Joseph, a Godly Husband

In the Christmas Story, Joseph shows men how to be 

a godly husband.

Joseph protects his family.

(ChristiansUnite.com)

Being a husband is not easy; it takes a man's responsibility. Life proves it takes grit. Joseph served Mary as patriarch, partner, provider, protector, and priest.

As a Patriarch, the husband is both leader and father to this family. He makes the decisions as co-manager with his wife. Did you also know? He is an instructor, disciplinarian, and play coach to his children. University research shows fathers, more than mothers, primarily influence the spiritual practice and also the play activity of their children. So, likewise, what happens when the husband is missing from the family? It's not just a matter of child discipline failing.

Husbands and wives are intended

by God to be Partners.

She is not a subservient maid, but a care giver. The Hebrew language of the Bible constantly supports this concept of equality with different roles. The husband is intended to be a servant head, manager-guide, emotional support, and sounding board for her.

The wife in response is the strong advisor and co-manager of the home. My Dad told me, women are the natural nest builders of the home, let them be such. She is spouse, sister, best friend, prayer partner, caregiver, and playmate to her husband. Women need men as fathers and brothers even in society outside of the home. In many ways, no man can keep up with a woman; she is the multi-tasker.

Men must take their position 

as Provider.

The Bible basically says a man that does not provide for his family is an unbeliever. A man that does not work, should not eat. I've always said to those without a job: finding a job is a full-time job. Even this hunting for provision becomes his work. Of course, the wife can help her husband, but the first responsibility belongs to him. Joseph worked as a carpenter who taught his craft to his son.

Protector. A man protects his family from violence, from danger, from threatening situations. His very body is built for work and battle. Joseph protected his fiancée from life threatening religious tradition. He protected and cared for her on the long eighty-mile foot journey to Bethlehem, a trip imposed by governmental regulation. He protected her from Herod's horrific slaughter of the Bethlehem babies. He protected her on the exodus and exile into Egypt.

Prophet & Priest. Is this where 

men are failing?

The most bonding glue in marriage is the husband washing his wife with the Word (Eph 5:25-28). This means daily prayer and scripture together. The husband constantly cares for his wife as Jesus cares for his church, his body. The husband and wife lay hands on and pray blessing and healing for each other and their children.

“The Lord bless you in the wonder and power of his love and give you a peaceful sleep in the Name of Jesus." 

In the evening, I blessed my children with these words. My children did not suffer from bad dreams. The family must see the husband as God's leader and defender.

– Christmas Blessings to You!

   Bill Hunt

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift his countenance upon you,

And give you peace” (Num 6:24-26).

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Joseph, Husband with Backbone

In this world of diminishing husbands, Joseph exemplified a man with backbone.

“Rest on the Flight into Egypt”

by Arnold Houbraken, 1660-1719, Dutch

 

The Christmas Story renders some great lessons, not the least is the example of Joseph. You remember, Joseph served Mary as patriarch, partner, provider, protector, and priest. All, good qualities for a husband. Ask any woman.... In this world of diminishing husbands, Joseph exemplified a man with a backbone.

Right off, Joseph was faced with a serious dilemma; his fiancée was pregnant with child (Matt. 1:19). Two horrible choices confronted him. He could expose her to public disgrace and death by stoning to meet the standards of religious regulation. Or he could divorce her quietly and put her away.

Mary's goodness stopped Joseph in his tracks. In reality, his heart was broken; his most beautiful and virtuous fiancée was with child. The situation was beyond his belief, beyond his understanding, but not beyond the deep anguish and torment of his crushed heart.

That's when the angel showed up!

(Matt. 1:20-21). Have you ever experienced a spiritual dream more real than life? Angel Gabriel presented Joseph a third choice not thought of. And this choice is supported as God's word hundreds of years earlier (700 BC) through the Prophet Isaiah.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel”(Is 7:14 NKJV/Matt 1:22-23).

This solution was more practical. Joseph took Mary home as his wife (Matt. 1:24-25). Would this divine solution not solve many broken and dysfunctional relationships in today's society?

Joseph protected and cared for Mary on the long eighty-mile foot journey to Bethlehem, a trip imposed by governmental regulation. He protected her from Herod's horrific slaughter of the babies in Bethlehem. He protected her on the long desert exodus and exile into Egypt.

Always Keys for Marriage!

Over some forty years as a husband in one marriage, I have learned a few “Always Keys” to relationship in marriage. I see these reflected in Joseph's life and the lives of godly men. I advise young women to seek a godly husband.

