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Great Lives From God's Word
Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness
In a world where faith is fading and integrity is rare, the life of Joseph shines like a brilliant star in the nighttime sky, showing us that following God brings hope even in the worst of circumstances. In "Joseph", Chuck Swindoll reveals a man buffeted with the same kinds of problems we face today--or worse. A man whose tenacious faith in God ultimately won him great honor and achievement.
No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's. No one faces greater temptation than Potiphar's wife offered this man of faith. No faith is challenged more than Joseph's as he sat on death row in an Egyptian prison. Yet Joseph stood firm, modeling for us what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God.
Swindoll traces the life of this intriguing man from the famous multi-colored coat, through the jealous rage that prompts his brothers to sell him into slavery, to his astounding rise to a position of national power. He follows Joseph through temptation and imprisonment to his ascension in Egyption society when he explains the king's dream, revealing a grim and threatening future and proposing a plan for saving the nation ... and the brothers who deceived him.
Joseph's story reads like an epic novel, filled with intrigue, tension, temptation, and torrential emotions. And it heartens us today because we face the same kinds of difficulties, and he shows us we can triumph.
No family today is more dysfunctional than Joseph's. No one faces greater temptation than Potiphar's wife offered this man of faith. No faith is challenged more than Joseph's as he sat on death row in an Egyptian prison. Yet Joseph stood firm, modeling for us what is possible when ordinary people maintain their connections with God.
Swindoll traces the life of this intriguing man from the famous multi-colored coat, through the jealous rage that prompts his brothers to sell him into slavery, to his astounding rise to a position of national power. He follows Joseph through temptation and imprisonment to his ascension in Egyption society when he explains the king's dream, revealing a grim and threatening future and proposing a plan for saving the nation ... and the brothers who deceived him.
Joseph's story reads like an epic novel, filled with intrigue, tension, temptation, and torrential emotions. And it heartens us today because we face the same kinds of difficulties, and he shows us we can triumph.
218 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1995
457 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
988Ìýbooks810ÌýfollowersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 2, 2015
The first thing that surprised me in reading this biography was the fact that Joseph has more of the Bible devoted to his story than other other character. I was familiar with his tale before I read this, and I learned nothing new about him. However Swindoll's style, particularly how he quotes Bible passages then paraphrases them, really made Joseph's story much more real and relevant.
This is a very well written and inspirational book. I felt very affirmed and encouraged by reading it, and I'm really thankful that God raised up such men to shine His glory to others, and set such a wonderful example to follow.
Joseph: A Man of integrity and forgiveness is a book which reminds us how powerful grace and forgiveness are in this fallen sinful world. A world in which men and women make sport of hurting each other, and destroy themselves in the process.
This is a very well written and inspirational book. I felt very affirmed and encouraged by reading it, and I'm really thankful that God raised up such men to shine His glory to others, and set such a wonderful example to follow.
Joseph: A Man of integrity and forgiveness is a book which reminds us how powerful grace and forgiveness are in this fallen sinful world. A world in which men and women make sport of hurting each other, and destroy themselves in the process.
April 3, 2018
Chuck strikes again! I read his book on David a few years go and have yet to come across another author who brings these people to life! Not only does Swindoll takes you through the life of Joseph, he gives you practical application throughout the book, and he also brings you back to the most important point- the Gospel!!! I highly suggest this whole series!
April 27, 2009
Wow! What a great read! Joseph is an amazing example of what it means to demonstrate God's love and forgiveness.
Having been a favorite of his father's, his brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery. Then he was falsely accused and put in prison. He had a gift from God to interpret dreams and after interpreting dreams for fellow cell-mates, he told one of them not to forget about him. Well, that man was freed and forgot about Joseph. It was another 2 years for him in jail. Then Pharaoh had a dream and word was sent that Joseph could interpret it. Once he did, he was released and became 2nd in power in Egypt (2nd to only Pharaoh). After saving up during the 7 years of plenty in preparation for the 7 years of famine, Joseph had demonstrated a faith in God that was unparalleled.
When his brothers come to Egypt during the famine for food, Joseph tests them to see if they had changed. It had been 25 years since he'd seen them! He demonstrated forgivness and kindness to them the rest of his days.
