Beyond Measure

Genesis 41: 41-57

For the past six months God has been telling me to wait; wait on his promises.  I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job, but I’ve wondered what I should be doing while I wait?  It feels like I should be doing something, but what exactly?

Reading today’s passage gave me an answer – preparing and storing up.  Just as Joseph used the seven years of abundance to prepare for the seven years of famine, so too should I be using this time to prepare for what’s to come.

So, I’ve been reading and storing up God’s Word.  I’ve been praying and talking and listening and waiting.  My hope is that, like Joseph, I’ll be prepared for whatever comes next.  I pray I’m ready and willing to take the steps I need to take now to ensure prosperity in the future; not only for myself, but for those around me.

I want to serve as a positive example of what waiting and preparing looks like.  I want to display faith that God will provide in the time he has designated.

Father, you know the plans you have for me.  Sometimes the waiting becomes uncomfortable, but may I use this time wisely and remain ever faithful in the knowledge that You never fail.  Let Your will be done in my life today and in the days to come.  Amen

"What We do Matters"

Genesis 37: 12-36


Today’s reading tells the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers.  While Joseph is the focus of this story, I was intrigued by Reuben.  Reuben is the oldest brother, the first-born son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah.  He first shows up in this reading in verse 21 where he tells his brothers not to harm Joseph.  Ultimately, he plans to rescue Joseph and take him back to Jacob.  


In verses 23 – 28 we see how Reuben‘s (and Joseph’s) brothers take things into their own hands with Judah acting as the leader.  The do not physically harm Joseph, but sell him into slavery.  Verse 29 makes it clear that this was done without Reuben’s knowledge or consent. 

Why did the brothers ignore Reuben?  I personally have a high regard for my oldest sibling (brother).  While we don’t always agree, there is something about his place in the family that is special and deserves respect.  Do you share this perspective?  Are you the oldest sibling in your family?  If this is in any way true today, it was significantly more so in Old Testament times.  So why the total disregard for Reuben?  A couple of verses in Genesis 35 shed some light on this topic:  “²¹ Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. ²² While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it.”


If you read the rest of Joseph’s story you will see how Judah clearly takes over Reuben’s role.  In Genesis 49: 3-4 Reuben’s fate is “sealed” as Jacob gives his final blessing:   ³ “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
⁴ Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.”


What can we learn from this?  What we do matters!!  Our ability to lead or influence others in a positive way is affected by our actions.  This seems like good reason to continue to grow in our walk of obedience to God’s commands.  Thanks be to God for the many gifts He provides in our walk of faith and the grace and forgiveness that are ours through Jesus Christ when we fall short. 

Forgiveness is Never Easy

…When their message came to him, Joseph wept.  Genesis 50: 17b

Have you ever had to forgive someone a huge wrong?  It’s hard to do isn’t it.

I’m not talking about forgiving someone who talked bad about you or lied about you.  Maybe you have had someone steal from you and you knew you needed to forgive them.  Forgiving someone is always hard but I am talking about forgiving someone whose choices had a life altering consequences for you.

Perhaps someone’s lies lost you your job, causing you to uproot your family in search of a new start.  Maybe you have been the victim of abuse.  Now, because of someone else’s choices you are trying to learn how to trust again. It could be, you have lost a loved one to a drunk driver and your only choice is to forgive or let the hopeless bitterness and despair consume you.

Joseph was confronted with the seemingly impossible decision of forgiving his brothers.  Sold into slavery as a young boy, Joseph was separated from parents who loved him and forced to live a life of servitude.  He was falsely accused of assault, imprisoned, and alone.  None of these things would have happened to him if his brothers hadn’t acted in such an evil way against him.  Joseph had reason to seek revenge yet their father asks him to seek forgiveness.

His dying request for his son was, “I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.”   Joseph’s response to this request was forgiveness, but something happened before he declared them forgiven and I don’t want you to miss it.

Joseph wept.

