When good goes to your head...

Today: Ezekiel 28-30

Have you ever had too much of a good thing? Like too much ice cream...only to get a nasty ice cream headache? Or too much exercise...to the point where you could barely walk the next day? (Okay, so I realize those are polar opposite "good things," but the people reading this could have different perspectives.) :)

In today's passage, God has some conversations with people who let good things go to their heads. Let's review His message here:

You used your head well,

worked good deals,

made a lot of money.

But the money has gone to your head,

swelled your head—

what a big head!...

Or here:

Your beauty went to your head.

You corrupted wisdom

by using it to get worldly fame...

Maybe you read these verses and thought, "Well, I'm not like that person. I don't let money, wisdom or beauty go to my head." Perhaps. But take a look at this part of the passage:

You,
a mere mortal,
not even close to being a god,
A mere mortal
trying to be a god...

Okay, so perhaps now you're thinking, "I know I'm not a god. I'm not THAT cocky!" However, I think sometimes even humble humans try to be god-like when they try to take total control over their lives, when they act as if they don't want or need the real God at all.

It's a common human tendency since the beginning of time (just ask Adam and Eve!), but that doesn't make it right. God gives all of us the gift of free will...which means we are as free to choose stupidity as we are to choose wisdom. The good gift of free will is something that can go to our heads just as much as money, wisdom or beauty can.

Instead, let's choose to be thankful for the gifts God gives us, but recognize the goodness in our lives comes from Him. Let's choose to acknowledge God as God...which means understanding we are not. And to be perfectly honest, there is great freedom--a gift actually--in that recognition itself.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 31-33

Warning signs and cautious grace

Today: Jeremiah 38-41

I will admit--I am one of those people who will tell you when you have broccoli in your teeth (as discretely as possible, of course!). I will step on the toilet paper that's stuck to the bottom of your shoe so that you stop dragging it along. I will give these warning signs because I would want you to do the same for me.

Broccoli and TP are relatively simple things to warn people about. Others aren't so straightforward.

In today's passage, I noticed that there were a few people who gave and received warning signs. Throughout much of this book, Jeremiah has been warning God's people about coming consequences for their desertion of God's ways. In this passage, Jeremiah is literally taken from the dungeon to the palace...and ended up in both places because of forewarning God's people. He felt compelled to deliver the truth, when it was despised--and eventually, telling the truth was rewarded.

In another part of the passage, a man named Gedaliah was given a warning that a guy named Ishmael was out to kill him. Instead of killing Ishmael prematurely--when given the opportunity--Gedaliah didn't do anything. After another man gave him a warning sign and offered to kill Ishmael, Gedaliah said, "Don't do it. I forbid it. You're spreading a false rumor about Ishmael." He was a foreigner placed in charge of the poorest of the poor in Israel. And he treated them well, giving them the freedom to care for their land.

These stories and their implications about warning signs are interesting to me. The moral of Jeremiah's story seems clear-cut: Tell the truth no matter what. When you're compelled by God to speak, do it.

The moral of Gedaliah's story? To be honest, it wasn't clear to me at first. Should Gedaliah have heeded the warning? Should he have fortfied the city or gone into hiding? Perhaps. However, I admire his heart--Gedaliah seems like a guy who tried to believe the best about others. He didn't want to kill someone based on a rumor. And in my book, it's better to be a little hope-filled and naive than a judgmental murderer.

Perhaps I'm raising more questions than providing answers in this post. The implications for giving warning signs seem relatively clear from Jeremiah's example, but the implications for receiving warning signs may be a bit muddy. Here are some questions that have helped me accept and reject warning signs...or heed them with cautious grace:

• Is the warning sign you're getting consistent with God's Word?
  
• Is the warning sign consistent with the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart? (I realize that may seem like an odd question for some readers, but it's a very important one for those who will get it.)
  
• Is the warning sign consistent with the gut check of your conscience?
  
• Do you have an option to proceed with a "cautious grace" approach? (For example, in the case of Gedaliah, a cautious grace solution could have been to prepare for an attack, but not to proactively kill Ishmael.)
  
