S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Matthew 2:21
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
O-bservation:
Some would argue that the entire Gospel Story and the birth of Christianity hinged on Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather, who “Listened To The Angel.”
A-pplication:
During the birth of Jesus, and a couple of years thereafter, trouble ensued, including Herod wanting to kill Jesus. First Joseph was unsure what to do with his wife’s pregnancy since he knew the baby wasn’t his. An angel of the Lord told him in a dream what had happened and Joseph married her in faith. When Jesus was born an angel told Joseph to move the family to Egypt, because Herod was going to try and kill Jesus. Joseph obeyed and moved. The Magi, were warned by an angel not to return by way of Herod when going home after seeing Jesus. So they went another way. Finally, an angel told Joseph after Herod died that he was to move his family back to Israel. Each time Joseph, “Listened To The Angel.” The Apostle says in Hebrews 13:2 that we should be kind to strangers because sometimes they could be an angel. All I know is God is always speaking to you and me. If you’re struggling, open your heart and “Listen For An Angel.”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
I’m reminded of so many times in my life when someone I didn’t even know had a word for me. The word always worked the thing out! As I look back it must have been Your angel every time. Amen
Comments (2)
Pastor Rich, you were used of the Lord in my life in the early 1990’s at one of your visits to our church, Calvary Temple at the time kna Calvary Church of Naperville on Aurora Avenue, in the tin add on. I was asking God if Calvary was the Church He wanted me to grow my roots in. I asked Him to allow me to set up a malic. I was sitting in the last row center when I asked Him that if He wanted me to grow here that everyone in the congregation would stand and turn around to face the back wall. Right then you said “I’d like everyone to stand and turn around to face the back wall right now” you went on to say, “Those of you who know for sure that if you died today you would be in the presence of God stay right there but if you’re not sure turn around and look at me because you’re the one’s I want to talk to.” I was so grateful that I was in the back row because the flood of tears would not stop!!! My family and I have been active members of Calvary ever since. Our mutual friend Krisan Markese remembers that day as well and encouraged me to share it with you. I pray it blesses you today! Love in Christ, Lisa Wilson
Fleece*