When we have been sinned against, forgiveness is required of us.  It is not easy, especially when the hurt is deep and life-changing.  I believe to forgive a deep hurt we must grieve.  Grieve what was lost.  A friend, a job, trust, innocence… Grieve.  Weep deeply, then turn to God to fill that void.  When God fills the hurt we can rely on his strength to forgive.

Read the entire scripture here Genesis 50: 12-21

Promises of a 24 Year Old

Genesis 50:15-26

“Debbie, with these friends and with God as our witness, I make these promises to you: That I will love you as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. That I will take the responsibility of making decisions concerning us and that these decisions will be in the best interest of our relationship with God. I will not impose my will over yours, but God’s will over both of ours. To Him we will both submit that through our relationship others might see Christ’s love. That I will love you, and be concerned for you all of our lives together. I will never leave you, for as God commanded “Whoever I have joined together let no man put asunder.”

 

These were the promises that I made to my wife over 41 years ago. I’m pretty sure I haven’t kept them all. But Joseph lived his life based on a promise. It was a promise that he never saw fulfilled, but he knew that it would be fulfilled someday because he knew that God was faithful. Let’s see what today’s passage has to say about this.

First we read that Joseph’s brothers asked for his forgiveness. And what is Joseph’s response? ^20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives”.

 Later Joseph makes reference to God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. ^24 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”.

 Joseph was 17 when his brothers sold him into slavery. This passage took place shortly before his death at the age of 110. Joseph did not live an easy life, but for 93 years he knew that God was faithful; he knew that God would fulfill His promises.

 Jesus made promises to his bride, the church. He promised that he would return for her. He promised that he would leave his Spirit to strengthen and comfort her. He promised that he would make her holy without blemish. He promised that nothing could separate her from his love. These promises still hold true for us.

 “Debbie, I love and need you, but we must both first love Jesus. All these things I can promise you not through my own strength, but through the strength of God’s Spirit, by whom all things are possible.”

 

This is the final paragraph of my vows. Pretty idealistic for a 24-year-old, but I did get one thing right. God is faithful, and it is through His strength that we remain faithful, not only to our spouse but also to Him.

Finally At Peace

Genesis 50:4-14

Jacob finally found peace and was buried in the very place he had requested, near his wife Leah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah. Pharaoh’s officials, the dignitaries of his court and all the dignitaries of Egypt accompanied Jacob’s family. Chariots and horsemen also complimented the procession up to the cave in Canaan. What an honorable ceremony. It speaks volumes as to the character of this man.

Most parents can relate to the heart of Jacob and the importance of finding peace before leaving this world. Families are created through the love and dedication of parents. We want the best for our children and all the offspring that follow.

Personally I feel distraught and rather helpless when things within the family are not cohesive. When any in the flock are hurt, distressed, or in conflict my soul is in a state of unrest.

Just as God our Father wishes us to be content and at peace, it’s impossible to imagine how He must feel as he views the pain, confusion, and violence within this world.

After all the years Jacob experienced unrest and mourned for his son Joseph, the moment he laid eyes on his boy, now a man, must have been one of elation and pure joy. All those years of wondering and hurting were finally worth it.

Might that be our view when the Lord finally takes us home as well?  Though we journey through countless hills and valleys in this life and the valleys can be extremely devastating, the moment we lay eyes on our Heavenly Father it will all have been worth the price we paid.

Dear Lord, Thank you for always being there for us, for being a loving God unconditionally. We love the way you celebrate with us during joyous times and allow us to feel you through our pain. We look forward to the day we will be with you. Face to face we will truly understand your love, greater than all other love and we will rest in your peace. Amen

Read/Listen to Genesis 50:4-14

The extended forecast

“Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you....  The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor will the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his....”  Genesis 49:8, 10 

It was Judah’s turn.  Jacob had huddled up with his sons, altogether a baker's dozen.  “Gather around,” he summoned them, “so I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come.”  Brothers Reuben, Simeon and Levi had gone first and the forecast for them wasn’t entirely pleasant.  Partly cloudy to heavily overcast, we might say.  And now it was Judah’s turn.  (Gulp!) 

