We watched the Netflix, “Mary”, this week. It was quite a depiction of the forces of evil against the Savior’s birth. I had never considered the physical strength required of both Mary and Joseph. Their spiritual lives, of course, were exemplary and full of faith.

This Psalm (below) also echoes King David’s reliance on God. Not only will the Lord guard but He will preserve those who are called for His purpose.

You may wonder, “am I called”? Mary was called “favored” by God. David was called, “a man after God’s own heart”, in order to lead the nation of Israel.

Those who trust God’s way of salvation (through His Son) are called “holy, chosen, and beloved”. What a gift to be part of God’s family, to be a witness for Him in a desperate world.

The church continues on. With the glorious proclamation of God’s name in the church “building”, and more importantly in the lives of those who look to Him, trusting Him in their daily walk.

Wherever we go this Christmas: to coffee, to the mall, to church or to our family’s homes, remember that God is still in the business of guarding and preserving our lives for His purpose and calling.- Teresa #God’s family #His calling #Ourpurpose

Psalm 140English Standard Version

Deliver Me, O Lord, from Evil Men

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

140 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;
    preserve me from violent men,
² who plan evil things in their heart
    and stir up wars continually.
³ They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,
    and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

⁴ Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
    preserve me from violent men,
    who have planned to trip up my feet.
⁵ The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
    and with cords they have spread a net;^[a]
    beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

Luke 1:26-31 (ESV)

Birth of Jesus Foretold

[26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. [28] And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” [29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. [30] And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

Acts 13:22 (KJV)

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Colossians 3:12-15 (ESV)

[12] Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, [13] bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. [14] And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. [15] And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.