To Husbands.

Key: tender love. “Try a little tenderness.” Always.

Key: interested communication. When your wife or offspring speaks, stop whatever you're doing, and listen.

Key: sensitive to needs. Your antenna should always be up like “My Favorite Martian.”

Key: washing of the Word. Yes, bathe your wife daily in prayer and the Word.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself (Eph 5:25-28 NKJV).

Key: family prayer. Bless and pray with your children each evening. Always be ready to minister to your family in prayer.

Key: unconditional forgiveness. First forgive, it matters little who's at fault.

Key: yield to each other consistently. “Yes, dear.”

Key: financial stewardship--balanced, strong, stable, sharing, tithing, and generous.

Key: secret weapon, respect. Each person needs the freedom of self-sovereignty, to follow God's call on their daily lives.

Key: God-Husband-Wife. “And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecc 4:12 NKJV).

Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun (Ecc. 9:9 NKJV).

– Merry Christmas Blessings!

   Bill Hunt

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift his countenance upon you,

And give you peace” (Num 6:24-26).

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If you have a true story, a note, a prayer request, or a question to share, please write a Comment below or email us.

God Sets Men and Women in Ministry

God supplies those who give generously and who follow him in ministry.
 

"Fun at Zion Christian School with Joanna and Mary"

 (Photo by Bill Hunt c. 2011)

A very hot, unbearable sun welcomed us to South Florida in August, and we went through the process of finding a home. Soon after, tiny baby Meg turned sick and developed a fever. We had no medicine. A tall young man from the church helped us to move in. He was also unemployed. Seeing our dilemma, he pulled out his thin wallet and handed us his very last eight dollars to help buy medicine for the baby. He said he was seeding for a new job. My wife and I joined hands and prayed determined with him. The children surrounded us.

The very next day he returned very excited! A neighborhood golf course hired him as a grounds keeper. He was now working for $80.00 a day, a tenfold return on the gift he had handed us.

Our adobe style townhouse contained no furniture. As a family we bunked on the floor. Monica, Brian, Emily, and Joanna slept on mattresses, except for one set of bunk beds. Mary and I purchased two bright red foam mats and slept on the floor for about eight weeks. We used a simple table and chairs for eating but no living room furniture.

God suddenly blessed me, as well. Faith Chapel in Boca Raton invited me to preach while the congregation waited the arrival of their new pastor. A very kindly board member and his wife, George and Joann, befriended us.

In a few weeks, they dropped by to visit our apartment and noticed the lack of furniture. The next day, George made a few phone calls. Our house was suddenly equipped with two couches, end tables, a coffee table, lamps, beds, and a needed dresser. I will admit, sleeping on the red floor mats had grown a little hard. I was so thankful for this new blessing.

As the Holy Spirit anointed our preaching, people came forward for ministry even without an altar call. Some cried tears under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The church board members helped to prayer with the numbers of people coming forward. We worked together as a brotherly team.

Nearby Zion Lutheran Elementary and High School in Deerfield Beach granted a position in public relations. The school proved most generous to my family. Mary worked as a substitute teacher and played piano for the morning student chapels. The elementary principal also used her to teach piano students after school.

I worked days in public relations for the school and evenings to assist Dr. Bob Grunow and his son, Tom, the school administrator. Together, we raised funds for the new high school which had just been constructed. Dr. Grunow formerly served as the development officer for the well-known, national television program, “The Lutheran Hour.” I was so grateful to work with them.

From nothing, God established our way, doing all things well.

“Then Peter answered and said to him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” So Jesus said to them, “ Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life” (Matt. 19:27-29 NKJ).

– Bill Hunt

Pray for Godly Leadership, Guidance, Discernment, Strength, Salvation, and God's Miraculous Blessings on the People and Nations of the World!

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Pray With Your Little Children

Our little family prayed together. The young children received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our family lived simply by faith, receiving God's care in a modern world.

Monica Prayed for her Pony, Valentine. (Photo by Bill Hunt c. 2011.)

Our family with four little ones gathered to pray in the evening. In cold weather, we burned logs in the brick fireplace. The kids gathered to sit around the living room on the furniture or down on the braided rug holding their Bibles. We'd open by singing beautiful spiritual songs together. Then, each child selected a scripture and read to the others.

