Day 5 + read Genesis 37, 41, 50

"37:5 Once Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more."

"50:20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today."

Those two verses are a perfect introduction to the story of Joseph. It tells us two important things today:

1. How does God speak? Sometimes God speaks through dreams.

2. How does God act? Sometimes God redeems human actions.

You probably know the story of Joseph. His jealous brothers wanted to kill him, he was sold into Egyptian slavery, and he was thrown into prison.

God redeemed, however, what others intended for harm: By speaking to Joseph through dreams, God enabled Joseph to rise to power in Egypt. Joseph’s position as governor allowed Joseph to save his brothers -- and indeed, the fledgling nation of Israel!

What does God say?

Sometimes God speaks through dreams.

What does God say to us?

First and foremost, I am not about to suggest that every dream is from God!!!

Generally my dreams are too weird and selfish and generally irrelevant to be godly! Nevertheless, my dreams often draw up what’s pressing on my heart -- anxiety, insecurity, anger, greed, lust, or guilt.

One of the most helpful devotional practices I ever tried was to write down my dreams in the morning. Then I would write a prayer that addressed the concern that was subconciously weighing on me.

I offer this as an idea that you might wish to try ... or you might not.

Two tips if you do:

1. Don’t pretend you’re Joseph! If I thought most of my dreams were instructions from God, I’d probably be in jail before the end of the month! Use the dreams simply to spark your morning prayer.

2. Write them down before your feet ever hit the floor! If you do anything else first, the dream (and the emotions) are gone.

What does God say?

In Genesis 37, when Joseph dreamed of eleven sheaves of wheat bowing down to the one, God gave Joseph and his brothers a glimpse of their future.

In order to eat in the midst of a famine, the eleven would need to do the unthinkable -- bow down humbly to the one.

What does God say to US?

For the people of Israel, salvation came by bowing down. In what ways do you need to humble yourself and bow down?


(Hint: If you didn’t say, "Bow to God," now would be a very good time to say, "Oh, yeah, and humble myself before my Lord most of all!!!")

What does God say?

In Genesis 41, Joseph correctly interpreted the dream of Pharoah. Seven fat cows meant seven years of plenty, and seven slender cows meant seven years of famine.

What does God say to US?

God says there will be times of plenty in your life and there will be times that are lean. Using the wisdom from above, what should we do in times of plenty? What should we do in seasons of lean?


Please note that the principles from this dream are not just about rich seasons, lean seasons, and economic wisdom.

God tells us through his Word that there is "a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace" (Ecclesiastes 3:2-7).

Which of these principles do you need in your life most today? Why?

P.S.

"50:20Even though you intended to harm me, God intended it for good." God didn’t say that. Joseph did. That’s why I put this as a "P.S." instead of a "What does God say?" Nevertheless, this is one of the most important principles in life, spurring an important question ...

What harmful, painful, tragic, sinful thing has the world tried to work in your life that God has nevertheless redeemed and enriched you through?!



Thank God for his goodness!