Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Belief Leading

Yesterday we were introduced to a disciple of Jesus named Tabitha. She witnessed through her gift, sewing, where many became believers. She impacted her community, both Jew and Gentile, but died after an illness. 
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-43
She followed the teachings of Christ and applied them to all she did.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world". James 1:27

After her death the believers called the Apostle Peter who prayed for her to come back to life. She was that irreplaceable. That's why she's a hero in my series. May all of us take our belief and giftedness to lead others to faith. Amen?

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Tabitha

This week's hero let her work be her words , and showed everyone that her joy was found in Jesus. Her name is Tabitha and her God story is found in Acts 9:36-43. She took to heart Jesus' lament of; “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

Tabitha worked for the Lord and took care of the poor. Her names mean gazelle, which indicates a woman of energy, grace, beauty and quick movements.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

Her life’s theme would be to: “Serve the Lord”! She opened her heart, mind, life, and gifts to the Lord and His purposes. Given two of her names, including the Greek Dorcas, it leads us to believe she ministered to the Jews and Gentiles. She is the only woman in the New Testament that is called a disciple. A disciple is a student and a learner, so they can apply it to their lives.
Tabitha took a seemingly simple skill, sewing, and brought many to Christ as she lived out her faith. Don't underestimate your gift - Jesus can use it for His glory. Amen? 



Monday, August 29, 2016

Strive

Four components that we must use in our Christian walk, and incorporate in our lives to have success:

God’s Word
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32

Our Unity
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. -Matthew 12:25

Our Obedience
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. -John 14:15
Our Love
Jesus said, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:35

Always strive to grow in Christ. Amen?

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Motivation

For the last three days we have looked at the attributes of Ittai the Gittite. If he was with us today these could be his closing words of encouragement for us.

 1. “Know who you serve”. Recognize God’s leading and then follow Him.
2. “Keep on track”. Focus on the God task at hand – keep your gaze vertical to not be distracted by the things of this world.
3. “Don’t get ahead of God”. Be where He wants you to be, and do what He’s called you to do.                                                       
Thank God for the heroes, known and obscure, who can motivate us and exemplify for us traits of leadership and discipleship that can help us do great things to the glory of God.
Let the Lord put you on the right course – follow Jesus. Amen?


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Follower or Leader

I’ve heard many times that to be a good leader then you must be a good follower. Ittai the Gittite is a great example. After professing and proving his loyalty to follow God and King David, he is given much authority.
David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.” But the men said, “You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.” The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you.”So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands. The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. - 2 Samuel 18:1-5

He is a great example of handling responsibility. When David organized resistance against his rebellion son, Absalom. Ittai was given charge of a third of his entire fighting force.  He must have been a clearly visible leader.  David recognized how worthy of trust and delegation he was.

May we follow the Lord as we lead others to His truth and show His great love. Amen?

Friday, August 26, 2016

March On

Yesterday we met a man named Ittai who was new to David’s camp just when civil war was ready to break loose between the King and his son Absalom. The them in his life would be, “Stay the Course”.

 21 But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” 22 David said to Ittai, “Go ahead, march on.” So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. – 2 Samuel 15:21-22

He had unquestioning loyalty.  Ittai’s response to David is remarkable.  He says, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.”  He was a man that would serve wherever his king went, whenever his king needed him, and was will to pay whatever in serving David.

May we follower that same example in our loyal service to Jesus. Remember Ittai wasn’t told to start he was commended to, “March on!”. Amen?

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Ittai the Gittite

Have you ever heard about Ittai the Gittite?  You have to love that  name! He is found among the many and somewhat obscure characters in the historical books of the Old Testament.  When David’s kingdom was threatened by his son, Absalom, several men of sterling character stepped up to his side.  We become acquainted with him in 2 Samuel, a man much to be admired, that we’ll learn more about in the next few days.
18 All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king. 19 The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20 You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.” – Samuel 15:16-20

He didn’t make excuses! He had only been with David for a short while.  He was a foreigner.  It wasn’t his fight, but his desire to serve was too great!

What excuses do we make to not serve?

