December 16
Scripture of the day: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son 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 bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'" Matthew 1:18-21
Thought of the day: The first New Testament story is about Joseph. He was engaged to Mary when he learned that she was pregnant. They had abstained from premarital sex ... but she was pregnant. He considered breaking the engagement. But an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel told him not to be afraid to marry her ... told him that she had conceived by the Holy Spirit ... and told him that her son would be the Savior.
Challenge of the day: The first story in the New Testament was about choice. Joseph had to choose between God's purposes and his own ego, fears, and doubts. Marrying a pregnant woman was not his plan. He must have thought about what other people would think and say. Joseph had to choose. Would he follow God's plan and marry her ... or would he go his own way and break the engagement? Joseph chose the way of the Lord. What will you choose? Will you fully follow God ... or will you go your own way? Learn from Joseph's example. Follow God fully!
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