LHM Daily Devotion - "Back to Normal"

January 6, 2017

And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40, ESV)

Read Luke 2:39-40

Today we take down our Christmas tree, the lights, and all the decorations. Finally, our house is getting back to normal.

Luke's account of that first Christmas is drawing to a close. After completing all the tasks God's Law laid out for them to do, Joseph and Mary left Judea and returned to Nazareth, where they would raise Jesus. We know from Matthew's account the reason the couple first left Bethlehem was because Herod sent soldiers to murder the Christ Child, after the wise men had come to visit. After spending some time in Egypt, they returned to Nazareth.

Luke tells us that in Nazareth Jesus grew physically, experiencing the normal development of a human being. But he also accumulated the knowledge, wisdom and discretion He would show throughout His adult ministry. In our Lenten devotions in March, we will listen to Jesus' own wonderful message of forgiveness, peace, salvation and eternal life, and we will follow Him as He courageously faces bitter opposition and a cross to save us from our sins.

In a sense life was back to normal for Mary and Joseph. They were home now and Joseph could go back to his carpenter's shop. But then again, once the Christ Child was born their lives would never really be the same. This is true for us too. Even though the trappings of Christmas are gone for another year, the Christ Child has come into our homes, and our lives will never be the same either.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into our world that first Christmas, and coming into our hearts this Christmas. Keep us strong in faith, filled with peace and joy until the day You return to earth. Amen.

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

Devociones de Adviento - Postrados, adoremos

Viernes 06 de Enero

Mateo 2:1-12

Cuando entraron en la casa, vieron al niño con su madre María y, postrándose ante él, lo adoraron. Luego abrieron sus tesoros y le ofrecieron oro, incienso y mirra. (Mt 2:11, RVC)

Estamos terminando el recorrido. Un recorrido delineado por Dios desde el principio. Ya arribamos. Este es un encuentro lleno de devoción. Postrados ante el niño, rindiéndole adoración.

Desde Edén hasta Belén: Dios ha cumplido su antigua promesa. Desde el lejano oriente hasta la aldea de David: su promesa es para los habitantes de todas las naciones. Desde el lugar en el que transcurren nuestras vidas, quizás tristes y pobres, hasta dar cara a cara con el niño Dios: un Niño que también es para ti.

Hemos visto desfilar a profetas, ángeles y pastores. Hemos observado el gozo de mujeres embarazadas alabando a Dios por su fidelidad. Hemos oído a un anciano regocijarse infinitamente, tomando en sus brazos al Autor de nuestra salvación. Falta alguien en ese escenario singular montado por Dios: ¿acaso eres tú? ¿Seguirás la estrella que guió a los magos, o te quedarás con tu triste historia una navidad más?

Quizás tu viaje no sea corto: ¡estás tan alejado de Dios! Quizás lleves encima navidades vacías, con sabor a poco y nada. Tal vez percibiste que ésta fue destinada a ser TU navidad. ¿Transitarás otro año sin recibir el regalo que Dios quiere darte? No pases de largo. Detente en Belén. Que, al comienzo de este año, Belén sea tu primera parada. No debes traer nada: alcanza con un corazón arrepentido. Él quiere darte todo. Con su pobreza, él te llenará de riquezas. Él puede poner en tu corazón la fe más preciosa, que brilla como el oro. Vamos, te invito. Vayamos a Belén y de rodillas adoremos.

Gracias, Dios, por el Salvador que enviaste a la humanidad. Dirígeme a su pesebre, a su casa, a su iglesia y finalmente a tu cielo. Amén.

© Copyright 2016 Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones

Our Daily Bread - Someone to Celebrate

By James Banks

Read: Matthew 2:1–12 | Bible in a Year: Genesis 16–17; Matthew 5:27–48

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6

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 worshiped 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 is 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” (Matt. 1:23), in every season. He has promised to be with us “always” (28:20). Because He is always with us, we can worship Him in our hearts every day 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.

© 2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries

Nuestro Pan Diario - Alguien por quien celebrar

Por James Banks

Leer: Mateo 2:1-12 | La Biblia en un año: Mateo 5:27-48

Venid, adoremos y postrémonos; arrodillémonos delante del Señor nuestro Hacedor (Salmo 95:6).

Muchas escenas del pesebre muestran a los magos de oriente visitando a Jesús en Belén al mismo tiempo que los pastores. Sin embargo, según el Evangelio de Mateo, el único lugar de la Escritura donde se encuentra esta historia, los magos llegaron más tarde. Jesús ya no estaba en el pesebre del establo de una posada, sino en una casa. Mateo 2:11 nos dice: «Y al entrar en la casa, vieron al niño con su madre María, y postrándose, lo adoraron; y abriendo sus tesoros, le ofrecieron presentes: oro, incienso y mirra».

