Adventurous Prayer

1 Timothy 2:1 (MSG) 
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

My dream for years has been to own a small RV and travel. This was my retirement dream, but as luck would have it, it was my husband's worst nightmare. But, now, after living seven plus years alone, I finally came to the realization that I needed a dream and so I resurrected that old one; which by the way never really left my heart.

To travel over the U.S., meet people, see the sights. To live a life of adventure is so appealing at this time in my life. What fun to step outside my norm and take some chances. To meet folks who don't know Jesus and maybe have an opportunity to make that introduction. So, what is stopping me? Why don't I do it?

Common sense steps in and makes me conduct a 'wisdom check.' I am prompted to ask questions like: What changes do I need to make in order to follow this dream? What are the risks? What could happen? Will this adventure impact me my life and my future?

But, any adventure worth considering is worth dreaming and even planning for. There is nothing that says it is forever. No, maybe just give it a try in small doses. How about a couple weeks in a rental camper? Just to test the waters.

I have been praying about my future, about my dreams and my reality. Wisdom often stops me in my tracks and tells me I am not being practical. My finances do the same sometimes. But I am going to keep praying and I know God has a plan/dream for me. I just hope it includes some real adventurous moments.

What about you, are you filled with a hunger to follow a dream that maybe doesn't seem steeped in reality? Pray, pray every way you know how. See what God might do. Perhaps we'll run into each other on the road.


1 Timothy 2:1-6

The Dream Maker

The story of Joseph is a remarkable tale of youthful boasting and foolish bravado that didn’t end well. Sibling rivalry took over and things went bad in a big hurry. Jealous brothers schemed and conspired to do the unthinkable. Just reading this, I am appalled at the horrific behavior of the older brothers. But, it makes for an exciting story and all the more exciting because it is true life.

Fast forward a number of years and everything is different for this young braggart. He has matured into a responsible adult who is devoted to his God and has a relationship with Him which has kept him focused on what is right and good.

Joseph had a good reputation and because of the blessings God bestowed on him and the households he attended, he was trusted and respected.  His relationship with God afforded the young man the ability to read dreams. His faith in God ensured he would have what was needed when it was needed.

Genesis 41:15-16 (NIV)
Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."
"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

We can operate in much the same manner when we are in a close relationship with God. When we share our day with God, telling him what is on our heart and ask for His help and guidance, He will respond as a loving and kind parent. It is this same love that will enable us to deliver far more than we are able--because God knows what we need before we ask.

Continue reading from this fascinating book this coming week. The intrigue and family dynamics which will come into play are amazing and they point the a wonderful All-Knowing, All-Loving, All Caring God who is always ready to rescue His children from their own foolish ways.

Genesis 41:39 (NIV)
Then Pharaoh 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." 

Genesis 41

Sweet Dreams

Genesis 40:5-7

^... each of the two men—the cupbearer and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were being held in prison—had a dream the same night, and each dream had a meaning of its own.

 When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected.  So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?”

“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.”

Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Are your dreams ever so frightening you wake up from them filled with anxiety you cannot shake off? Sometimes I have dreams which seem real; as though I experienced a glimpse into the future. A short time after waking, I forget what they were about; but still, the anxious feelings remain.

The Lord often used dreams to help His people move forward, or to turn them in a different direction. Dreams are mentioned in the Old Testament many times. Often, God spoke into the hearts of those he loved, while they were asleep. Perhaps they were more open to hearing Him then.

It is said we all dream, but we don't always remember them. Those we do recall in the morning don't make much sense. Often our dreams are fanciful; anything but real, yet they can haunt our waking hours.

There are also dreams we want to repeat. After loosing a loved one we might see them, interact with them one more time. These dreams give peace and comfort. When we awaken we are disappointed it was only a dream, but there still remains the comfort of having 'heard' their voice one more time.

Joseph understood dreams and had the gift of interpretation. We was able to tell the two officials what their meanings were. One man was happy with the results, the other - not so much. 

It is important we realize that dreams aren't reality.  They might reflect something that has happened, or they could manifest those things we fear, but they aren't real. As the words to the Disney song go, "Dreams are a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep." I'm good with that meaning.

