Devotions Archive Archive: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 Search Archive Print This Article Husband Saturday, December 18, 2010 Matthew 1:19 Joseph was a righteous man and unwilling to expose his fiancée Mary to shame. I remember one thing (especially) from my days of Promise Keeper Conferences. Bill McCartney, tough guy football coach turned Christian, told us how to be the spiritual heads of our households. "It's simple," he said. "Just pray for every person in your household every day, out loud, in their presence." Maybe not so simple. But this keeps me in touch with God above me and my family all around me. I might start without much feedback, but that will change. Out-loud-prayer is either on target or it isn't. Either way, my family is likely to say so. And I realize more and more that God says so too. He has all kinds of feedback for me, as I start to use my imagination and communication skills to listen. Joseph's next moment with God, after he discovered Mary's pregnancy, came in a dream. He was a captive audience. God gave him clear instructions, and Joseph followed them. And his life changed forever. Joseph began with a righteous desire to be the spiritual head of his house. He wanted to husband his wife, and do it with humility and joy. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Mary. God went much further than that. He gave Joseph everything he needed to bless and love her. He'll do that for me too. In a heartbeat. What you give me, Lord, let me know how precious. Speak into all my life, every corner, and tell me what I need to hear. Your love outlasts nations. Your love is lifeblood to my family. "; Add      Edit    Delete