This Changes Everything

GO GET IT!

I truly believe this year will be like no other. Not because of what my country or government does or does not do. It will be different only if I am.

Learn the Lesson

One of the classic doctrinal debates is pre-destination, or being chosen versus free will.

What if it's not intended to be either or but both and?

The tribes of Israel were God's chosen people, pre-destined for their promised land - a type of salvation. But it was their free will, their bad choices, their lack of obedience and their thirst for things other than righteousness that determined their route and their delays.

I don't know about you, but I don't want a whole generation to have to die before I get this right

The Word has been spoken. Now, it is up to you.

When it comes to writing, I had to learn my lesson. It takes a lot out of me but I'd rather a light affliction than a hard labor. Today, the Old Testament blessings of Jacob have the capacity to change everything in your life to better. Here's how:

Respect the Past

When the days of mourning had passed, Joseph said to Pharaoh’s court, “If I have found favor in your eyes, speak to Pharaoh for me. Tell him,‘My father made me swear an oath and said, “I am about to die; bury me in the tomb I dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now let me go up and bury my father; then I will return.’” Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear to do.” ~Genesis 50:4-6, NIV

Jacob gave instructions for his burial to all his sons, but only Joseph could set the wheels in motion to honor his request. Now, it no longer mattered what his brothers did to him. It did not matter how his father chastised him. All that mattered was respecting the past so he could be free for the future.

A painful past only has power when you choose to resurrect it. Don't block your blessing. Respectfully,. bury the dead.

Honor Today

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. ~Genesis 50:18-21 NIV

Honoring today is all about perspective. The brothers viewed their dilemma from 400 feet above. Joseph saw it from 40,000. Looking at the big picture instead of speculating allows you to see all you have been through as a part of God's Master Plan. Don't miss the moment being petty. Examine with an eagle's eye where you are today.

Go Get Your Blessing!

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” ~Genesis 50: 24-26 NIV

At the time Joseph made this statement, he was 110 years old! 110 and he's still going after it! He would NOT be left behind. Even if he did not see the promised land, his bones would!

Joseph on his deathbed was STILL A DREAMER, but NOT THE SAME MAN.

Young Joseph tore his brothers down. Old Joseph knew how to build men up. Immaturity sent Joseph down a long and winding road. Wisdom accelerated the pace of glory in his life.

Being covered in blessings merits nothing when behaviors do not change.

Good or bad, what you decide today can change everything.

Choose well and get what is yours.