May we use great examples of faithful service to encourage us to do likewise.
Amen?

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

See You Again

Six months ago today I received a phone call that none of us ever want to receive. My Father had passed away. At 86 you would think that it wouldn't have been a shock - but it was. Even in his older years Dad was the picture of life. He loved life, family, people, laughter, and showing love to those around him. But one thing that Dad loved more than all of the above...He loved Jesus.

I miss him terribly but I would never wish him away from where he lives today - in heaven with Jesus. I'm so glad the Lord made this plan so clear to his disciples 2,000 years ago and to us today in John chapter 14.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

To know Jesus is to know God. To know God is know your eternity. I'll see my Dad again, and it's going to be beyond fantastic.
Amen?

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Taking Sides

God's Word says in Hebrews 10:24 says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."

Think today about what God has promised you, and then think about the promises you have made to Him. Since God is faithful to us He deserves our faithfulness to Him in return. The truth was stated long ago, “If you are not with me, then you are against me”.

The psalmist did a good job describing the desired faith/hope relationship with God.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long,“Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. - Psalm 42:1-5

Whose side are you on? You can tell by the choices you make. Amen or Oh-me?

Monday, August 22, 2016

Blogging Away

Today is my five-year anniversary of writing a blog every day. In fact, today is my 1,853rd published blog. Some of you know the back story of why I started. For years I always talked about writing a book, but never had the time. A friend challenged me one day and asked, “How much did you write today”. Even a little but on a consistent basis would be a good start. So, I started journaling every day. The same friend later asked me if I was ready to be published. I had a journal not a “book”. He asked if I ever thought of blogging. I didn’t even know what a blog was. A week later, August 22, 2011, he set me up on blogspot, and here I am five years later. A lot has happened.
In this time period I’ve had 3 grandchildren born, moved back to the Midwest, buried my Father, left Red Bank, came to Hopewell, walked through cancer with my wife, 3 children were married, went on mission trips to Haiti, Brazil, and Thailand, ministered with BGEA, placed my Mom in nursing care, experienced hurricane Sandy, 4 pneumonias, 5 Summits, preached over 250 times, prayed constantly, laughed and cried, and had lots of God moments!
Through all of these (and many more) life experiences I began to wonder if I had any more to write about or if anyone actually cared if I wrote or not. About a week ago I decided that this would be my last blog for a while… but God had different plans. On the same morning last week, I had an old friend share a prayer request but told me she read my blog every day and it helped her deal with life… (I didn’t know she even knew I blogged). A new friend told me that God used a recent message to clarify a decision she had needed to make for a long time. Hmm…
Ok I get it. It’s not about me – it’s about God. As my life verse says, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I will be joyful with all He has given me, pray continually for His perfect will, thank and praise Him for the life I have. Thanks for reading and living the Jesus life with me. Amen?

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Done List


Enoch's closing words of encouragement to us would certainly include:

Don’t only walk after God, walk with God. Keep in step with God. Anyplace other than by His side is too far away!

  Always keep your focus vertical. Don’t look from side to side. Put a smile on His face through your obedience and faithfulness. Be bold- faith comes without fear, because fear is from the devil.

Remember our relationship with God is not based on a "Do List". It is based on the "DONE" list - Jesus has done it all! Because of what Christ done on the cross we should be God's way people.

Each of us should seek to emulate from the example Enoch's walk, work, and witness, in order to receive God’s welcome. Amen?

Saturday, August 20, 2016

In the Middle

We also see Enoch mentioned in the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. This is where we hear again of Enoch's witness and his God pleasing life. This leads to his reward of God bringing him to heaven before death. Enoch's witness includes his believing, his behaving, and his blessings.

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 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 11:5-6

Enoch was a humble man. I recently heard this definition of humility; "Agreeing with God about who you are". This takes us out of the center and puts Jesus there! By faith in Him we can all please God. Amen?

Friday, August 19, 2016

The Ungodly


After the account in Genesis we see Enoch mentioned twice in the New Testament. We get a glimpse of Enoch's work and his public life in the book of Jude. Enoch's work includes his method, his message, and his manner.
 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.  But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 14-21

The ungodly will be judged, but also those who follow Christ. We need to make sure we are walking with Christ, building our faith, and trusting in His plan. Amen?

