Tag: obedience

Joseph’s Decision

~ Barbara ~ 3 Comments

God sent an angel to a troubled carpenter who learned his betrothed, a virgin named Mary, had inconceivably conceived. As far as we know, Mary was innocently going about her day when the angel surprised her with life-changing words. Joseph, on the other hand, was grappling with the disconcerting news that his intended was pregnant. He finally made a grace-filled decision. He would not shame her (as the law permitted) but would quietly divorce her. Decision made… until an angel appeared.

His message unraveled Joseph’s hard-won decision:

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.

As unbelievable as Mary’s story of a miraculous conception sounded, it was true! And Joseph had the integrity, righteousness, and faith to change his anguished but faulty decision. Only a man of substance would do that.

Psalm 139:6 tells me there is knowledge “too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” How foolish to stubbornly cling to my limited understanding, even if it was prayerfully attained! When I acknowledge my reasoning as imperfect and inadequate, I am free to respond with Joseph-like willingness and Mary-like humility. I can choose to trust God and submit to what I cannot comprehend.

Lord, may I not demand understanding but respond to your direction in faith, like Joseph. “He did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

We may not be privileged with an angelic visit that offers us a peek into the future, but we do have the Holy Spirit, who inspires our faith and directs our hearts. Spirit, help us to trust as Joseph did and base our decisions on your leading.

Quotes taken from Matthew 1:20, 24.

Hopscotch

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Do you remember drawing a hopscotch grid on your driveway or playground? We numbered the chalked boxes from one to ten, the tenth being slightly larger and arched to facilitate turning around. We carefully chose a flat stone as our marker because a round one could bounce.

A player tossed her rock into the hopscotch grid and hopped from square to square on one foot, but not in the square with her rock in it. When she reached grid ten, she turned around and hopped back. She once again skipped the square with her rock, but now she paused to pick it up.

The game required agility and balance. It also had a lot of rules:

  • If the tossed stone landed outside the lines, they lost their turn.
  • If a player hopped on the wrong square, they lost their turn.
  • If a player hopped outside the hopscotch grid, they lost their turn.
  • If a player stepped on a line, they lost their turn.
  • If a player put both feet inside a square, they lost their turn.

In light of my Red Rover post, you may wonder if I also find life lessons in Hopscotch. Yes, I do!

  • Keep your eye on the goal—don’t be distracted.
  • Watch your step—God gives us boundaries for a reason.
  • Aim accurately—don’t live carelessly.
  • Progress in an orderly fashion—there are no shortcuts to holiness.
  • Make choices that won’t bounce—choose life tools (stones) that will move you forward and assure victory.

Life’s successes follow those who live within God’s guidelines.

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Proverbs 3:1-2