For todays devo, Max Lucado takes a look at Joseph and his decision with Mary. Of the 3 days, this one has challenged me the most. Maybe it’s because I am a father and a husband. Maybe it’s because I am convicted by the fact that Joseph did what I don’t know if I could or would have. He did what was right in the face of tremendous danger, ridicule and a fall from the public eye. He was a man of tremendous honor and respect in the community. He was caught in the middle.
“Fearless warriors in a picket fence,
reckless abandon wrapped in common sense
Deep water faith in the shallow end
and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences,
the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His
or are we caught in the middle” – Casting Crowns
I don’t know if it can be said any better than Casting Crowns sums it up. How often do I have “deep water faith in the shallow end”? How often am I really willing to trade my dreams for his? How often am I caught in the middle? I am in no way comparing a daily battle or two to what Joseph was faced with. I don’t know if I can get my head around the decision he had to make, let alone do what he did. Yet he made it. He wasn’t caught in the middle for long. Matthew 1:24 says “…he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him…”
He put everything else on the line to do the will of God. He placed Mary and her needs before his own. He was willing to risk for what God called him to. He didn’t get caught in the middle.
“Somewhere in the Middle” by Casting Crowns.
From the CD “The Altar and the Door“.
Tomorrow – “Because of Love”
I love that song. The lyrics are amazing.
No doubt Matt. This CD is growing on my. There are about 4 songs on here that are gems. I was hoping for more, but I will take those 4 and the way that they challenge and impact me. This might be the best one on the CD. The others –
“East to West”
“Prayer for a Friend”
“I Know you’re there”
You have GOT to get David Crowder if you haven’t already. It’s amazing.
On the Casting Crowns CD I also really like “What This World Needs” and All Because of Jesus” but all the songs are good and they all have great lyrics.
I just told my mom to get me the David Crowder CD. I’ve heard most of the songs on it and they’re all great