FAITH ENCOUNTER

Joseph awoke. 

He saw clearly now. Purpose had been redeemed.

Earlier, in the stillness of that night, he argued with the storm that pervaded his heart. He had a faith that was derived from the likes of calloused palms and earnest toil. His livelihood was always in the quiet obedience to the tradition of his elders. And a now thwarted, stirring anticipation of a future union with his betrothed.

How could he resolve his heartbreak with the demands of culture and the shame it would produce?

As he debated with the barrage filling his soul, he fell asleep.

“……an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is Salvation)’…….” Matt 1:20-21 AMP

Stepping out of the human doubt into divine trust, “…..he did all that the angel of the Lord instructed him to do.  He took Mary to be his wife, but they refrained from having sex until she gave birth to her son, whom they named ‘Jesus’.” Matt 1:24-25

This reminds all of us that the Lord is always right there, in our weakness or confusion.

Let the extraordinary emerge from a humble heart, willing to say “Yes”.

Welcome your Faith Encounter.

Be Blessed.

HUMBLE WONDER

The rich texture that now filled the room arrived with a Light that could only be described in her memory. 

A Light she had never experienced before.

From within this ethereal surrounding stepped forth God’s Messenger, Gabriel.

His Voice spoke rich and tender.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  Listen carefully: you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High:” Luke 1:30-32a AMP

Though she felt that maybe her words were not quite adequate for this moment of grandeur, she spoke steadily, as it was yielding.

“….. “I am the Lord’s servant. Let everything you’ve said happen to me.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 GW

Here, stirred a quiet tempest.  Where awe and surrender joined hands.

Mary’s heart delivered a trembling wonder with firm resolve.

Young, and uncertain of any of the days ahead, suddenly became a vessel that foresaw divine purpose.

Her humility had carried her to heights of a new kind of courage.

A response that mirrors that Unique Strength found only in Peacefully Trusting God. 

While whatever uncertainty or daunting circumstance suddenly attempts to overtake our surroundings.   

In Humble Wonder.

Be Blessed.

November’s gone.  December’s here.

Thinking on the days ahead a phrase came to mind: “Bright Warmth”. 

Even though dark circumstances continue to invade our spaces, in the attempt to take us down, these verses carry us through.

“The heavens proclaim the Glory of God.  The skies display his craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.” Psalm 19:1-2 NLT.

“Arise! Shine! Your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has dawned.” Isaiah 60:1 GW.

They reflect the Radiance of our Creator, the Warmth of His PRESENCE, the Dawning of Promise, and True Hope in every day.

While entering Advent 2024 I cannot hold back on the thoughts that can only attempt to imagine how Beautiful and BIG our God is. 

How He has orchestrated the Arrival of His only begotten Son. 

If you understand as to what (or more appropriately, Who) the Bible is about, you can catch how Jesus is revealed in every book. 

From Genesis to Revelation.

And come upon the verse where God speaks plainly.  Found in about the middle (plus fifty pages or so), enveloped by all of the other books.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us).”

Isaiah 7:14 AMP

Be Blessed.