Many manger scenes depict the wise men, or magi, visiting Jesus in Bethlehem at the same time as the shepherds. But according to the gospel of MAtthew, the only place in Scripture where their story is found, the magi showed up later. Jesus was no longer in the manger in a stable at the inn, but in a house. Matthew 2:11 tells us, " On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
Realizing that the magi's visit happened later than we may think provides a helpful reminder as we begin a new year. Jesus us always worthy of worship. When the holidays are past and we head back to life's everyday routines, we still have Someone to celebrate.
Jesus Christ is Immanuel, " God with us" ( Matthew 1:23), in every season. He has promised to be with us " always." Because He is always with us, we can worship Him in our hearts everyday and trust that He will show Himself faithful in the years to come. Just as the magi sought Him, may we seek Him too and worship Him wherever we are.
Lord Jesus, just as the magi sought You and bowed before You as the coming King, help me to yield my will to You and to follow where You lead.
When we find Christ we offer our worship.
Please read Genesis 16-17 and Matthew 5:27-48
Friday, January 6, 2017
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Listening To God
My young son loves to hear my voice, except when I call his name loudly and sternly, followed by the question, " Where are you?" When I do that, I am usually calling for him because he has been into some mischeif and is trying to hide from me. I want my son to listen to my voice because I am concerned about his well-being and do not want him to get hurt.
Adam and Eve were used to hearing God's voice in the garden. However, after they disobeyed Him by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid from Him when they heard Him calling, " Where are you?" ( Genesis 3:9). They didn't want to face God because they knew they had done something wrong-something He had told them not to do.
When God called for Adam and Eve and found them in the garden, His words did include correction and consequence. But God also showed them kindness and gave them hope for mankind in the promise of the Savior.
God doesn't have to look for us. He knows where we are and what we are trying to hide. But as a loving Father, He wants to speak to our hearts and bring forgiveness and restoration. He longs for us to hear His voice-and to listen.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love and care. Thank You for sending Your Son our Savior, to fulfill Your promise of forgiveness and restoration.
When God calls, we need to answer.
Please read Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26
Adam and Eve were used to hearing God's voice in the garden. However, after they disobeyed Him by eating the forbidden fruit, they hid from Him when they heard Him calling, " Where are you?" ( Genesis 3:9). They didn't want to face God because they knew they had done something wrong-something He had told them not to do.
When God called for Adam and Eve and found them in the garden, His words did include correction and consequence. But God also showed them kindness and gave them hope for mankind in the promise of the Savior.
God doesn't have to look for us. He knows where we are and what we are trying to hide. But as a loving Father, He wants to speak to our hearts and bring forgiveness and restoration. He longs for us to hear His voice-and to listen.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love and care. Thank You for sending Your Son our Savior, to fulfill Your promise of forgiveness and restoration.
When God calls, we need to answer.
Please read Genesis 13-15 and Matthew 5:1-26
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
A Multipled Love
When a woman in Karen's church was diagnosed with ALS ( amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), things looked bad. This cruel disease affects nerves and muscles, eventually leading to paralysis. The family's insurance wouldn't cover home care, and the stricken woman's husband couldn't bear the thought of putting her in a nursing home.
As a nurse, Karen had the expertise to help and began going to the woman's home to care for her. But she soon realized she couldn't take care of her own family while meeting the needs of her friend, so she started teaching others in the church to help. As the disease ran its course over the next seven years, Karen trained thirty-one additional volunteers who surrounded that family with love, prayer, and pratical assistance.
" Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister," said John the disciple ( 1 John 4:21). Karen gives us a shining example of that kind of love. She had the skills, compassion, and vision to rally a church family around a hurting friend. Her love for one person in need became a multiplied love lived out by many.
How might God use your talents and abilities to serve others in need? Ask God to show you how He wants you to use your gifts for His kingdom.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Please read Genesis 10-12 and Matthew 4
As a nurse, Karen had the expertise to help and began going to the woman's home to care for her. But she soon realized she couldn't take care of her own family while meeting the needs of her friend, so she started teaching others in the church to help. As the disease ran its course over the next seven years, Karen trained thirty-one additional volunteers who surrounded that family with love, prayer, and pratical assistance.
" Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister," said John the disciple ( 1 John 4:21). Karen gives us a shining example of that kind of love. She had the skills, compassion, and vision to rally a church family around a hurting friend. Her love for one person in need became a multiplied love lived out by many.
How might God use your talents and abilities to serve others in need? Ask God to show you how He wants you to use your gifts for His kingdom.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Please read Genesis 10-12 and Matthew 4
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