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Sunday grace

Oct30

The Lord God really is my Shepherd. Why do I worry about so many things? He is looking out for my best interest and supplying all my needs.

He makes me lie down in green pastures to rest awhile. He knows I need it, because I run to and fro, working hard at many things. Perhaps I want to feel accomplished and worthy. I only wear myself out.

He leads me beside the still waters, invites me to drink long and slow, to quench my thirst for something other than I chase.

He restores my soul. Oh, how I need that. My soul gets weary dealing with intruding lies and controversies.

He leads me in paths of righteousness. He knows the way I should take. He leads rightly, for it is His path, following His footprints, walking the way He walks, viewing life from His heart.

Sometimes I walk the valley of fear. Darkness and uncertainty blind me, the voices of the world threaten me. I must remember that He is with me, my constant Companion, good and faithful Friend.

He corrects and protects. The correction is sometimes uncomfortable but always wise and necessary. He protects because He sees the danger and is strong enough for any encounter.

He prepares an abundance of grace for me, even as the enemy of my soul menacingly glares, knowing he is powerless.

I am full and running over, all my needs supplied completely, fully.

My Shepherd’s goodness, mercy, grace, compassion, love follow me now and all the days here and in the hereafter.

The Lord is my Shepherd. He is all I need.

Sunday grace.

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Joseph

Dec13

To all the men who have fathered other men’s children.

To those who took on the responsibility to provide for, to love and to model Christ when you didn’t have to.

To the men who have loved their mothers enough to make a commitment to her, a covenant that will not be broken.

To those who gave their name, their identity, their heritage.

To the men who taught them what a good day’s work is, what is looks like to lead lovingly, and how to build character and integrity.

To those who worked with sons and danced with daughters.

  *   *   *   *   *   *   

You are an important part of the story, just like Joseph was in the life of Jesus.  Though he was not the birth father, he put on the cloak of duty without concern for himself.  He forsook fear and lifted the shield of faith.  He disregarded the questions about his honor and what others thought about him.   He had been given the truth and that was enough.

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It was enough for Joseph to obey where he was called, to go forward and not look back.

And he, Joseph, called His name Yeshua.

The angel said, “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son. You will name the son Jesus.  Give him that name because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:20-21

Sunday grace.