Dreams in the Night

Over the years, there have been many different views on why we dream, and scientists are still exploring new theories.  One thing we do know, people have been dreaming for a long time, as evidenced by the multiple times we see people in the Bible discussing their dreams.  In the Old Testament, one of the best known interpreter of dreams is Joseph, whose ability to do so helped him get out of prison.  A dream by a different Joseph in the New Testament assured him the unexpected pregnancy of his fiancee came about by the Holy Spirit, and this child would be Jesus.

Lately my nighttime dreaming has been falling into one of two categories.  Either I am back in my school days, or on the job banking.  Last night it happened to be my school days.  I had been eating my lunch, then had to hurry to get to the classroom for a test.  Everyone else was already there, and I seemed to be running late.

Often times, after a vivid dream, I find myself asking God, "What was that all about?"  Such was the case this morning as I pondered not only the current dream, but others I had experienced in recent days where I found myself working on a teller line with former co-workers.

The "inner voice" of my heart seemed to sum up God's answer as two things.  There are lessons to be learned (which come with testing), and there is work to be done for the furtherance of God's Kingdom.  Pondering this brought about more questions, including, "What lesson is God attempting to teach me?" and "What work does He have for me to do?"

Perhaps these are questions you can ask yourself as you face the days ahead.  For sure, none of us is without purpose in God's great scheme of things, so seeking more of Him will always help to sort out the answers.  Who knows?  The answers just might come to you in a dream!

 

Doing What You Should

Not long ago, a video I had seen before came across my newsfeed on FaceBook.  It is of a darling little girl telling the Bible story of Jonah.  After the first time I watched the video, I remember thinking there was no one who has ever brought this story to life like she did!  If you have never come across it before, here is a link to access it.  Believe me, you will NOT be disappointed!

Mary Margaret Douglas Tells the Story of Jonah

Today my Bible reading assignment for the day was to read the book of Jonah.  The first thing I heard in my head was her precious little voice reciting the story, so I had to find the video and watch it again.  At some point in my schooling, we had to do what was called "Interpretive Reading."  This young gal probably didn't even have to "read" the story.  You can tell she knew it in her heart, and wanted above all else to share it with her world.  And her interpretations were "spot on"!

After listening, I took time to read the actual Biblical account of the book of Jonah.  I found myself asking the question, "What does this story have to say to us today?"  The answer, of course, is it is there to teach us about listening for God's voice, and obeying what He asks us to do.  It is also a classic example of God's great and unconditional love for His people.

So, what is God asking of you?  It could be He is wanting to send you to another city to preach, as He did Jonah.  But chances are, He has another assignment in mind.  It is a very unique and special assignment designed with all of your personality traits and gifts in mind.  For me, it seems God often asks me to share through the avenue of writing.  He reveals to me a lesson, and then says, "Pass it on!"

Thus is the reason for today's blog.  It is a reminder to, first, listen for God's voice in your world.  Then, "do what you can with what you've got" to accomplish the assignment He asks of you.  How will you know if it is truly God's voice talking to you in your head?  For one thing, He will never contradict His Word, recorded for us in the Bible.  This is a good reason to read it often, and with an open mind.

The other thing that seems to affirm in my mind I am answering God's call on my life is feeling a real and genuine sense of joy, both in the midst of doing His assignment, and when looking back on it.  Take this morning, for example.  Earlier this week I saw a friend, and was prompted to invite her to my house for a visit.  It has been a busy season, and I could come up with lots of excuses not to follow through. . .I'd rather sleep in, the house is not clean enough, our remodel project is not yet finished.  But I just knew having her over would be a blessing for both of us. . .and it was! 

Jesus once told a parable which teaches us about putting to use the talents given us.  Matthew records it for us in chapter 25, verses 14-30.  The moral of the story is, when you use your talent, the opportunities to use it will multiply and grow.  Conversely, if you don't use them, you get left in the dark!  

Take time to refresh yourself on both of these Bible stories.  Then take a look at what God has given to you and put it to use!

Old Testament Lessons

In the Christian world, it is often stressed how important it is to read your Bible.  There are many options available to help in staying consistent in your reading, but one of my favorites over the years has been a format promoted by Samaritan's Purse.  Founded by Franklin Graham, this organization is also the one which is behind Operation Christmas Child, a ministry which encourages packing shoebox gifts to be distributed to needy children around the world.

The Bible reading guide is published four times a year, and features not only a listing of passages to read each day, but also articles about the various ministries Samaritan's Purse offers.  There are even suggestions on where you can focus your prayers for the week.
 

If you would be interested in receiving these booklets, you can sign up here:

Prayer Point Sign-up

One thing I enjoy about their daily readings is the fact they are taken from various parts of the Bible throughout the week.  For some people, this is a challenge, as they prefer reading a book start to finish.  For me, however, it gives a glimpse into all parts of the Bible throughout the week.  At the beginning of the year, you start at seven different points in the Bible, and continue from those points on a weekly basis.

Today's reading was from the book of 2 Chronicles, chapters 11-15.  Along with being a history lesson on some of the kings who served in Judah and Israel, it gives us a lesson we can apply to our current country's situation.  As you read through these chapters, you see examples of those who sought the Lord for guidance, and those who didn't.  It is no surprise those who were seeking had a better outcome in the end.

Many verses in this passage have been underlined in my Bible as emphasis of their importance.  Take time to read these chapters from your own Bible, or at the least ponder these verses:

" Since they have humbled themselves, 

I will not destroy them, but will soon give them deliverance."

2 Chronicles 12:7b

"The land is still ours, because we have sought 

the Lord God; we sought Him and He has given us

rest on every side."

2 Chronicles 14:7b

"The Lord is with you when you are with Him.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you,

but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you."

2 Chronicles 15:2

"They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them.  

So the Lord gave them rest on every side."

2 Chronicles 15:15b

It seems with every news broadcast there are discouraging reports of bad things happening in our nation.  Perhaps a bit of following these examples will help turn us back on the right path!

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PS  In Facebook I maintain a group called "Read the Bible in a Year" in which I post the daily readings for those not getting the publication.  If you would like to be included in this group, simply send me a message and I will add you.