publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Mat 1:18-25)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a
We may not always know GOD's steps in the plans He has for us, but we are to trust Him, for He sees the end from the beginning. We can only see our past, and our immediate surroundings and circumstances, but GOD, who is outside of time, can see it all. With all knowledge and wisdom, He can direct that which He wills, to accomplish His purposes and His ways. We are to trust and obey, just as Joseph and Mary did, that which He reveals to us.
For GOD wants us to be conformed to the image of His dear Son. That has been the plan for us since the beginning. He foreordained that all those who come to Christ in repentance and faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary and are born again would be justified, sanctified, and glorified. GOD takes off the rough edges and corrects sIn, while filling us with His Word and His Spirit so we become more like Him, until He takes us Home.
Until that day, we are to be obedient as His hands to minister to those in need, that they may see Jesus in us, the Hope of Glory. We are to disciple one another in the Word that we grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord, and in love that others may know we are His disciples. We are to take the Gospel to this lost and dying world, our neighbours, our communities, our workplaces. As we go, we are to proclaim Liberty to the captives of sIn, and the Good News of Jesus Christ, that they may hear, and believe, and in believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet