June Caedmon's Blog, page 24
January 16, 2018
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 3:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 3:52
Some of you know that I'm not a native Texan. It seems strange to type those words because, well, moving to Texas felt like coming home. I won't say I'll never leave, only God knows that, but I truly love it here.
Prior to moving to Texas, I lived in Arizona for nearly twenty years. If you've never been to Arizona you're probably thinking hot, dry, desert. You'd be right.
And you'd be wrong.
Arizona is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state. In fact, AZ Highways once did an issue that featured places in Arizona that compared to every state in the country. Even Alaska! From sand dunes to ski mountains, Arizona has it all. Well, everything except oceanfront property, as one famous Texan reminds us!
One of Arizona's hidden gems are her lakes. Saguaro Lake, just north of Fountain Hills and northeast of Scottsdale is one of my favorites. Formed in 1930 by the Stewart Mountain Dam, Saguaro Lake is the fourth reservoir on the Salt River. With 22 miles of shoreline, there is a lot to see an enjoy!
My Dreamer and I took the Desert Belle cruise and tour when we were there this past November. It's a well-run, narrated tour and highly recommended.
Desert Belle
Heading into the canyon
Big Horn Sheep - I spotted them too late to get a good picture.
Various waterfowl. American Coot, Clark's Grebe, and Ring-necked Duck were a few I could identify.
Rare, cristate or crested Saguaro
The majestic Four Peaks
Web formation on the canyon walls caused by cooling strands of lava.
Saguaro Cacti
The yellow is lichen on the rock surface.
As well pulled back into dock we sensed we were being watched. We finally spotted a droid hovering just off the side of the boat. Upon exiting we found the operator standing on the dock. It was a little unnerving to realize we were being filmed. In truth, there are few public places where we are not being filmed these days. You learn to get used to it, if not accept it. But having a teenager film you in a completely natural (as in, out in nature) setting seemed a bit intrusive. I suspect we'll be seeing more and more of these droids in the not so distant future.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
Some of you know that I'm not a native Texan. It seems strange to type those words because, well, moving to Texas felt like coming home. I won't say I'll never leave, only God knows that, but I truly love it here.
Prior to moving to Texas, I lived in Arizona for nearly twenty years. If you've never been to Arizona you're probably thinking hot, dry, desert. You'd be right.
And you'd be wrong.
Arizona is an incredibly beautiful and diverse state. In fact, AZ Highways once did an issue that featured places in Arizona that compared to every state in the country. Even Alaska! From sand dunes to ski mountains, Arizona has it all. Well, everything except oceanfront property, as one famous Texan reminds us!
One of Arizona's hidden gems are her lakes. Saguaro Lake, just north of Fountain Hills and northeast of Scottsdale is one of my favorites. Formed in 1930 by the Stewart Mountain Dam, Saguaro Lake is the fourth reservoir on the Salt River. With 22 miles of shoreline, there is a lot to see an enjoy!
My Dreamer and I took the Desert Belle cruise and tour when we were there this past November. It's a well-run, narrated tour and highly recommended.
Desert Belle
Heading into the canyon
Big Horn Sheep - I spotted them too late to get a good picture.
Various waterfowl. American Coot, Clark's Grebe, and Ring-necked Duck were a few I could identify.
Rare, cristate or crested Saguaro
The majestic Four Peaks
Web formation on the canyon walls caused by cooling strands of lava.
Saguaro Cacti
The yellow is lichen on the rock surface.
As well pulled back into dock we sensed we were being watched. We finally spotted a droid hovering just off the side of the boat. Upon exiting we found the operator standing on the dock. It was a little unnerving to realize we were being filmed. In truth, there are few public places where we are not being filmed these days. You learn to get used to it, if not accept it. But having a teenager film you in a completely natural (as in, out in nature) setting seemed a bit intrusive. I suspect we'll be seeing more and more of these droids in the not so distant future.
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
January 11, 2018
Inspired by . . . His terms
Inspired by . . . His terms
I was reviewing last year's journal entries this week and found an entry from January 4, 2017, that I want to share with you.
It's hard to know what God is allowing to happen in view of the fallen state of man and what is His will. I write this even as I realize that is wrong. We can know, to a certain extent, although not fully in all things.
Those things that stand according to His word are certainly within His will. Those things clearly contrary to His word are outside of His will - but not, however, outside of His sovereign control. It is these things He allows to happen yet works for the good of all who love Him and who act according to His purposes. These are the things that are often the hardest for us to understand and accept.
