Genesis Anagram Puzzle

By Mary Vee

Happy Memorial Day! Please take a moment to remember what the soldiers have done for our country.



HAVE FUN WITH THIS GAME. THIS WILL BE THE LAST MONDAY GAME. Starting next week, stop by on Mondays for fun family tips and a question and answer time. Can't wait to see you there :)



HOW MANY DID YOU FIND? CLICK THE BUTTON TO TELL ME. :)


Here is the answer to last week's puzzle:



HOW DID YOU DO? CLICK ON THE BUTTON TO TELL ME. :)

Can Reuben Save Simeon?

By Mary Vee
Genesis 42:29-37

Reuben and his brothers came to the last hill before their father's home. Asher walked up to the front of the group. The others joined him. "Reuben, you're going to do all the talking, right?"

I wish I didn't have to, but I'm the oldest. Reuben raised a corner of his mouth. "Of course. I don't mind telling father."

Asher slapped his older brother on the back and laughed with relief. "Thanks."

Reuben yanked the rope for his donkey and took the lead down the hill. In the distance he noticed his father standing near a tent. Reuben's pace slowed. He's going to be mad. How do I tell Father that Simeon's in jail? How do I tell him I need to take Benjamin back to rescue Simeon?

As they neared, Jacob walked out to the road. He shaded the sun from his eyes. "My sons, you're home!"

The brothers tied their donkeys to a tree and walked over to their father. Reuben turned to look at each brother. "Remember, I do the talking." They nodded, raised their heads, and smiled.

Jacob opened his arms to give each of his sons a warm welcome. "My sons, I'm so glad you're home. Come, have something to eat and drink. You must tell me about your journey."

Jacob raised his cup to give a toast. "To my sons who brought food for our families." As Reuben and the others raised their cups, Jacob scanned the row of boys. "Do my old eyes deceive me? Didn't I send ten sons to buy food? Why do I see nine?"

He slammed his fist on the table. "Where is Simeon?"

Dan and the other brothers coward back.

Reuben rubbed the back of his neck. "I will tell you about our journey." He took a deep breath. "The man who is lord of the land spoke with harsh words to us. He said we were spies!"

Jacob's eyes flashed wide. "Spies? Why did he say that? What did you do?"

Reuben shoved his hands down on the table. "I told him--" he pointed to his brothers, "--we told him 'We are honest men, not spies. We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One has died, and the youngest is with our father in the land of Canaan."

At that moment, Benjamin closed the gate for the sheep. He rubbed his hands together and sat at the table. "You're back! Great, I could use some help with--hey, where's Simeon?"

The older brothers growled at him. "Quiet, Squirt."

Jacob pressed his hands together and looked back at Reuben. "So, what happened to Simeon?"

'Well, the lord of the country said, 'There is a way you can show your honesty. Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for your hungry families and leave. When you get home, get your youngest brother and bring him to me. If you do these things, I will know you truly are honest men and will set your brother free and allow you to trade in Egypt."

"And you left Simeon there?"

Reuben stood and took a few steps from the table. "There's more."

Jacob pushed up with his cane and followed Reuben. "More? What could be worse?"

Reuben and the other brothers led Jacob to their grain sacks. Each opened his. Jacob gasped. "Why is there money on top of the grain?"

"We don't know. We did what we were told. It wasn't until we were half way home that the money was discovered."

Jacob pressed his fist on his chest and closed his eyes. "I can't take much more. Joseph is dead, Simeon is gone, and now you want to take Benjamin away? What more could be against me?"

Reuben bowed. "Take my two sons. If I don't bring Benjamin back to you, take my sons. Trust me. I will bring him back to you."

The Bible says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding." Reuben has stopped thinking about himself and started thinking of others. He wanted to rescue Simeon. He wanted to protect Benjamin. He wanted to get food for the families.

Will Jacob let Reuben take Benjamin to rescue Simeon? Reuben realizes that all his troubles came because they sold Joseph into slavery. When everything goes wrong for you, what do you think God wants you to do? Click on the comment button.

Reuben's Trouble

By Mary Vee
Genesis 42: 25-36

Reuben loaded the last sack of grain on a donkey. He glanced back at the prison where the Egyptian governor locked up his brother, Simeon. "We'll be back for you," he called, even though Simeon wouldn't hear. The remaining eight brothers echoed his words.