How stunned, then, he must have been at the promise of prosperity, success and leadership awaiting his tribe!  What an honor!  What joy!  And what a relief! 

But wait a minute!  Rewind the tape.  “Your father's sons will bow down to you”?  Wasn’t it Joseph, the favored little sib, who dreamed of his brothers bowing down to him?  And hadn’t all of them, including Judah, already done exactly that – not from desire but circumstances far beyond their control?  So why this twist in the tale?  Would things actually transpire this way for Judah and his offspring, or was Dad simply confused as in a “senior moment,” perhaps? 

In bowing down before Joseph, Jacob’s other sons humbled themselves before an earthly power, second-in-command over all Egypt; they showed him the respect he was due.  For God had redeemed Joseph from the treachery of his brothers and set him above everyone but Pharaoh, himself.  “You intended to harm me,” Joseph would later say in forgiveness, “but God intended it for good to accomplish ... the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). 

But from Judah’s line would come to us a higher power – him who holds all power, whose kingdom is not of this world.  In fact, he has come, just as foretold by Jacob, Moses and all the prophets.  He came from heaven, finished his Father’s work and returned to him.  And he will come again in power and authority over all. 

At that time, it will not only be the descendants of Jacob’s sons who honor the Anointed One, rather every knee in heaven and on earth will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10, 11).  Rich and poor, young and old, famous and anonymous, powerful and helpless, oppressor and oppressed – all will bow down and proclaim him for who he is.  And God will be glorified. 

What a great day that will be!  The forecast calls for clear skies.  Sunny and bright, we might say. 

[Click here to see the daily reading in Genesis 49:1-28.] 

Things are not What They Seem in the Kingdom of Heaven

A favorite movie of mine is Neil Simon’s 1976 film Murder by Death. It stars David Niven, Nancy Walker, Peter Sellers and Truman Capote among others, and is a spoof on “WhoDunIt” murder mysteries.

 Lionel Twain invited all the best detectives in the world (Sam Spade, Charlie Chan, Agatha Christie, et. al.) to his house to solve a murder. The movie ends with one surprise (and funny) twist after another. Things were not what they seemed in the Twain household.

 Today’s reading is Genesis 45:1-28. Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers, and was living in Egypt. He survived the temptation of his master’s wife.  He was humbled when he was thrown in jail. Yet with God’s help he rose to be the most powerful man, aside from Pharaoh, in Egypt.

 Joseph revealed himself to his brothers – to his brothers who turned him over for a life of misery. His brothers were scared upon learning how powerful Joseph had become.

 Yet Joseph showed mercy to his brothers and saved them from the ravages of famine that struck the area.

 Things were not what they seemed in Joseph’s household.

 Joseph’s life had a lot in common with Jesus’ life.

 Jesus humbled himself by becoming a man and living on earth. Like Joseph, Jesus did not succumb to temptation.

 Joseph’s brothers betrayed him. One of Jesus disciples, and in fact all of mankind perhaps, betrayed Jesus.

 Joseph’s brothers thought Joseph would use his position to punish them. Many thought Jesus, the Son of God, would use his powers to re-establish the Jewish Empire and punish those who subjugated Israel.

 Rather, Joseph showed mercy to his brothers and Jesus showed mercy to mankind. Jesus saves us from the ravages of eternal torment in hell.

 After his death, Jesus showed that not only was he the Son of God, but that he indeed was God!

 Jesus gift of eternal life to us is undeserved. There is nothing we need to do to earn it. His grace is contrary to everything we have been taught about life on earth.

 Things are not what they seem in the Kingdom of Heaven!

A Pretty Wild Ride

Genesis 41:46-57

Up to this point, Joseph’s life has been like a rollercoaster.

He started out as a confident, but arrogant teenager. As a result, his brothers sold him into slavery. He was then taken to Egypt where he was bought by Potiphar who realized how God was blessing him, so he put him in charge of his household. Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of trying to rape her, resulting in him being thrown into prison.