Darse cuenta de que la visita de los magos ocurrió más tarde de lo que se piensa constituye un recordatorio útil al comenzar un nuevo año. Jesús es digno de ser adorado siempre. Una vez que las fiestas han terminado y volvemos a las rutinas diarias, seguimos teniendo a Alguien por quien celebrar.

Jesucristo es Emanuel, «Dios con nosotros» (Mateo 1:23), en todas las épocas del año. Él prometió estar con nosotros «siempre» (28:20). Entonces, como siempre está con nosotros, podemos adorarlo en nuestro corazón todos los días y confiar en que seguirá mostrándonos su fidelidad durante los años que están por delante. Así como los magos lo buscaron, que nosotros también lo hagamos y lo adoremos dondequiera que estemos.

Señor Jesús, te adoro y te entrego mi vida para hacer tu voluntad.

Cuando encontramos a Cristo, le ofrecemos nuestra adoración.

© 2016 Ministerios Nuestro Pan Diario

Unser Täglich Brot - Grund zum Feiern

Von James Banks

Lesen: Matthäus 2,1-12 | Die Bibel In Einem Jahr: 1.Mose 16–17; Matthäus 5,27-48

Kommt, lasst uns anbeten und knien und niederfallen vor dem Herrn, der uns gemacht hat. Psalm 95,6

Viele Krippenszenen zeigen die Weisen aus dem Morgenland, die Jesus in Bethlehem besuchten, gleichzeitig mit den Hirten. Nach dem Matthäusevangelium, der einzigen Stelle in der Bibel, die von ihnen berichtet, kamen sie aber später. Jesus war nicht mehr in einer Krippe im Stall, sondern in einem Haus. In Matthäus 2,11 heißt es, sie „gingen in das Haus und fanden das Kindlein mit Maria, seiner Mutter, und fielen nieder und beteten es an und taten ihre Schätze auf und schenkten ihm Gold, Weihrauch und Myrrhe“.

Die Tatsache, dass die Weisen später kamen, als wir vielleicht meinen, kann uns am Anfang des neuen Jahres zu einer hilfreichen Erkenntnis verhelfen. Jesus hat immer Anbetung verdient. Wenn die Feiertage vorbei sind und wieder die Alltagsroutine beginnt, haben wir immer noch Grund zum Feiern.

Jesus Christus ist in jeder Jahreszeit Immanuel, „Gott mit uns“ (Matth. 1,23). Er hat versprochen, „alle Tage“ bei uns zu sein (28,20). Und deshalb können wir ihn jeden Tag aus ganzem Herzen anbeten und darauf vertrauen, dass er uns auch in den kommenden Jahren treu bleiben wird. Mögen wir ihn suchen, wie die Weisen es taten, und ihn anbeten, egal wo wir sind.

Herr Jesus, so wie die Weisen dich suchten und vor dir als dem kommenden König niederknieten, so will auch ich dir meinen Willen ausliefern und dir folgen, wohin du mich führst.

Wenn wir Jesus gefunden haben, können wir nicht anders, als ihn anbeten.

© 2016 Unser Täglich Brot

Хлеб наш насущный - Повод для праздника

автор: Джеймс Бэнкс

Читать сейчас: Матфея 2:1-12 | Библия за год: Бытие 16-17; Матфея 5:27-48

Придите, поклонимся и припадем, преклоним колени пред лицом Господа, Творца нашего. — Псалом 94:6

На многих рождественских картинах волхвы, пришедшие к Младенцу Иисусу в Вифлеем, изображаются рядом с пастухами. Однако согласно Евангелию от Матфея, единственному месту в Писании, где об этом рассказывается, волхвы появились позже. Иисус находился уже не в яслях, а в доме. Матфей пишет: «Войдя в дом, увидели Младенца с Марией, матерью Его, и, пав, поклонились Ему; и, открыв сокровища свои, принесли Ему дары: золото, ладан и смирну» (Мф. 2:11).

Тот факт, что поклонение волхвов произошло позже, чем многие думают, служит хорошим напоминанием в начале нового года. Иисус всегда достоин поклонения. Когда праздники миновали и вновь наступают серые будни, у нас все равно есть чему радоваться и что праздновать.

Иисус Христос – Эммануил, что значит «с нами Бог» (Мф. 1:23). Он с нами в любое время года, «во все дни» (Мф. 28:20). По этой причине мы всегда можем поклоняться Ему в своих сердцах, будучи уверенными, что Он останется верным и в грядущие годы. Так же как искали Его волхвы, будем и мы стремиться к Нему и славить Его в любое время и в любом месте.

Господь Иисус, так же как волхвы нашли Тебя и поклонились Тебе, помоги и мне покорить Тебе свою волю и следовать за Тобой повсюду.

Найдя Христа, принесем Ему поклонение.

© 2016 Хлеб Наш Насущный

Notre Pain Quotidien - Quelqu’un à célébrer

par James Banks

Lisez : Matthieu 2.1‑12 | La Bible en un an : Genèse 16 – 17 et Matthieu 5.27-48

Venez, prosternons‑nous et humilions‑nous, fléchissons le genou devant l’Éternel, notre créateur ! (Psaume 95.6)

De nombreuses scènes de la Nativité illustrent les mages en visite auprès de Jésus à Bethléhem en même temps que les bergers. D’après l’Évangile selon Matthieu, le seul livre biblique où cette histoire nous est racontée, les mages sont pourtant venus auprès de lui ultérieurement. Jésus n’était plus alors dans l’étable d’une auberge, mais dans une maison. Matthieu 2.11 nous indique ceci : « Ils entrèrent dans la maison, virent le petit enfant avec Marie, sa mère, se prosternèrent et l’adorèrent ; ils ouvrirent ensuite leurs trésors, et lui offrirent en présent de l’or, de l’encens et de la myrrhe. »

Alors que nous amorçons une nouvelle année, nous aurions tout intérêt à comprendre que les mages sont arrivés plus tard que nous pourrions le penser. Jésus se montre toujours digne de notre adoration. Lorsque les vacances de Noël sont terminées et que nous reprenons notre routine quotidienne, il nous reste ainsi quelqu’un à célébrer.

Jésus‑Christ est Emmanuel, « Dieu avec nous » (MT 1.23), en toute période de l’année. Il a promis de rester avec nous « jusqu’à la fin du monde » (28.20). Étant donné qu’il est constamment à nos côtés, nous pouvons l’adorer chaque jour en nous‑mêmes, sachant très bien qu’il se montrera fidèle au fil des ans. Comme les mages l’ont fait, recherchons‑le et adorons‑le nous aussi, et cela, où que nous nous trouvions.

En découvrant Christ, nous lui offrons notre adoration.

© 2016 Ministères NPQ

The Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is a festival, in some branches of Christianity marking the coming of the Epiphany.

For Eastern Orthodox, the Eve of the Theophany (5 January) is a day of strict fasting, on which the devout will not eat anything until the first star is seen at night.

In Colonial America as was already the tradition in their native England, all decorations would be taken down by Epiphany morning and the remainder of the edibles would be consumed. A special cake, the king cake, was also baked then for Epiphany.

In the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, Twelfth Night is the last day for decorations to be taken down, and it is held to be bad luck to leave decorations up after this.

In the United States, for some, Twelfth Night remains the biggest night for parties and gift-giving. Some households exchange gifts on the first (25 December) and last (5 January) days of the season. As in olden days, Twelfth Night to Epiphany morning is then the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations.

The Daily Readings for THURSDAY, January 5, 2017 - Twelfth Day of Christmas

First Reading

Joshua 1:1-9
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying, "My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and the Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, to the Great Sea in the west shall be your territory. No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Second Reading

Hebrews 11:32-12:2
And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Holy Gospel

John 15:1-16
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 2 Quare fremuerunt gentes?
1   Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2   Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the princes plot together, against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3   Let us break their yoke, they say; let us cast off their bonds from us.
4   He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; the Lord has them in derision.
5   Then he speaks to them in his wrath, and his rage fills them with terror.
6   I myself have set my king . upon my holy hill of Zion
7   Let me announce the decree of the LORD: he said to me, "You are my Son; this day have I begotten you.
8   Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9   You shall crush them with an iron rod and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10   And now, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11   Submit to the LORD with fear, and with trembling bow before him;
12   Lest he be angry and you perish; for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13   Happy are they all who take refuge in him!

Psalm 110 Dixit Dominus
1   The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."
2   The LORD will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, saying, "Rule over your enemies round about you.
3   Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you, like dew from the womb of the morning."
4   The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: "You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
5   The Lord who is at your right hand will smite kings in the day of his wrath; he will rule over the nations.
6   He will heap high the corpses; he will smash heads over the wide earth.
7   He will drink from the brook beside the road; therefore he will lift high his head.

Evening Psalms

Psalm 29 Afferte Domino
1   Ascribe to the LORD, you gods, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2   Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his Name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3   The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is upon the mighty waters.
4   The voice of the LORD is a powerful voice; the voice of the LORD is a voice of splendor.
5   The voice of the LORD breaks the cedar trees; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon;
6   He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.
7   The voice of the LORD splits the flames of fire; the voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
8   The voice of the LORD makes the oak trees writhe and strips the forests bare.
9   And in the temple of the LORD all are crying, "Glory!"
10   The LORD sits enthroned above the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as King for evermore.
11   The LORD shall give strength to his people; the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace.

