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Christmas Devotions

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:07:11 -0800

REVEALER OF HEARTS

[5]

SIMEON

Read Luke 2:21-40

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined… to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:34–35 NIV

* * *

Holding the newborn baby in his arms, Simeon spoke words from God: Mary's life would be filled with both joy and sorrow. Her baby would be at the center of controversy. Her Son would be the revealer of hearts – even her own. She would have to learn to step back, be silent, and continue to ponder things in her heart. Shepherds could praise Him, Pharisees would curse Him and children would adore Him – but Mary could only quietly pray for Him. He was her son, but he was also her Savior. God's plan would proceed as she stood by and watched.

* * *

Lord, I know You have a plan for each of our children. Mary had some very human sons and daughters in addition to her perfect Son, Jesus. Would they ever accept Him as Messiah? No doubt, Mary prayed that her other children would accept Him as their personal Savior. It wasn't until after the resurrection that they truly believed – but in God's perfect time – Mary's prayers were answered.

* * *

And Joseph and His (Jesus’) mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Luke 2:33 NKJV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:36:40 -0800

TIDINGS OF JOY

[4]

THE SHEPHERDS

Read Luke 2:8–20

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10–11 NKJV

* * *

Exhausted but happy, Joseph wraps his newborn babe in swaddling clothes and lays him at Mary's side. They are alone, in the city of their birth, but not their home. Only the sound of animals disturbs their quiet conversation. What will life be like with this child of God? Soon they will be able to consummate their marriage and build a family together.
Meanwhile, out in the nearby fields, a lowly group of shepherds are in for a big surprise. Suddenly an angel appears in the night sky surrounded by the glory of the Lord. He announces, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "(Luke 2:11 NKJV) Lonely quiet places - this stable - those fields - where all of history would be changed. Even today we date our lives from this event.

* * *

Lord, help me to value the lonely, quiet moments of my life. They are so few and yet so valuable. Speak to my heart this morning with words of peace. Like Mary, I truly desire to understand Your ways and ponder them in my heart.

* * *

"All those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:18-19 NKJV

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:47:29 -0800

BETHLEHEM

[3]

JOSEPH AND MARY

Read Luke 2:1–7; Micah 5:2

Joseph also went up… to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luke 2:4–5 NKJV

* * *

Mary was in the last stages of her pregnancy when something very distressing happened. The Caesar of Rome declared that a census be taken, forcing everyone to go to the city of their birth to register. Hardship or not, they had to comply with this order.

Joseph must have been deeply concerned about his wife during the trip to Bethlehem. He probably did not consider at the time that prophesy was being fulfilled. Over 700 years before, the prophet Micah predicted that the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

* * *

Sometimes life is not convenient or comfortable; sometimes circumstances are overwhelming. Lord, give us peace in those times, knowing that You are a God who cares and watches over us. Help us to remember that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.

* * *

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to me the one to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2 NKJV)

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CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:55:46 -0800

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

[2]

MARY AND ELIZABETH

Read Luke 1:26-80

"Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:36–37 NIV

* * *

Six months after the angel Gabriel visited Zechariah, leaving him unable to speak because of unbelief, he made another announcement to a young virgin named Mary, telling her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

* * *

Mary's response after hearing all that Gabriel said was, "I am the Lord's servant, May it be to me as you have said." (1:35, 38) She traveled hurriedly from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea to see Elizabeth, now great with child–and Zechariah who was still mute, because he had not believed.

* * *

Elizabeth said, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (1:45) Perhaps Mary's youth made her less skeptical, but the miracle of a virgin birth was far more unusual than the birth of a child in old age. Lord, help me to believe the promises in Your Word, even when it seems impossible – because with God all things are possible.

* * *

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed… " Luke 1:46–48 NIV

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Christmas Devotions

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:39:17 -0800

ORDINARY PEOPLE

[1]

ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH

Read Luke 1:1-25

"Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." Luke 1:13-15a NIV

* * *

For many years this humble couple in Jerusalem wanted a child, but in spite of continued disappointment, they faithfully served and obeyed God. Zechariah was one of many priests who took their turns burning incense in the temple. How surprised he must have been at this sudden visit by the angel Gabriel, promising him a son - so surprised that he reacted in unbelief: Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." (Luke 1:18)

* * *

How wonderful it is that God chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Little did Zechariah and Elizabeth realize that they would become the parents of the prophesied forerunner of Messiah, John the Baptist.

* * *

Lord, I have no idea what your plans are for the future of our children, but my deepest desire is that they will follow You. We are ordinary people, but I am trusting in Your extraordinary plan for our lives.

* * *

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Luke 1:17 NIV (Malachi 4:6)

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THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:35:41 -0800

The month of November has brought us to that time of year when we gather with friends and family to express our thankfulness to God for His many blessings. It has been a time when churches and charitable groups have provided food for families in need. Our church has a weekly grocery program for families in our area which expanded this year into a sumptuous banquet the day before Thanksgiving.

