Joseph has always been one of my favorite people in the Bible because of the way he handled the tough circumstances in his life.  I think we have all been through times where we can identify with Joseph in some way.  We can find the key to getting through these trials and coming out on top, as Joseph did, when we look at the characteristics of his heart that are reflected in each of these trials.

• A Faithful Heart:  When faced with temptation, Joseph declared that he would not sin against his God.  Joseph kept his heart faithful to following God, even when he may not have been caught.  When we keep our heart faithful to God, we can be sure that He will work everything for our good.

• A Forgiving Heart:  I think any of us, when put in Joseph’s situation of being falsely accused, would justify being angry at the one who hurt us.  Our natural inclination would be to sulk, and cry out until justice is done.  Joseph, however, did the opposite; he moved on.  Joseph refused to hold on to bitterness and resentment, and chose instead to continue to work with excellence.

• A Focused Heart:  Finally, we see that Joseph had a heart focused on OTHERS!  Instead of focusing on himself, he focused on others which led him to his encounter with the servants of Pharaoh.  It says that Joseph noticed the dejected look on the baker and the cupbearer; he then cared to ask what was wrong.  Had Joseph only been concerned about himself, he would have never helped the servants and possibly never made it out the prison.  Caring for others is the key to getting out of your prison!

Whatever you are going through, there is a way out!  The key, though, is more about our heart than our actions.  Let the Lord change your heart, and you will be elevated from the prison to the palace!

I always love the start of a new year and all the potential it holds.  January 1st always feels like a new beginning, another chance to wipe the slate clean (the good and the bad) and have a fresh start.  Throwing away the past mistakes, failures and disappointments that would keep us from trying again, and not letting past victories and successes keep us from pushing on the new things.  I am entering into this new year with a lot expectation that this is really going the be a great year!

I was reading in Genesis about Creation, and thought about how it starts with the Earth being "formless and void".  How many of us feel like that at times?  For me, I  have areas where I feel very accomplished, and while there is still room for growth I feel satisfied with the progress.  Then they are other areas where I wonder "God, is anything ever going to happen here?".  Maybe you feel like that in some areas, or maybe it's a season where everything feels void, but don't be discouraged!  Even though the earth was formless and void, it only took a word from the Creator to be filled with light, life and everything needed to prosper.  No matter how dark your situation may seem, or how long you have been waiting for things to change, know that with just one word from your Creator changes everything.  The darkness will give way to light, what is void will be filled with life and you will prosper!  I encourage you at the beginning of this new year and new decade to seek the Lord and let Him speak into your situation.  

Looking back at 2009, it was a great year and I am thankful for all the accomplishments and the developments in my life and ministry.  I am excited for this new year, but I believe that what has already happend is only the beginning of the great things to come!

I’ve been back in the States since Thanksgiving and it’s been a wonderful visiting with family again.  I got in just in time to be there for the birth of my newest nephew (Judah makes it eight nieces and nephews!).  I will be ending my time here with the wedding of my younger sister, and I will be able to see the newlyweds before they head off to China for eight months.  I didn’t know about these events when I began to plan my trip, but I sure am glad I made it back when  I did!

It has been great to see everyone.  I have enjoyed times of fellowship with old and new friends, sharing what God has been doing in Lebanon and in my life and ministry.  It's always good to have this time away to be able to step back and see everything from a bigger perspective. I am so excited about what God has been doing, and i am really looking forward to being back in Lebanon to see what is ahead!