We ache to know His will, yet we will not ask on His terms. We will not do the work of emptying so that He can do the work of filling. We want change in us but not change in our world.
The truth is that any growth, or any movement whether physical or spiritual affects the things around it. You cannot ask God to change you and then not expect to see that change play out, good or bad, in your relationships.
Salvation is not a static state of being for God's love is constantly propelling us toward a state of purity in Christ Jesus.
The Son of God appeared for the very purpose of undoing the devil's work. When we agree with Jesus and do the things He's told us to do we take part in that undoing. A worthy goal for the New Year, don't you think?
Lord, help me to be at work undoing the devil's work today and every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen. [click to tweet]
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
#TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
I was reviewing last year's journal entries this week and found an entry from January 4, 2017, that I want to share with you.
It's hard to know what God is allowing to happen in view of the fallen state of man and what is His will. I write this even as I realize that is wrong. We can know, to a certain extent, although not fully in all things.
Those things that stand according to His word are certainly within His will. Those things clearly contrary to His word are outside of His will - but not, however, outside of His sovereign control. It is these things He allows to happen yet works for the good of all who love Him and who act according to His purposes. These are the things that are often the hardest for us to understand and accept.
We ache to know His will, yet we will not ask on His terms. We will not do the work of emptying so that He can do the work of filling. We want change in us but not change in our world.
The truth is that any growth, or any movement whether physical or spiritual affects the things around it. You cannot ask God to change you and then not expect to see that change play out, good or bad, in your relationships.
Salvation is not a static state of being for God's love is constantly propelling us toward a state of purity in Christ Jesus.
The Son of God appeared for the very purpose of undoing the devil's work. When we agree with Jesus and do the things He's told us to do we take part in that undoing. A worthy goal for the New Year, don't you think?
Lord, help me to be at work undoing the devil's work today and every day. In the name of Jesus, Amen. [click to tweet]
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
#TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
January 9, 2018
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 2:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 2:52
And just like that, we're in the second week of the new year. So far the weather has not been kind. From Storm Eleanor in Europe to the "bomb cyclone" along the U.S. east coast, at least half of the world has been experiencing frigid temperatures. Even Florida had snow last week!
It's wonderful book-reading and couch-potato weather. But while we're slowing to a huddle and staying in to keep warm, the animals are doubly active, foraging for the extra food they need to increase body fat, which keeps them warm!
It was nice to see the male Kestrel back again.
A few meadowlarks have been around as well. I believe these are Eastern Meadowlarks because the malar stripe at the base of the bill is white. On the Western larks, it is yellow. (corrections welcome!) These guys are very skittish so I was pleased to get this shot.
A flock of European Starlings and cowbirds flew in for a day of foraging.
The backyard birds have been busy, too.
Mr. Cardial is looking pretty sleek in his red coat!
The branch I had the peanut feeder hanging on came down in the heavy snow we had last month. I relocated the feeder to the front yard and have enjoyed watching the birds, especially the titmice, from my kitchen window.
Full disclaimer, all pictures were taken from the comfort of my cozy warm cottage!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day, friends!
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
And just like that, we're in the second week of the new year. So far the weather has not been kind. From Storm Eleanor in Europe to the "bomb cyclone" along the U.S. east coast, at least half of the world has been experiencing frigid temperatures. Even Florida had snow last week!
It's wonderful book-reading and couch-potato weather. But while we're slowing to a huddle and staying in to keep warm, the animals are doubly active, foraging for the extra food they need to increase body fat, which keeps them warm!
It was nice to see the male Kestrel back again.
A few meadowlarks have been around as well. I believe these are Eastern Meadowlarks because the malar stripe at the base of the bill is white. On the Western larks, it is yellow. (corrections welcome!) These guys are very skittish so I was pleased to get this shot.
A flock of European Starlings and cowbirds flew in for a day of foraging.
The backyard birds have been busy, too.
Mr. Cardial is looking pretty sleek in his red coat!
The branch I had the peanut feeder hanging on came down in the heavy snow we had last month. I relocated the feeder to the front yard and have enjoyed watching the birds, especially the titmice, from my kitchen window.
Full disclaimer, all pictures were taken from the comfort of my cozy warm cottage!
What are you seeing through your lens this week?
Have a wonder-filled day, friends!
Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday
January 4, 2018
Inspired by . . . inwardly renewed
Inspired by . . . inwardly renewed
With few exceptions, winter has been holding much of the U.S.in a death grip this last week. Except to feed the birds, I've been held captive by the warmth of my cozy cottage. Nothing but hoar frost grows in my garden now. Wasn't it just last week we had butterflies?
