Friday, January 15, 2010

Sweet dreams


Sweet Dreams

The picture today is called "sweet dreams". I picked it because of the butterflies, not the crowns and jewels. Even though we are all daughters of the King the crowns and jewels are very fitting for the writing about the dreams and remember you are a princess!

Do you ever have a dream and wonder what it means? Do you have a dream of a loved one that has died and you are with them and it is so real you don't want to wake up yet? I have. I did last night. It was a good dream. One of a lady that was always special and she spoke the truth. She was still speaking the truth and we were all laughing and listening to words of wisdom. It was good. It was her. I felt God was telling me she is doing great with HIM. I don't know, but that is what I felt.

Today with Joseph from Genesis 40 and 41 were so full of important information for us to learn from and to take to heart. One being time ~ God's timing. It is different from ours. Joseph was tossed into that prison and left. No timetable about when he would ever come to trial or if he would ever come to trial. In those days, no date was set it was when the rulers just decided to hold court. So, what did Joseph do?

Joseph made himself useful. He worked. He earned respect and most of all He trusted in God. Always giving God credit ~ verse 8 ~ Interpreting dreams is God's business…Again in chapter 41 verse 16 ~It is beyond my power to do this," Joseph replied, "But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease."

Always remember to give God the credit and point things to God. Our testimonies will only be powerful and meaningful when we remember that God is the one that changed things for us, it certainly wasn't us. Also, we must be willing to open our mouths and share about what God is doing in our life. Sometimes, it would be easier to sit with our mouth tightly shut rather than stir something up…we are to share, if you feel the prompting open your mouth God will provide the right words.

Timing. Joseph waited and he waited. The cupbearer waited two years to mention Joseph. What did Joseph do in the mean time? He worked and prepared himself for whatever God had planned. He didn't allow himself to become bitter and angry. Think about it. What if when the Pharaoh finally sent for Joseph, he showed up and was all angry and bitter and refused to help ~ where would this have gotten Joseph? The next time you feel overlooked and forgotten, please be patient God is preparing you just like He did with Joseph for His plans not ours.

Joseph is such a lesson for all of us. Remember, his bragging to his brothers and the trouble it got him in? Well, God forgives all of us, if we learn and admit our mistakes. We don't know when God will call us out of our prison, but we must be ready when we are called. So pray, learn and grow during those difficult times. After all, it had to be difficult for Joseph sitting in that prison and the times that he had to be human and wonder will I ever get out. After all, he was very human just like us.

We have to trust. Trust in our Savior that He will save us in His way not ours, in His timing not ours and know that He never ever leaves alone!

Trusting,

Debbie

2 comments:

Frankie said...

Debbie, first of all I love that picture. It is so sweet!

As I think about God's timing, what comes to my mind are these divine appointments that take place right here with Joseph. God uses these encounters to unfold His plans. He would save the nation of Israel from death/starvation through people, namely Joseph.

My husband, Steve and I have lived in four different cities since we were married 28 years ago. Moving and starting new in a town is not easy, but I would not change that experience and that is because of the people I have encountered. Divine appointments I am sure. To me, great women of God who I have learned so much from. I am certain that God brought me to Shreveport for such a time as this. His timing is perfect!

~The Chick~ said...

I had forgotten just how great a man that Joseph was. I have enjoyed re-reading his story.

A couple things are on my mind about today's study. One is I'm still feeling sorry for Joseph. He's one of those guys that "if it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen to Joseph." And, the thing is, he didn't deserve it. I can't imagine being in prison, but being in prison for a crime you didn't commit. That's even worse!

I can't help but to think about the people who are in jail now for a crime they didn't commit. Some of the lucky ones, because of DNA, have been able to prove their innocence and get out of prison... But, the lost years can never be replaced. I need to start praying right now for all the innocent people in jail.

The other thing I wanted to mention, is the names that Joseph gave his first two sons. He named his first son "Manasseh, for he said, 'God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father's family.' Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, 'God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.'" Joseph is grieving over his family. He still loves his family even though they did him wrong...

But there is one good thing. God is with Joseph. And when you've got God on your side, that's all you need!!!!