A Call to Listen to God

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “But after he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ ” (Matthew 1:19-20)
      Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6

       Joseph needed a word from God. His love for God and commitment to live a righteous life led him to believe that he could not go through with the marriage to Mary because from a human perspective, it was obvious she had been unfaithful. However, his love for Mary caused him to seek a way for her to move on without being publicly disgraced or punished. Through what Joseph did, he shows us that Christmas is a commitment, not only to love people, but also to listen to God. He sought God’s direction and God gave it to him by letting him know He was chosen to be the earthly father of God’s son.
      God has plans for you, but sometimes the plans are not readily seen. God will guide you, but you have to learn to listen for how He speaks. One, God speaks through His Word and He will never lead you to do anything that is contrary to His Word. Two, God speaks through prayer as He gives promptings to your heart. Three, God speaks through the counsel of others. Four, God speaks through circumstances He brings and allows. Whatever decisions you face, listen to God. He will guide you.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)