"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Matthew 1:22-25

 December 16

​"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel' (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 borne a son; and he called his name Jesus." -Matthew 1:22-25 (RSV)

​Only Jesus can fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, for he is the only Immanuel: "God with us," (Is.7:14) Jesus is God's love in the flesh. Thus, God is literally among us, or "with us." Through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present now in your life and those of all believers. Not even Isaiah understood how far-reaching the meaning of Immanuel would be. Yet because of love, Joseph changed plans quickly after hearing Mary wasn't unfaithful to him. He obeyed God and continued with marriage plans. Although others must have disapproved of his decision, Joseph did what was right. Sometimes we may avoid doing right because of what others might think or because of deep hurt causing withdrawal. Yet, like Joseph, we can choose to forgive and obey God rather than seek other's approval. Sometimes we forget how big God’s forgiveness and love is. Yet when someone has done something so bad we can’t forgive them or we have done something so big we can’t forgive ourselves, this is hard. However, the Bible says God is able to forgive you even when you don’t forgive yourself. (1Jn.1:9) Forgiving doesn’t make you weak. It makes you stronger and better. We all need to remember God is always with us and loves us even in our darkest moments, comforts us in our darkest times, and forgives and frees us as we put our full trust and faith in Him. Forgiveness is not only about others but also about our own spiritual growth. We can’t grow if we let hate control our lives and emotions. Let God lead, let Him be the judge and continue to grow in the Lord. Leave it ‘in His hands’ through prayer. It takes a lot of courage to forgive. Charles Stanley says “When God speaks, often times His voice will call for an act of courage on our part.” The secret to Peace is the courage to do what God calls us to do, like Joseph did.

​Prayer: Lord, Grant me courage to do what is right. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: Forgiveness brings loving togetherness.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)