I think the biblical account of Joseph was what I enjoyed most, rather than the author's writing. Charles Swindoll uses the actual biblical text in his story and then elaborates and I think Joseph's story is one we can all look up to. I know I can use an example for someone who doesnt hold grudges or harbor anger. Joseph is a perfect example to look up to.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Old Testament stories or characters! And I'm looking forward to reading more of them by Charles Swindoll.
Having been a favorite of his father's, his brothers were jealous and sold him into slavery. Then he was falsely accused and put in prison. He had a gift from God to interpret dreams and after interpreting dreams for fellow cell-mates, he told one of them not to forget about him. Well, that man was freed and forgot about Joseph. It was another 2 years for him in jail. Then Pharaoh had a dream and word was sent that Joseph could interpret it. Once he did, he was released and became 2nd in power in Egypt (2nd to only Pharaoh). After saving up during the 7 years of plenty in preparation for the 7 years of famine, Joseph had demonstrated a faith in God that was unparalleled.
When his brothers come to Egypt during the famine for food, Joseph tests them to see if they had changed. It had been 25 years since he'd seen them! He demonstrated forgivness and kindness to them the rest of his days.
I think the biblical account of Joseph was what I enjoyed most, rather than the author's writing. Charles Swindoll uses the actual biblical text in his story and then elaborates and I think Joseph's story is one we can all look up to. I know I can use an example for someone who doesnt hold grudges or harbor anger. Joseph is a perfect example to look up to.
I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Old Testament stories or characters! And I'm looking forward to reading more of them by Charles Swindoll.
July 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I've always loved the story of Joseph. So much inspiration and a great example of integrity, honesty, patience, and forgiveness. This book opened my eyes to look at parts of the story in a new light.
However, a few things annoyed me. Mr. Swindoll, who I greatly admire and respect, apparently felt the need to make the book look larger than it really needed to be. One way in which he did this was to quote a stretch of scripture from Genesis and then immediately paraphrase it, sometimes with hardly any significant changes. It just felt silly and repetitive to me.
Some reviewers have posited that there was too much "life application lessons" throughout the book. I was ok with that. Sure, some of them felt a little forced, but overall it didn't bother me.
Finally, I felt like, even though there were a few gems in chapter 11, it was mostly fluff. That was the most disappointing chapter to me.
The rest was golden, though, and I would very much recommend the book to anyone interested in exploring the life of Joseph.
However, a few things annoyed me. Mr. Swindoll, who I greatly admire and respect, apparently felt the need to make the book look larger than it really needed to be. One way in which he did this was to quote a stretch of scripture from Genesis and then immediately paraphrase it, sometimes with hardly any significant changes. It just felt silly and repetitive to me.
Some reviewers have posited that there was too much "life application lessons" throughout the book. I was ok with that. Sure, some of them felt a little forced, but overall it didn't bother me.
Finally, I felt like, even though there were a few gems in chapter 11, it was mostly fluff. That was the most disappointing chapter to me.
The rest was golden, though, and I would very much recommend the book to anyone interested in exploring the life of Joseph.
September 7, 2019
It's been years since I read this book, but due to some things going on in my life, I really wanted/needed to reread this story. Joseph has been my hero for a very long time. He went through so much, yet he kept his focus on the right things. He didn't come better or seek revenge.
This audiobook was well done and was perfect to listen too during my busy work schedule.
This audiobook was well done and was perfect to listen too during my busy work schedule.
January 20, 2010
I enjoyed this book about Joseph. I've always been fascinated by his life story. He definitly was a person with a great attitude and of great integrity. I hope both of those qualities are in my own son Jozef.
September 1, 2012
I love these biographical profiles Charles Swindoll has written. I've read the ones he did on David and Paul, and they were excellent as well.
Here are some take-aways:
* A strong faith leads to a good attitude. When those two essentials are in place, troubles become challenges to face not reasons to quit.
* During the waiting period, trust God without panic.
* A number of years ago, someone counted up the promises in the Bible and totaled 7,474.
* Integrity has a way of silencing the critic.
* With authority comes the need for accountability. With popularity comes the need for humility. With prosperity, comes the need for integrity.
