January - Day 19

Here are a few thoughts from my reading today - 

Genesis 41 - This story reminds us that God uses every trial to prepare us.  Nothing is wasted.  During the trials and sorrow, Joseph could have turned from God or learned to trust him more.  He did the latter and it prepared him for his future.  Also, notice that when Joseph interprets dreams, he does not take credit for it. He says interpreting dreams is God's job.  I believe God still speaks through dreams, and he will interpret it for you if you will ask and listen.  

Psalm 18:25-50 - I think the thing that stands out to me most is the satinet that God's way is perfect and his promises always prove true.  This is difficult for my human brain to accept when things happen that I don't understand.  I'm sure Joseph had some questions in his journey, but just as God used Joseph's struggles and sorrow to write a greater story, we must trust that He can and will in our lives.  He is God and we are not.

Matthew 8:1-13 - I have always wondered why Jesus tells people not to tell anyone after he heals them.  I wonder if it is because he knows they would attempt to use it for their own good, rather than point people to Jesus.  The story of the Roman officer is one of my favorites because it is one of the few times that Jesus was amazed at how great someone's faith was and it wasn't even a religious person.  Actually, it was normally the religious people that caused him to be amazed at their unbelief, or lack of faith. 

Acts 11:1-18 - When God does things that have not been done before, it will often be met with criticism and skepticism.  Gentiles were considered by the Jews as heathens and unclean.  They often looked at them as "less than".  As the apostles listened to the story, they came to the conclusion that God did come for even the gentiles - which is good news for us!  To show Peter and the apostles that the gentiles were part of those who Jesus came to save, he gave them the same sign of the Holy Spirit that he had given when they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.