Joseph Loved Mary

Mary loved Joseph even before they were given the job of taking care of God's Son, Jesus. The thing that might have hurt their relationship was viewed by the people of the Nazareth as somewhat of a scandal, and even their parents were surprised by the news. It took the intervention of the angels to tell both of them that everything would be alright. What God chose to do to bring His Son into the world was planned according to His Will. Joseph did like any self-respecting man would do when encountering something like this; he would put her away until he could figure out what was going on. God was on top of all the details of Christ's birth, and nothing would hinder His coming to earth in the form of a baby. Both the love of Mary and Joseph and the love of God were present in the greatest story ever told, but it is not just a story; it is a reality.

The Wonderful Life of Marriage

I am not saying there are not times that the married life has it's problems, but it is during those times that we learn what we need to work on in our marriages. Marriage is a life-long commitment to the person that you have chosen to love. So many people make their marriages dependent on if it will work out with the person that they think that they are in love with. Marriage is not short-term. I would suggest that if you are interested in someone that you take time to get to know them in every aspect of their lives, so that when you do reach the point of marriage that there are no doubts. The life together is definitely different from the single life, but it is a wonderful life. I think that Hollywood has tarnished marriage, and made it something undesirable. I have seen the other side of life with divorce, separation, and abuse. I have not seen it on a first hand basis, but I have seen it in other peoples lives. These things make life more complicated (referring to divorce, separation, and abuse), and those things are undesirable. Many of these things could be avoided, if people would wait and get to know these people. Love is blind. It is an emotion that can get out of control, if you are not following the principles of I Corinthians 13. There also those people that thought they were marrying the right person, and once the commitment was made everything went south. It is in the home that things are kept from the world's view, and unless someone says something; they stay a secret. So many people are trapped in these situations. It is God that knows everything about us and has chosen to love us unconditionally, and yet we have chosen to be unfaithful. There are many things that destroy marriages, and here are just a few infidelity, adultery, pornography, alcohol, drugs, and dishonesty. A few of these things could go hand in hand, but the simple fact is that all of these are sin. We have been so blinded by our sinful desires that we cannot call it what it really is. We have all considered the idea of "What if?", but this question has mislead a lot of people and has created broken homes. Don't let all these things cloud your vision. God created marriage and He knew what it could be if done by His book. Many people have treated marriage like a professional sport, and if the team member does not work out then they look for a trade or replacement. This is not easily done, because money becomes involved and creates even more problems. Sin creates so many problems, and until we recognize sin for what it is we will have problems.

I have gotten through those things that are detriment to marriage, but now let us move onto those things that are wonderful about marriage. Marriage makes a dwelling place a home. When children come along they add blessing to the marriage. It opens the heart to give more love to all those that are part of the family. Vows of centuries ago, if not kept there was a hefty price to pay. Vows are made to be kept and are not as easily broken like so many people do nowadays. I will stand by my wife and children, and I will not let anything tear this home apart. I will be the guardian of what God has entrusted me with, and I will be a good steward of what He has given me. I recently watched Veggie Tale's It's A Meaningful Life, and it talks about being happy with the circumstances that you have been placed in. Stewie (Larry the Cucumber) thought that if he had the game-winning catch at the football game that life's circumstances would have been different. He recognized through the different events that he was shown what would have happened to his family if his circumstances were different. God's blessing would have been ignored if all the world had to offer were at his disposal. It is in our time of need that we really see the Lord's provision.

Life alone what will I do?

How will I make it through?

You are not alone, Jesus said.

I will save you and make you new.

I have come to know You now,

And with my life I make a vow,

My life is worth more than gold,

From Your Word I have been told.

Had I not found You, where would I be?

I would be in darkness not able to see.

Your life was given for mine,

I will reflect Your light and make it shine.

Now that I found one with which to share my love,

With Your blessing, the love that came from above.

I will cleave to my wife in every situation and her alone,

And You are my family's cornerstone.