Unlocking Dinah’s Diary

“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.”

Micah 7:8

“I was so ashamed of my sin. Why I chose to wander away from home and look at what I thought would be fun was just plain selfish—rebellious. I knew the rule. Don’t mix with those who don't love God.But I was just exploring. Just checking out my options…what's the harm? And when Shechem looked my way, and when I knew he was a prince, and

when I considered that such a powerful man set his eyes on me, I just couldn’t say no...just couldn't run.

And in an instant I was damaged goods. 

‘I’ll marry you. I’ll make it right. I’ll talk to your father.’ But it could never work. His words were comforting but I continued with him—giving myself to him.  

My brothers, Levi and Simeon, hated Shechem. So they killed him and all the men in his small village.Such horror...shame too! Then they snatched me out of Shechem's house and I returned home.

I never left again. I stayed close and even went with my family into Egypt when my little brother Joseph became Egypt’s prime minister.

God has given me peace, my friend..a new start too. My name means justice and although my brothers were way out of line God has made me right and brought me back to His people…my people. He didn’t have to do that.  He wanted to. He’s the

only one who could. He loves me—I love Him too!

 Have you been where I was? What God did for me…He can do for you!”

Dear Lord,

You can make me white a snow. I need you, Lord. Thank you for your love.

Never Should be Heard a Discouraging Word

Understanding Your Worth and Value
Week Three – Dream…Big!

Day One- The Lost Dream

Never Should be Heard a Discouraging Word

“God, your God, has placed this land as a gift before you…Go ahead and take it now... Don't be afraid… Don't lose heart."

Deuteronomy 1:21

The long, difficult, treacherous walk—was over. The children of Israel had arrived. The land God had promised—was before them!  All they had to do was conquer the enemies in Canaan. God was with them. It was a sure win—until…

“We can’t go into that land! It’s filled

with giants. We’ll be creamed! Let’s quit while were ahead and go back to Egypt.”

Two leaders named Joshua and Caleb weren’t afraid, weren’t

discouraged.They had waited too long for this day. They were not about to return to dirt digging slavery in Egypt.

“God gave us a promise. He told us the land was ours. He

said He’d be with us… terrorizing our enemies.”

But the people didn’t listen to Joshua and Caleb. They

wanted to stone them.

“Joshua and Caleb have no sense. Let’s kill them.”

Smoke steamed from God’s ears. “You’ll wander 40

more years. You’ve lost your dream. Only Joshua and Caleb will set foot on the Promised Land because

they… believed… Me!”

Has God given you a dream? Are there things you want to accomplish the Lord

has put inside of you?

The devil wants to stop you in your tracts.  He’ll use critical “friends” to do his bidding. They’ll try to

discourage you, make you afraid—make you feel small.

Hold your head up high—walk away from them! Don’t

listen to discouragement. It’s an enemy. God hates it!

God Calling

 “But Lord, who am I?

“I know what’s in you. I made you. I don’t make junk! You’re the King’s kid, fearfully and wonderfully made!”

“Well, Lord, I have a dream but maybe it’ll never happen. I look at myself and feel discouraged. I’m

just kidding myself.”

“Discouragement kept my people from the prize I had for them. Discouragement

wants to kill everything good that I have for YOU! I hate it!”

Walk away.

Take My hand.

 I am God.

 I love you.

Dear Lord, Take me by the hand. I want to see my dream come true. With You... anything is possible!