Whose Blessings Are You Counting?

They threw him in a pit and sat down to enjoy their pita sandwiches. These Bible characters are a good study in Jealousy and envy. A 1-minute devotion. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

They threw him in a pit and sat down to enjoy their lunch. 

Perhaps Joseph's cries for mercy bothered them, so they sold him as a slave instead of killing him. For the next 20 years, they watched their father suffer over Joseph's “death” but never repented or tried to rescue Joseph (Genesis 37).

What drove these brothers? Envy and jealousy. These brothers weren't counting their blessings. They were counting Joseph's blessings and feeling like they came up short.

We see envy and jealousy causing problems throughout history. “Out of envy” they crucified Christ (Matthew 27:18). “Filled with jealousy” they rejected the teaching of the Apostles (Acts 13:45). 

It's easy to recognize these evil motives in history or in crimes of passion on the news.

But they also have more subtle side effects:
  • Extramarital flirtations.
  • Slandering siblings or co-workers who have talents or possessions we lack.
  • Consumer debt - buying things we can't afford because we want things that other people have.
  • Self-pity and self-centeredness.
If you're struggling in any of these areas, start counting your blessings and stop counting other people's blessings!

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They threw him in a pit and sat down to enjoy their pita sandwiches. These Bible characters are a good study in Jealousy and envy. A 1-minute devotion. #BibleLoveNotes #Bible

8 comments:

  1. Happy New Year to you dear Gail :)

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    1. Thank you, Sarah, and happy New Year to you too! May your 2015 be blessed!

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  2. I look forward to your love-notes every Day. thank-you and God bless you in 2015!

    p.s. maybe this is the year when I can learn how to 'pin' on pinterest...it seems I've lost my pin and don't know how to find it;-)

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    1. Thanks for your encouragement, Janet. It always blesses me to hear that Bible Love Notes bless someone. :)
      I encourage you to create a pinterest account if you haven't. It's all free and really is a great way to share God's Word on social media and find useful things yourself.
      And I always love it when I see people pinning devotions from BLN.
      God bless you!
      Gail

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  3. Great reminder Gail! Happy New Year to you! May your 2015 be covered by His blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Deb. I wish you a wonderful 2015 as well.
      Gail : )

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  4. Oh, this is a great post to start the new year.
    Happy New Year!

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