Genesis 40:5-15

Reality is Real

Psalm 37:1-2 (NIV) 

 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

As a child, I lived in the land of "if only."  If only I were cool like Wendy Whit, had an adorable bedroom like Mary Holl. This is typical of childhood fantasies; always wanting what our friends have. We grow out of this mindset as we experience life more fully. Growing up gives new perspectives and we learn to be content; to appreciate what we do have and value life itself.

Sometimes though, our life isn't what we dreamed it would be.  We find that once again we are longing for the things others have, like fame and fortune. Our life experiences have left us feeling empty and unfulfilled. What happens when we find we are discontent with our lot? We take up idols.

Sports figures and Hollywood stars become a symbol of success to us. Suddenly we are seeking after fame and fortune for our happiness. Watching a sporting event can be great fun and spending the evening at the movies a wonderful diversion from life, but it isn't all there is.  Actors and actresses age, sports heroes get injured and retire when they can no longer perform. Then what? Is there anything left to live for?

This Psalm is telling it like it is.  The first line instructs us to want more, to live in reality and desire that which is important.  We are to prioritize our life and live in reality. We are called to, “Trust in the LORD and do good.” Simple enough, yet the answer to life’s mystery.

Psalm 37

The reality of dreams

“At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’” 1 Kings 3:5

My father was a good dad. As a young boy, I loved him, admired him and trusted him. And as a seven-year old boy, I also lost him; he died of a heart attack one summer Sunday morning. Though there were plenty of happy moments in the growing-up years that followed, they emerged against a backdrop of emptiness. My father was gone and a great deal of my childlike trust in God might as well have been buried with him.

But years later, when I was 23, God gave me a dream. In my dream, my father was with me again and I as bringing him up to date on what had happened in my life ... that I had gone to college, graduated and had launched my career. With undivided attention, he listened with interest, pride and affirmation. So when I decided also to fill him in on my brother’s and sister’s lives, he said, “I know; you don't have to tell me.” A bit confused, I paused and said, “I just wanted you to know what else has happened since you died.” Then with his assuring grin and peaceful blue eyes, he replied simply, “I never died.” I immediately awoke – tears trickling out of the corners of my eyes – with the warmth of my father's love and a heart daring to hope again in God and his promise of eternal life.

Sometimes, God speaks to us through dreams because, in them, he has our complete attention. All other voices are quelled and it’s an honest encounter of two, each with the clarity and focus of undivided attention. Such was the case one night as Solomon slept …

God told Solomon to ask for whatever he wanted. Had it not been in a dream, who knows how Solomon would have responded amid the distractions of his kingly responsibilities. But in the quiet of sleep, Solomon was amazingly transparent with himself and with his God, for, though dreaming, he articulated a simple and clear reality: God had been kind to his father, David ... David had been faithful, righteous and upright in heart ... Solomon's ascension to the throne was out of God's kindness to David ... and Solomon was no David. “But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties,” he confessed. “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

And how did God respond to Solomon's humble heart and unfiltered honesty? Just as he had intended. For God poured out upon Solomon so much wisdom and discernment that “there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” And since Solomon asked not for his own good, but the good of “this great people,” God also gave him riches and honor beyond all other kings of his lifetime.

When we humbly and honestly come before our God – whether in a dream or fully awake – he listens with interest, pride and affirmation. And when we take time to still our hearts before him, God eagerly, lovingly and faithfully replies to a listening audience of one.

To Egypt and Nazareth -- Matthew 2:13-23

I had big plans for my life. When I finished school and landed my first job I knew there would be no stopping me. I was confident I would be successful and make lots of money. A few years later, I married and began raising a family; always with that dreamy picture of bliss and happiness. Later in life I felt like nothing could impede our plans for retirement and that it was going to be glorious, fading into the sunset together in our dream home.

You probably already know where this is going. Our plans are so very fragile; our dreams can be dashed in a fleeting moment. Our life will take a new direction in the blink of an eye. As I progress in years and gain some wisdom of the way God works, I understand that the only plans that are important, the only dreams that will last, are the ones God has for me. I also find comfort in the fact no one can thwart God's plans and He is always working behind the scenes.

The story told in the Scripture reading for today highlights these facts. God had a plan for His son and he protected his son from harm. Herod wanted to kill the child but God interceded. God had his son’s safety at heart, He has ours as well. God’s plan for His son included our salvation. His plans are perfect ours leave room for improvement.

Read the text for today here.