The End from the Beginning

Do you wonder about the end of your life? How would you like to read the last page of your 'life story'?

Joseph is an all time favourite Sunday school character! The dreamer is Father's favourite son and is gifted a coat of many colours (the symbol of position and privilege in his father's eyes). His jealous brothers rip his coat (their eyes grew sore at the colours :-), sell him as a slave and lie to their father that Joseph is dead. Later a trustworthy slave Joseph is falsely accused and thrown in prison. Through a miraculous interpretation of dreams he becomes the prime-minister of Egypt. Joseph sounds like a modern day Rag to Riches, prisoner to prime-minister story!

Though I am deeply pained, I cannot fully fathom the depth of Joseph's heartache - physical and mental separation from all near and dear, far from the father who loved him dearly. Knowing the whole saga of his life from the bible, how I wish I could have encouraged Joseph along life's journey. If I could have, this is what I would have said,

Oh Joseph, dear Joseph

1) Though human hands can snatch away all that your father has provided, no human hands dare seize your heavenly fathers' provision!
2) When you are broken and your pride all stripped away, you can find rest in God. And underneath are the everlasting arms.
3) Your justification may fail before the enemy's accusation.There may not be one to plead your case. Don’t grow weary; your judge is on the throne! Though His judgements may seem to tarry, they are forever sure!
4) Life has stacked its odds against you, but the verdict is not final. Wait till you hear from the Righteous Judge!
5) When foes surround and family and friends desert, God’s eyes follow you to forever. You are never really alone. Immanuel keeps you company in prison pits!
6) In God’s hands, you can safely lay to rest all that you lost and every dream that you dreamt. Be assured they will resurrect beautifully in God's way and in his time.
7) When God has worked in you the fruit of his spirit (his love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control), the Joseph you once were, you will recognize no more! Your character will then glorify God in the very position and privilege he has placed you.

Oh Joseph, how I wish you could have seen the end from the beginning... maybe it would have spurred you on or no, probably the very thought of all that lay ahead would have been traumatic for you !

God in his wisdom does not reveal to us life's hurdles. The Alpha and Omega knows very well the end of our life from its beginning. As Jeremiah says, God knows the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.
Oft times we are weary of trials and grow faint, yet God has assured us his strength for every step. Rest confident that the God of Joseph will not fail you!! Your end, in him is secure !

Reasons I enjoy this Season !

There is a newness I feel about November! I think it has got to do with the anticipation of December. I love December with all its frills and thrills of the season! The caring and sharing season...
Care to let me share the reasons I enjoy this season?

Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Christmas Time..
Winter wonderland woos my senses! I like the chill of winter. I dream of being cosy by the fire with snow falling outside my window! You get the idea that I like snow and that is fine with me as long as it snows only in my dreams! December in Delhi (6 Degrees Celsius) is snowy enough for me - I am no tundra person - I am hard core tropical!).The romantic in me sings 'Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!’ I just heard you call me Hypocrite! With all the joy of this post, I can’t help but forgive you! ;-) After all, Christmas is special in December!

That brings me to the next reason - Family! December is the time we get together as a family. I must say 'try' to get together! My ancient heart values those timeless traditions of family during the season! It’s chilling out with family time! As much as I look forward to creating the 'Lloyd' family traditions, we still wish our parents were in the same town. We could then lunch and dinner at both our parent's homes!

Family rings in those Celebrations! It’s Ding dong carolling time! December is a time for Merriness (that word spells odd). In other words, its God bless you Merry Gentlemen time! The Christmas tree, the star, the bells, the nativity set complete with the baby in the manger, Mary, Joseph, the three kings, the shepherds and those animals eating hay! How can we forget to deck the Halls with boughs of Holly! Those Gifts of the 12 days of Christmas! Oh Christmas tree, I can go on but let me get way...

Having been away from family at Christmas, I have felt the wintry chill of loneliness grab my heart with icy fingers! With no family or celebrations to warm my heart, I was tempted to succumb to the hibernation of senses to numb me! My heart in deep contemplation transported me to the times I have been lonely even in the midst of family and celebration! All the merriness did nothing to warm my heart. It took me that mind, heart and soul desperate year to stumble upon the treasure chest! The 'Real Reason for the Season' - Jesus! As much as I love the nativity scene, I am not talking about the baby lying there! Jesus makes all the difference! He warms up my heart !

I really hope the gravity of what I am about to say sets you spirit free.
It is celebration whenever and wherever God's love, his peace, his joy and hope reach you!
That can happen anytime, every time, anywhere and everywhere! All you need to do is receive it ....

Christmas in my heart all year through! It's 'Joy to the World' everyday!