Matthew 1:18-25
verse 20-21: But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
In modern culture and science, we have become accustomed to dismissing dreams as simply a reflection of our own subconscious world. We are working through conflict, resolving issues and grappling with uncomfortable parts and places in our minds. But God has spoken to many through dreams. Why can’t He speak to us today in this same way? What if Joseph had dismissed what he heard in his dreams? I want to be ready to hear what God is instructing me to do. I need to be listening and open to God’s direction.
Holy Father, Lead me and speak to me so that I may hear you and follow your direction. Help me to be vigilant and not miss that direction. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
Dear spiritual companions in Christ,
I have a correction for tomorrow's scripture that is Matthew 2:1-12 instead of Mark 2:1-12.
I am so sorry. My mistake...
I hope you have a peaceful night!
Gil
I am enjoying all the devotionals from the church. A very pleasant way to start the day.
Matthew 1: 18-25 How much am I willing to suffer for my beliefs. Joseph was a man with strong beliefs. A man sensitive to God’s guidance and willing to do God’s will no matter what the consequence. He was prepared to do what was right despite all the pain it would cause. He not only tried to do what was right, he also tried to do it in the right way. He was faced with a difficult choice after discovering that Mary was pregnant .He knew taking Mary as his wife could be utterly humiliating . I will put myself in Joseph’s position. What arguments can I think of to discredit or deny the claims that were made about Je…
Matthew 1:18-25 It is very difficult to go against the norms and rules of your culture. Joseph did just that and we are never told what that did to him. Did he suffer personally or economically? We are told that he understood what the angel was telling him and believed it enough to take Mary as his wife. I am reminded of a skit performed at one of the churches I attended. The teenagers acted out Joseph’s story. The young man who played Joseph was an excellent actor and when he arose from his “bed” and ran down the aisle, the look on his face, that of understanding the angel and needing to be with Mary was unforgettable. I could …
Matthew 1: 18-25
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Imagine how Joseph felt on learning that his finance was pregnant. How betrayed he must have felt and yet being an honorable man did not want to humiliate Mary, so he planned to divorce her quietly. Joseph was a man of integrity and true to his convictions. After an angel appeared in a dream, he proved his faithfulness to God by staying with Mary and naming the Child Jesus.
To many,…