This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together she was found to be what child thought the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1: 18-19 Let’s start with a little history. There are three steps to a Jewish marriage. Step 1: The families agree to the union Step 2: They make a public announcement At this point the couple are pledged to each other. This is like our present day…
-
-
Joseph’s Faith
By faith, when his end was near, Joseph spoke about the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones. Hebrews 11:22. I love the story of Joseph. So many things to learn from him. What have you learned from Joseph? First, read Hebrews 11:21-22. Then read Genesis 50: 22-26. Which part of this story is highlighted in Hebrews as an act of faith? Read Exodus 1:1-13. What would make us question whether Joseph was mistaken? Now read 3:1-10. What was God preparing to do? Next, look at Genesis 15: 12-18. What prophecies did God speak over Abram when He cut the covenant…
-
A Bondservant Trusts The Leading Of The Lord
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father, David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom, there will be no end.” Luke 1:31-33 Has God ever lead you to places? Did you go willingly, or did you hesitate? Mary would go on many journeys as she being a bondservant to the Lord. Wherever He led, she would follow. God had a plan for His Son, and…
-
Favorable Purposes
And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. . . And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:5, 7 I don’t know about you but I have many many favorite books of the bible. I also have many favorite bible stories from the Bible. In the last few years, the story of Joseph has become very dear to my heart. I mean talk about all the emotions…
-
Our Shepherds Joy
Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 How do you handle disappointments? Or how do you handle unmet expectations? Did you know that expectations can be an idol?? Did you know that joy is not based on your circumstances but in the choice to live in God’s extravagant grace? The first Christmas had both unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances. What were Joseph and Mary’s unmet expectations and unexpected circumstances? I don’t think they expected baby Jesus to be born so far from their home! Or how about the manger?? What mother would want to…
-
Guard Your Integrity
Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks. Perhaps it was a mistake. Genesis 43:12 Joseph’s father Jacob had integrity. Joseph’s brother’s left Egypt to return home. When they arrived they found money in the grain bag. It was the money they used to pay for the grain. However, they could not prove that they paid for it. Several months later, the brothers had to return to Egypt for more food. Jacob instructed the brothers to take the extra money so they could pay for the previous purchase along with the new item…
-
Joseph – Part 2
But he considered these things, behold, an angel of the lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord as spoken by the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of…