Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Israel’s Prophecy for Joseph

Genesis 49:  ²² “Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall.
²³ The archers have bitterly grieved him,
Shot at him and hated him.
²⁴ But his bow remained in strength,
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
²⁵ By the God of your father who will help you,
And by the Almighty who will bless you
With blessings of heaven above,
Blessings of the deep that lies beneath,
Blessings of the breasts and of the womb.
²⁶ The blessings of your father
Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors,
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills.
They shall be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.

 

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Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son of Rachel, the one Jacob loved. Rachel was delighted to finally have children! She said “GOD has taken away my disgrace” when Joseph was born. She named him Joseph or “may he add.”

 

My Observations:

• Jacob got what he wanted when he finally married Rachel, but she suffered greatly, watching other women have children, thinking she could not fill the promise of GOD.
• Joseph suffered greatly because of his brothers, the Ishmaelites, Potiphar and his wife, the baker and butler and the Egyptians.
• Israel's blessing was on his son Joseph versus the tribe.

 

Israel had adopted Ephraim and Manasseh to be his. The blessing did not exclude Joseph, rather gave him a double portion through his sons. They are known as the house of Joseph. His name would disappear from many lists of the tribes, but would reappear in book of Revelation, symbolizing the merge of the house to prepare for the return of CHRIST.

 

Israel’s sons meant evil for Joseph. Their jealousy led them to plot out his murder. BUT GOD intervened greatly in Joseph’s life. He became the ultimate story of a human who held onto GOD despite every obstacle that was thrown at him. GOD did indeed bless Joseph!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s blessing from Israel?
• Do you think your suffering in in vain?
• Do you believe that your suffering can become a huge blessing through GOD who sees you?

Extra Blessed

Extra Blessed

Genesis 48: ⁸ Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

 

⁹ Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.”

 

And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.” ¹⁰ Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. ¹¹ And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!”

 

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Israel saw Joseph’s sons and asked “Who are these?” Joseph introduced his sons to Israel who became delighted! He thought he would never see Joseph again, but now he was able to see Joseph and his sons!

 

My Observations:

• Joseph did not spend a lot of time in Goshen due to his responsibilities of running Egypt.
• Joseph’s sons may have been teenagers by the time they met Israel.
• Israel never imagined he would see Joseph or his sons because he was told Joseph was dead.

 

Not only did he see Joseph alive and well, but he also saw Joseph’s sons. Israel was delighted to have been so blessed. He did not know how GOD’s prophecy would play out. All Israel knew was that GOD would make many nations through his lineage.

 

Now that Joseph showed his sons to him, he could see how GOD was working. He had no idea that GOD had a different lineage through which JESUS would be born. All he knew was that Joseph, his beloved son, had children.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the first meeting of Israel’s grandsons?
• How do you react if a blessing came much later than you thought?
• Can you praise GOD when HE blesses you, especially when HIS timing took longer than you expected?

Servant Leadership Spreads

Servant Leadership Spreads

Genesis 18: ⁶ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” ⁷ And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. ⁸ So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

 

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With excitement, Abraham ran into the tent to get her help in serving JESUS and the two angels. He was probably elated that GOD had come back, this time with angels. He enlisted the help of a young man to barbeque a young calf he chose. This must have taken hours.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s excitement led him to enlist his wife and a young man to cook a meal.
• Abraham gathered the best food he had to give to the LORD and the angels.
• Abraham acted as a waiter, setting the food before the LORD and the angels, standing there waiting on their needs.

 

Instead of telling people to bring him food, Abraham brought the food out and actively participated in the preparation of the meal. He probably did the washing of the feet himself as he promised earlier. Sarah and the young man probably could not help becoming excited after seeing Abraham’s face.

 

GOD had visited Abraham before, but only to deliver short messages. But this time seemed different. HE was willing to visit for hours. Everyone in the household could see who Abraham had conversations with over the years. This may have solidified their faith in GOD versus their faith in Abraham.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD use words like “hurried” and “quickly” and “hastened” when describing the event to Moses?
• Has GOD ever spoken to you and you got so excited that you wanted the help from others?
• Are you willing to spread your excitement about GOD to others today?

