Tag: Dreamer

Gifted!

Genesis 41:9-13

The body of Christ is fitly joined together with countless members, each having their own talents, gifts, and special abilities. The Bible mentions some gifts as prophecy, teaching, helps, and many others. All of what we do for the kingdom of God is important, and not one person does God favor over another, because He loves us all the same.

In order to effectively walk worthy of the vocation, or calling wherewith we were called, we must remain humble, and patiently navigate according to God’s timing. Too often, many who discover their gift in God, have a tendency of stepping out too early, before fully understanding how to operate in that gift. While gifts indeed come without repentance, we must not abuse God’s blessings by operating in them unworthily, or before time. For example, if God called you to prophesy, it wouldn’t be wise for you to use your gift for show, or selfish gain. Instead, your gift of prophecy should be used to help the church grow, and edify all who need to be lifted.

In our text, Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams, and God allowed him to exercise that gift at appointed times, and for specific people. Joseph didn’t attempt to go around interpreting everyone’s dreams, in order to flaunt his gift, but he allowed God to place him in the right situations, so that his gift could be used to bring glory to His name.

Do you use your gift to show off, and draw attention to yourself? If so, you should reconsider your motives, before you are met with strict chastisement from the Father. God doesn’t regret making you super special, but He desires that you walk in humility, and use your gifts to help others, and not yourself. God will always take care of your business, so long as you take care of His.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell

Favor For The Dreamer

Genesis 37:29-36

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs many people will experience in life is, parenting. While raising children (especially in this time) should be taken seriously, and with the proper precautions, one of the most unwise things to do is, show favor to one child, over all the others. Favoritism is good when it involves things like selecting foods you prefer, or the color you want to paint your house, but when dad and mom show more love for Cinnamon, while treating Nutmeg and Cashew like the neighbor’s kids, then those seeds will eventually come back to haunt them.

A great example of this can be found early in Scripture, in the lives of Jacob, and his sons. The average Bible reader should have already been exposed to this inspiring story, but if you haven’t, then you can read it in less than an hour (Genesis chapters 37-45). The text reveals, “Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age” (vs. 3a). Some history records that Jacob was over 90 years old when Joseph was born, and after the death of Rachel, little Joseph became his father’s special helper in being the agent between him and his brothers.

Unfortunately, the other brothers strongly disliked the relationship between their father, and little Joseph. Usually, when a mob of angry people have ill feelings toward someone, they tend to devise a plan to destroy their credibility. This was precisely the case with Jacobs sons. When Jacob had sent Joseph to check on his brothers one day (who were supposed to be feeding the flock in Shechem, but took a stroll to Dothan), they saw him from afar, and instantly plotted to slay him. Aside from labeling him, the dreamer, the brothers decided they’d kill him, then throw him in a pit. If it had not been for Reuben, who convinced the others to spare Joseph’s life, and only throw him in a pit, the little dreamer would have left the earth without fulfilling his promised assignment.

It’s amazing how people can hate you for things you had nothing to do with. Some people were blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities, that others dream to have, but rather than appreciate their gifts, they plot to hinder them from exercising them. Never allow jealousy, hatred, envy, nor strife to invade your mind, simply because God shows someone favor. Whether it be a brother, sister, friend, or even someone you aren’t too fond of, value, appreciate, and respect those who God uses in great ways.

Jacob suffered heartache for years, thinking that his son had been killed, but in the end, the love he had for Joseph was restored. Parents, be careful how you treat your children, because one day they’ll grow up, and act upon all you said and done to, and for them. Also, be certain to raise all of them in the fear of God, and teach them the value of love and respect for others.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell