In this story about Joseph, we hear the voice of Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, saying to us: He is the one who will open the storehouses and feed you. The king does not say, “Go to the storehouses,” but “Go to Joseph.” Joseph is the one who has what you need. “When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread” (41:55). This meant easy access for all the people. Joseph set up three centers for gathering grain in every city. Now get to bed.Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. And that’s what it means to be a Christian to give and to love. “Jesus gave and gave, until He gave His own life. I love you Dad, you’re the best Dad in the world.” ![]() Even though I am little bit sad I won’t get my guitar for Christmas, I am more happy that we can help other people. He immediately jumped into my arms and embraced me with his arms wrapped snug around my neck. My heart was so full of love.Īfter I said my final goodnights to the kids, Jacob came wandering into my room. I didn’t know what to say, so we had a big group hug and I told them all how much I loved them. “We want to give our Christmas money to help other kids too!” You will be happier than you could imagine if you sacrifice what you have so that other people can experience some of the things that you have been given.”Īt that moment, my other two sons chimed in as well. It’s always better to give than it is to receive. My heart melted immediately and I began to cry. “Maybe we can give the money you and Mommy were going to use for our Christmas to kids in Africa to help buy the things that they need.” Jacob paused for a bit, seemingly unwilling to share what was stirring in his heart. So how can you use what God has given you to help others? What are some ways that you can give to those who don’t have all the things that you do?” We use the things that God has given us to bless others, and to love and serve them. And second, we recognize the blessings that we have so that we can then help others who are not as fortunate as we are. Learn to appreciate the things that you have been given. So the first thing we can do is be grateful, and thank God for all that we have. “First of all, none of us deserve anything that we have. “I don’t know,” he responded while wiping the tears from his eyes. “Well, what do we do about it? What can we learn? How can we help?” I inquired. I have so much stuff and the kids there don’t even have water sometimes. They don’t have food, or shelter, or anything. “The people in places like Africa, and Haiti. ![]() I had no idea where this was coming from. I’ve never felt this way inside before.” He was sobbing uncontrollably. ![]() There are all those people who don’t have anything and I have so much, and it hurts me. To listen and to help you.”Įventually the dam burst and he poured out with a loud voice, “I’m so sad! I don’t deserve all the things that I have. “Please be open and honest with me,” I pleaded. He seemed reluctant to tell me what was amiss. I climbed all the way to the precipice and wrapped him up in my arms. I came into the kids’ room and could hear Jacob, my 8-year-old and oldest son, crying on the top layer of the triple bunk bed. ![]() “Dad, Jacob is crying,” he said with concern in his voice. Tonight after I put my kids to bed, my middle son, Benjamin, tracked me down in my office. Read Jacob's story below, as told by his Dad:
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