Exhilaration!

Exhilaration!

Revelation 7: ⁹ After this I looked, and there was an enormous crowd—no one could count all the people! They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” ¹¹ All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. Then they threw themselves face downward in front of the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying, “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!”

 

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Having only been to local carnivals, I was excited to go to one of the more famous amusement parks. I had never been at this park so I did not know what to expect. At a certain time, everyone stopped as a parade went through the crowd. There was singing, laughter and smiles!

 

• For a moment, I was excited!
• It seemed like everyone was excited with me.
• People from every race cheered and celebrated for a small moment.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is shown the throne of GOD one more time. This time he sees “an enormous crowd—no one could count all the people!” Everyone gathered to worship GOD voluntarily and without holding back!

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love allows me to choose HIM or not.
• When I choose GOD’s love, I am never be disappointed.
• I look forward to every race, tribe, nation and language celebrating together without holding back.

 

Celebrations are fun! I mean, when I celebrate, I forget all about the cares and worries I carry. But one day there will be no worries, only celebration!.

 

GOD wants us to be with HIM voluntarily. This provides a way to celebrate with choice. A number of people that cannot be counted will be celebrating. I cannot wait!

 

Challenge

• Can you see the excitement from the writer?
• Have you ever been part of a celebration?
• Will you give your life to GOD so you can me part of a family that is so vast that it cannot be counted?

Keeping the Fire

Keeping the Fire

Hebrews 11: ²¹ It was faith that made Jacob bless each of the sons of Joseph just before he died. He leaned on the top of his walking stick and worshiped God.

 

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“Didn’t you try that years ago?” was the question posed to me in disbelief. I was asking some of the same people to get on board of something that took a long, long time to get ready. It took so long, that people forgot what I was working on.

 

• I felt embarrassed that it took so long to get started.
• I felt uneasy about asking the same people to be excited after so many years.
• I felt I needed to keep the same level of excitement as when I first started.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues the list of faith examples with Jacob, otherwise known as Israel. Jacob had been a liar and a sneak, but GOD changed his name to Israel, which means GOD preserves. At a very old age, Jacob remained loyal to GOD. He required a walking stick after wrestling GOD at a young age. He remained on fire until his death.

 

My Observations:

• Difficult times may make me want to leave GOD, BUT where would I go?
• Starting off with GOD can be exciting to me, but staying with HIM is more exciting to HIM.
• Being able to praise GOD at an old age is the goal HE wants me to have.

 

Remaining excited about GOD can be difficult. I mean, life can dish out some very rough circumstances. Loss of health, relationships and income, could leave people wondering “Where is GOD?” BUT GOD is there, always!

 

HE provides in ways I cannot see or understand. HE blesses me in spite of me. HE raises me up when I should be torn down. GOD and GOD alone should be praised all the time. I am glad HE cares for me!

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer choose someone sneaky as an example of faith?
• Have you ever gone through some rough times and wanted to give up on GOD?
• Will you examine your thinking about what HE really wants you to “be” and accept HIS love for you so you can praise HIM today and always?

Eagerness

 

Eagerness

Hebrews 6: ⁹ But even if we speak like this, dear friends, we feel sure about you. We know that you have the better blessings that belong to your salvation. ¹⁰ God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. ¹¹ Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised.

 

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On the first day of my assignment, I could hardly sleep. I woke up before the alarm, and made my way in early. But after a while, I got used to the assignment. I woke up to the alarm and hit the snooze button a couple of times. I didn’t race to get there and when I arrived, I had to do my ritual of getting coffee and chatting with people.

 

• My eagerness had worn off.
• I was not as enthusiastic as I was in the beginning.
• I had become slow to jump into anything “new” because I was comfortable.

 

Paul, the assumed writer” spoke about “better blessings” that belonged to believers in JESUS for salvation. He tried to encourage everyone that GOD sees all actions and will not forget any work don for HIM or any love shown to another person for HIM. He urges everyone to remain “eager” to the end so hope can be achieved.

 

My Observations

• I have to remember that GOD is quite fair in HIS dealings with me.
• I also have to note that GOD sees my work and love I have shown and HE is pleased with it.
• Knowing HE is pleased with my actions makes me continue with my eagerness to serve HIM.