 The warden, like Potiphar, also recognized Joseph’s leadership abilities, and appointed him the head of the prison. This led to Joseph being in a position to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams who then made him second in command in all of Egypt. All in all, a pretty wild ride.

It would have been easy for Joseph to wallow in self-pity, anger and resentment while blaming his brothers or Potiphar’s wife for all the pain and suffering he had endured. But he didn’t. Even when life was at its worst, he continued to believe and have faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, his father.

 The passage today is mostly about how Joseph administers his plan to deal with the years of abundance followed by the famine. But, in the middle of this story is a paragraph that almost seems out of place.

 ^50 “During this time before the arrival of the first of the famine years, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of the sun god Re of Heliopolis. ⁵¹ Joseph named his oldest son Manasseh (meaning “Made to Forget”—what he meant was that God had made up to him for all the anguish of his youth, and for the loss of his father’s home). ⁵² The second boy was named Ephraim (meaning “Fruitful”—“For God has made me fruitful in this land of my slavery,” he said).”                  TLB

 The names that Joseph gave to his sons are significant because they reflected his relationship with God. The meaning of those names applies to our faith as well.

 As Paul wrote to the Philippians,  ^“Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it (the prize); the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.” And to the Romans Paul wrote, God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” 

Joseph is a good example for us to follow. If we forget the past and keep our eyes focused on the prize; if we allow God to use our gifts for His purpose; then God just might take us on a pretty wild ride too.

Genesis 41:33-45

Joseph Finds Reward Through God Given Dreams

I have dreams of flying sometimes. I love it when I do. I feel amazing and free! Once in a very vivid dream I recall placing my shoes in my back pocket, leaping from the top of an offshore lighthouse and soaring over the water on a turbulent summer night. It was beyond wonderful. In time I started to lose altitude and became frightened I would fall into the depths of the ocean. As I pushed with my legs and turned slightly sideways in an attempt to ascend, I prayed, “Please God, let me get to shore.” I had full faith in my heart that he would not let me fall. 

I was lifted, guided to shore and then gently touched down on my feet. After a few strides I yanked the shoes from my pocket, put them on, and continued down the street. My heart was nearly bursting with happiness for two reasons. I had the opportunity to fly again, and my God had come through for me once more!

Current research indicates that dreams are the mind’s way of processing strong feelings and experiences. I love the feeling of flying- I experienced it once during the free-fall while sky-diving, and I am a Christ Follower. That explains my dream right, or should I question; “Is God trying to tell me to trust him more? Should I be taking more risks? Is he assuring me that he is always there for me? Was God the lighthouse, my beacon and though I left him he still loved me enough to save me?

In the case of the Pharaoh of Egypt, he was not able to make a connection to his dreams, so was eventually led to Joseph who had been known to interpret dreams in the past. Joseph made it clear to the Pharaoh that he had no power to decipher the meaning of his dreams. It was done by God. Never the less, Joseph was rewarded.

Genesis 41:39-40 Then the Pharoah said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

God, Joseph's beacon was finally calming the waters for him.  Joseph had waited for many years with patience and faith for the Lord to turn bad into good. And good it was! Joseph was adorned with robes of fine linen, given the Pharaoh's ring for his finger and a gold chain about his neck. Joseph rode in the chariot as second-in-command. Pharaoh respected Joseph's connection with God.

As we dream during sleep, daydream, or simply be still in hopes of understand God's will for us, there may be times we sense God is leading us in some way or sending us a message. When that happens the NIV Bible (The Journey A Bible For Seeking God and Understanding Life) recommends taking some specific steps;

Carefully research the issue (Proverbs 14:15)                                                                                      Ask God for Wisdom (James 1:5)

Seek out the counsel of advisers:  (Proverbs 15:22)

Make sure what you propose doesn't violate a scriptural command (Joshua 22:5)

Be sure your plans include God (Psalm 127:1 and Proverbs 3:5-6)   

I urge you to write down these verses and keep them in an easy to locate place. When you feel the Lord may be speaking to you, you will already be prepared to act.   

