Day 2: Genesis 3 & 4; Matthew 2:13-23, 3:1-6; Psalms 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

I love the story of Jesus. That seems silly to say, we ALL love Jesus, but I LOVE the story of Jesus! There are so many beautiful details, tiny tidbits, that can hit us in a particular moment in life and just CLICK. Jesus is constantly breathing new life into His story, and it is awesome to be on the receiving end of that blessing.

Since becoming a mom, I’ve been particularly drawn into the beginning of Jesus on earth–his birth, the magi, King Herod, the uncertainty, the perceived scandal, the dreams.

The beginning of Jesus story in Matthew places a large emphasis on dreams–dreams to the magi and Joseph, dreams of warning, dreams of instruction. The Lord sent his angels to communicate, and the persons receiving those instructions paid attention. The Magi returned to their country via another route; Joseph took Mary as his wife, and subsequently moved them to Egypt and back after Jesus birth, all by the instruction of his dreams.

I’ve come across the fallacy in the modern Christian that the Lord doesn’t speak to people like He did in the Bible–He doesn’t heal or preform miracles like what we read. But if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why wouldn’t he use the same tried and true methods he’s been using to connect and uphold his children for the entire Human existence? Why wouldn’t he miraculously heal? Why wouldn’t He speak to us in dreams?

When the Lord spoke to Joseph, he had to use His angels as the Spirit had yet to be poured out upon His people–we are in a place of everyday connection with the Holy Spirit. We can dream dreams, see visions, and prophesy (Acts 2:17)–God uses dreams strategically throughout the Bible, and I believe that today he is strategically speaking to us in the exact same ways, just with the added benefit of connection with Him through his Holy Spirit!

When was the last time you prioritized your sleep? Honestly, when was the last time you thought, “I’m really going to make sure I rest tonight.” When was the last time you woke up after an out-of-character or interesting dream and asked yourself a few questions? Could you have experienced God speaking directly to you through your dreams?

Tonight, I want you to be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Before bed, lay back, invite the Holy Spirit to be with you in sleep, and ask the Lord if there is anything He would like to say to you. Then simply pay attention. Maybe you’ll dream in a way you haven’t before and can pray about specific meaning in the morning. Maybe you’ll simply have a wonderful nights sleep. I feel the Lord calling us into expecting His voice and paying attention to the little things. And then maybe you’ll discover that even now the Lord is speaking to His people the same way He has for generations. What a wonderful legacy to be a part of.