OBEDIENCE

 

OBEDIENCE

Not much is recorded in the Bible about Joseph,

Jesus' stepfather, other than he loved his wife

and he was quick to be obedient to his God

who spoke to him in dreams through an angel of the Lord.

Just as Mary was chosen to be Jesus' mother,

Joseph was also chosen to be his earthly father.

Was Joseph chosen because God knew he would be obedient

to follow God's instructions whenever and wherever sent?

We do know Joseph was quick to obey

as we read he got up right away

to do what the angel had said

through a dream as he slept on his bed.

Not just once but four or more times.

Joseph obeyed time-after-time.

Willingly, with a heart of faith,

in whatever challenges he faced.

We don't know if Joseph ever questioned God

perhaps thinking the request was too hard.

It seems as if Joseph had learned to trust God

and was willing to embark with a “yes, Lord” nod.

Surely it must have been difficult to move

but Joseph's willing obedience proved

that he knew God's plan was best

as he set out on each new quest.

Joseph, a man of few words,

yet chosen by holy God

perhaps for his willing obedience,

in turn changing the world's essence.

For this obedient man

played a part for all humans

passed down to countless generations

in the Christmas story rendition.

* * * * *

Have you ever felt nudged in your spirit by God

to do something contrary, a bit hard?

Was it something easy to obey?

Or did you grudgingly obey?

Will generations be affected by

whatever it is you were asked to try?

Perhaps you need to pray that your testimony will be bold

for there are millions all over the earth waiting to be told.

Your legacy that you pass down may be

obedience that others will see

that may change the course of a nation

now and through future generations.

Here are a few verses signifying Joseph's obedience:

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...”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

Matthew 1:20, 24

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.

“Get up,” he said,“Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt...

Matthew 2:13-14

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

and said,

“Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel...”

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.

Matthew 2:19-21

Having been warned in a dream,

he withdrew to the district of Galilee,

and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.

Matthew 2:22b-23

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

Luke 2:39

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation will commend your works to another;

they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

and I will mediate on your wonderful works.

They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They will celebrate your abundant goodness

and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

They will tell of the glory of your kingdom

and speak of your might,

so that all men may know your mighty acts

and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

and your dominion endures through all generations.

The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:3-21

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GREAT THINGS

 

GREAT THINGS

A miracle: a great and good work that only the one true God can do – a miracle for sure.

Mary glorified God with rejoicing for the great things God was doing through her.

Not only for choosing her to be the mother

of Jesus, the Son of God, the promised Savior,

but for God's mercy to all generations,

God's forbearance seen everyday in action.

What a great thing God's gift of mercy is!

Undeserved for sure. God is so gracious!

Compassionate.

Faithful. Patient.

Abounding in loving-kindness which endures forever.

And thankfully hearing and, in His time, answering prayers.

Consider what a great thing God's mighty deeds (miracles) are.

Speaking forth night and day, the sun, the moon, the stars,

vegetation,

animals, humans...

starting with creation -

then bringing salvation!

Great things - lifting up the humble,

causing the proud in heart to stumble.

God sees, God hears, God is concerned, God knows,

God can fill the longing of our soul;

while also enacting His justice

on those who pervert righteousness.

Great things – filling our hungry souls -

including heart, mind - and spirit also.

God does desire the best for us

lovingly honored through faith and trust.

Like Mary, pray a prayer of thankfulness to God

then look for God’s blessings on the journey you trod.

What great things God has done for us!

What great things God has planned for us!

What great things are available when we, like Mary,

rejoice in God, our Savior, and bring God glory.

I know you can say with me, God has done great things.

That God should love you and I, what a great thing!

* * * * *

How God desires that we be like Mary -

that our soul and spirit give God glory!

To be so in tune with God's will for us

that our words and thoughts glorify Jesus!

We all can say, like Mary, God has done great things for us.

May we use God's blessings to us to glorify Jesus.

One blessing is God's mercy, God's love for us despite our actions.

This is one blessing that God extends toward all generations.

Every day God performs mighty works, miracles,

when prayer is answered for something that seems quite impossible.

What great thing has God granted you recently?

Like Mary, are you praising and giving God glory?

God will bless you when you worship Him

with words of praise and thanksgiving.

May giving God glory

be your life's story.

And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.”

Luke 1:46-55

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people...

I have heard them crying out...

and I am concerned about their suffering.

So I have come down to rescue them...”

Exodus 3:7-8

This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God...