Read/Listen to Genesis 41:33-45 

        

Luke 2: 21-40

Bucket List 

We don't think of people in Jesus time as having bucket lists, but they certainly did. They likely did not have a term for what we now refer to as a bucket list, but they were people just as we are, with desires, hopes, dreams, and plans.

Simeon, righteous and devout, was told by the Holy Spirit he would not die before seeing the Lord Christ. For many yeas he waited and prayed for the comfort Israel would know once the Messiah arrived.

On the day Joseph and Mary delivered Jesus to the Temple to be consecrated to the Lord according to the Law of the Lord (Exodus 13: 2, 12) Simeon was moved by the Spirit to go to the Temple Courts. We have all been in situations when we did something or went somewhere because we had a feeling or felt lead in a special way. As Simeon viewed Mary and Joseph approaching with the baby Jesus in their arms, we can only imagine the joy and relief he felt in his heart knowing he was right where he was supposed to be at that moment. Simeon greeted them knowing exactly who Jesus was and why he was there. He took the baby into his arms and praised God.

Simeon identified Jesus as the promise and proclaimed the salvation of the world as he dismissed himself from the world in peace as a servant of the Lord.

An honorable man indeed, to be offered such a privilege. As we think about our bucket list, and/or the things we hope to experience or accomplish before meeting our maker they cannot in any way compare. Once accomplished Simeon was able to leave this world peacefully knowing the Messiah had arrived and the salvation of the world was at hand.

How will we leave this world?

Read/Listen to Luke 2: 21-40

Matthew 1: 18-25 and 2:13-23

The Birth of Jesus

I have the privilege of working with an honorable man of God facilitating a youth group on Friday afternoons in our public school. We are blessed to be working within a district that values faith and allows us to gather in the name of God. We are also cautious and prayerful regarding our ability to continue this valuable ministry for our youth. I am a teacher and he is a counselor. Our group is called FROGS (Fully Rely On God). Friday we visited the scripture we address today.
Matthew 1:18-25 “The Birth of Jesus.”

It was very encouraging to hear the comments and questions of our young people, with a heart for God, and a yearning to understand this complicated world through scripture. Some of the young teens had a great deal of biblical background and others very little. Questions were posed by young hearts eager to understand, and their classmates jumped in to respond with passion for scripture and wisdom beyond their years….so cool!

“So why did God send his son here? If God can do anything why didn't he just fix things instead of going through all that with Mary and Joseph and everything?” asked one newcomer. A confident 8^th grade young man couldn't hold back blurting out; “He came to save us all from our sins!” A great deal of conversation ensued from there, and we sat back with confidence, observing the teens go back and forth.

Every year it is different. We do not always have students so well versed and confident in scripture they can share with their peers in such a comfortable manner, but when they can, it is a beautiful thing because teens appeal to each other more effectively than we can as adults, and in turn make a difference out there in the hallways, lunch rooms, and classrooms.

We must continue to teach our youth the realities of then and now. Mary was a teen herself. It is never too early to share the truth of Jesus’ time here as being much, much more than simply a reason to celebrate Christmas. That baby in the manger has such significance it is impossible to put into words… but we must continue to try. The evening in the stable was merely the beginning of “The greatest story on earth” and it affects the heart and soul of each one of us.

Thank you Lord for Mary, and for youth everywhere. They are the future of this world and the world to come..... with YOU.

Read/Listen to Matthew 1:18-25 

                        Matthew 2:13-23

And now about Joseph (and good dads everywhere)

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”  Hosea 11:1

Good dads.  We know them when we see them ...

Good dads protect their children from harm while equipping them to fight life's battles.  Good dads caution their children about life while encouraging them to grow up and live it well.  Good dads discipline their children for what they have done while affirming them for who they are.  Good dads embrace their children while preparing them to venture out on their own.  Good dads share words of wisdom while wisely knowing when to let their children figure things out themselves.  Good dads teach their children to be strong enough to stand alone and then stronger still to understand their need for others.

Their families seek them and surround them, living and loving in an unseen security and safety of the soul.  We know them when we see them, good dads.