• Is the warning sign based on solid facts or evidence--not just rumors or feelings?

At any time--whether you're giving or receiving some warning signs--prayer is the best first choice. God promises to give wisdom to those who honestly ask for it. Sometimes we just need to request wisdom and then actually look for answers.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 42-45

Relay for Life

Today: Isaiah 36-41

It's almost midnight and I just got home after a wonderful graduation celebration. On my way home, I drove past a high school that was still lit up with hundreds of lights. It wasn't a football game or a concert--it was something called Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The grandstand was lit up with hundreds of bags that had candles placed in them--together, the bags spelled out "Hope" and "Cure." Glowing bags (called luminaries) lined the track around the football field--each one representing someone who had cancer or is currently fighting the disease.

Tonight there were people still walking around the track around midnight, working together in teams to complete a relay for a cause they care about deeply. I've attended Relay for Life before and remembered seeing cancer patients and survivors among the participants...walking or running around the track. How do they find the strength?

When I saw the Relay for Life tonight, it reminded me of this excerpt from today's passage:

God doesn't come and go.

God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.

He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.

And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,

gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don't get tired,

they walk and don't lag behind.

You and I may not be participating in the Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society...but we are in another kind of Relay for Life. We are running a race, living our everyday lives on this planet. We have picked up batons from others--our parents, mentors and/or spiritual "family." And someday, we will pass along those batons to our children or to people we mentor throughout our life-long relay.

Do we get tired--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? YES! But God is always there to help. He's our stable friend, encouraging coach and energizing cheerleader along the way. He recharges us and fills us up--with strength, wisdom, love and endurance to get through.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 42-44

Cynics, critics and encouragement

Today: Proverbs 24-26

Today's passage had A TON of insights I could write about, but one pattern I noticed was focused on cynicism, criticism and encouragement.

The highlighted portion of this verse stood out to me:

The person who's always cooking up some evil

soon gets a reputation as prince of rogues.

Fools incubate sin;

cynics desecrate beauty.

Isn't that so true? When we're cynical or critical, we often miss the heart of someone or something else. Think about your best friend, favorite musician or leader--the odds are, that person has been criticized...perhaps for the characteristics that make them absolutely amazing in your eyes.

I thought this verse was also enlightening:

Don't jump to conclusions—

there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

How many of us need that reminder often? Sometimes we are cynical or critical about things we just don't understand. We could be missing some major factors that, if we knew them, would lead us to a totally different judgment call.

Is it ever appropriate to critique someone else? Yes--but instead of critique or even "constructive criticism," I'd argue that we should offer encouragement to others...we should encourage them to be the people God has called them to be in a way that's challenging, but inspiring and filled with love. Take a look at these verses:

The right word at the right time

is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

And a wise friend's timely reprimand

is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

Patient persistence pierces through indifference;

gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

I don't know about you, but I've had few moments in life where I would compare a reprimand to a gold ring on my finger. That means that the reprimand didn't feel like a reprimand. These kinds of critiques come from people who actually like us. They are very valuable gifts that make us better...which is why I prefer to label such reprimands as encouragement. (Sidenote: This may sound ridiculous, but I almost picture a person asking for this kind of critique by singing a tweaked version of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" song..."If you like it, then should have put a ring on it.") :)

The point? Encouraging critique has its place. Cynicism doesn't. Dare to see and encourage the beauty and heart in others.

Related post: This is an old blog post I wrote a few years ago on a similar topic and I thought you might enjoy it. Read "The Critics' Corner."

Tomorrow: Proverbs 27-29

Stupid is as stupid does

Today: Proverbs 19-21

I'll admit that I'm not a fan of the word "stupid." I think it's often misplaced in its usage. But one place that gets it right? The Bible, of course. Take a look at this portion of today's passage:

People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,

so why does God always get blamed?

Ouch! It's like a Biblical extension of Forrest Gump's "Stupid is as stupid does" saying--meaning that stupidity is revealed and defined by a person's actions, not an IQ test. What are some of the stupid things people do to ruin their own lives?

