You have Not been Forgotten

Have you ever wanted, needed, or been promised something? Yet in everything, it didn't come. This is a waiting season and I've been there too... or have I been forgotten?

No one knows what being forgotten is like more then Joesph.

God gave Joseph dreams that one day he would be so great his family would bow down to him. (See Genesis 37:1-11) All of this caused jealousy among Joseph's brothers who sold him into slavery.

Joseph was bought by one of Pharaoh's officials, Pontifar. The only problem, Pontifar's wife wanted Joseph for her earthly pleasure. Joseph wasn't having any of this. So she gave false witness toward Joesph. She plain and simple lied because things were not going her way. This lead to Joseph being through into prison.

How could God take a slave, thrown into prison, and bring forth his promise of being great one day? God was working things out. Just because we can't see it doesn't mean God isn't working it out.
While in prison, God showed favor on Joseph and all he did, so much, that Joseph was put in charge of other prisoners.

After some time, the Pharoah's cupbearer and baker were thrown into the prison with Joseph. Each had a dream, but they didn't understand their dreams.  They told Joseph, and God gave him the answer. Joseph explained what each dream meant, one good and one bad. What Joseph said came true, but the cupbearer forgot all about Joseph when he went back to work for Pharaoh.

 The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. - Genesis 40:23

 Just because people forget us doesn't mean God has.

Pharoah had some dreams, but the wise men of Egypt didn't know what they meant. This reminded the cupbearer about Joseph and what he had done for him. So he told Pharoah, who had Joesph brought from prison. Once again God showed Joseph the meaning of the dream.

A famine was coming, and God also gave Joseph wisdom on how to prepare. Pharaoh took this as a good sign and put Joseph in charge of collecting and distributing food. This was the position God had promised Joesph in his dreams, and would lead to his family bowing to him.

Though he waited years, God took the seemingly impossible circumstances and used them to work out all his plans for Joseph.

If God can do this for Joseph, why would he not do the same for you?

While waiting, keep holding on to the promise that God will provide your needs, He will provide what He has promised.

What part of this story do you find  yourself in? Are you hearing about your promise, waiting, or receiving your promise? What part of this story is the most encouraging to you?

Music Monday: Walk on Water

Oh, I pray that I will follow Jesus were ever he leads.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

We are reminded that it takes faith to please God, because it is by faith we can walk on water. It is by faith we can follow where we are lead. 

Simon Peter won't you put those nets down
follow me I'll lead you out of this town
to a place where no boat has ever been
I will make you a fisher of men

Jesus walked out on the water
said take courage it is me
Peter trusted and he wanted to go farther
so he stepped out on the sea

If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water
If I keep my eyes on Jesus I can walk on water

Just like peter I want to go farther
tread on the sea and walk on the water
step where he steps and go where he goes
side by side when the sea billows roll
I'll be alright when the wind comes
I'll be alright when the waves come crashing
I'm not afraid for this is my father's world.

This song is not new, but I do love it. I need to remember to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Dear Lord, open my eyes and help them to truly focus on you and where you are leading. In Jesus Name, Amen

Where is God leading you today?

Driving out darkness with love

Today's reading and Journaling is: Luke 6:35-36

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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We left yesterday with the assignment to ponder John 15:13 and ....

 Jesus gave up his life for _______. (Insert your name.)

Now for the rest of the story....

Today's verses take this a step further.

"But Love your enemies, do good to them .."Luke 6:35

The hard part for my fleshly, natural, sin-filled man, is what I'm getting ready to say.

Jesus gave up his life for your enemy, too.

Our enemies treat us horrible, that is why we consider them our enemy. But God's word reminds us that no matter what we should still treat them well, doing good to them.

No more back biting, gossiping, or showing our disapproval. No, strive to do good to them. Because as Martin Luther King Jr. said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

As you spend the weekend with those you love, look for ways you can show love to your enemy. Because that is what will make the difference.

***Side note, abuse is not what I am talking about here. Abusers are the enemy and do not understand love. In that situation, yes, please still love them, but love them from a distance, by praying for them. Make sure you get help from your abuse, which comes in many different ways. Ask God to send those who will stand with you and pour His love into you, helping you to see the truth. You are precious. ****

What Love and Selfless Sacrifice have in common?

Today's reading and Journaling is:  John 10:11-15; 17

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down their life for a friend."

Think about the sacrifice... the selflessness, the love!

I recently heard a story of a mom, who in the last moments of her child's life was asked. "Can your child be a donor?" Her response puts this love in plan view.

This mother, in pain, choose the selfless act and said yes. When asked why her response is pure love. She didn't want another parent to deal with the pain she was feeling. Pure and simple that is the type of love this verse is talking about.

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die." - Romans 5:7

We are reminded that for a righteous man, it is rare that someone would die, but for a good man, maybe...

Well if you are like me, my natural, flesh filled man is not even good. Yet... God sent Jesus, who while on the cross showed our love by selflessly giving up his life for us. 

Jesus gave up His life for Ona....

Jesus gave up His life for _______. (Insert your name)

Today, I want you to ponder this, and come back tomorrow for the rest of the story.

God's Love for the imperfect and flawed

Today's reading and Journal Entry is:  John 3:14-16

You can do this by writing the scripture, you can also join me in using art. Print the large or small version of our Lessons on Love, from Jesus lesson.

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For God so loved the world....

If you are imperfect, or flawed, it may be hard to believe that God loves you. Christian or not, these thoughts may surround you. Surely, I am not alone here.

But the truth is God loved you, because you were created by Him. He knitted you together in your mothers womb. He planned your days.

I don't know about you but when I make something I find pride in it. I may be disappointed that I that I thought in my head was bigger and my knitted hat came out longer than I needed, but I still love it. Have you ever knitted or crochet something, maybe you can relate?

God is the same way. He loved you, your friends, coworkers, and neighbors, so much he offered his son as a sacrifice for you to know Him. Not just for you to know Him, but for you to spend eternity with Him.

Soak it up....

I hope today's picture reminds you of how special you are. Of how much God loves you. When you are finished post this picture where you need it most. In the bathroom, on the fridge, on your door.

Where do you need this reminder the most? What part of this resonated with you the most?

Post a picture on facebook of your drawing and where you put it.

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for day 4.