Reuben turned toward the road. "Let's go. The sooner we get home and bring Benjamin back for the governor to see, the sooner Simeon will be released from prison."

Levi pulled one of the donkeys forward. "What if the governor doesn't release Simeon?"

"Yeah, Reuben."Asher caught up to him after yanking his donkey four times. "What if the governor puts Benjamin in jail, or worse yet, what if he kills him?"

"I don't know." Reuben sighed. He grabbed a rope to lead his donkey. "Let's do one step at a time. For now, we'll take the food home to our families, pack up Benjamin then take him to the governor."

Issachar shook his head. "You think for one minute Father's going to let us take Benjamin to Egypt? He watches him with eagle's eyes."

Reuben rubbed his hands together then held them against his face. "Ever since we sold Joseph as a slave to those Ishmaelites there's been nothing but trouble."

"I wonder--" Judah paused. He stroked his beard and glanced back toward Egypt. "I wonder what happened to Joseph."

The brothers walked silently for a few moments. Reuben glanced back. Are they thinking about Joseph, too?

No one told jokes or stories. They simply sweltered in the heat of the day.

At last Gad broke the silence. "All Father does is mope around the farm. If it weren't for Benjamin, he'd have died years ago."

Reuben knew he was right. What am I going to do? What can I say to Father to get permission to take Benjamin to Egypt? Simeon can't wait in jail forever. There must be a way. There must!

Reuben pushed his brothers to travel further than a usual day's walk. "Just a little further. We need to hurry home." When he finally let them set up camp, each brother rushed to do their chores. Even Reuben had trouble keeping his eyes open.

One reached for his sack of grain to feed his donkey. He untied the rope and pulled the cloth open. He looked inside then stumbled back a few steps. "Oh No!"

Reuben turned. "What? What's wrong?"

"L--look. Look in my sack!"

Reuben ran to see. He gaped in the opening. "Why is there money in your sack?"

The brother shook his head. "How should I know? I didn't put it here." He pulled the money out of the bag. "It's the exact amount I paid!"

The other brothers yanked their sacks open. "My money is here, too." "So, is mine." "What are we going to do?" "I don't know." "Father's going to think we stole the grain." "You're right. He won't let us take Benjamin back to Egypt to get Simeon." "What are we going to do?"

Reuben sat on the ground and held his head in his hands. "What has God done to us?"

Levi sat on the ground next to Reuben. He sat quietly for a moment then pulled a blade of grass. "Let's leave the money in the grain sacks for now and let Father help us think of a solution."

"Don't you see, Levi?" Reuben's head throbbed. "This--the money, Simeon, the rude governor--all our troubles are happening because of what we did to Joseph."

Judah laid his hand on Reuben's shoulder. "You're right."

"I'm what?"

Judah sat eye to eye with his brother. "I wish we could undo that day--but we can't. All we can do now is live with the troubles we brought ourselves."

"Trouble is right. We once were twelve brothers, now we are ten. What next?"

The brothers gathered together. Reuben looked each in the eye then pounded his fist in his hand. "We must do our best to right wrongs we've done against God and our father. Tomorrow we continue home, get Benjamin then rescue Simeon."

The Bible says, "Your sins will find you out." Reuben and his brothers know that now. What do you think God wants Reuben and his brothers to do? They don't know that the governor is Joseph, yet. They are heading home without Simeon. They have to convince their father to let them take Benjamin back. So much going on.

How do you feel when you're in the middle of trouble. I've felt overwhelmed, not sure what my next choice should be, even though God tells my heart what I should do. If you could talk to Reuben and his brothers right now, what would you tell them?

Egyptian Missing Pieces Game

By Mary Vee

DIRECTIONS: Five pieces from the left picture are missing from the right. Print this game them circle the objects in the left picture.



HOW DID YOU DO? CLICK THE COMMENT BUTTON TO TELL ME IF YOU FOUND ALL FIVE.




Here is the answer to last week's Who Am I Puzzle

Joseph
Butler
Pharaoh

How did you do?

Simeon Arrested, Benjamin Summoned

By Mary Vee
Genesis 42:18-24

A servant approached Joseph. "My lord, you requested the ten foreign men to be released today. The guards have them outside. Do you wish to speak with them?"

Joseph walked to the balcony overlooking the grain storage buildings. Hundreds of people stood in line waiting to buy food in the court area. "More have come to buy food today."