Which brings us to Joseph.  We often hear about the prophecy fulfilled in Mary, “God with us” by way of virgin birth.  But God made good on yet another promise, this time through Joseph, the man he tapped to raise his Son. 

For it was Joseph who listened to God and led his family safely to Egypt, out of the grasp of the brutal King Herod the Great.  And when the angel told Joseph to lead the Christ child and his mother back from Egypt – thereby fulfilling Hosea’s Messianic prophecy – he settled his family in Galilee, protecting them this time from Herod’s equally brutal son, Archelaus, who reigned in Judea.

Joseph.  Humble enough to trust God and obey him ... compassionate enough to spare his wife from shame ... watchful enough to shield his family from harm.  And apparently an all-around good dad, for “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)”

Here’s to you, Joseph!  And to good dads everywhere.

[To see the daily reading in Hosea 11:1-9, click here.]

Matthew 1: 18-25

                                               Joseph’s Dream

 Chuck Swindoll has a radio show I listen to every morning at 5:00am. As I exit the shower I hear his honest, straight forward message about what the bible has to say about life. The latest series he has written and delivered is called “Joseph Did You Know.” I have always loved the Christmas song “Mary Did You Know” so it immediately sparked my interest even more than usual.

He spoke of how Joseph must have felt when Mary told him of her visit from an angel, and that she was carrying a child conceived by the Holy Spirit. “Yea right,” he likely thought. We can imagine the disbelief of anyone who was told such a thing, yet it was the truth. Chuck’s message went on to bring to light the kind and virtuous man Joseph was, and how he proceeded once he was also visited by an angel in a dream that clarified Mary’s claim. 

As Mr. Swindoll continued, my thoughts drifted to Joseph as a father. Throughout Jesus’ life, there is not much mention in the bible of Joseph and his relationship with Jesus, Mary, or anyone else for that matter. We know he was a carpenter by trade. I envision Joseph sawing, pounding, and smoothing rough wooden edges with his strong, weathered hands, thinking, “Why was I chosen, and what is my role now?” How could he possibly know how to be the father of Christ? Was God watching every encounter he had with Jesus and critiquing his parenting style?

The role of a father is enormous. It is a responsibility no mother can understand. Though they may appear harsh or unfeeling on the surface, most fathers have a true heart for their children and work hard to protect, provide, and plan for their future. May God bless the fathers of this world, and give them the strength, patience, and determination to stay the course, and follow the will of the Lord, no matter what. 

Read/Listen to Matthew 1: 18-25 

Genesis 37:2-11 -- Joseph's Dream

Was Joseph a well-meaning if misunderstood young man or a bold braggart who enjoyed taunting his brothers?

Genesis 37:10-11 (MSG)
“When he told it to his father and brothers, his father reprimanded him: "What's with all this dreaming? Am I and your mother and your brothers all supposed to bow down to you?  Now his brothers were really jealous; but his father brooded over the whole business."

Other than the dream similarities between these stories in Genesis and the dreams Joseph, Mary’s husband, experienced, I am hard pressed to see a connection with the Christmas story and Advent.  I was afraid to say that out loud, thinking someone might take away my blogging rights, but as you can tell, it is mid-morning and I still have nothing I feel God nudging me to write.

I usually go my own way when this happens, but during this season that just doesn't seem right.  Perhaps DREAMS is the message, the connection.  When we pray for God’s intervention in our lives, our prayers take on a dream like quality.  We are to pray believing our prayers will be answered, but at times our prayers seem so big they are as dreams.

Only a God like the great big God we serve can turn our dreams into answered prayers.  The young Joseph from Genesis had been blessed with dreams that foretold of his future, but just maybe he was to keep them to himself for a time.  An older Joseph, who served as an earthly father for Jesus, encountered dreams as well, but these dreams needed to be spoken and acted upon.  Joseph’s dreams were meant to protect his charge, Jesus.  He could not ignore them, but had to act upon them immediately.

Is there a dream you have been given, one that needs you to act upon or pray about?  If you are called to act – then do so without delay.  But, if you sense the need to pray about it, or just keep it to yourself for a time, then do so.  God will nudge you when action is required on your part.

