O: 1 - as soon as Joseph received God's instructions, he acted. 2 - the angel didn't actually say not to sleep with mary till after the baby was born. He must have decided to err on the side of wisdom and create a situation where the truth was above reproach from any behaviour of theirs. Noone at the time probably would have believed the virgin birth story anyway, so he could have easily thought 'what's the diference?' that wasn't part of the instruction. But he was strategic and wise. 3 - He would have had to determine to overcome temptation and stick to that decision every day for the first 9 months of their marriage!

A: In listening and obedying the voice of God, there's being receptive, taking action, being a wise steward of the opportunities god gives you and living a life in keeping with that, and there is the follow through, the every day choosing to live it out and honour it.

P: Lord, please help me to hear your voice clearly. Help me to discern what you are saying to me, and give me the strength and courage to act, rather than just dwell, consider or talk. Please help me to be someone who doesn't just start well, but carries through and finishes well all that you entrust to me.

Matthew 1:24 and Matthew 1:25