If we look at the context of this passage, there are a few stupid actions mentioned. Here are a few I noticed:

• Dishonesty
• Gossip
• Nagging
• Talking without anything valuable to say
• Laziness
• A quick temper
• Hard-hearted stubbornness
• Not listening to others (particularly, wise counsel)
  

Hmm...I've definitely done some of the things on this list (well okay, all of them at some point!). Yikes!

The flip side of this passage? You and I don't have to act stupid. With God's help, we can make better choices (and recognize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness when we mess up). We can choose to be honest even if it doesn't seem easy or beneficial to us. We can choose to be quiet and avoid the temptation of the rumor mill. We can work harder and smarter. We can keep quiet...especially when our minds or our emotions are not in the right place. We can listen and learn.

Like stupidity, wisdom is defined by actions ("Wisdom is as wisdom does"?). Let's avoid blaming God for our mistakes and instead, asking for His wisdom to guide our steps.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 22-23

Two-liners...

Today: Proverbs 10-12

Most of us have heard of one-liners--those snappy comments that are funny or insightful (and sometimes both!). Today's passage had a lot of interesting two-liners, mostly about wisdom and foolishness. Here are a few that stood out most to me:

The more talk, the less truth;

the wise measure their words.

When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked;

good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed.

The stuck-up fall flat on their faces,

but down-to-earth people stand firm.

When you're kind to others, you help yourself;

when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself.

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful face on an empty head.

A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;

a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

Fools are headstrong and do what they like;

wise people take advice.

Worry weighs us down;

a cheerful word picks us up.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 13-15

Wisdom and real life

Today: Proverbs 7-9

What makes life--well, come to life? What makes it real and amazing and enjoyable?

This excerpt (where the voice of Wisdom is speaking) gives a few answers that may be pretty unexpected to many people:

Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;

don't squander your precious life.

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me,

awake and ready for me each morning,

alert and responsive as I start my day's work.

When you find me, you find life, real life,

to say nothing of God's good pleasure.

But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;

when you reject me, you're flirting with death."

Interesting, right? Discipline and wisdom help us savor the beautiful moments in our lives. Wisdom gives life to our lives...and helps us to put a smile on God's face (so to speak). Keep going after wisdom.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 10-12

John Mayer, love and wisdom

Today: Proverbs 4-6

"Who do you love?
Me?
Or the thought of me?
Me or the thought of me?"*

These lyrics from a John Mayer song popped into my head as I read today's passage. I realize that may sound a little strange, but I'll explain. I think these lyrics convey the fact that there can be a big difference between what people want to love, say they love, think they love...and what they actually love.

Take wisdom, for example. If I asked people on the street, "Do you think wisdom is important?" or "Do you think wisdom is worth pursuing?", I bet that 99% of them would say, "Yeah--absolutely!" But I wonder...do they actually love wisdom? Do you? Do I?

Take a look at this section from today's passage:

"Take this to heart.
Do what I tell you—live!
Sell everything and buy Wisdom!
Forage for Understanding!
Don't forget one word!
Don't deviate an inch!
Never walk away from Wisdom—
she guards your life;
love her—
she keeps her eye on you.
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Throw your arms around her—
believe me, you won't regret it;
never let her go—
she'll make your life glorious.
She'll garland your life with grace,
she'll festoon your days with beauty."

Why wouldn't anyone like Wisdom, right?

However, I wonder if to many people, Wisdom feels like the It Guy/Girl--"the One" that we're supposed to love and destined to be with...who feels a bit unattainable. We're like the intimidated guy afraid to approach the most amazing girl at the school/church/office because...we don't know what to say or do. Will Wisdom love us back? Is Wisdom too hard to get? Are we not worthy of Understanding?

On another extreme, I think there are some people who feel like Wisdom is the one who's "perfect on paper"...but too complex. They see Wisdom as one who "expects too much," who will hold them accountable and tell them the truth...and they're not ready for it. Something else distracts them--something that still looks sort of pretty because it's just Comfortable or Good Enough. They don't pursue Wisdom and always wonder, "What if...?" They live their lives in regret asking, "What would my life have been like with Wisdom in it?", "Would I have been happier?" and "How could have Wisdom changed me?"

