Preparing for Easter ~ Dependence

1st Sunday of Lent ~

So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith - this is no new doctrine! And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Galatians 3:9-10 The Message

"The nearer Abraham came to God in his intercession the more he recognized his entire unworthiness; 'Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken upon myself to speak to the Lord.' Genuine unworthiness is never shy before God any more than a child is shy before his mother. A child of God is conscious only of his entire dependence upon God." from Not Knowing Where by Oswald Chambers

The Thesaurus gives these synonyms for dependence: trust, reliance, confidence, faith. As a child of God, we must acknowledge our entire dependence upon God. This requires that we trust God with all the circumstances of life. Finding confidence in His Power and relying on His Promises demonstrate our faith, our dependence on God.

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Contemplate a time when you did not demonstrate complete dependence on God. What more does God have to do to gain your trust? ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

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Preparing for Easter ~ Sacrifice

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And don’t forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:15-16 NLT

What is SACRIFICE?

- Offering to dedicate and thank God for His provision
- Offering to honor a covenant with God
- Offering that which is commanded by God

Consider The Message translation of Hebrews 13:15-16:

Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship – a different kind of sacrifice – that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.

Our sacrifice of praise ~
What will we offer as an act of worship ~ a different kind of sacrifice to God? ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author 

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

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"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter ~ Fasting

The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn't diminish or weaken over time. It's the same all over the world. The Message bears fruit and gets larger and stronger, just as it has in you. From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you've been hungry for more.

Colossians 1:6 The Message

Fasting takes many forms and is a common practice during Lent. Some will sacrifice chocolate or sweets, others will give up sodas or TV. During Lent, many Catholics fast every Friday, giving up meat. The purpose of fasting goes beyond ritual; it is to draw us closer to God.

Richard Foster, in his Celebration of Discipline, devotes a chapter to fasting and gives Christians insight into this discipline of faith: "Throughout Scripture fasting refers to abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. . . Biblical fasting always centers on spiritual purposes." Foster points out that Jesus never commands believers to fast but acknowledges that we will. In Matthew 6:16, Jesus says, "When you fast . . ." Foster continues, "So, although Jesus does not say, 'If you fast,' neither does he say 'You must fast.' His word is, very simply, 'When you fast.'"

So why fast? Foster explains, "Fasting must forever center on God. . . More than any other Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. David writes, 'I humbled my soul with fasting' (Ps. 69:10). . . Therefore, in experiences of fasting we are not so much abstaining from food as we are feasting on the Word of God." Celebration of Discipline - Chapter 4, pgs.47-61
When seeking ways to offer a sacrifice of praise to God, fasting is one way. However, fasting does not have to mean "giving up" something; it can be "giving more." Consider "giving more" as your sacrifice of praise, such as: spending more time in God's Word, fasting FROM the world by spending MORE time serving people in need, making time to attend special worship programs or visiting homebound and elderly folks. The possibilities of "giving more" for God are endless.

Listen for His Voice to direct your energies. Richard Foster notes, "Outwardly, you will be performing regular duties of your day, but inwardly you will be in prayer and adoration, song and worship. In a new way, cause every task of the day to be a sacred ministry to the Lord. Cultivate a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings."

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Do you hunger for more? How will your fasting be more like feasting on the Word of God? ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter 2012 ~ Goodness

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." 

Romans 14:17 NLT

The slogan on the Land O Lakes Half and Half reads, "where simple goodness begins." According to the dictionary, goodness is "the state or quality of being good, moral excellence, virtue, kindness, generosity, the best part of anything, strength, a euphemism for God." Bible.org says, "The goodness of God is a foundational truth that shapes our perspective toward God and His dealings with us in this life. The goodness of God is a fact to which the Bible often testifies. It is a fact which every Christian should believe and embrace." If there is any goodness in us, it must come from God; goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirit. God is where goodness begins!

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Let God's goodness be manifested through us as we strive to live a life of goodness to honor God. ~dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Preparing for Easter 2012 ~ Ash Wednesday

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And don’t forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Hebrews 13:15-16 NLT

"So many of us limit our praying because we are not reckless in our confidence in God. In the eyes of those who do not know God, it is madness to trust Him, but when we pray in the Holy Spirit we begin to realize the resources of God, that He is our perfect heavenly Father, and we are His children."
~from If You Will Ask by Oswald Chambers

Lord, Today we find ourselves kneeling at the altar, humbled by Your Divine Love, marked as a sinner in need of Your Grace! Take us on a spiritual journey these next weeks, teach our hearts how to give more as our offer a sacrifice of praise to You!

