Through the Bible: MatthewSample

## Inspirational Fathers > This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. > Matthew 1:18-19 (NIV) Joseph was an inspirational father. He was looking forward to being a dad, only to discover that his fiancé was pregnant, but not with his child. So what can we learn from Joseph? Kindness: he did not want to shame Mary. Obedience: he was faithful to the law. Godly decision making: God appeared to Joseph through dreams. When he woke up, he did what the Lord commanded. Matthew 1-2 records three instances of this. When making important decisions, do we place more weight on how we feel or our circumstances? How earnestly do we listen to God and then obey Him? Praise God for earthly and spiritual fathers. I thank God for my father, modeling resilience and resolve, inspiring his children to serve our community. I thank God for my husband, modeling patience and faithfulness for our kids. Most of all, I give praise for our Heavenly Father, who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. ### Prayer Father God, thank You for all fathers, including spiritual fathers. Help them to be the fathers that You designed them to be, kind, obedient and making godly decisions pleasing to You. May they inspire and influence others to be faithful children of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.