Here's the thing: I don't think you and I want to be in those boats. I don't want to be the one who is just plain intimidated or lazy. I want to be the girl living in love with Wisdom--the girl who is changed by Wisdom (for the better!) even though it might not always be easy or comfortable. Loving Wisdom does take some effort--but when you love something or someone, you're not afraid to go after it and hold on no matter what. Real love requires 100% of your heart.

*Lyrics from "I Don't Trust Myself (with Loving You" by John Mayer.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 7-9

Where does wisdom come from?

Today: Job 24-28

Rather than my thoughts on today's passage, I thought it would be good to focus on the amazing truths in this excerpt:

God alone knows the way to Wisdom,

he knows the exact place to find it.

He knows where everything is on earth,

he sees everything under heaven.

After he commanded the winds to blow

and measured out the waters,

Arranged for the rain

and set off explosions of thunder and lightning,

He focused on Wisdom,

made sure it was all set and tested and ready.

Then he addressed the human race:

'Here it is!

Fear-of-the-Lord—that's Wisdom,

and Insight means shunning evil.'"

Tomorrow: Job 29-31

The difference between what you need and want

Today: 1 Kings 12-14

There's sometimes a difference between what you need and what you want.

Tomorrow is Monday and I'd personally LOVE to sleep in. I'd love to have an extra day to clean house, watch a movie or go out with my friends. But I need a paycheck. And there are people counting on me to show up at work tomorrow--so I should follow through, despite what I want (at the most basic level, anyway).

When it comes to advice, there can definitely be a difference between what you need to hear and what you want to hear. I thought a story in today's passage really illustrated this. Take a look at this part of the passage when the people of Israel approached their new king, Solomon's son Rehoboam:

They said to Rehoboam,

"Your father made life hard for us—worked our fingers to the bone.

Give us a break; lighten up on us and we'll willingly serve you."
"Give me three days to think it over, then come back," Rehoboam said.
King Rehoboam talked it over with the elders

who had advised his father when he was alive:

"What's your counsel? How do you suggest that I answer the people?"
They said, "If you will be a servant to this people,

be considerate of their needs and respond with compassion,

work things out with them, they'll end up doing anything for you."
But he rejected the counsel of the elders

and asked the young men he'd grown up with

who were now currying his favor,

"What do you think?

What should I say to these people who are saying,

'Give us a break from your father's harsh ways—lighten up on us'?"
The young turks he'd grown up with said,

"These people who complain, 'Your father was too hard on us; lighten up'—

well, tell them this: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.

If you think life under my father was hard, you haven't seen the half of it.

My father thrashed you with whips; I'll beat you bloody with chains!'"
Three days later Jeroboam and the people showed up...

The king's answer was harsh and rude.

He spurned the counsel of the elders

and went with the advice of the younger set...

A few interesting things about this passage:

• Rehoboam was the son of Solomon--one of the wisest people to ever live. As such, I think that Rehoboam probably knew what wisdom sounded like.
  
• Rehoboam first sought out the counsel of trusted advisers who helped his father rule the kingdom. These guys had experience and credibility. They spoke the truth--but Rehoboam rejected it.
  
• When he didn't get the advice he wanted, he turned to his posse of pleasers--people who cared more about getting an "in" with the king than they cared about doing the right thing.

This passage interested me because in our world, I think it's easy for people to find the advice and instruction they want to hear. There are so many schools, churches, politicians, "news" programs and Web sites to choose from--you can find those that fit exactly what you want, exactly what you're looking for. But ask yourself: Is that really what you need?

In some cases, maybe it is. But be careful if you find yourself reading, watching, and listening only to those who are exactly like you--particularly if there's something in your heart that doesn't feel right about it and the advice you're getting is contrary to what's in the Bible (the whole Bible).