* Recognize & admit when you have a negative mentality. Force a vertical focus until it begins to flow freely. Stay open to a new idea for at least five minutes.
* "Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." Isaiah 30:18.
* You say you want to be considered great some day? Here's the secret: Walk by faith, trusting God to renew your attitude.
* Business is a lot like the game of tennis. Those who don't serve well end up losing.
* You can tell a company by the personnel it keeps.
Here are some take-aways:
* A strong faith leads to a good attitude. When those two essentials are in place, troubles become challenges to face not reasons to quit.
* During the waiting period, trust God without panic.
* A number of years ago, someone counted up the promises in the Bible and totaled 7,474.
* Integrity has a way of silencing the critic.
* With authority comes the need for accountability. With popularity comes the need for humility. With prosperity, comes the need for integrity.
* Recognize & admit when you have a negative mentality. Force a vertical focus until it begins to flow freely. Stay open to a new idea for at least five minutes.
* "Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him." Isaiah 30:18.
* You say you want to be considered great some day? Here's the secret: Walk by faith, trusting God to renew your attitude.
* Business is a lot like the game of tennis. Those who don't serve well end up losing.
* You can tell a company by the personnel it keeps.
July 14, 2009
I love all Chuck Swindoll's books, especially the ones from this Great Lives From God's Word series. This is the 3rd book I've read in the series (Read Jesus and David previously) and I have to say, it's my favorite so far. Joseph is probably my favorite bible hero after Jesus. To have the patience of Joseph and the complete trust in the Lord that he had would be incredible. I bet he was a great father to Manesseh and Ephraim although the bible doesn't speak much of it. I always love rooting for the underdog and Joseph was the ultimate underdog....who eventually with the Lord on his side became the ultimate success story.
November 4, 2007
I love Joseph. His whole life is full of tragedy that you just can't believe is happening to him: being sold into slavery by his own brothers, accused of rape, imprisoned for a long time, etc. After he correctly interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh, he is finally taken out of prison and becomes Prime Minister of Egypt. In his position, he is able to save his whole family from starvation. Everything was in God's timing.
December 9, 2013
Another winner from Charles R. Swindoll's celebrated series of biographical character sketches from God's Word. One can tell that Swindoll goes in deep and lovingly talks his way through his subject matter. That statement is especially true in the case of Joseph: A Man of Integrity and Forgiveness. Of course, the Bible present Swindoll with much to write about; his is a story of dramatic twists and turns. Read this and enjoy.
August 18, 2009
I re-read this book to help me prepare for a Bible study at my chaplain job and was amazed again how good it was. The residents loved it too as I went through it with them. The story of Joseph is like a common day soap opera!
July 29, 2014
Superb book covering the entirety if Joseph's life. Mr. Swindoll dives into Joseph's story to find characteristics we can role model and makes each situation relevant to our lives. fabulous & favorite read!!!
January 22, 2015
My first book by Swindoll, Joseph was a enriching read. With intelligent writing and inspiring teaching Swindoll reminds us that Joseph was a man with the utmost integrity that each of us should strive to exemplify.
February 24, 2007
I completely enjoyed this book! Would highly recomend it! Great as a study guide!
September 2, 2012
Love the one I'm reading on David, I want to read this one next!!
September 3, 2012
One of my favorite biographies by Charles Swindoll.
April 2, 2018
gostei desse livro porque conta a historia de um homem que foi traido.por seus irmaos e msm assim os perdoou.E uma historia da biblia.
December 30, 2019
In Charles Swindoll's Great lives from God's word #3 we get the life and story of Joseph (Which follows books #1- David, and book #2-Esther.). Chuck brings the story to life, using scripture from Genesis we go through all the major ups and downs of Joseph. The title states " A man of Integrity and Forgiveness" I would agree with this and would add humble, patient, disciple of Christ. As time goes on, there are fewer and fewer "Joseph's" of todays world.
August 5, 2020
Joseph the Dreamer is my favorite OT character. His forgiving heart, his integrity and his faith fin God despite of everything that happened in his life was totally worth emulating!