He has delivered us... Past

He will deliver us. Present

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. Future

II Corinthians 1:9-10

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits -

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103:2-5

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Be glad and rejoice.

Surely the Lord has done great things.

Joel 2:21

Take a moment to read the following from Psalm 146.

Quite similar to Mary's prayer starting at Luke 1:46.

A verification of Mary's believing faith

through a spiritual upbringing and her heart of grace.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord his God,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

the seas, and everything in them -

the Lord, who remains faithful forever.

He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the alien

and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Psalm 146:5-9

When you read the word "great" throughout the Scriptures daily

perhaps you could transpose great to mean extraordinary

and come to realize God's amazing grace, also extraordinary.

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GOOD THINGS

 

GOOD THINGS

Mary thanked God for filling the hungry with good things.

I'm sure she was thinking of more than what she was eating.

I'm certain she thanked God often for everything

and everyday added to her prayers of thanksgiving.

Thankful for God providing her husband, Joseph,

who obeyed God in taking her as his wife.

Thankful that he was a righteous, godly man,

who set a good example as a Christian.

I'm sure Mary viewed her husband as a good thing.

Thankful for the safe trip as they traveled

for there were often reports of muggers.

Thankful to see family and friends

as they reached their long journey's end.

Safe travels, friends and family, are more good things.

Thankful for a place to stay,

even though it smelled like hay.

Also thankful there were no complications

when her pregnancy came to its completion.

Shelter and good health are always good things.

Thankful for those encouragers

that came in the form of shepherds

who told her of events too awesome and wonderful to contemplate.

Events that the foundation of society would one day shake.

Those who encourage us bless us with good things.

Thankful that God keeps His promises

in providing a Savior named Jesus,

who is also Immanuel, God with us,

when in faith we believe in God and trust.

God's promises are very good things.

* * * * *

So thankful Mary was, she pondered and treasured all these amazing things

in her heart, spirit, and soul for God had become her everything.

There wasn't anything she didn't thank God for.

There wasn't anyone she could have loved more.

Like Mary, does your soul glorify the Lord?

Like Mary, does your spirit rejoice in God?

Are words of gratitude spoken throughout your day

in praise to the Creator of all your days?

You'll find that if your day starts

filled with a grateful heart

joy will bubble up in you

and last the whole day through.

Give it a try.

You’ll wonder why

you put off so long

your heart’s one true song.

He has filled the hungry with good things.

Luke 1:53

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

“My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant...

the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.”

Luke 1:46-49

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DESTINY

 

DESTINY

Within each one of us is a God-given destiny.

In Luke 1 Mary is about to find out her destiny.

Mary, engaged to be married to Joseph,

was visited by an angel on earth.

It's true. That's how it really was.

The angel acknowledged Mary as:

“You who are highly favored.” (Luke 1:28)

That's how God also sees us – favored.

Loved, chosen, fortunate -

as in His favorite.

Yes, even before you were born,

God had your destiny formed.

The angel knew Mary was greatly troubled

and immediately consoled her with these words:

“Do not be afraid.

You have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)

You know, God knows, too, when we are worried

as scripture reminds us often with these words:

Do not be afraid.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be troubled.

Do not be discouraged.

Do not be fainthearted with sorrow.

Do not worry about tomorrow.

Because God knows the fear in our hearts

His Word will strengthen us when we start

a daily routine of reading and meditating on it

finding just what is needed to lift our waning spirit.*

The angel told Mary she would give birth to a son

whose name would be Jesus who would rule an endless kingdom.

This baby would be the Son of the Most High,

He would be great and would reign by and by. (Luke 1:31-33)

When Mary questioned

the angel answered,

“nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, with God there is nothing too hard.

What was Mary's commitment?

“I am the Lord's servant.” (Luke 1:38)

She willingly carried out her destiny,

one that affects everyone's eternity.

Mary, chosen to be

mother to this baby

that would change the destiny of the world

with this greatest story ever told.

* * * * *

You, too, have a chosen destiny within you

for God has chosen you for something special, it's true.

Perhaps you have the gift of giving

to someone in the need of receiving.

You've learned that the more you give

the more blessings God in turn gives

so that you can bless others more

from God's wonderfully abundant favor.

Maybe your gift is encouragement

for everyone needs reinforcement.

If you find your world is a bit more cheerful,

perhaps your encouragement made it so.

And you'll find cheerfulness

is quite contagious

as others will offer needed encouragement,

perhaps in the form of a hug or a note sent.