Speaking of, if you're really interested in making wise decisions or going after God's purpose for your life, it helps to know what wise people--or better yet, God (as wisdom itself!) has to say. Surround yourself with such people and better yet, read the Bible yourself.

But even if you have wise people in your life and read the Bible for yourself, you will have moments when you don't want to follow what they have to say. You're human. In those moments, I hope that you (and I) will learn a lesson from Rehoboam. I hope that instead of seeking out advice that tells you what you want to hear and what's easy to do, that you'll realize exactly what you need. I hope you'll make a conscious choice to do the right thing (even if it's not easy) and listen to that inner voice in your heart. It might just be God talking to you.

Tomorrow: 1 Kings 15-17

Famous people

Today: 1 Kings 10-11

Today I had an actual brush with fame. Seriously. I stood in line with a few friends to try and meet a star from one of my FAVORITE shows as a preteen. That's right, ladies and gentlemen--it was Mario Lopez from "Saved by the Bell."

The line snaked around a store entrance. When Mario arrived, grown women (not me or my friends--in case you were wondering) started shrieking and screaming like little girls at the mall waiting to see Hannah Montana.

The line was SO LONG that my friends and I gave up after an hour and a half of waiting (he did walk right by us, shook my friend's hand and patted her baby's head). We like Mario and everything, but we were mostly there to meet an icon from our childhood memories...and get a picture to make our Facebook friends jealous. :)

I thought about my brush with a famous person as I read today's passage about Solomon and his fame. Mario (as cool as he is) is best known for a TV show (or two...or three), a mullet and a great smile. Mario's fans have heard about him through TV and the Internet. But Solomon? He was famous well before modern technology. Solomon was famous through word of mouth. But don't take my word for it--let's re-read portions of this passage:

The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon

and his connection with the Name of God.

She came to put his reputation to the test by asking tough questions...

She came to Solomon and talked about all the things that she cared about,

emptying her heart to him.

Solomon answered everything she put to him—

nothing stumped him.

When the queen of Sheba experienced for herself

Solomon's wisdom...

it took her breath away.
She said to the king, "It's all true!

Your reputation for accomplishment and wisdom

that reached all the way to my country is confirmed.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself;

they didn't exaggerate!

Such wisdom and elegance—

far more than I could ever have imagined.

Lucky the men and women who work for you,

getting to be around you every day

and hear your wise words firsthand!

And blessed be God, your God,

who took such a liking to you and made you king.

Clearly, God's love for Israel is behind this,

making you king to keep a just order and nurture a God-pleasing people."

Pretty cool, right? Solomon was definitely famous. It wasn't just the Queen of Sheba that heard about him or came to visit--the passage says, "People came from all over the world to be with Solomon and drink in the wisdom God had given him." Wow.

I think it's interesting because Solomon never aspired to be famous. He wanted to love God and to serve people well as a young leader--so he asked God for wisdom. His wisdom made him famous, but more importantly, it made God famous. In several portions of the passage, people identified the greatness in Solomon with the greatness of God.

Food for thought: Even if you're never famous, what will people you actually know say about the greatness in you?

Tomorrow: 1 Kings 12-14

What to do when you're overwhelmed

Today: 1 Kings 3-5

"How do you feel?

If we did a poll on the street and asked people to honestly answer this question, I bet the word "overwhelmed" (or some equivalent) would come up often.

People around us could be overwhelmed if they're unemployed or if their jobs are extra demanding. Perhaps they've just had a new baby. Maybe they're facing a health crisis, significant debt or divorce. This list could get REALLY long and depressing. But that's not what this post is about.

In today's passage, a young king named Solomon was feeling...well, overwhelmed. His father David died after successfully ruling a nation for over 40 years. After some serious family drama, Solomon took the throne. But he was young and inexperienced. How could he lead palace staff, an army...and the rest of the country?

Solomon generously gave God an offering. And then God talked with Solomon in a dream:

God said, "What can I give you? Ask."

Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love

with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence,

his relationships were just and his heart right.

And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—

and this very day!—

a son to sit on his throne.

"And now here I am:

God, my God, you have made me, your servant,

ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father.