The servant nodded. "The famine is severe, as you said it would. Had the grain not been stored, all of Egypt would have died."

Joseph stroke his beard. "Not only Egypt--but God revealed to me that the famine has reached the entire world." He sighed. "Tell the Guard to bring the foreign men to me."

"Yes, my lord."

Joseph returned to his seat as his brothers were escorted in the room. They immediately bowed before him and kept their heads toward the ground. He watched his brothers remain still. I wonder what they talked about in the jail.

He rubbed his forehead. "You are to obey what I'm about to tell you to do, for I fear God." Joseph took a sip of his drink. "If you are the honest men you say you are, let one of your brothers remain in the prison house from which you were released while the others take grain back to your homes. Bring back your youngest brother to me to prove your honesty. They you shall not die."

One brother spoke to the others first. "We've been talking about this the past three days. You see, this is all happening because we are guilty for what happened to Joseph."

Another spoke, "I still hear his voice crying out for help. We did nothing."

A third one shook his head. "Oh we did something, all right. We laughed at him. We mocked him."

A fourth covered his ears. "I've lived with the nightmare of that day all these years. He pleaded with us to help him! All we did was sell him as a slave."

A fifth one spoke. "He's dead. He was so frail. He would never have lived as a slave in Egypt. What were we thinking?"

A sixth sighed. "We have brought this distress upon us. What will father say when we return home to say one remained in prison?"

Reuben stepped closer to his brothers. "Didn't I tell you not to hurt him? Didn't I? But no, you wouldn't listen. You had to sell him as a slave when I left to tend the sheep. And now, we all must pay for Joseph's blood."

As the brothers continued to argue Joseph walk out to the balcony where they couldn't see him. I can't believe what I'm hearing. Tears dripped down his face. They didn't know I could understand what they've said since I used an interpreter. They're upset with what they did--but are they sorry?

Joseph wiped his tears and returned to the room. He look at each brother then pointed to Simeon. "You shall return to prison while your brothers return to their homes. When they bring the youngest brother, you will be released."

Joseph called for a guard. "Bind this man and return him to prison."

Well, it seems the brothers realized their troubles in Egypt came from the bad things they did to Joseph, but are they sorry? Joseph isn't sure yet. What do you think? Will the brothers bring Benjamin back to save Simeon, or will they decide to leave him in prison? What will their father say when he learns Simeon stayed in prison? Click on the comment button to tell what you think then come back next Wednesday to find out what happens next.

Spies

By Mary Vee
Genesis 42: 7-17

Joseph stood before the ten foreign men. The eldest commanded something to the others in their language. Instantly they fell down to the earth before him. They don't recognize me. My own brothers don't recognize me. Joseph looked away and sighed. Maybe--maybe I don't need to recognize them, either.

He signaled an interpreter to come near. Joseph squared his shoulders and folded his arms. He spoke as an Egyptian to the interpreter. "Where did you come from?"

As the interpreter conveyed his words the brothers cowered and answered. "From the land of Canaan to buy food."

Haze clouded the air. Joseph stared at the horizon above his brother's heads. His mind replayed the dreams he had so many years ago: first his brothers bundles of straw bowing to his then his brother's stars bowing to him. I'm not ready to welcome them. He shook his head. Why did they come today?

Joseph turned again to the interpreter. "You are spies! You have come to see what the great Egyptian land holds." The interpreter paused and raised his eyebrows. Joseph pointed at the foreign men. "Tell them, Interpreter. Now!"

His brothers took a step back and kept their eyes low. Nine of them looked at the eldest with wide eyes. They pressed their hands together, pleading with their leader to say the right words. He lowered his head further and closed his eyes. "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man's sons. We are honest men. Your servants are not spies."

Joseph shook his head. "You've come to see what our land holds. Your faces tell me this is so."

The brothers' jaws dropped. They rubbed the backs of their necks and looked at each other.

What were they thinking? Joseph huffed. Didn't they realize I would be somewhere in Egypt?

Reuben spoke softly. "Please. It is as I said. Your servants are twelve brothers, the son of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is back home with our father. The other--well--he is no more."

They think I'm dead! Joseph looked from one brother's face to another. Do they care? Do any of them care what happened to me? I can't tell. Reuben's eyes seem glassy. Is he afraid, or sorry for mistreating me? I must find out.

"You're spies! I will test you to prove my accusations. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Pick one from your group to return to your home to get your brother. The rest will wait here in Egyptian prison."