Whatever your personal spiritual gift is,

it is your destiny to bring it to pass.

Your destiny will affect generations after you.

Perhaps like Mary, living out the gospel message true.

Will you be like Mary and say,

“I am the Lord's servant” today.

This is your destiny

for all eternity.

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

Luke 1:38

I tell you, do not worry about your life...

Matthew 6:25

Do not be anxious about anything...

Philippians 4:6

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man's gift is prophesy,

let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve;

if it is teaching, let him teach;

if it is encouraging, let him encourage;

if it is contributing to the needs of others,

let him give generously;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

Encourage one another

and build each other up.

I Thessalonians 5:11

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace gave us

eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17

* If your spirit is waning, start by reading Psalm:

David cried, the Lord heard...

David prayed, the Lord answered...

David sighed, the Lord listened...

each and every time.

David praised his God, he sang about his Lord, he recorded his thoughts - rather they were confident or questioning. Many of David’s prayers were prayers related to struggles. Take note of David’s communication with God, put these examples into practice, even rewriting to fit your circumstance. You’ll find your spirit will lift.

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CHOSEN

 

CHOSEN

Luke 1 tells us that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was chosen.

There's nothing about Mary's upbringing written.

Perhaps she was from a modest family.

Certainly she came from a holy ancestry.

It seems as if her family worshiped God

for her response shows she chose to please the Lord.

She referred to herself as the Lord's servant or handmaid.

A role after which all of us should choose to be made.

Have you wondered where were Mary's parents

when the angel announced this awesome event?

Instead of discussing it with Joseph,

she went to stay with Elizabeth?

Did she choose Elizabeth as her spiritual mentor?

Is that why God arranged to bring them together?

What did Zechariah think?

We know he could not speak.

We don't know if Mary had any siblings.

Do you suppose Mary was fair in appearance?

I'm sure as in choosing David to be king,

God did not choose her outward appearance.

God looks at the attitude of our heart

and Mary's heart must have been right:

devoted, reverent, trusting, believing -

in every aspect of her daily living.

Surely she chose to honor God

in all she said and did.

Certainly her words and actions

were filled with heart-felt adoration.

Based on her prayer starting at Luke 1:46

Mary was familiar with God's loving kindness.

And she chose to give glory to God with rejoicing

as she was humbled by God's incredible choosing.

Mary's prayer shows she was acquainted with God's ways.

She was familiar with how God provided, always,

choosing to praise God for His loving blessings

for God is merciful, though we're not deserving.

Certainly Mary's family believed a Messiah would come

and when that time did come He would surely be welcomed.

She was humbled that God chose her to fulfill this prophesy.

As she says, her soul and spirit were filled with God's glory.

Chosen for a unique purpose

known throughout the universe.

Chosen to be the mother of Jesus -

God's gift to us; celebrated each Christmas.

* * * * *

As Mary was chosen and used,

God desires that you choose

to be a child of the King

simply through believing.

Let Mary's life be an example to you

for she gave glory to God each day anew.

Though troubled when the angel announced these unbelievable tidings,

she surrendered her life to God after receiving this greeting.

She chose to give God glory -

a vibrant, bold testimony

becoming her life story

now established in history.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,

but the Lord looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me -

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers."

Luke 1:46-55

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NATIVITY

 

NATIVITY

It's unpacked first

before the rest -

the nativity,

for all to see.

The stable crude

with a cow that mooed

and a donkey gray

laying in the hay.

Perhaps there are fowl

or a barnyard owl.

Maybe sheep and goats

with woolly winter coats.

If you listen you might hear

the barnyard animals cheer

with bleats and brays and moos and coos

or even a cock-a-doodle-doo.

Look inside the stable, there you'll find

Joseph and his wife Mary, so kind,

bending over the manger bed

where baby Jesus laid his head.

The manger, the animals feeding trough,

filled with hay so it wouldn't be rough

was shared by the animals that night.

A night filled with surprise and delight.

Weary from their trip and from childbirth

this night God sent His only Son to earth,

Mary and Joseph sent a prayer of praise

to thank God for His wonderful ways.

For a safe trip through the hills

and a warm place to stay filled

with animals

was special.

There's the angel hovering

who told the shepherds abiding

that Jesus Christ was born

in the town of Bethlehem.

See, the shepherds are here

with lambs and sheep near

to see this Savior

who would bring favor.