Our sacrifice of praise ~
Will we sacrifice our anxieties and be reckless in our confidence in God? ~ dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~
MangroveMinistries.org

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"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Shrove Tuesday!

 






You have shown me the way of life, and You will fill me with the joy of Your presence. Acts 2:28 NLT

"Shrove Tuesday" or Fat Tuesday is the last day before the Lenten season begins. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the day Christian believers begin a spiritual pilgrimage of remembrance to the cross and take another opportunity to contemplate the holy sacrifice of Jesus.

How will we honor this immeasurable gift of salvation?~dho

  

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Kindled Soul, Holy Fire!

See the introduction to Kindled Soul, Holy Fire. For those in the Augusta area, the book can be purchased at The Parsonage on Walton Way, next to The Church of the Good Shepherd. Of course, it is easy to order from our web site STORE. I am happy to sign them for you or for someone else. Pass along this post to whomever you think might be interested.

©Donna Oswalt ~ breathing room for my soul

[dhosoulchat.blogspot.com]

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

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May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!

Are you "Preparing for Easter"? Been thinking about how to make this time more meaningful? Consider starting something new ~ a different kind of sacrifice! Decide to serve in a Soup Kitchen, do a new Bible study, choose to do a personal study of a particular book, set asided a specific time to pray for God's revelation to you, volunteer in a mission project. Instead of just "giving up" something  consider "giving more" as an offering, as your sacrifice of praise for Jesus. My Easter Devotional book, Kindled Soul, Holy Fire, is available for purchase online at www.MangroveMinistries.org.

Hebrews 13:15-16 NLT

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And don't forget to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

The Message says it this way:

Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship ~ a different kind of sacrifice - that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets.

Never Be Shaken!

Psalm 62 - NLT

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. . .They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.

Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind, and the powerful are not what they appear to be. If you weigh them on the scales, together they are lighter than a breath of air. . .

God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to You; unfailing love, O Lord, is Yours.

Surely You repay all people according to what they have done. 

God's love and compassion, His strength and grace are enough for us - especially in times of struggle and crisis. Often difficult times brings out the worst in people. Whether we are offering physical or spiritual support, our efforts can be ignored, criticized, and rejected. This is hurtful to the compassionate servant, but God sees the intention of the heart, the motivation of the offerings.

Find your comfort in God, knowing He is faithful in all times. My blog's title expresses for me what God offers me ~ breathing room for my soul! Let God give you more "breathing room" in the struggles of life. There is great comfort in knowing that it is NOT my responsibility to punish or reward behavior. That is God's role as the "righteous judge". I pray the Lord will open my eyes and heart and mind to His Way that my energies will come from the Holy Spirit and my intentions will be pure. When crisis comes, may I not be shaken! ~ dho

Preparing for Easter - Powerless

I want to share a familiar Scripture with you, Jeremiah 29:11, one that many claim as comfort and strength, but let's also read the next few verses as well.

(11) I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

(12) When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I'll listen.

(13) When you come looking for Me, you'll find Me.

(14) Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. GOD'S Decree

Jeremiah 29:11-14 The Message

Oswald Chambers wrote: "As long as we are self-sufficient and complacent, we don't need to ask God for anything, we don't want Him; it is only when we know we are powerless that we are prepared to listen to Jesus Christ and to what He says." from If You Will Ask

So often we go along sort of trusting that God will take care of us; after all, He has a plan! While this is true, the Scripture reminds us that we, too, have a part in God's plan. We are to seek Him, pray to Him, serioulsy desire Him to be an active part of our every day life.