 

Giving up on unmet desires is tempting. I mean, when I have worked hard on something and have not realized the expected benefit, I may get discouraged and give up. BUT GOD saw my work and is pleased.

 

HE doesn’t just show up to tell me I did stuff wrong. In fact, quite the opposite. HE is excited that I try to serve HIM even though I have a sin nature to overcome. HE guides me to meet the desires of my heart that align to HIS will. I am grateful that GOD cares enough about me to give me what HE has promised.

 

Challenge

• What “better blessings” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever felt discouraged and thought GOD was mad at you?
• Will you understand that HE is excited about what you have done and are doing for HIM and wants you to continue with eagerness nd patience today?

Eagerness

Eagerness

2 Corinthians 8: ¹⁶ How we thank God for making Titus as eager as we are to help you! ¹⁷ Not only did he welcome our request; he was so eager to help that of his own free will he decided to go to you. ¹⁸ With him we are sending the brother who is highly respected in all the churches for his work in preaching the gospel. ¹⁹ And besides that, he has been chosen and appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this service of love for the sake of the Lord's glory and in order to show that we want to help.

 

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“Bring the groceries in from the car” was the directive. It was raining and cold outside and I was cozy and warm inside. I reluctantly obeyed. One of the bags tore, extending my discomfort.

 

On another day in another household a question was asked. “Would you like to go bowling with us?” “Yes!” was my enthusiastic reply. “Okay, but first unload the trunk to make room for the bowling balls.” I was eager to help even though it was raining and cold.

 

• I could not see the blessing of simply being fed, housed and clothed.
• I did not like being uncomfortable, so helping needed to be convenient.
• I could not see the purpose of helping unless I got something out of it.

 

Paul writes about eagerness to help. He explain about a certain type of eagerness that comes only from the HOLY SPIRIT inside those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. This eagerness was to carry out HIS service of love to many others.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be willing to serve others.
• GOD wants me to be sent.
• GOD wants me to accept the eagerness available to me to preach the Gospel of JESUS.

 

Eagerness to serve GOD is different. I mean, the “what’s in it for me?” turns into “What’s in it for GOD?” When it is cold and rainy and GOD says go and serve, HE loves when I am eager to be obedient. Unfortunately, I like the comfort and coziness of staying out of the rain and cold, so I sometimes act disobedient.

 

GOD understands. The great thing about HIS love is HE keeps coming after me, giving me another chance to get out of my comfort zone and seek to serve others. I am grateful HE is the beginning of eagerness and provides purpose for my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the writer’s excitement to serve?
• Have you ever seen someone excited to serve you?
• Has there ever been a contest, job or competition in which you were eager to work hard so you could get something out of it?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT fill you up with overflowing love for others so you can be eager to serve on your own free will today?

Wanting to Feel Special

Wanting to Feel Special

1 Corinthians 4: ⁶ For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, “Observe the proper rules.” None of you should be proud of one person and despise another. ⁷ Who made you superior to others? Didn't God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?

 

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Stereotypical nerd scenes in movies remind me of my tryout for the little league baseball team. Yes, I was the nerd and I missed catching the ball by a mile. My reflexes were slow and batting prowess slower. I tried out for other groups and was not the star in any of them. “Why can’t I be special?” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to fit in.
• There have been many times when I wanted to have a special skill or talent.
• There have been many times when I followed a person who was talented and ridiculed another for their lack of talent.

 

Paul asks a poignant question “Who made you superior to others?” He then asks “Didn’t GOD give you everything you have?” as if to say all gifts come from GOD. “How can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?”

 

• GOD wants me to recognize my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE raises up other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be excited about the way HE made me and the way HE made other people.

 

Looking down on one person and speaking highly of another is something GOD despises. HE made all people and was excited about each individual when HE did it. HE loves when I recognize where my gifts and talents come from. HE also loves when I praise HIM for the gifts and talents HE gave to others. No one can boast when the origin of all talent comes from GOD. I am grateful HE did make me special.

• Do you want to feel special?
• Are you busy trying to be liked by many people?
• Will you stop chasing the spotlight and thank GOD for the talent you and others have today?

