DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
MAY 19, 2026
READ: Genesis 39 (Focus vs. 2-6 & 20-23
MEMORY VERSE
“Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care.” Genesis 39:6
BACKGROUND
Like all Singaporean men, I had to serve in the country’s armed forces when I turned eighteen. To be honest, I approached the conscription, which lasted two-and-a-half years, most reluctantly. Like many other young men, I tried to do the minimum, obeying instructions to the letter—no more, no less.
Some, however, threw themselves into their tasks and ultimately gained much from their experience, learning about leadership and endurance. In hindsight, I realize that this type of effort and positive attitude would have pleased God—much like what Joseph showed in Scripture.
Despite being sold off as a slave and imprisoned later on, he fulfilled all his assigned responsibilities with the greatest dedication.
Instead of resenting his situation, he took his role seriously, so much so that “Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care” (Genesis 39:6). Joseph also ended up in charge of the prison—and, finally, all of Egypt.
Centuries later, the apostle Paul would also urge believers in Jesus: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
While our situations may be far from ideal, may God help us to be faithful in the tasks assigned to us, for we’re working for Him—the one who sees our true heart.
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
Genesis 39’s story of Joseph’s integrity immediately follows the tale of Judah and Tamar in chapter 38. Here we see the opposite of integrity when Joseph’s brother Judah fails to care for his daughter-in-law Tamar after his sons’ deaths (vv. 6-11, 14). This ultimately leads to Tamar resorting to a desperate scheme (vv. 14-26).
In chapter 39, Joseph also faces a sexual temptation when Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce him. But, unlike Judah, he responds with integrity (vv. 7-10).
Even when subjected to unjust imprisonment, Joseph chooses to serve faithfully (vv. 21-23), and God’s presence with him in prison sets the stage for his rise to power in Egypt (see ch. 40). This can remind us today that God can help us be faithful to Him even in difficult situations.
Monica La Rose
APPPLICATION
What undesirable situations have you found yourself in? How did you respond in attitude and in actions?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“While our situations may be far from ideal, may God help us to be faithful in the tasks assigned to us, for we’re working for Him—the one who sees our true heart. God can help us be faithful to Him even in difficult situations.”
PR’s TAKE
“When I stand before God at the end of my life. I would hope that I would not have single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck
“… I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
PRAYER
“Dear Father, please help me be faithful in what I do, in whatever situation You’ve allowed me to be in, for ultimately, I’m serving You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“TRUE TO THE FAITH”
Shall the youth of Zion falter
In defending truth and right?
While the enemy assaileth,
Shall we shrink or shun the fight? No!
True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God’s command,
Soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.
While we know the pow’rs of darkness
Seek to thwart the work of God,
Shall the children of the promise
Cease to grasp the iron rod?
True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished…
We will work out our salvation;
We will cleave unto the truth;
We will watch and pray and labor
With the fervent zeal of youth. Yes!
True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished…
We will strive to be found worthy
Of the kingdom of our Lord,
With the faithful ones redeemed
Who have loved and kept his word. Yes!
True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the truth for which martyrs have perished,
To God’s command,
Soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.
