What is your dream for 2009?

What is your dream for 2009? (Jan. 08, 2009)

In my last blog I described the joy that the shepherds and magi experienced over the birth of Jesus Christ. The nativity narrative of Matthew (chapters 1 and 2) describes the visitation of angels through 5 dreams over a period of a few years:

1 - Assurance. Joseph was assured that Mary was pregnant through the Holy Spirit, and would give birth to Jesus (which means “the Lord saves”).
2 - Warning. After the magi visited the baby Jesus, they were warned to avoid King Herod during their return home.
3 - Warning. Joseph was warned to move to Egypt in order to avoid Herod’s killing spree of all the baby boys in Bethlehem.
4 – Encouragement. Following the death of King Herod, Joseph was encouraged to return home to Israel.
5 - Warning and Encouragement. Finally, Joseph was warned to avoid Jerusalem (where Herod’s son had taken power) and he was encouraged to return to Galilee.

After experiencing many obstacles and escaping to Egypt, a final dream encouraged Joseph and his family to start anew in their home town of Nazareth. This set the stage for the growth, training and ministry of Jesus; and the development of a movement that would change the world forever.

Did you have obstacles in 2008? Do you have a dream for 2009? I’m sure you had some struggles and challenges last year. As you start a new year, let your “return from Egypt” and obedience to God set the stage for a new era of effectiveness and ministry in 2009.

If we listen to God’s warnings and encouragement, we will position ourselves to overcome obstacles and make a difference for God in this world. God bless in 2009!