Foretold

Foretold

Acts 13: ²⁰ “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. ²¹ And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. ²² And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ ²³ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— ²⁴ after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. ²⁵ And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

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Arriving early, I saw a man sitting in the conference room. He was polite with his greeting to me. Later someone asked me how I did that. “Did what?” I asked. “How did you just walk up to the new CEO and talk to him?” The succession plan had been announced all over the news but I did not recognize him.

• I have met many celebrities.
• I have met many people who took over the lead from their successors.
• I have met many leaders who were next in line to take over.

Paul continues with expressing history, but had a special destination. He told everyone that JESUS’ arrival was foretold by judges and prophets. He then explain that JESUS is the Savior that John spoke of. He referenced John’s humility in even speaking about JESUS saying there is One who comes after him whose sandals he is not worthy to loose.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to understand the prophecies about JESUS and know all of them have been fulfilled.
• GOD wants me to reverence JESUS as the Savior from the seed of David.

For centuries, JESUS was talked about. When HE arrived, not many understood HIM because they expected someone to be a political leader. JESUS was the leader, but not the way humans expected. HE was and is GOD. HE fulfilled HIS promise to wipe away all my sins. I am excited to tell people HE did this, just for me.

• Are you focused on predicting leaders?
• Do you try to predict leaders based on the past?
• Will you take a moment to pay attention to JESUS, who has been there for you always?

Excited Curiosity

John 4: ²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

²⁸ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰ They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

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“Want some concert tickets?” the clerk asked. “Of course!”, I answered. After getting the tickets, I told several people about the music store. I went back more and more. “What else do you have?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I am curious about what I can get.
• Sometimes I get excited about something that has been done for me.
• Sometimes I tell other people what I am excited about.

The disciples found JESUS speaking to a woman. “What was she up to?” they thought suspiciously. They also thought, “Are you crazy?”, pointed their thoughts to JESUS. But something amazing happened.

• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to tell people about HIM as often as I can.
• JESUS wants me to be bold about HIS goodness to whomever HE sends me.

“Could this be the Messiah?” the woman said to people. She was excited and so should I. When my excitement is met with doubtful questions, I am to remain excited and focus my efforts on HIM. The woman’s excitement and curiosity filled me up. I am glad JESUS went out of HIS way to meet with me the same way HE did for her.

• Are you excited about JESUS?
• Do you feel compelled to tell others about HIM?
• Will you live your life with purpose today and allow GOD to speak through you?

Frightened Excitedly

Mark 16: ⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

⁸ So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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Hearing my name called over the school intercom amongst others was a bit disturbing and intriguing at the same time. I recognized the names so I knew we weren’t in trouble. “You passed the test and got into the high tech high school” the principal said to us. I ran down the hall excited but now a bit disturbed as I had never been to a school this large before.

• Sometimes I get frightened by some exciting news.
• There were times when I heard some great news yet walked away frightened by the next steps.
• Sometimes I hear great things but get nervous about the future of that news.

An angel spoke casually to the two Mary’s. He tried to keep them as calm as possible but the news was just too overwhelming. He told them “You seek JESUS of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE is risen!” This bold statement was too much to comprehend so he tried to show the evidence by telling them to look at the rolled away stone and the empty tomb, but they were too excited and frightened.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is alive and in control of my situation.
• JESUS wants me to “Not be alarmed” but to be excited about HIS daily guidance.
• JESUS wants me to tell many people about HIM rather than focusing on the negatives around me.

Even though the strong military force who was looking for anyone associated with JESUS could find the two Mary’s, that was the least of their concern. They had a flood of emotions that included amazement and fright at the same time. GOD had blessed them with “first response” news that was a huge responsibility to tell. HE does the same with me and it is up to me to respond.

• Are you called by GOD to spread HIS great news?
• Have you gotten frightened by life that you feel paralyzed to speak about JESUS in an excited way?
• Can you get your focus back and begin speaking about CHRIST, who saved you, today?

