Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:18-25)
Today's Morsel: Does God ever speak to you in a dream? The Bible says that He spoke to men of old in a dreams. When King Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people, the Bible says, "And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants"(1 Kings 3:10-15). It was a dream. Elihu, Job's friend, said, "For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man"(Job 33:14-17). And Solomon said, "For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words" (Ecclesiastes 5:3). Certainly, dreams can come because of the day's events, or eating pizza late at night! Yet they can also come from God. Joseph received the news of Jesus in a dream. Many of us want God to speak to us and give us instructions or some other assignment, but most of us don't want to change when He does. Oftentimes, adjustments are required in one or more areas in our lives when He does give us guidance. Adjustments may need to be made in our circumstances, finances, relationships, commitments, thinking, in our actions, or maybe even in our beliefs for His purposes. Joseph knew his dream of Mary being pregnant was going to require some major adjustments. Not only in his life, but also in his thinking. And your dream from God is probably going to require you to make some adjustments as well. To go from our ways to God's ways is going to require an adjustment in our lives. Because His ways are never our ways, nor are His thoughts ours.
"To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement" George W. Truett
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