After, we prayed spontaneously one by one. Monica (age 8) often blessed her pony, Valentine. Brian (7) and Emily (6) prayed for the other animals on our family farm and for our friends. Even little Joanna (3) prayed cute lines of heartfelt requests. Mommy and Daddy would follow with prayer and finish with a Blessing, laying hands on each child.

“May our Heavenly Father bless you in the wonder

and power of his love and give you a peaceful sleep

in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”

"Daddy, can you teach me 

to pray in tongues?"

One evening, little Brian, age 7, in his pajamas jumped up in the living room and came to my chair.

"You don't learn how to pray in tongues," I answered him. "God gives it to you as a gift. But I can ask for you to receive the Holy Spirit. Close your eyes and raise your hands."

Mary, washing dishes in the kitchen, heard the innocence of her son's question. She wiped her hands on a towel and leaned in the doorway to watch. My wife has a gift of expectant faith! I gently laid my hands on Brian and prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Immediately, out of his mouth, Brian prayed in the gift of tongues.

"It was so beautiful," said Mary, "such a testimony to God's faithfulness to the prayer and faith of a little child."

“Me too, Daddy!” Monica came over.

She too, received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The genuine gift of tongues is really the Holy Spirit praying within you. In your own spirit, he impresses you with what he is saying. It's so clearly seen in innocent children.

"That's when you gave me my Bible for Christmas," said Mary. "And I started reading through it from beginning to end. I began studying, assimilating, and memorizing scriptures." Mary's Bible has since worn a little ragged. I don't think she'll ever let it go.

Life was very simple and very 

blessed on our little farm.

A lovely evangelist named Shirley held evening revivals in the local Assembly of God Church for a time. She brought many townspeople to the Lord with her anointed preaching and melodious spiritual songs. This greatly affected the children's spirituality at exactly the right time in their lives. One by one, each of our four children walked up and gave their lives to Jesus on their own. Shirley's singing ministry blessed us deeply.

As I said, “It was a house of prayer in a place of healing.”

– Bill Hunt

What do you need from God?
In our House of Prayer, we will join and pray for you, no matter what your faith is.

Thank you for blessing our ministry by taking advantage of our markets.

On the subject of Prayer.
     

Family Farm Flourished With Prayer

A family home with children can be a place of prayer and God's manifest care.

   

Joanna, age 3, Prepares for Evening Prayer, by Bill Hunt c. 2011.

 
Our family with four little ones gathered to pray in the evenings. In cold weather, we burned logs in the brick fireplace. The kids gathered to sit around the living room on the furniture or down on the rug with their Bibles. We'd open by singing beautiful spiritual songs together. Each child then picked their own scripture and read it to the others.

After, we prayed spontaneously one by one. Monica, age 8, often prayed for her pony, Valentine. Brian, 7, and Emily, 6, prayed for the other animals and for friends. Even little Joanna, 3, prayed cute lines of heartfelt requests. Mommy and Daddy would follow with prayer and a blessing, laying hands on each child.

“May our Heavenly Father bless you in the wonder

and power of his love and give you a peaceful

sleep in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”

The little white farm house with the green trim was built into the side of a hill as was the small matching barn beside it. Below in the back, across the rippling brook, was the red chicken coup with a dove cot overhead, just down from the pond. Young pine trees filled the remaining acreage rising on a slope toward the horizon.

A wonderful blessing, God provided the seven acre mini-farm at the end of the flowery cliffs of the Boonville Gorge winding north from Delta Lake. The region was beautiful but not known for its employment. We found ourselves living simply by faith in God's country. The Black River Valley winds along between the edge of the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York's green farm country. This was the region of my wife Mary's birth and girlhood.

The country farm was perfect for our children.

Our daughter, Monica, cared for her Shetland pony named Valentine. The younger children helped Daddy raise chickens, roosters, doves in the dove cot, and rabbits, dozens and dozens of white rabbits.

Oh yes, there were the Grey Geese. The gander would lower his head and long neck and attack-charge from a distance of twenty feet every visitor that came across the yard to our country farm. But being a sanctified goose, he'd break off the charge at six feet distance and strut away honking his brag, leaving a reluctant bystander behind. Maybe God will provide such a place for us again in heavenly realms. 

 

Life was very simple on our little farm. "God took our television away," Mary recalls. It quit. We had very little money for lack of employment. Jobs were sporadic. We had no medical insurance. It was an incredible period during which God took care of us. I worked low-cost wedding photography and business promotion to feed the family. Fortunately, our mortgage and expense costs were otherwise very low. The country electricity coop charged bills of only ten to sixteen dollars per month.

