We have been talking about Joseph and how he moved from a dream to his destiny.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream last night, and no one here can tell me what it means. But I have heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.”
16 “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.” Genesis 41:15-16 (NLT)
Joseph knew that he couldn't help Pharaoh, but he knew Good could.
Joseph responded, “Both of Pharaoh’s dreams mean the same thing. God is telling Pharaoh in advance what he is about to do. 26 The seven healthy cows and the seven healthy heads of grain both represent seven years of prosperity. 27 The seven thin, scrawny cows that came up later and the seven thin heads of grain, withered by the east wind, represent seven years of famine.
28 “This will happen just as I have described it, for God has revealed to Pharaoh in advance what he is about to do. 29 The next seven years will be a period of great prosperity throughout the land of Egypt. 30 But afterward there will be seven years of famine so great that all the prosperity will be forgotten in Egypt. Famine will destroy the land. 31 This famine will be so severe that even the memory of the good years will be erased. 32 As for having two similar dreams, it means that these events have been decreed by God, and he will soon make them happen. Genesis 41:25-32 (NLT)
God gave Pharaoh two dreams as a way to establish a decree. This was important.
What good is your dream and destiny if you are not around? God is looking to us to handle want he gives us.
God Is Our Provider
Joseph recognized that God was his provider. Everything we have comes from God.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
Whenever we get a dream for our lives, God will provide a way. God will provide provision for his vision. If it is God's will, it's his bill.
But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive! Psalm 54:4 (NIV)
We Honor Good By Putting Him First
God wants to be first place in our life. We can practice this by giving our first fruits. We know this as tithing.Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; Proverbs 3:9 (NKJV)
When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord.4 Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, 5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. Genesis 4:3-5 (NLT)
Realize that it's not about ten percent, but that you give your first fruit. It takes faith to give our first.
Matt shares his story about giving and how God always provides a way. When we give God last it never equals ten percent.
“Will a man rob God?
Yet you have robbed Me!
But you say,
‘In what way have we robbed You?’
In tithes and offerings.
9 You are cursed with a curse,
For you have robbed Me,
Even this whole nation.
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:8-10 (NJKV)
Pastor tells another story of a guy who gave God all that he had ($200) in tithes. Years later, that same guy was able to give God $10 million. This guy and his family lived off of 30% and gave 70% to God.
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:29-31 (NLT)
God Does Big Things
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! Psalms 147:5 (NLT)
God wants to do big things in our lives. Matt tells the story of the biggest miracle in the four gospels. He shares the story of how Jesus feeds fifteen thousand people from the simple meal of a boy.
By listening to God, the disciples learned a valuable lesson. Give first to others and God will provide for your needs.
Joseph was promoted to leadership after 13 years of receiving the dream.
Do You Need A Fresh Start?
If you need hope or help. God wants you to know that he loves you. Jesus died and rose from the grave. If you would like to know Jesus as your savior then pray this prayer.
Dear God, I realize I've sinned and I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross and rising from the grave. Come in to my heart and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal and abundant life. Help me to live for you, for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
To share your story, want more information about next steps, or just in need of prayer, please contact Pastor Matt Fry.
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