A Post Father’s Day Tenacity

I want to say thank you and Happy Birthday to Kamilah Veone Smith 7-25, my editor and Sister-in-Christ. She was to busy for this one. lol! Thanks Sean for your help. Happy Birthday to my father Alonzo S. Berry Sr. 7-30. I love you so very much dad!

Luke 2:39-40 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁹ So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

I heard a really good story at my church on father’s day that needed to be heard as far and wide as possible. I know two young men both in whom have a love and passion for God. One of the young men has a relationship with his father while the other hasn’t had the pleasure of knowing his father because he left when he was considerably young. Both of the young men are determined in being good role models for their own children. They both have two children, and are married to the mothers of their two children. The reason I share this story is because Joseph the father of Jesus is not mentioned much in the gospels but yet he was considered righteous because of his name. Joseph was obviously an honest and understanding guy before this narrative had begun. Without being biologically related and facing the possibility of ridicule, Joseph accepted the calling as father of Jesus. Like Joseph, these young guys took on what so many others have done as well; they have committed themselves to becoming fathers and husbands.

Although scripture doesn’t mention the heavy importance Joseph had on the life of Jesus, being his father in the earth still left everlasting imprints on the man Jesus would become. Joseph being a righteous man did not want Mary or himself to be embarrassed or disgrace when he found that Mary was pregnant, however, he was still sensitive to the will of God. He responded to God in obedience having compassion for Mary when he could have run from the situation. Likewise, wasn’t this the same compassion one of the biggest strengths shared about Jesus in the gospels? Even though Joseph story and the morale lessons with where not expounded upon we can still see the attributes of this righteous man displayed in Jesus as well as his siblings. Even if you have a short tail found memory of your parent, be open to notice the special markings they made in your identity. I do honestly and openly thank God for my father, not just because of anything he’s done but for the simple fact that he is my father and God made me from him for a reason.

In God our Heavenly Father through Christ Amen!

Love you to Life!

^{Matthew 1:19-20: 19} Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.²⁰ But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

The Wall

One of the great things about Point is the Access Chapels. They are short, sweet, and to the point. For adults who have already had a long day it's nice to hear something that not only is relatable, but uplifting (and quick). This past Thursday Prof. Lee Reese spoke to us about the wall. As a junior, I completely related to what he was saying. I've been in school for 2 years now, the class work, homework, and group projects have taken their toll on me. If I never have to do a group project again it would be too soon. I have often thought about throwing my books out the window. I have hit the proverbial wall.

Prof. Reese reminded us of Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." He then gave us three tips:
-remind yourself God brought you here
-remind God that He brought you here
-don't become a whiner!

I know, I find myself occasionally whining about the work. Maybe more than occasionally... But as Prof. Reese said and what I will continue to remind myself "Keep your eyes on the finish line. God called you. This is Kingdom work." He was so right. Point is preparing us for Kingdom work. It may be hard, it may take time, but in the end, we will be equipped to go where God leads us.