being in charge of his house, to being steward of “his household and all he owned . . everything he had . . both in the house and field.”
Potiphar recognized the evident prospering upon all Joseph was entrusted to manage. Here is the defining conclusion: “The Lord blessed the household . . because of Joseph!” God was the source, but Joseph was the reason. God’s blessing on Joseph’s life extended to those who sought his well-being. Does your life evidence the blessing and favor of God so that others are drawn to your company and your blessings become their blessing? Remember this simple truth. God’s blessing to you is to release His blessings through you.
“How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.” Read Ephesians 1:3-14 NLT. As you read those verses, note especially the list and kind of blessings given just “because you belong to Christ!” The Father shares His blessings with the Son; that grace becomes the shared blessings for all who are in Christ!
Or maybe you are the one in need of God’s blessings? Don’t begrudge or be jealous of others when you see them blessed more than you; intentionally place yourself in the path of God’s shared blessings. You can receive what another receives, when you believe what the other believes.
My prayer for you today is that you are blessed greatly and a blessing to many.