READ Genesis 44
Joseph's older brothers are tested.
 
INSIGHT
Sometimes we get a second chance. When we do, it is important to seize the opportunity. Judah did. When his brothers plotted to kill Joseph, Judah intervened. But he still fell short of rescuing Joseph. Judah's second chance came when, from his perspective, Benjamin's life was in danger. Judah put his own life on the line. Perhaps this commitment was taken into account in the blessings he passed on to his sons, resulting in the Messiah coming through the tribe of Judah. Throughout life we are given second chances. We should take these chances and set things right.
 
PRAYER
Daily we have the second chance to offer praise to the God of grace:
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his faithful ones;
he rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Light dawns for the righteous,
gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,
and give thanks to his holy name
(Psalm 97:10-12).
 
Now pray this confession to the Lord:
Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God —
God of my salvation —
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise
(Psalm 51:14-15).
 
As you confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, voice your affirmation of God's Word:
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24).
 
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• Health and strength to serve God
• God’s will to be done on earth
• Today's activities

 
Now offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work (Based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).