For the angel announced "good tidings

of great joy" to the shepherds abiding

and they hurried to Bethlehem

to see this divine newborn.

So awed by this reverent event

the shepherds told whoever they met

all they had seen and heard.

Today this news is still told.

All those who heard were amazed

with wonderment at this new phase

and bore witness of this news.

Good news for me and you.

If you look up in the sky

you'll see a bright star up high

much larger than the rest

coming from the east.

In the distance you might see

camels clumping through the trees

laden with packages to give as presents

from wise men who seek the Christ-child's presence.

These presents we read,

amounted to three:

gold, frankincense, and myrrh -

for a king they were.

Next time you get out your nativity

be reminded of this first Christmas story

for its story never grows old

no matter how often it's told.

* * * * *

There's always something that grabs my attention.

This year it was "glory" that merited meditation.

Luke 2:9 "The glory of the Lord shone around"

when the angel spoke to the shepherds on the ground.

"Glory to God in the highest..."

for God's name is above the rest.

Giving glory to God should be

our catch-phrase until eternity.

Simply say out loud in conversation

"Thank You, Lord," will be honoring.

"God Bless You" upon parting

reminds one God's presence is everlasting.

Then when that day does come

when our earthly work is done

giving God the glory

will be our life's story.

When we do give God the glory

God's glory will shine all around.

So give God glory, instead of worry.

You'll find blessings abundant will abound.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them...

Luke 2:9

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest..."

Luke 2:13

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I'M THANKFUL FOR...

 

I'M THANKFUL FOR

I'm thankful for skies of blue

and the morning's sparkling dew

covering blooms that grew

in a rainbow of hues

every morning like bright jewels

making for a pretty view.

I'm thankful for birds that flew

and to hear them sing coo coo

for songs brighten my day anew

giving me a much clearer view

of God's goodness to me and you.

Is it the same for you too?

I'm thankful for rainbows, too,

and the sunset's golden hue

for both are God's jewels

sent to me and you

as promises anew

of God's faithfulness true.

I'm thankful for days rainy and cool

for rain greens the grass to look like new

and fresh vegetables will grow anew

in a rainbow of colors, it's true.

One day they'll make a healthy stew

to keep me safe from the flu.

I'm thankful for cattle that moo

and for animals that live in zoos

where they are cared for by a crew

of working men and women who

enjoy their work each day anew.

You should plan a trip to the zoo.

I'm thankful that everyday is a school

where I always learn something brand new

or perhaps something I once knew

for I tend to forget, it's true.

Is it the same way for you too?

Learning gives us a clearer view.

I'm thankful for garden tools.

Some purchased, some like new

given by friends who knew

I needed a helper to

control how the garden grew.

Tools are helpmates and cool.

I'm thankful everyday, it's true,

but not for insects, they're cruel,

nor for those bucks and does who

visit during the night to

eat my garden's view.

It's like my garden woos.

I'm thankful that when bills come due

I'm able to pay each month anew

for God supplies all my needs, it's true,

and many of my selfish wants, too.

Did you know God's Word says we're His jewel?

I know God is faithful to you too.

I'm thankful for the Creator who

provides and protects me each day anew.

Who proves His love for me, it's true,

by His faithfulness sent from above to

bless me and those I love anew

with His best as we follow God's rules.

I'm thankful for celebration's ado

with Valentines sent from you know who,

Easter baskets filled with surprises new,

Halloween when children say boo to you,

then Thanksgiving when we review,

Christmas - God's gift to me and you.

I'm thankful when it's your birthday too

when a special cake is baked for you

to be shared with those who love you

celebrating you with much ado.

My, how the years flew

while the young ones grew.

I'm thankful everyday there's always something new

to be thankful for. I'm sure you already knew.

Being thankful is a mindset to see what's true

then daily dwell on that truth each day anew

until thankfulness resides in you.

Being thankful will chase away the blues.

I'm thankful for many friends who

were sent by God for He just knew

who I would need when He sent you

and blessed me with the gift of you.

May God always bless you

with peace and joy anew.

* * * * *

And may each and every day you too

find much to be thankful for anew.

Being thankful gives us a new view

refreshing us like cool morning dew

while worries, over which we stew,

weigh us down like sticky glue.

Remember this rule:

Thankfulness rules!

It's a jewel

of many hues -

physically, emotionally, it's true,

mentally and spiritually too.

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Give thanks to the Lord,

for he is good;

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Thanks be to God!

He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Corinthians 15:57

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