God's miracle care amazed us!

Bags of groceries suddenly showed up on our front doorsteps when we needed them. It happened over and over again. We never understood how God worked that so faithfully. Time and time again, when we were out of food and out of money, I'd open the front door and find five or six bags of groceries sitting on the front steps!

Mary and I would not tell anyone our need. But there would be the groceries when we needed them. God held his hand directly on our lives. We finally concluded some of those elderly Pentecostal ladies must have had a direct line to God. That is not as far-fetched as it sounds.

Occasionally, Mary was able to substitute teach in the town school, or she'd ride her bike two miles to the music store and give piano lessons. We planted an intensive garden, digging deep into the ground to mix natural fertilizers. With a great yield of vegetables, Mary used a pressure cooker to can. Of course, we raised roosters and rabbits for meat, as well. Our family farm flourished with prayer.

As I said, “It was a house of prayer in a place of healing.” And God was very active.

– Bill Hunt 

What do you need from God? 
In our House of Prayer, we will join and pray for you, no matter what your faith is.

A family home with children can be a place of prayer and God's manifest care. 

 

God Spreads a Miracle Lobster Picnic

Miracle Witness!

God provides a miracle lobster picnic for our little family in a deserted park on the coast of Maine.

MAINE LOBSTER BOAT RETURNS, photo by Bill Hunt (c) 2010.

My wife, Mary, and I felt tired, poor, between paydays, frazzled, and needing a break. So, one Saturday morning, we strapped Monica, Brian, and baby Emily into three car seats and drove the country roads for a few hours toward Camden.

We journeyed a rather lengthy, sunny spring drive through the Maine countryside toward the rocky, scenic, coastal areas.

We were about to learn for the first time that God really would work a miracle out of love for us just to meet our need.

Parents with young children

understand what I'm saying.

As we drove, Mary and I sang worship songs together. I really enjoyed my canary soprano spouse singing along with me. We recently joined a Life in the Holy Spirit seminar, and we savored our refreshed walk with God.

By early afternoon, we grew hungry. With concern, I knew we carried no money to buy lunch.

"Boy, I'm hungry," I finally said to Mary.

"God knows it,” she said.

“Surely, he who multiplied the loaves and fishes could provide us a little food,” I replied.

“You should pray specifically,” Mary said.

“Tell him what you want.”

My wife is always right.

Mary said she brought along just a couple of slices of white bread, peanut butter, and jelly, only small sandwich snacks for the kids. That didn't sound too beneficial. Not ready to admit defeat, I turned my desire into a daring prayer.

"Father, we'd like some food for our little family to settle our hunger. And if you don't mind, God, I'd really like some lobster! But we'll appreciate anything you provide. Father, I thank you for hearing my prayer." 

 

Twenty minutes up the road, we unexpectedly came upon an open roadside picnic area with spacious green fields.

We turned into the coastal park.

This secluded park lay just across the road from a scenic blue panorama of salt smelling ocean water.

What a sight!

The place appeared deserted until we noticed in one parking area an older couple loading the back end of a black pickup truck.

At our picnic table, Mary spread the peanut butter and jelly on to sandwiches to split among the kids. While she prepared the snack, I twirled Monica and Brian on a small merry-go-round, giving them rides.

Fathers teach their children to play. With hair flying, they squealed in delight.

In a minute or two, the white-haired gentleman from the pickup truck walked all the way across the open green field to greet us.

"My wife and I celebrated a picnic with our organization," he said. "We just packed away our supplies.

“I hope you don't mind if I ask.

“We boxed some extra food, and we wonder if your family would like a little, at no cost, of course."

"What kind of food?" I politely asked, knowing any kind of food would sound great.

"We barbecued chicken halves, ears of butter and sugar corn, potato salad, and some fresh lobster," he said, "actually quite a bit. Would you like some, whatever you can eat?"

He eyed our jar of peanut butter.

I barely dared to believe my ears as I recognized the wondrous blessing of an Almighty, Loving God taking shape.

I walked over to the man's truck with him.

Back at our weather beaten picnic table, my heart cheered and my eyes teared. My little family enjoyed the delicacy of the barbecued chicken and the bright red lobster feast.

I now know about how hungry the disciples actually felt when Jesus blessed a few small loaves and fishes.

I experienced a new awe for God's overwhelming love for people.

– Bill Hunt © 2010

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