Excited Compassion

Mark 6: ³⁰ Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

³³ But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. ³⁴ And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

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After long days of serving many, I returned from a mission’s trip. We had served hurricane victims not only with repairing homes but with prayer and teaching. Anguish was replaced with hope for a few people. While this was exciting, it was still overwhelming because thousands more needed help.

• Serving can be exciting to me
• Helping someone have hope is the most incredible feeling to me
• Seeing someone appreciate compassion is awesome to me.

When the apostles returned to JESUS they had wonderful stories to tell. They actually healed the sick, drove out demons and gave people hope like never before. For the first time in some folk’s lives, they could see a way out of their misery. One problem was the huge number of people.

• JESUS saw me and in my misery and had compassion for me.
• JESUS saw me without hope and filled me up with true hope.
• JESUS saw me wandering like sheep without a shepherd and decided to guide me to a better place.

Compassion needs hope and that is what JESUS taught. HE saw the crowds of people who needed help that wasn’t temporary. HE told them of a new kingdom that would surpass liars, thieves and manipulators of the Law. JESUS points me to hope.

• Are you out of hope?
• Do you need help in your journey?
• Can you move closer to JESUS in spite of those who manipulate the truth?

Go Tell It

Isaiah 63: ⁷ I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,
    the deeds for which he is to be praised,
    according to all the Lord has done for us—
yes, the many good things
    he has done for Israel,
    according to his compassion and many kindnesses.
⁸ He said, “Surely they are my people,
    children who will be true to me”;
    and so he became their Savior.
⁹ In all their distress he too was distressed,
    and the angel of his presence saved them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them;
    he lifted them up and carried them
    all the days of old.

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Hours and hours seemed to drag on and on. I took up pacing for a hobby while I waited. Finally the dealer came out and I had my new car. I immediately drove it to my friends and told them to get in. They enjoyed that new car smell as I took them for a ride. They enjoyed a mix tape I blasted as we zipped down the road.

• When I have good news I can’t keep it in.
• When I have good news I want to share it.
• When I have good news I want everyone around me to enjoy it.

Life, however, does not always make me want to shout from the mountain top. When problems creep in and the river of pain arises I sometimes want to slip back into the abyss of silence. BUT GOD wants me to do something different.

• GOD wants me to remember what HE has done for me by becoming my Savior.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE too is distressed when I go through issues.
• GOD wants me to reverberate HIS love, mercy and redemption especially when I am going through troubles.

Of course I will be challenged! Of course I will be tempted! GOD has a delusional enemy who was created and thinks he can take over. BUT GOD has already won! HE paved the way for many and has taken on ALL of my sins. HE picked me up even though I turned away from HIM. HE redeemed me and carried me back to HIM.

• Are you complaining about something to the LORD?
• Have your prayers turned into nothing but complaints about something else that is wrong?
• When is the last time you told someone the GOOD NEWS ABOUT CHRIST?
• Can you take a moment to recognize the depth and breadth of JESUS’ salvation of your soul? 

Being Excited

Psalm 45: ¹ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

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“I am finished!” I declared as I ran down the hallway of my dorm. With my first set of finals under my belt, I was filled with elation. I could not hold the words inside. I gleefully galloped down the hall, slipped and hurt my shoulder! I went to the infirmary and they placed my arm in a sling.

The sling could not hold back my joy.  The semester was a difficult transition for me and the mystery was now complete.

• When I am excited I can face pain.
• When I am excited I can face problems.
• When I am excited I can face difficulty.

Discouragement is exactly what the enemy wants me to feel. There is no excitement on discouragement, in fact, discouragement leads to dragging everyone around me down to the ground. Soon, I look around and there are nothing but sad faces and pain for miles. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to wake up praising HIM for the things HE has done.
• GOD wants me to be excited about this new day rather than approaching it with dread.
• GOD wants me to focus on the fruit of the spirit rather than the waste that flies out of the body of pain.

Whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true whatsoever is pure; think on these things keeps my mind clear and sharp. Excitement about this new day makes my heart leap with joy as I look forward to what GOD has in store for me!

• Are you excited about life?
• Can you recognize that the ALMIGHTY GOD has a wonderful plan for you today?
• Can you stop thinking about how GOD is doing things and let HIM masterfully weave a tapestry of love in your life today?