Page 46 - Grace150 Devotional

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame,
resolved to divorce her quietly…Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream…When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded
him. Matthew 1:19–25
At Christmas, I love to reflect upon Mary and Joseph’s story. I try to imagine
what Joseph thought when he discovered that Mary was expecting a child, but
not by him. His thoughts might have been about anger, betrayal, or revenge? I
see Joseph’s response: God spoke to him in a dream, and Joseph listened. Going
against society, and taking a huge personal risk, he was obedient to God, and
honored his betrothal to Mary.
How often does the world tell me to follow the crowd, to cave to pressure, to
conform, to be like everyone else? Tuning my ears to God’s voice, focusing my
eyes on my Savior’s life, soaking in the words written centuries ago by faithful
men who were witnesses to Jesus’ life and teaching—all this allows me to turn my
heart towards Christ. It is the attitude of my heart that controls my recognition of
His grace. To all sinners. But if I harden my heart, I am preventing my recognition
of His grace.
Joseph’s faithfulness and obedience to God’s command inspire me to be faithful to
my Heavenly Father, to examine my heart and motives, so that I may more clearly
see His marvelous grace in my life.

Father, may Your Spirit soften and open my heart to You daily, allowing me
the deep joy of knowing You and Your boundless grace, that I might love to
live for You.
– Richard P. Driessnack

DAY 39 grace 150