I'm too young for this, a mere child!

I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job.

And here I am,

set down in the middle of the people you've chosen,

a great people—far too many to ever count.

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart

so I can lead your people well,

discerning the difference between good and evil.

For who

on their own

is capable

of leading

your glorious people?"

A few things that stood out to me today:

• I love how the message describes Solomon's request as a plea for a "God-listening heart." In most translations, it's wisdom. But aren't they synonymous with each other? Wise people listen to God, who is wisdom itself.
  
• Listening is a common action for wise people--they listen to others and have the ability to learn from what they say (even if it's what not to do).
  
• Perhaps most of all, I love God's initial request to Solomon--ask! God loved Solomon and didn't want to leave him feeling lost or overwhelmed. He cared. He offered help. And He delivered.
  
• God's question and offer to Solomon wasn't a one time event exclusively for one person. Repeatedly, He offered a similar solution to other people in the Bible...and I think the request extends to us, too. (See Jesus' words in Matthew 7, for example.)

Don't be overwhelmed--it's okay to ask for help. We could all use a little more wisdom in our lives--and our world could also use some more people with God-listening hearts.

Tomorrow: 1 Kings 6-7

When sin is a stalker

Today: Numbers 31-32

When my sisters and I were growing up, our parents always encouraged us to be honest and open with them by saying things like, "The truth always comes out." At moments while growing up, I thought it was a Christian parent's way of saying, "I have eyes in the back of my head."

But I think they were right: The truth always comes out...eventually. If it doesn't happen on this planet, God knows the truth and, for better or worse, it will come out in heaven.

In today's passage, Moses had an interesting discussion with a few tribal leaders who wanted to settle outside the Promised Land...but promised to fight and help the rest of God's people take possession of it. Here's what Moses said to them:

"If you do what you say,

take up arms before God for battle and together go across the Jordan ready,

before God, to fight until God has cleaned his enemies out of the land,

then when the land is secure

you will have fulfilled your duty to God and Israel.

Then this land will be yours to keep before God.
"But if you don't do what you say,

you will be sinning against God;

you can be sure that your sin will track you down.

So, go ahead. Build towns for your families and corrals for your livestock.

Do what you said you'd do."

Moses' words saying, "...your sin will track you down" are interesting. It's makes me think of sin as a stalker--a type of ninja detective on the hunt to capture people. Although through Christ's forgiveness, we can be free from the sin's eternal consequences (e.g. we can escape Hell), I think sin's ability to track people down does impact Christians.

One of the primary reasons is because there are natural consequences for sin. For example, if I lie to my parents, God still loves me and forgives me, but my parents may be hurt and have a hard time trusting me. If you had an addiction to drugs, God may still have a place for you in heaven, but you might have to overcome some challenges (rehab, relationship issues, physical effects) as a result of that addiction.

Another reason the stalker nature of sin impacts Christians? Guilt. I've met some people who carry guilt from sin they were involved in years ago. They asked God for forgiveness and He forgave them and forgot that sin even existed, but they continue to live in a guilty kind of fear, stalked by their past mistakes. I believe God would say to these people, "Shame off you!"

Lastly, sin can stalk our lives by throwing temptations at us. Luckily, we all have the power to say no to those temptations and/or we can try to avoid them entirely.

Although sin may be a stalker, it's important to know that for those who simply believe in Him and accept the gift of salvation, Jesus overcame the eternal consequences of our sin once and for all. And to top it off, He can help us to fight against sin and its power over our everyday lives--if we simply ask Him for help. God can help us walk in freedom and wisdom, doing our best to make decisions and live in a way that honors Him. We'll never be perfect, but at least we can try to knock out our stalker. I'm off to practice ninja moves... :)

Tomorrow: Numbers 33-34

The inside scoop...from God

Today: Genesis 41-42

I'm continually amazed at all the TV shows, mobile apps, newspapers and magazines focused on giving us "the inside scoop" about something. You can track what your friends are doing minute by the minute on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. You can get the scores from every sport imaginable sent directly to your phone. You can find out details about who Jennifer Aniston is dating on five different TV entertainment news shows and 12 magazines placed enticingly at the front of your grocery store checkout line.

