During my studies this morning...couldn't help but find this interesting...

Genesis 39 Vs 1-6 "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate."

Here is a man that was hated by his brothers so badly that they sold him into bondage. Joseph had every right to be discouraged. He had every right to be angry. However, his character was noble, upright, and respectful. He did everything as it was unto the Lord. Take special notice of where specific influence comes into the scripture…it said, “When his master (Potiphar) saw…”

What do people see in us? Do they see what Potiphar saw in Joseph? Do they see someone that continually follows after God?

Our greatest influence sometimes is not what we say, or what we do, but is how we act everyday. Our “character” if you will.

What type of character are you?

Are you a Moses?· Moses was born in a king’s house. He ate from the king’s table. All the riches of Egypt could have been his. However, something in his heart pulled at him to see the error in slavery. Something in him pulled him to have mercy. You see, there are many who might make a great deal of wealth or might just be born into it. Moses could have easily have said ‘who cares’ when told of his Hebrew decent. He could have made plans to kill all who would accuse him of such a thing. But…it wasn’t his character to do so. The bible says he was an extremely meek and humble person.

Are you a Joshua?· Are you like Joshua? Are you being faithful at your job believing that some day God is going to use you in a miraculous way? Do others see you following the leader with reverence? Do they see you as the type that even if there is no one to lead, you will still do what is right by following God?

Are you a Jacob?· Have you done some things in your past you might be ashamed of and have gone back and made it right? Have you served faithfully to the promises of God upon your life? Do you walk differently now; do you have a limp, after meeting the Almighty God?

Are you a Ruth?· Are you a loyal and dedicated spouse? Are you the type that believes when everything screams hardship and trouble?

Are you a Samuel?· Are you a person God can count on? Are you a prayer warrior and a voice when there is none?

Are you a David?· Are you a worshiper? Do others see that about you? Do they see you as human and mess up, yet fall back on your knees to repent before the Living God?

Are you a Elijah?· Are you the lone mouth of God amongst your friends and family? When no one else will speak for God, are you the type of person that will stand up against tremendous odds and fight a seemingly un-winable fight?

Are you a Josiah?· Josiah is interesting. Josiah became king at the age of 8 years old. Upon hearing the scripture read to him, he immediately understood that the life that had been influenced upon him was so far from the word of God that he decreed a life change for Israel. He was the only king after Solomon who was buried in the same tombs as King David. Are you a Josiah? When you hear the scriptures does your heart burn to do what is right and pure in the sight of God?

Are you a Nehemiah?· Are you a leader when there are none to look to? Are you willing to take risk in seeing things restored to the way God wants them?

Are you an Ester?· Ester was forced into marriage. Like Joseph, she deserves to complain. She deserves to be delivered from that situation all together. Nevertheless, she made a great impact by her influence to the King. One of my favorite scriptures from Ester is that at the end of the book it says that a fear of the Jews went out all across the land, insomuch that everyone converted to Jews.

Are you a Job?· Are you the type of person that when bodily affliction comes upon you, you will still give glory and wait upon God?

Are you an Isaiah?· Are you the type of person that if God was to tell you to go naked before the streets outside preaching whatever he wants you to?

Are you a Jeremiah?· Do you weep for this nation? Do you continually pray for the next generation?

Are you a Peter?· Do you find yourself always talking more than listening? Do you ask too many questions? Are you easily rebuked? Are you the type of person is on the mountain one day with Jesus and down the next over a lie?

Are you a John?· Are you the one Jesus loves the most? Is everyday a blessing that you spend in prayer with Christ?

Are you a Paul?· Did God intervene your life on the Damascus road? Were you once blind, but now you can see? Do you know your purpose now?

I know I just went through a whole bunch of names. I purposely meant to, because we all relate to many of their stories. Each story told is a story that influences our life. Can I ask you one last question?

Who are you and what is your story?