Read Genesis 37:2-11 here

Listen to Genesis 37:2-11 here

The Story - Chapter 3 - Genesis 47-48

Life is an amazing journey. The roads we choose to take as we pass through life are much like country roads. As we come to the crest of a hill there is a vantage point which enables us to see beautiful landscapes. We are able to view winding ways bordered by magnificent trees, and if we cup our palm over our eyebrow to shade the sun, we can observe sceneries not available from level ground. A vision of this sort requires we travel steep terrain. It is this peak which will provide a different perspective, a broader look at what lies ahead.

Genesis 48:3-4 (NIV) Jacob said to Joseph, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me and said to me, 'I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.'

Take time today to examine the path you are traveling. Is this leg of the journey filled with detours and bumpy roads? Are you being jolted by every stone and rock on you route? Joseph’s journey took him from favored son to simple slave. The turn in the landscape then raised him to respected regent only to be cast down to pitiable prisoner. Joseph’s nearness to God empowered him to be raised right back up to the man in charge.

God knows the big picture, and while He isn’t pulling the strings and taking us from place to place, He is journeying with us. God did not force Joseph to make the decision he made, but He blessed those decisions. Joseph could have chosen to take care of himself, he could have used his position to provide for his own well-being, but he did not.

Genesis 49:25 (NIV) “because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breast and womb.”

When we take the path of least resistance we will miss out on the view at the top of the hill. When we stay on level ground we will never get a glimpse of the incredible scenes that are just beyond the horizon. The steep climb will tax our grit; will leave us breathless, but so will the vision waiting at the top. Come, take a look.

Read Genesis 47-48 here

Listen to Genesis 47-48 here

The Story - Chapter 3 - Genesis 39

Joseph had a rough start in life, going from pampered and favored son of Jacob to a slave of one of Pharaoh's officials, named Potiphar. Even as a slave, the Lord blessed all Joseph did. These blessings did not go unnoticed by Potiphar and Joseph soon advanced in position.  He was given full charge of Potiphar’s entire household.

God was using this time to grow his servant, Joseph, into a man he would use in a great way some day. But, Joseph still had trouble waiting for him. His master’s wife had eyes for him and did not take kindly to rejection. She took revenge on Joseph by lying to her husband, saying, "That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house." (Genesis 39:17-18 NIV)

Joseph was put in prison, but he thrived there as well. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.” (Genesis 39:20-22 NIV)

Have you been mistreated by someone near you? Do you reside in a prison; captive to your feelings, thoughts and pain? Like Joseph, we too can experience blessings as we exist in a foreign place. God surrounds us, especially the broken-hearted. He wants to heal our wounds and bind-up our hearts. God had a major undertaking waiting in the wings for Joseph; He has a grand plan for you too.

Read Genesis 39 here

Listen to Genesis 39 here

The Story - Chapter 3 - Genesis 37

Why did God give Joseph's those dreams if they would only get him into trouble?  I have so many questions about this story.  Pride, preference, deception, and violence greet us early on in the story.  Talk about family dysfunction, this story has it all.  I know favoritism exists in families, having experienced it myself.  My father’s parents did little to hide the fact they loved the children of one of their daughter’s more than the rest of the kids.

Genesis 37:3 (NIV)
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him.”

But, by the same token, my mother’s parents favored us.  So the story of Jacob’s preference for Joseph over his eleven brothers is credible.  The fact that Joseph was the baby of the family just adds fuel to the flame.  While this is normal in families, most similar situations do not end in attempted murder.

The significance for me in this story is in the questions it raises for me.  If this situation did not exist, if the brothers had not sold Joseph into slavery, what would our life look like today?  Did this action thousands of years ago impact history?  I am sure that how I act today not only affects those around me now, but my descendants also.

Genesis 37:36 (NIV)

“ Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard.”