Our sacrifice of praise ~
We must lay down the arrogance that lies to us, telling us we have control. We are powerless. Seriously seek God and find the mighty power of His Promises. ~ dho

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2010 by Donna Oswalt

breathing room for my soul

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Face Book

"May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”

Unfailing Love

 

 

 

 

 

 

A recent study in Psalms (chapters 50-59) keeps hammering home that we are frequently surrounded, surprised, and superseded by enemies and fools, those who rebel against God. Yet, in every one of these songs, the writer goes back to what is true - God - our strength and stronghold, our rescuer and righteous judge, the God who listens to His children, lovingkindness His gifts. These chapters reveal how we are beaten down, bewildered, and betrayed by those who seem to be in control. Each time, after pouring out the deepest heart-sorrows, we find the writer seeking God, the true power over all. In contrast to fools, these verses also speak to the believer's heart, asking if the prayers and petitions are genuine, authentic or just for appearance, just to fulfill an obligation.

Faithful followers of God, His witnesses and messengers of the Good News, will always encounter evil resistance. The greater the faith challenge the stronger the corrupting powers battle. We must be prepared and not be surprised by the enemy's response. These Holy words in Psalms remind us that God is our refuge, our reason for joy, our reason to trust. In response to God, we bring our broken and repentant hearts as authentic living sacrifices to His altar. God's unfailing love covers us, heals us, restores us; His Love renews His purpose within us. Faithful Father, 'let Your glory be above all the earth' (Ps. 57:11). So be it! ~dho

A New Year!

Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

This new year of 2012 is underway; we are settling into daily routines again, the holiday decorations put away. With each new year, new opportunities come. What will you choose new this year? A new devotional time or style, a new reading list? A new hobby or the revitalization of a dormant hobby? A new form of exercise? A new vacation destination? A new way to celebrate? A new way of living? Whatever your new is for 2012, remember God. His presence will go with you ~ encourage you, enable you, energize you! Spend some time seeking His purpose for you this new year! The Good News is that no matter what your path has been, God still desires to be with you. He is always faithful and will not leave you. God's mercies are new everyday! He was and is and shall be! Remember the lessons of Advent, He is coming! ~ dho

He Is Still Coming!

He is coming ~

Him who is and who was and who is to come, . . . Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth . . . who released us from our sins by His blood - and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father - to Him be the glory and dominion forever. Amen.

BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away,
. . . And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, . . . And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write for these words are faithful and true. . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. . . "

[Jesus says} "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, . . . I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." . . . I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. . .Yes, I am coming quickly."
Revelation 1:5-8, 21:1-6, 2212-20

God With Us

He is coming ~

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. . . Go quickly and tell His disciples . . He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:5-6,16-20

Scripture Fulfilled

He is coming ~

Pliate wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS". . . the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. . .

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier. . . "let us not tear [the tunic], but cast lots for it" . . . this was to fulfill Scripture. . .

Jesus knowing that all things had already been accomplished to fulfill the Scripture, . . . said, "It is finished!" and gave up His spirit. . . So the soldiers came. . . one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear and immediately blood and water came out.

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take the body of Jesus . . . Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, . . . So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings, with the spices, [and they laid Him in the new tomb].
John 19:20-41

Second Advent

He is coming ~

[Jesus said] "But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance. But in those days, THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL BE FALLING from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory. And then He will send forth the angels and will gather together His elect from the the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven."
Mark 13:23-27

Prediction of Grace

He is coming ~

Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things which are written through the prophets about the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be handed over to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and mistreated and spit upon, and after they have scourged Him, they will kill Him; and the third day He will rise again."
Luke 18:31-33

Let the Children Come

He is coming ~

And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." Luke 18:15-17

Cost of Discipleship

He is coming ~

And [Jesus] summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "if anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wished to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in the adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Mark 8:34-38

Peter's Confession

He is coming ~

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah, but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but My Father who is in heaven. I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it."
Matthew 16:13-18

Healed

He is coming ~

Departing from there, Jesus went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on the mountain, He was sitting there. And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, and mute, and many others, and laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the  mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:29-31

Beloved

He is coming ~

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY;
'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.'
John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . .

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordon. Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."
Mark 1:1-4, 9-11

Gifts

He is coming ~

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what has been written by the prophet:

AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH

ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;

FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER

WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12

Simeon's Prophecy

He is coming ~

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, . . .  and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

"Now Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart in peace,

According to Your word;

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,

And the glory of Your people Israel."

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Simeon blessed then and said to Mary, His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed - and a sword will pierce even your own soul - to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

Luke 2:25-35







Bethlehem

He is coming ~

Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7

Joseph Doubts

He is coming ~

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US." And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. . .
Matthew 1:18-25