People can contribute to this program throughout the year at our local grocery stores. No doubt this sort of practical ministry will grow as our country experiences a deepening recession. But even more important, is the ministry of sharing the Bread of Life with those who do not know Jesus.

I am especially thankful for the opportunity to share God’s Word with people throughout the world by way of the internet. I continue to be amazed at the way in which this tool makes it possible to share one on one with someone I have never met, but who has a very real need of encouragement and the love of Jesus.

* * *

Now as we enter December, it is time to pause from our regular reading schedule and focus on the story of the Babe of Bethlehem. All of the Old Testament prophets foretold His coming and just as they looked forward to His first appearing, so we look forward to His return. But this month we will go back to the foundation of our faith in the Lord Jesus, Messiah, promised through the ages and fulfilled in Bethlehem.

* * *

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Exodus

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:33:47 -0800

JOCOBED AND MIRIAM

[18]

Read Exodus 1:1–2:10

When she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.Exodus 2:3–4 NIV

* * *

The rescue of baby Moses is a remarkable story of faith and deliverance. Many babies lost their lives in this terrible purge by Pharaoh, and yet God had a plan for one little baby boy and his family. Jocobed trusted God as she lowered the basket into the water and prayed for compassion from Pharaoh's daughter. Miriam, in obedience to her mother, stood watch over the baby and spoke wisely to the princess. The result of their faith was that Jocobed was allowed to continue nursing her own baby, and one day Miriam would join her brother Moses as a leader in Israel.(Exodus 2:7–10; Micah 6:4)

* * *

Lord, only You know what the future holds for our children. We commit them to Your providential plan, trusting that You will bring about Your will in their lives. Help us to move confidently into the future, believing in Your love and care for our children and grandchildren. And as we do this, please use us to bless the lives of other families along the way.

* * *

The girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him. Exodus 2:8–9 NIV

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:42:47 -0800

JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR

Read Genesis 39

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh … bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there … And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:1,3 NKJV

* * *

At first glance, Joseph's story is about slavery, lies and betrayal, even by family members. But the underlying message is that Joseph prospered in spite of it all, whether he was a servant, manager or prisoner. God had plans for Joseph to rescue his whole family, including those who betrayed him. Joseph was a faithful young man; is it any wonder that God chose him for this important task? His priorities were determined by his faithfulness to God, not the pressures of a wicked culture. When tempted to commit adultery, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b)

* * *

Lord, give us the discernment to protect our children from the influences that could destroy their relationship with You. Help them to understand that sexual sin is a grievous offense against God, as well as their own bodies. Help us to teach them Your precepts so that they will know right from wrong and look forward to the future You have planned for them.

* * *

“God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance … "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:7–8a NIV

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:22:13 -0800

JOSEPH

Read Genesis 37

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3–4 NIV

* * *

Jacob and Rachel waited many years before Rachel conceived. By then, Jacob already had sons by his wife Leah and their two maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah. Rachael's firstborn, Joseph quickly became his father's favorite. This special treatment of the younger son caused resentment and hatred, particularly by the sons of Jacob's concubines. Jacob must have forgotten the pain of his own father's preferential love for Esau, for now he was repeating the pattern. Both Isaac and Jacob suffered the loss of a son because of favoritism. Jacob had to flee to his relatives and Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt.

* * *

Lord, help us to avoid comparing our children or grandchildren in an unfavorable way. Give us sensitivity to the feelings of each child and the ability to appreciate his or her unique personality and abilities. I pray like the Psalmist, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:12, 14 NKJV)

* * *

Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.… Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials.
Genesis 37:34–36 NIV

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THROUGH THE BIBLE - Genesis

nobody@vox.com(sharetheword) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:37:04 -0800

[15]

WRESTLING WITH GOD

JACOB'S BLESSING

Read Genesis 31–32

Then Jacob prayed, "O God …“I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.” Genesis 32:9a, 10a NIV

* * *

After years of hardship and deception by Laban, God miraculously increased Jacob’s wealth, and caused Laban to allow him to leave. Then, alone at night, after sending his family on ahead, God once again spoke to Jacob… A man approached him and they began to fight. Jacob wrestled all night long–evidently realizing this was a heavenly visitor. Jacob said to him, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." … So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."(Genesis 32:26b–30) This strange encounter with the Lord left Jacob with an outward limp that would always remind him and his descendants that his blessings came from God.

* * *

Lord, I can see in this story of Jacob how much You value humility. If we are to be blessed, that blessing will come from You, not from our own struggles. You are Jehovah Jirah, our provider, and like Jacob I will say God has been gracious to me, and I have all I need. (33:11)

* * *

The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon. Genesis 32:31–32 NIV

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