Joseph stood tall and raised his chin "Then we shall see who speaks the truth; or else by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies."

Joseph abruptly turned. "Guard. Put these spies in prison."

The brothers cried out. "No! Please! Give us a chance. Please!"

They call out to me like I called out to them when they threw me in the pit and again when the caravan took me away in chains. Joseph's heart ached. He couldn't hurt his brothers as they hurt him. Yet, they needed to know what he felt.

Joseph summoned the head guard. "Insure those men receive the best care. Release them after three days and bring them to me."

"Yes, my lord."

Joseph made a difficult decision. He could have told his brothers who he was right away. He could have given them food and sent them home, but he wanted to hear his brothers say they were sorry and that they loved him.

How will Joseph know for sure if his brothers are sorry when he hasn't told them who he is? What will he say to them when they get out of jail? Will Joseph leave Egypt and go home with his brothers? Click on the comment button to say what you think. Then come back on Saturday to find out what happens.

Who Am I Game

By Mary Vee

DIRECTIONS: Try to guess who the person is in each box below. Start with the first clue. If you guess correct, 4 points. If you guess correct with the second clue, 3 points. If you guess with the third clue, 2 points. If you guess with the fourth clue, 1 point. The answers will be posted next week.



DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?



DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?



DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

HOW DID YOU DO? CLICK THE COMMENT BUTTON AND TELL IF YOU FIGURED OUT THE ANSWER.


HERE IS THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE

Reuben's Quest for Food

By Mary Vee
Genesis 42:1-6

Reuben swallowed the smaller than usual dinner. He turned to his brother, Simeon. “The food won’t last much longer.”

“I know.”

Jacob slammed down his cup. “My sons, don’t think my ears are so old to prevent me from hearing you. We’ve all know about the grain Egyptians gathered the past seven years. Must I tell you everything? When are you going to take charge and solve problems? Take money and go buy grain for us before we starve.”

Reuben sighed. “But, Father, the Egyptians. They'd rather die than associate with us.”
Jacob shook his head. “That's a chance you must risk. If you don't we'll starve. Take your brothers. Most likely each person can only buy grain for one family.“

“We’ll leave first thing in the morning, Father.” Reuben left the dinner and walked to his tent.

Jacob called out, “Don’t take Benjamin. I don’t want to lose another son.” Reuben turned back.

Benjamin’s eyes grew wide. He ran to his father and fell to his knees. "Dad, please? You never let me do anything fun. I promise to do everything Reuben says if you only let me go.”

Jacob held up his hand. “I have spoken.”

The silence grew deafening.

The next morning Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, and Zebulun left for Egypt. Along the way they met many other travelers seeking to buy grain for their families. As they grew closer to Egypt they found more people on the road.

Simeon stirred the coals at the campfire. “This errand will take us twice as long if we must deal with all the people on the road.”

Levi leaned against a rock and yawned. “There’ll be long lines once we get there, too.”

Sure enough, the next day dragged as they petered along the road to Egypt. Somehow they managed to get stuck behind a large family. The brothers tried all day to get pass the family, but failed. The next morning Reuben woke everyone early to get ahead of slow travelers.

Once they arrived at the city, they followed the crowd to the distribution center. Dan poked Issachar. “Look at the buildings—magnificent--and how the people are dressed--unusual. I've never seen such a city.”

Issachar held his hands over his ears. “Too many people talking--that music--It’s too noisy! I’d much rather be in the pasture with the sheep--at least they are more quiet.”

They turned a corner and found a massive group of men, women, and children standing in lines waiting to buy food. An Egyptian stood at the entrance barking orders.

Reuben shook his head. “I can’t understand him, can any of you?”

Judah shrugged. “He’s pointing to that line. Let’s go there.”

The ten brothers stood in line for hours. They couldn’t understand the language of people standing near. After a while, they grew hungry and thirsty. At long last they reached the front of the line.

The governor of the land stood near the tables. He watched his workers, giving directions and granting special permissions. He answered one worker’s question with authority. No one questioned his word. Reuben noticed the governor staring at him and his brothers. “Why is he looking at us like that?”

Simeon wiggled his eyebrows up and down. “Probably because he‘s jealous of our nice clothes.”

Reuben laughed, but then glanced at the regal governor. His heart pounded in his chest as his eyes met the official’s. Are we in trouble? Have we offended him? He flung around to face his brothers. “Quick bow before the governor.”

