January 20, 2010

Again I am struck by the agreement of the passages for today, and the message in them. Dreams and parables, signs and wonders featured strongly. This is very timely, for aren't we in the times Jesus prophesied, the end of the age? Maybe we have heard the story of Joseph and the parables of Jesus since we were children, and take them too lightly. But they have huge significance for this time that we are in.

God will be speaking to us (and even to unbelievers) in dreams and visions, because we will need instruction! The parables are important for our time! Understanding God's spiritual language is needed for direction, wisdom and discernment. For our protection and the good of those we care for and serve, we must seek the Lord for understanding! It's not just for people who might considered weird because they are gifted prophetically, it's for anyone "who has ears to hear."

"Jesus told the crowd all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world." Matthew 13:34-35

Jesus is still speaking in dreams, visions and parables today, and He is still giving those who seek him the keys of understanding that will save the day.

January 19, 2010

Joseph's Tips for having FAVOR:
1. Make sure God is with you. Genesis 39:2-5
2. Have godly character (e.g. trustworthy, faithful, pure). 39:7-9
3. Don't lose your character under duress 39:19-23
4. Pay attention to people and be a loving servant. 40:6-7
5. Know your gifts and glorify God with them. 40:8
6. Do whatever you do very well. 40:22
7. Remember-- your favor comes from God, not people. 40:23
8. Don't forget good grooming! 41:14
9. Be confident that your gift will always function when you give God the credit and not yourself. 41:16

Jesus' Tips for having Favor (HE IS your FAVOR):
1. Do the Father's will. Matthew 12:50
2. Learn to speak the language of the Kingdom. 13:3
3. Learn to see, hear, and understand the language of the Kingdom 13:16
4. Be good soil for the Word and bear fruit. 13:23

David's Tips for having Favor: Psalm 17:1-15
1. Pray for favor.
2. Speak the truth.
3. Stick to the Way.
4. Trust the Lord.

Solomon's Tips for having Favor: Proverbs 3:34
1. Don't look down on people.
2. Be humble.

Bonus:
"To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." Matthew 13:11 Seek the Lord for wisdom, discernment and the gift of interpretation (e.g. dreams). They were keys for Joseph's favor, and they will be much needed in the days to come.

January 18, 2010

I wonder how much of the "persecution" we go through is brought on by our own mouth and attitudes? Joseph ended up in a pit because of his, even though he had true dreams. Genesis 37: 5-8 My pride has brought me down many times-- and yet, God is faithful and performs His word. We may have to go through some rough stuff, though, to get us to the place where we can handle our dreams and visions.

If we know we have the favor of God (all His children do), we should help others come to the knowledge that they are favored as well, rather than acting like we are super special above others.

If we're seeing bad fruit in our lives, maybe we should check the tree it's coming off of. A root of pride is going to cause us to say things at the wrong time and with the wrong attitude. And it's our words that indicate our heart condition. Matthew 12: 33-37

There is no glory in being criticized, mistreated, avoided or outright rejected because of our own shortcomings-- no glory for ourselves or the Lord. But if we are persecuted and our hearts do not judge us, then we can say with David: "because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:8b