Time has marched on into a new year and it's not looking back. Neither are most of you. My social media feeds are filled with excitement, hope, and how-tos for 2018. It's wonderful.
Many of you are charging full on into 2018 while others of us are easing in to the new year, celebrating Christmastide and looking ahead only as far as Epiphany on Saturday.
Some of us are still licking our wounds from 2017. I took time this past weekend to sit and review my daily journal notes from last year. I knew it had been a difficult year but seeing the daily entries really brought it into focus.
I was surprised really. Because although I have days of discouragement and despondency I am, overall, thankful, grateful and JOYful. At least, I think I am.
During this time of reflection, the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 has become real to me.
I do know this, we all face trials. The ones that convince us of the frailty of our frame and the reality of death are, I think, the hardest to bear.
This verse doesn't deny those realities, yet it gives us direction and great hope.
Certainly, we can say goodbye to 2017 and start fresh in 2018. But not all troubles are so easily cast aside. These verses in 2 Corinthians give us a framework with which we can reset our perspective where some of our trials are concerned.
Let's start the year off right-minded with eyes fixed on the One Who can help us overcome, or give us the grace to endure.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
With few exceptions, winter has been holding much of the U.S.in a death grip this last week. Except to feed the birds, I've been held captive by the warmth of my cozy cottage. Nothing but hoar frost grows in my garden now. Wasn't it just last week we had butterflies?
Time has marched on into a new year and it's not looking back. Neither are most of you. My social media feeds are filled with excitement, hope, and how-tos for 2018. It's wonderful.
Many of you are charging full on into 2018 while others of us are easing in to the new year, celebrating Christmastide and looking ahead only as far as Epiphany on Saturday.
Some of us are still licking our wounds from 2017. I took time this past weekend to sit and review my daily journal notes from last year. I knew it had been a difficult year but seeing the daily entries really brought it into focus.
I was surprised really. Because although I have days of discouragement and despondency I am, overall, thankful, grateful and JOYful. At least, I think I am.
During this time of reflection, the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 has become real to me.
No wonder we do not lose heart! Though our outward humanity is in decay, yet day by day we are inwardly renewed.You'll thank me, perhaps, that I'm not going to expound on all of my thoughts and reflections in one post. I hardly know all that I want to say. Yet.
Our troubles are slight and short-lived, and their outcome is an eternal glory which far outweighs them, provided our eyes are fixed, not on the things that are seen but on the things that are unseen; for what is seen is transient, what is unseen is eternal. (RE)
I do know this, we all face trials. The ones that convince us of the frailty of our frame and the reality of death are, I think, the hardest to bear.
This verse doesn't deny those realities, yet it gives us direction and great hope.
Certainly, we can say goodbye to 2017 and start fresh in 2018. But not all troubles are so easily cast aside. These verses in 2 Corinthians give us a framework with which we can reset our perspective where some of our trials are concerned.
Let's start the year off right-minded with eyes fixed on the One Who can help us overcome, or give us the grace to endure.
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
December 29, 2017
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 52:52
Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 52:52
Welcome to the last lens of the year! I pray you all had a blessed holiday.
We had a nice quiet day. It was cold and although there was no snow, we still have our memories of the miracle from two weeks before.
We had about five inches in our part of south Texas. The first time in thirty years they say! It barely lasted 24 hours but we enjoyed every moment!
It was humbling to think that for some this was the first snow they had ever experienced and for many, it will be the only one or their last.
I thought about the animals, too. Few, if any, were alive 30 years ago. What did they think of this fluffy white material falling from the sky; coating their fur, hair, and feathers?
The flock of killdeer that had arrived for the holidays did not seem amused. The deer, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the winter wonderland.
The snow started in the evening and I was so afraid it would be gone by morning that I was taking pictures in the dark!
The temps stayed cold and we awoke to a blanket of peace. There is a unique silence that the snow brings to the world.
And just like Frosty wanted to run and play before he melted away, I wanted to get as many pictures as possible. The sun was bright and warm so I knew I didn't have much time!
The blessing of the snow is a memory we will cherish for many years to come. I pray that you, too, have memories from 2017 that you will carry with you into the new year.
May 2018 bring even more memories made to cherish and hold dear.
Happy New Year!Blessings,
Welcome to the last lens of the year! I pray you all had a blessed holiday.
We had a nice quiet day. It was cold and although there was no snow, we still have our memories of the miracle from two weeks before.