Who was this governor and why did he stare at Reuben and his brothers? Will the brothers be able to buy food or will they be thrown into jail? Have you ever been someplace that made you feel unsafe? What did you do? If you still feel uncomfortable about a certain place, be sure to talk with your parents about the situation.

Egyptian Grain Feeds a Starving World

By Mary Vee
Genesis 41:56-57

Joseph's wife, Asenath, walked into his office with a tray of food. "You've been working too hard. You barely slept last night. Take a break to eat something."

"How do you always know?" He plopped back in his chair and smiled at her. "I must admit, I am tired." He closed his eyes for a moment then sat up. "Pharaoh is counting on me. Egyptians are hungry--"

She followed him to their balcony. "God has filled my head with these great ideas. I must admit--it's exciting. Here let me show you what I've been working on."

He grabbed her hand and led her to his worktable. "For now, the people will be able to buy food with their money."

Asenath looked up at him. "What will they do when they've spent all their money?"

"Exactly! That's what I asked. I've mapped out a plan how to help the Egyptians, yet honor Pharaoh. See, over her--"

A servant knocked on the door. Joseph looked up. "Yes? Is there a problem?"

The servant bowed to Joseph. "Foreigners have come to buy food. What do you want us to do?"

Joseph nodded. "I'll be right there." He signaled the servant to leave then turned to his wife. "The famine is greater than Egypt!"

"But, you can't give them our food." Asenath ran to the balcony. "What if we run out before the famine ends? Think of our people, think of your sons."

Joseph stepped next to her. "Don't worry. Everything will work out. God warned of the famine to help us prepare. He provided not only grain for all Egypt to last seven years, but also, food for others. We must share. Egypt will be honored among all other nations."

She turned to him. "You're really sure God will make the food last seven years, aren't you."

He took a deep breath and smiled. "Yes. I truly am."

Asenath shrugged and laughed. "Then, dear husband, you must go help those foreigners."

Joseph ran down the stairs and out to the distribution area. The grand plaza, set up with rows for people to line up for food, was packed. Trained guards kept the crowds moving in a peaceful order. One approached Joseph. "The fourth line, over there, has the foreigners I spoke to you about."

"Yes, I see. They're clothes alone tell they're not Egyptian." Joseph shifted his weight to one leg. "We'll have plenty to sell to others who are starving. Sell them grain."

The guard walked to the table and whispered to the worker. Joseph followed.
As he neared one table, he noticed a group of ten men talking with each other. They looked familiar. He listened to their voices. Could it be? He turned away then looked back. No, not possible. He squinted to see their faces. Those are--my brothers!

Joseph couldn't make up his mind how he felt. Anger pushed through his veins because his brothers sold him as a slave. Disappointment crushed his heart because he'd been robbed of the chance to be with his father or brothers in many years. Concern made his heart race because he didn't know if his father was still alive. Should he run up to brothers and greet them? Would they care--would they even care? What should Joseph do?

Egyptian Famine Word Search

By Mary Vee

DIRECTIONS: Todays wordsearch takes words from the recent posts on Egypt's famine. Can you find the words listed below the puzzle?



Can you find these words:
Bread
Egypt
Famine
God
Grain
Hungry
Interpreter
Irrigate
Joseph
Pharaoh
Rain
Salvation
Water
mEN

WHEN YOU FIND ALL THE ANSWERS, CLICK THE COMMENT BUTTON TO TELL US YOU FINISHED:)

HERE IS THE ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S CROSSWORD PUZZLE:



HOW DID YOU DO? Click on the comment button to tell us.

Egyptian Grain- Like the Sand of the Sea

By Mary Vee
Genesis 41:46-55

Everything moved according to Joseph's directions. Egyptians built large buildings to store grain. No one was permitted to keep more than they needed. The entire country worked together to gather extra grain.

Sure, every once in a while, Joseph heard about some greedy person who kept more than they needed. He knew the importance of justice. If even one person kept extra grain and got away with it, others would follow. Joseph ordered consequences that were fair, but strong enough to helped Egyptians understand the need to store food.

One year, the baker surprised Pharaoh with a large platter of his favorite baked breads for his birthday. Pharaoh took in a deep breath. "Baker, you have tempted me with the finest of breads. Give me a portion, then divide the remains to others. And, Baker--"

The baker took a step back and cowered.

Pharaoh lowered his voice. "Never bake such indulgences unless I request it. Such request will not be made until the famine is over."

The baker bowed and obeyed.

Joseph celebrated his 37th birthday shortly before the seven years of great prosperity ended. He turned to his assistant. "The years have passed quickly."

The assistant looked at the many storehouses from the balcony. "Maybe you were wrong. Look at all this grain. There must be more than the sand in the sea. No one can count the grain anymore." He shuffled his feet. "What will we do with all this grain if there isn't a famine?"

Joseph smiled. "God is never wrong. If He said there would be a famine in seven years, then it will be so." He walked away laughing. "You worry too much. I'm going to play with my sons for the afternoon."

The assistant folded his arms. "Will you train Manasseh to follow in your steps? Will he speak of famine?"

Joseph shrugged. "He will be as God leads. God gave me Manasseh to help me forget all my troubles and my father's house. Ephraim, little Ephraim, has reminded me how God let me be fruitful even in a land I was sold as a slave. Now, I'm going to have some fun with my sons."

A week later a messenger came before the council. Pharaoh called his wise men to be quiet. Joseph leaned forward to hear the message. "The rains have stopped. All our irrigation ditches have dried up. The crops have wilted and died."

Joseph sighed. "The famine has begun."

No one spoke for several moments.

Pharaoh nodded to Joseph. "The interpretation is true. Go. Save Egypt from the famine."

Joseph knew the grain in the people's homes wouldn't last long. He called for the teams organized to head up food distribution. "Listen. The people will come soon asking for food. We must be ready."

Two weeks later Egyptians lined up to speak to Pharaoh. Each asked the same question: "What shall we do? Our families are hungry. There isn't any food." Pharaoh walked out to the balcony for all to see. He raised his hands to hush the crowd. "Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do."

Did the people obey? Why did Pharaoh send the people to Joseph? Pharaoh could have taken credit for all the work by giving instructions. But he didn't. He let the people know Joseph was in charge of the food. Why did he do that? Click on the comment button to give your thoughts.

Pharaoh Promotes Joseph

By Mary Vee
Genesis 41: 37-45

Pharaoh stared closely into the eyes of the slave standing before him. His interpretation of the dream makes sense. He does seem rather bold. Imagine giving advice to me. Him, a mere slave. Yet, his advice rings true. Pharaoh rock his head back and forth to loosen his stiff neck.

"Well, you wise men and magicians, what do you think of Joseph's words?"

Everyone looked first at someone else then back at Pharaoh. They nodded their approval.

Pharaoh took a deep breath and released the air. "I see you are in agreement." He folded his arms. "Where can we find such a wise man to set over the land to protect us from this famine destined to come? Is there one in whom is the Spirit of God?"

The wise men and magicians looked toward Joseph and conferred softly with each other. Pharaoh held up his hands to stop their discussions.

He turned toward Joseph. "Inasmuch as God has shown you all that will happen to Egypt in the next 14 years, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house."

Pharaoh looked at his wise men while speaking to Joseph. "All my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you."

He faced Joseph once again. "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Pharaoh pulled his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand.

Joseph's eyes grew wide. How God has blessed! Only this morning I was in prison, and now God has chosen me to help Egypt.

Potifer turned to a steward. "Take Joseph to living quarters suiting to his rank. Dress him in fine linen clothes and put a gold chain around his neck."

An hour later Joseph appeared in Potifer's throne room dressed as a high ranking official. Potifer nodded his approval.

He signaled Joseph to approach then turned to the steward. "By my word, Joseph is to ride in the second finest chariot I own. Take him about the city that all may see him. Cry out, 'Bow your knee!' to all you see. Let them know that Joseph is second only to me."

Pharaoh turned to Joseph and smiled. "I am Pharaoh. Without your consent, no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. I have spoken. You shall be given an Egyptian name suitable to your rank. You shall now be called Zaphnath-Paanea."

Joseph spent the late afternoon touring the city of Egypt. They bowed their knee as commanded by the one crying out instructions in front of his chariot. After the tour, the servants brought Joseph back to Pharaoh.

Pharaoh clapped his hands together. "Bring me Asenath, daughter of Poti-Pherah." Two servants left the room. Pharaoh turned to Joseph. "I am giving you Asenath to be your wife."

Joseph bowed. "Thank you Pharaoh. I will do my best to protect Egypt from starving during the great famine God has warned us about."

Pharaoh dismissed Joseph and his new wife. He sat back on his throne and signed. This day started with so many problems. But now, with Joseph and God's help--I know everything is going to be fine. He closed his eyes and took a peaceful nap.

Joseph has led quite an adventurous life since he left that one day to help his brothers. Let's see, his brothers threw him in a deep pit, sold him to traders who took him to Egypt and sold him to Potifer, Potifer's wife accused him of hurting her, and he was thrown in prison. How did today's story show God had a plan for Joseph?

But his story isn't over yet. Will he be able to help Egypt? Will his plan work? Will the people of Egypt follow his instructions when they find out he isn't an Egyptian? How is he going to find enough food for all those people. How will it last for seven years? So many questions to answer. Come back on Saturday to see what happens next.

Dreams Crossword Puzzle

By Mary Vee

Directions: Find the word that best fits the description below. CLICK THE COMMENT BUTTON TO SAY YOU FINISHED:)




ACROSS
5. Didn't know the meaning
6. Who told Pharaoh about Joseph
9. God said 1st 7 years would be
10. Did magicians believe Joseph?
13. Had a scary dream

DOWN
1. God said 2nd 7 years would be
2. Where Joseph was earlier that day
3. ____ cows ate the fat cows
4. ____ grain ate healthy grain
7. Number of dreams Pharaoh had that night
8. Told Pharaoh God's meaning of the dream
11. Second dream had
12. First dream had


HOW DID YOU DO? DON'T FORGET TO CLICK THE COMMENT BUTTON TO TELL US!!



Here is the answer to last week's puzzle:



HOW DID YOU DO? CLICK ON THE COMMENT BUTTON IF YOU FOUND THE ANSWER

Joseph's Gift

by Mary Vee
Genesis 41:14-

Joseph sat down for the first time in hours. He'd spent most of the night with one interruption from the prisoners after another. His eyes drooped. He heard himself snore, but he didn't care. Sleep--finally.

A loud bang suddenly woke him. Joseph's eyes popped open. He looked around the drafty, torch-lit prison and realized the captain of the guard stood at the window. Joseph bolted to the outer prison door. "Yes, Captain?"

"Pharaoh summoned you." The door lock chinked.

"Me? Pharaoh wants me?" Oh no. What have I done?

The guard yanked the heavy door open and signaled Joseph to come forward. "Let's go. I'm going to miss you. No one's done a better job of headin' up the prisoners. No matter, you'll have to be cleaned up to make an appearance before Pharaoh."

Joseph followed the guard through the outer prison court. Fresh air filled his lungs for the first time in years. He shaded his eyes from the bright sun. On the other side of the court stood a small structure. Three servants ran out to greet them.

The captain nudged Joseph forward. "Clean this man up. Give him clean clothes. He's to go before Pharaoh as soon as possible. Get moving."

The servants bowed. "Yes, Captain."

Although Joseph had to wear Egyptian clothing as a slave in Potifer's house, he never liked it. Joseph looked down at himself. The clothes the servants dressed him in were worse. How can they wear these clothes?

The servants escorted him out to the captain. "He's ready, Captain."

The guard escorted Joseph to Pharaoh's throne room. They stood at the door until given a signal to approach. Joseph kept his eyes lowered. Who are all these people? Is this a trial? The guard pressed Joseph forward. Joseph kept in step as they past a crowd of men. The captain of the guard stopped a short distance before the throne.

Joesph bowed. The men behind him whispered. What are they saying?

Pharaoh quieted the men. "Joseph, I have had a dream and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it."

Joseph raised his head slightly. "It is not in me to do so. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

Pharaoh nodded. He studied Joseph for a moment then told him his dreams. "What is the interpretation?"

Joseph paused to listen to God. "The dreams of Pharaoh are one. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years, the dreams are one. And the seven thin cows are seven years as are the seven diseased heads of grain are seven years of famine. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise. At that time all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt and the famine will deplete the land. The famine will be very severe. The dream was repeated twice because the thing is established by God and God will shortly bring it to pass."

"Now, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man and set him over the land f Egypt. Also, appoint officers to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh. Then that food shall be a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine that the land may not perish."

What will Pharaoh say? Will he be angry that Joseph gave advice after interpreting the dreams without being asked? What will happen to Joseph? If you had been Joseph, what would you have done?