But have you ever thought that it was possible to get inside scoop from God?

In today's passage, Joseph demonstrated that it's possible. Take a look at what happened after God helped Joseph interpret Pharaoh's dreams:

Then Pharaoh said to his officials, "Isn't this the man we need?

Are we going to find anyone else who has God's spirit in him like this?"
So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "You're the man for us.

God has given you the inside story—

no one is as qualified as you in experience and wisdom.

From now on, you're in charge of my affairs;

all my people will report to you.

Only as king will I be over you."
So Pharaoh commissioned Joseph:

"I'm putting you in charge of the entire country of Egypt."

Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger and slipped it on Joseph's hand.

He outfitted him in robes of the best linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

He put the second-in-command chariot at his disposal,

and as he rode people shouted "Bravo!"
Joseph was in charge of the entire country of Egypt.

What an incredible turnaround story! Remember Joseph--the guy who was unjustly in jail in the passage we read yesterday? Yeah...today's he's the guy with inside scoop from God who is placed in charge of an entire country.

I don't think that was a coincidence. Even while in jail, Joseph worked hard and dedicated himself to being the best worker he could be--that takes an incredible heart. Joseph developed a deep relationship with God that deepened his character. He trusted God completely--and God trusted him in return.

Tomorrow: Genesis 43-45

Dinner? Or your destiny?

Today: Genesis 25-26

Some choices we make seem pretty arbitrary--your life is probably not going to be seriously changed if you choose to wear red tomorrow instead of blue. But if you had to choose between eating dinner or living the life you were destined to live, my guess is that you'd pick the latter...right? Right?

I hope so. But many times, I think we're tempted to make decisions that seem right at the moment, but can totally take us off track from what's best for the long term. In today's passage, a story about Esau and his younger brother, Jacob, illustrated this human dilemma:

Esau said to Jacob, "Give me some of that red stew—I'm starved!"...

Jacob said, "Make me a trade:

my stew for your rights as the firstborn."
Esau said, "I'm starving! What good is a birthright if I'm dead?"
Jacob said, "First, swear to me."

And he did it.

On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn.

Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils.

He ate and drank, got up and left.

That's how Esau shrugged off his rights as the firstborn.

At first glance, it would be easy to judge Esau and his choice as, well...stupid. Esau gave up a blessing and an inheritance from his very wealthy father Isaac (a guy so rich that he had to move because his stuff was taking over an entire area and the neighbors were seriously jealous). And Esau gave it up for...lentil stew and bread (not even steak or lobster!). Esau rationalized his decision--it actually seemed logical to him at the moment.

I actually feel sorry for Esau. Everyday there are people who do the same thing--trading a God-given destiny for something that seems right at the moment. They rationalize their decisions--"I need this job! It's a paycheck." or "I'm lonely and he says he loves me." or "I need an escape and going out drinking with the guys is so much fun!" But how will their lives be impacted by these choices?

Sadly, it appears that Esau didn't learn to make wise long-term decisions from his dinner v. destiny mistake. Later in the passage it says:

When Esau was forty years old he married Judith,

daughter of Beeri the Hittite,

and Basemath, daughter of Elon the Hittite.

They turned out to be thorns in the sides of Isaac and Rebekah.

Ouch. It looks like Esau didn't make the smartest decision about who to marry, either. I don't know about you, but I'm hoping not to have a thorn by my side for the rest of my life!

Even though Esau didn't learn from his mistake the first time, I hope we can learn from him. Pray for wisdom and when you're faced with a decision. Then ask, "How will this affect my future?" and "What could I be giving up by going this direction?" If you're giving up on God or what His Word says, run the other way. "Dinner" isn't worth your destiny.

(Acknowledgement: When I was a teenager, I remember hearing a message on this topic and passage by Pastor Steve Hage. I've heard gazillions of messages, but I never forgot this one. Thank you, Pastor Hage.)

Tomorrow: Genesis 27-29