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Pleasing God


Enoch is this week’s hero of the Bible in my sermon series. He was a man who pleased God. His God story life’s theme would be: Please God in all you do. Little has been written but much has been said about this Godly man. We first hear of him in the book of Genesis.

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah.  After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.  Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years.  Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. - Genesis 5:21-24

This passage describes Enoch's walk and his private life. The word walk denotes a devout life, lived in close communion with God. He did this for a period of 365 years. He was faithfully consistent in his relationship with God.

May we strive to be walking with God and not away from Him. Amen?

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Conversation

A good conversation requires speaking and listening. God desires communication with all of us. We have to make sure we are listening. Let's look at the dialogue in Jeremiah 8:18-22. It tells us that there are certain actions to getting and living well. Jeremiah starts the conversation in verses 18 and 19. You who are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.  Listen to the cry of my people from a land far away.

When you are lamenting or asking God for something, make sure you are focused and clear with your request to Him. Jeremiah's request was two-fold. First he wanted the Lord to hear how sorrowful and heartbroken he felt. Next he wanted to make sure God had not forgotten His people, and heard their cry (troubles).

We can make request like that as well: tell Him how sick, lost, stressed, angered, troubled you are. Make sure you ask God what you want to happen. Now it isn't that God doesn't already know what He is going to do. He wants you to think it over before you ask. Remember the story about the man who could not walk? Jesus wanted him to say what he expected of Him.

Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.  Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” - John 5:1-6

Sounds like a strange request of a lame person, but he didn't answer yes. He said he needed help to get in the pool to be healed when the angel came. Jesus said, Pick up your mat and walk, and he did! Maybe we need to do less complaining. Listening and obedience is what will make us well in the long run. Amen?

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Out Of

Throughout the Bible we see the imagery of light and darkness representing God and evil. Today consider three components for coming out of the darkness:

1. God’s Light

“Light” represents truth, holiness, righteousness, and God’s Word Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. - Psalm 119:105 - 106

“Darkness” represents lies, evil, deceit, and works of Satan. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. - Proverbs 4:19
But Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. - John 8:12

2. God’s Love
Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection is for everyone who receives it.  Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.- Hebrews 9:27-28

3. Godly Living
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey My commands.” - John 14:15 We are to obey God’s commands, and live our lives as Jesus lived His. We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.  Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. – 1 John 2:3-6

Live, love, and share God's hope today, and the things of this world will grow strangely dim by the light of His glory and grace. Amen?

Monday, August 15, 2016

Vertical Focus

Sometimes all we need is for someone to tell us, Don't give up! It's happened to me before, and you may be feeling that way now. I am reminded of Psalm 31:24: Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

You need to keep your focus vertical and hope in the God who says - Don't give up for I am with you always! The beginning of this Psalm is further evidence of His great grace. In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue, be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.  Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit;  deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

Jesus gave His life for you, so you have hope. It may be dark now but God's light is just ahead! Remember where your hope comes from and commit yourself to to doing life His way. He will deliver you from all your fears. Amen?

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Closed

Today I want to talk about three barriers that keep us from being where God wants us to be. In other words what keeps us from moving from Here to There. 

Closed eyes - It's not the root but the fruit that people see in our lives. Are your eyes open to the problems of others. In Ezekiel 22:30 it says, "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none."
Closed minds - After we see a need we mus have it in our hearts to walk towards it not act like it doesn't exists. Nehemiah heard of a need and did something about. Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.  They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.  Then I said: "O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, Nehemiah 1:2-5 He spoke with the king and rebuilt the walls.

Closed hearts - We close our hearts out of fear many times, but fear is the absence of faith. Even when we feel we are powerless to move God can give us strength. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 says, To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Strength found in weakness is only found with an open heart,

God desires us to be open and available to His call on our lives, and move us from our "here" to His "there". Are you willing to take that first step? Each one will bring you that much closer to the goal. Amen?

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Greater and Stronger Than

One song that has encouraged my wife and I through her battle with cancer is Strong Enough  by  Matthew West. I don't know of the circumstances in which he wrote the song, but surely it was inspired by what Paul wrote about his struggles.  That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions,in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:10 

So whatever "thorn" you are dealing with today (cancer, loss, depression, heartache, brokenness) remember to accept God's grace and strength. It is enough...



You must, You must think I'm strong,
To give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive me, Forgive me if I'm wrong,
 But this looks like more than I can do On my own
I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up, I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough, Strong enough
For the both of us
Well, maybe, Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finally, Finally at rock bottom
Well, that's when I start looking up And reaching out
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up, I'm not strong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough, Strong enough
Cause I'm broken, Down to nothing
But I'm still holding on to the one thing
You are God and you are strong, When I am weak
I can do all things, Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be, Strong enough, Strong enough
I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm supposed to be, I give up
I'm not strong enough, Hands of mercy won't you cover me


Make this your prayer today - Lord right now I'm asking you to be, Strong enough, Strong enough

Greater and stronger is He that is in you! Amen?

Friday, August 12, 2016

More Praise

I have been so convicted lately about my worship, praise, and gratitude. It seems to be such a temptation during times of trouble to focus on the trouble and not the Creator of the universe. You start to live in a vacuum with a goal of just getting through the day. 

God is so much bigger than that. 

Your crisis is small compared to eternity. Jesus deserves your focus and adoration now more than ever. Magnify Him and not your hardship. Focus on the praise and not the problem!

Much of this has to do with your BS... and sometimes other people's BS leads you away and not towards God. Your BS? It's your Belief System! Is God only almighty and awesome when times are good? No He is the same wonderful loving Father even when you are going through life's valleys. Turn your heart and mind completely over to Him.
 
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. - Psalm 9:1

Allow His BS (Belief System) to become yours. No kidding or... - well you know. Praise God with all you got today. People will notice how much nicer you are, and it will put a smile on God's face. Amen?

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Off The Sidelines

There’s a difference between observation and participation. I remember as I was growing up hearing my parents say to me on more than one occasion, "Just wait until you have kids of your own, then you’ll understand." I don’t suppose that any of your parents ever said anything like that to you, but mine said it regularly. The thing that is so frustrating about that statement is that it turned out to be true. There is something inexplicable about parenthood, something that can never be understood by hearing about it, reading about it, or thinking about it. It has to be experienced. 

Like parenthood Christianity is something that must be understood primarily by experience. Christianity is more than just a statement of faith, more than church membership. It is not merely a philosophical position. It is a faith experience. You can’t buy Christianity, and you don’t inherit it from your parents. You’re not on the team just because you sit in your arm chair and watch it on television, for that matter you’re not a player anymore than the home audience just because you sit in a Church pew. Christianity must be personally experienced!

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.  - James 1:22-25

 Christianity is not a sideline experience. Genuine faith in Jesus requires personal involvement. It's time to get in the game! Amen?

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Sweet Dreams

If Joseph, son of Jacob, was with us today his closing words of encouragement might be:
1. God is always with you. Good times and bad Jesus’ promise is true.
2. Develop yourself during the downtimes. Always continue to look to God and grow in your faith.
3. Realize that self-promotion can never replace divine promotion. Allow God to place you in the place and position that can serve Him best.

4. When the dream is realized, it is sweeter than you can ever imagine. Even though Joseph’s life was hard, he was able to see how God was making his dream come true.

What dream has God given you? Today take a God step towards making it a reality. Amen?

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Keep Dreaming

Another one of my heroes of the Bible is Joseph. His story is found in Genesis chapters 37-50. There are a lot of God lessons we can learn here. I think a great theme found in his life would be, Don’t give up on your dream. This is a good to remember even when:
-         You didn’t start off well – his brothers despised him.
-         Your family is opposed to it – his brothers put him in a hole and was sold as a slave.
-         Your journey is full of surprises – Even in bondage God was with him.
-         It takes a long time to realize your dream – he was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dream and became the second most powerful man in Egypt.
If God has ordained your dreams the only one that can stop them is you. Follow God’s plan – it’s always the best. Amen?