Learned so much from this book :)
Learned so much from this book :)
August 6, 2022
Good book for preaching
While I enjoy luster to Chuck preaches I am not a fan of reading his sermons. Basically that is what this book is, a series of sermons based on the Joseph narrative in Genesis
While I enjoy luster to Chuck preaches I am not a fan of reading his sermons. Basically that is what this book is, a series of sermons based on the Joseph narrative in Genesis
October 4, 2023
I like Chuck Swindoll's, and since this one is about my favorite Bible character, I had to read it. It was well worth my time.
February 6, 2022
Joseph truly was a man of faith, integrity, and enduring forgiveness. His story has great relevance for us today as our world is in tremulous need of those qualities. There are many encouraging truths to buoy the modern believer being buffeted by life’s trials.
August 15, 2019
Charles Swindoll has hit the mark with his biography of Joseph. This book was truly a wonderful experience. I was greatly encouraged, especially reading all about the negative things that occurred. Yet, he managed to give God the glory. I only hope I can keep the faith Joseph demonstrated.
April 26, 2015
Chuck Swindoll is one of my very favorite authors. He makes the bible come alive in a way that every1 cannot do. I read this book and the others in the series. The points Chuck makes throughout this book are so clear, concise and easy to understand. For sure, if you believe in God you know He is a forgiving God. For Joseph to go through the things he went through and have so much forgiveness in his being can only come from God. The carnal part of our beings is not made of forgiveness. This is a excellently written book that did not take God's word out of context & got the point across well.
February 27, 2017
I always thought about the story of Joseph as one that dealt with overcoming adversity, and not playing favorites as a father. But after reading this I realized I missed the point all these years. It's a story of forgiveness, renewal, and constant reassurance on Joseph's part.
Besides forgiving his brothers for what they did to him, and having the opportunity to redevelop a relationship with his family, he found himself reassuring his brothers due to the guilt they felt. At least for a while they weren't able to forgive themselves. It really is a great lesson for us all to learn.
Besides forgiving his brothers for what they did to him, and having the opportunity to redevelop a relationship with his family, he found himself reassuring his brothers due to the guilt they felt. At least for a while they weren't able to forgive themselves. It really is a great lesson for us all to learn.
January 6, 2019
This book is probably better than a three. I got bored half way through and quit reading it. I picked it up again and finished it, albeit two years later. I now remember that I was reading Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead at the same time. I quit reading that book too. I imagine I just had a bad combination. I remember thinking this book was good at the beginning, and when I picked it up again the last two chapters were great too. The book has lots of Swindoll's wise insights that you'd expect, along with funny anecdotes. Swindoll brought Joseph to life, and there are great lessons to drawn from this book for believers in their pursuits of holiness.
June 2, 2015
This was a good account of Joseph's story. He went chapter by chapter of the Biblical account in depth. I appreciated that he humanized Joseph. He wasn't this lofty Biblical saint. He was just a guy with faith. However, I feel like Swindoll really went on a lot of tangents as he tried to apply and connect each portion of the Biblical story with real world anecdotes and accounts. That was necessary, to a point, but I think he just took it too far. So that's why I'm going to have to give it 3 stars.
May 22, 2013
Another solid book by Chuck Swindoll. If you're looking for scholarly, historic, textual studies and reflections, you'll be sorely disappointed. However, if you're looking to be encouraged and inspired by the stories of the people of the Bible, C Swindoll does it like few others can. The book reads like a series of sermons. There are wonderful God-truths, and you will be inspired and encouraged by folks who lived their life with faith.
December 30, 2013
Swindoll accurately captures the main themes of Joseph’s story, especially concerning the sovereignty of God, yet the overall effort comes up short. Too much emphasis on strong leadership principles and positive attitudes bog down the flow of this book. While both of those things are good and necessary, they seem quite tangential to the intended thrust of the narrative. I applaud Swindoll’s desire to pastorally apply truth, but wish he’d focused more on the bigger picture.
February 4, 2016
Awesome. Mr. Swindoll really dives in to Joseph's life like a student of the Word. In some instances, Swindoll opens your eyes and mind to the things we often overlook when reading the bible. I truly never lost interest when reading this book about Joseph from beginning to end, from page to page. Joseph truly was forgiving and the grace of God covered his life from beginning to end. An excellent study of His Word.
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