Slavery changed Joseph, and he grew up and matured, losing the selfish ways of a child. Had he been allowed to grow up at home he most likely would have grown out of his exasperating behavior, most of us do.  Regardless, Joseph was used by God in a very big way, but he had much to endure before the entire story would unfold.

Picture a parallel; we have much to endure, many hardships to face before God uses us fully.  He has a plan for each one of us and every morning we wake up and place our feet on the ground, is one more opportunity to fulfill that plan.

Read Genesis 37 here

Listen to Genesis 37 here

Matthew 1: 18-25

"The Birth of Jesus Christ." Last Sunday we talked about Mary and how she must have felt before, and after she was given the gift of Jesus. What about Joseph? He was really thrown for a loop too. A virgin birth? When that was revealed to Joseph, one can only imagine his thoughts and inner feelings about the whole thing.

That must have been quite a dream Joseph had. He too was told, "Do not be afraid." How could he argue with a voice from the heavens speaking the same words that Mary heard? Bringing the exact same message of hope for the world. Joseph and Mary both must have been thinking, "Why me? I am not worthy of this great honor, it cannot be true."

It was an honor beyond all others, yet a trial like no other. Some account is made of the time Mary spent with her son Jesus, but little to nothing is written about Jesus and Joseph sharing father/son time. It makes me wonder why. God chose Joseph for good reason to be his son's earthly father. When I think of the character of Joseph, a skilled, hard working man, it reminds me of my grandfather. The creations that emerged from his workshop were beautiful, yet he was a very quiet, gentle, and modest man. He did what he believed the Lord intended him to do, in a deliberate and focused manner. Never did I hear a cross word leave his lips. He had a strong, silent presence that required no explanation. This is the same type of man I picture Joseph being. He likely guided Jesus as a child and young boy in the same way a shepherd tended to his flock. Ever watchful, yet gentle when they stray. Though we do not have details of Jesus and Joseph's relationship, I believe we can be confident that God placed his son within the care of one of the most genuine men of all time. Because of the blind faith of Joseph and Mary so many years ago,the words of Joseph's dream are true today, "....and they will call him Immanuel" which means "God with us."

Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem - Luke 2:1-7

Everyone had to go to their own town to register for the census as decreed by the Emperor Augustus. Because Joseph was descended from the house and family of David he went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem. Joseph took Mary. They were engaged and she was expecting a child. While they were there she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger. There was no place for them in the inn. The innkeeper wasn’t mean or inhospitable; he simply had no room left. The town was overcrowded because of the census.

Joseph and Mary were alone. They were completely dependent upon God’s care. There was no room in the inn, but God provided a place for them.

Do we make room in our lives for Jesus? Do we say, “no room,” maybe some other day. I’m too busy, I don’t need Him today. God doesn’t call ahead for a reservation. We can’t plan on when He will come. We can’t anticipate when He may call on us to do something or when we need Him as life’s troubles overrun us.

Christ wants to be welcomed, to have a place in our hearts forever. He wants to be generous with His loving care. He doesn’t want us to wait for some more convenient time. He will show up today right where we are in our lives. If you haven't invited Him in, now is the time!

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Healing Tears, Genesis 45

Have you ever been so overtaken by emotion you just couldn’t hold it in? Three years ago Steve and I were preparing to sign papers to adopt our son. Our joy was halted hours before, when we received a call informing us of a serious problem. The severity of the issue froze the adoption and all we could do was cry.

In today’s scripture we see, “Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, ‘Have everyone leave my presence!’ So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it.” Joseph couldn’t hold it in anymore. His breakdown was so noticeable, Pharaoh’s household started talking.

Do you see crying as a form of weakness? Sometimes I do. But if I’m honest, it’s at times of utter despair that I am more willing to let God move. When I stop controlling the situation God is free to work His miracles undisturbed.

For Joseph, tears brought reconciliation and restorations. For my family it was a time for God to show His power. In the morning we had an issue so severe we were looking at eighteen months, at best, before we could adopt our son. Within twenty-four hours though God had the issue resolved completely. New paperwork had been filed and a date set for the adoption. God is good.

Read today entire passage on Biblegateway Genesis 45