We had about five inches in our part of south Texas. The first time in thirty years they say! It barely lasted 24 hours but we enjoyed every moment!
It was humbling to think that for some this was the first snow they had ever experienced and for many, it will be the only one or their last.
I thought about the animals, too. Few, if any, were alive 30 years ago. What did they think of this fluffy white material falling from the sky; coating their fur, hair, and feathers?
The flock of killdeer that had arrived for the holidays did not seem amused. The deer, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the winter wonderland.
The snow started in the evening and I was so afraid it would be gone by morning that I was taking pictures in the dark!
The temps stayed cold and we awoke to a blanket of peace. There is a unique silence that the snow brings to the world.
And just like Frosty wanted to run and play before he melted away, I wanted to get as many pictures as possible. The sun was bright and warm so I knew I didn't have much time!
The blessing of the snow is a memory we will cherish for many years to come. I pray that you, too, have memories from 2017 that you will carry with you into the new year.
May 2018 bring even more memories made to cherish and hold dear.
Happy New Year!Blessings,
December 24, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XVII
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XVII
"Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." (Isa 12:5-6)
Merry Christmas to you and yoursand all JOY in 2018!
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIVA Season in Scripture XVA Season in Scripture XVI
"Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel." (Isa 12:5-6)
Merry Christmas to you and yoursand all JOY in 2018!
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIVA Season in Scripture XVA Season in Scripture XVI
December 23, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XVI
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XVI
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIVA Season in Scripture XV
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" (Luk 2:8-14)
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIVA Season in Scripture XV
December 22, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XV
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XV
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XII A Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about Him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.'") For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:14-17)
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XII A Season in Scripture XIIIA Season in Scripture XIV
December 21, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XIV
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XIV
Unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a Son is given.
Do we remember why?
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIII
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
Unto us, a child is born. Unto us, a Son is given.
Do we remember why?
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (Joh 3:16-17)
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
A Season in Scripture XIIA Season in Scripture XIII
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
December 19, 2017
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XII
Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture XII
We do well to think on Joseph's actions here. As Matthew Henry says, "Were there more of deliberation in our censures and judgments, there would be more of mercy and moderation in them."
We can only assume that Joseph felt betrayed, disappointed, angry and perhaps even jealous over Mary's supposed action. He knew her to be a virtuous woman, yet the fact that she was with child could not be denied. How conflicted he must have been!
Conflicted, yes, but above all, Joseph was a righteous man and was inclined to be merciful as God is merciful.
There is little mercy in our world today. We, as a culture, are quick to judge, often even before all the evidence has been disclosed. We assume that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is guilty of being a duck. But there is more to a person than their walk and their talk.
Sometimes it takes being judged wrongly ourselves before we are willing to extend mercy like Joseph. Friend, this is a hard lesson to learn. I pray, rather, that we will be slow to judgment and more inclined to be merciful simply because we, like Joseph, are children of a kind and merciful God.
Joseph, like Mary, was part of God's perfect plan for revealing His gift to mankind. Jesus was never to be called the son of a harlot. (Matt 13:55)
He was the son of a carpenter, the Son of Man, the Son of God.
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called His name Jesus. (Mat 1:18-25)
We do well to think on Joseph's actions here. As Matthew Henry says, "Were there more of deliberation in our censures and judgments, there would be more of mercy and moderation in them."
We can only assume that Joseph felt betrayed, disappointed, angry and perhaps even jealous over Mary's supposed action. He knew her to be a virtuous woman, yet the fact that she was with child could not be denied. How conflicted he must have been!
Conflicted, yes, but above all, Joseph was a righteous man and was inclined to be merciful as God is merciful.
There is little mercy in our world today. We, as a culture, are quick to judge, often even before all the evidence has been disclosed. We assume that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is guilty of being a duck. But there is more to a person than their walk and their talk.
Sometimes it takes being judged wrongly ourselves before we are willing to extend mercy like Joseph. Friend, this is a hard lesson to learn. I pray, rather, that we will be slow to judgment and more inclined to be merciful simply because we, like Joseph, are children of a kind and merciful God.
Joseph, like Mary, was part of God's perfect plan for revealing His gift to mankind. Jesus was never to be called the son of a harlot. (Matt 13:55)
He was the son of a carpenter, the Son of Man, the Son of God.
Shalom,
The series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III
A Season in Scripture IV
A Season in Scripture V
A Season in Scripture VI
A Season in Scripture VII
A Season in Scripture VIII
A Season in Scripture IX
A Season in Scripture X
A Season in Scripture XI
Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus
