chosen to stand in the gap

(by Norm the Elder)

The Word for today:
Matthew 3

mark this: Matthew 2:13 --
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him."

Galilee to Bethlehem, Bethlehem to Egypt, Egypt to Nazareth. Joseph was a man with a purpose. That purpose was to protect and care for his family by listening to and obeying the voice of God, no matter the cost or inconvenience.

Satan also had a purpose. That purpose was to kill Joseph's child, Jesus. But between Satan and Jesus stood a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led father.

God is always looking for a man who will listen and obey, a man He can use to fulfill His purpose and plan for mankind. At that time, in that place, Joseph was that man.

Fathers, listen carefully. We are, like Joseph, called to be men of purpose. We are called to protect and care for our families by listening to and obeying the Word of God, no matter the cost or inconvenience.

Satan also has a purpose for our families. That purpose is to ruin our marriages and wreck the lives of our children. But between Satan and our families we stand, Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.

God has chosen us to stand in the gap and defend the families he has given us. We are the men He has chosen to fulfill His purpose and plan. At this time we are the men, our homes are the place.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me be the father and husband you have called me to be.
Oh Lord, be the Husband of those without a husband, the Father of those without a father.
Help us to hear your voice and be obedient to it as we attempt to live our lives for you.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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