Psalm 98 Cantate Domino
1   Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
2   With his right hand and his holy arm has he won for himself the victory.
3   The LORD has made known his victory; his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4   He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5   Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6   Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of song.
7   With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy before the King, the LORD.
8   Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, the lands and those who dwell therein.
9   Let the rivers clap their hands, and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD, when he comes to judge the earth.
10   In righteousness shall he judge the world and the peoples with equity.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The New Revised Standard Version Bible may be quoted and/or reprinted up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without express written permission of the publisher, provided the verses quoted do not amount to a complete book of the Bible or account for fifty percent (50%) of the total work in which they are quoted.

Verse of the Day - January 05, 2017

Isaiah 1:16-17 (NIV) Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Read all of Isaiah 1

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Morning Devotions with Cap'n Kenny - "Just Be There"

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15, NIV)

If you were to go to Israel today, you could see olive trees dating back to the time of Christ. Some are believed to be the actual trees Jesus may have prayed beneath in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The word Gethsemane means "olive press." This was a place where olives were pressed to make oil. It was also the place where our Savior was pressed to give us life.

At Gethsemane, Jesus said to Peter, James, and John, "Stay here and keep watch with me" (Matthew 26:38). What an honor afforded to these three. He took them into this holy moment of His life and asked them to be there with Him.

Notice that He didn't say, "Stay here and give me a little sermon and explain what's going on." He didn't ask for an explanation of any kind. He simply asked them to be there.

When a person is hurting, when a person is suffering, one of the best things we can do as Christians is to simply be there with them. I think far too often we feel that we always have to have an answer for everything or a little sermon to explain every situation that a person is facing. We don't realize that sometimes the best thing we can do is be there. As the Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).

When something horrible has happened, some Christians will come along with some pat clichés, while others will say they know how it feels, but maybe they don't. Let's simply try to understand that someone is going through a time of great difficulty.

One of the best things we can do for others in situations like these is to just be there, love them, and pray for them.

In Jesus,
Cap'n Kenny

Un Dia a la Vez - Piensa antes de actuar

El Señor te guiará siempre [...] Serás como jardín bien regado, como manantial cuyas aguas no se agotan. Isaías 58:11

Somos el resultado de las decisiones que tomamos. Después de todo lo que Dios me ha permitido vivir, observa el resultado. Hoy ustedes leen este libro, mi historia en pequeños fragmentos, donde conocen quién soy y mis experiencias: dos divorcios, madre soltera por varios años, una relación fuera del matrimonio con el resultado de una hija que es una bendición en mi vida, mi compañerita bella, y el paso por la mayor prueba de salud de mi vida donde estuve al borde de la muerte. Todas estas cosas me han dejado una enorme lección… somos el resultado de lo que decimos, pensamos, comemos y hacemos.

Somos absolutamente responsables de lo que hacemos con nuestra vida. Sin embargo, no se nos puede olvidar que en esas decisiones podemos llevar por delante a las personas que más queremos. Permitamos que Dios sea nuestro consejero, nuestro amigo, nuestra guía, a fin de que no vivamos arrepentidos de los que hicimos o lo que dejamos de hacer.

NIV Devotions for Men - Joseph: The Father of a Messiah

Matthew 1:16—2:23; Luke 1:26—2:52

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20–21)

What was the most difficult part about being Jesus’ earthly father?

There were times when I felt very common and not at all up to the task. Occasionally the weight and seriousness of the responsibility would fall on me, and I felt completely inadequate. I was inadequate. Who is worthy to raise the Son of God? I asked God daily for strength and wisdom.

After Jesus was born and you had to flee to Egypt, were you afraid?

Initially, yes, I was very afraid. After the alarming vision, there was this urgency in me. I felt as though Herod’s guards were on their way, and if I didn’t move quickly, then … well, you know. But on our way to Egypt, I realized that God was directing the events here, not Herod or I. I said to myself, Wait a second. God knows the future. If something bad were going to happen, he would help us. I thought about the Israelites on their way out of Egypt, and if ever things started closing in around us to that degree, I knew we could be confident of a miracle.

How was your faith changed by that whole string of events surrounding the birth of Jesus?

It wasn’t just my faith. This child upended my whole life. I was talking about this with Zechariah one time, about how we had our whole lives planned until God showed up. Everything about our lives changed. But what a joy!

You mentioned joy. Explain what you mean.

Most people, when they think of Jesus, think about his strong teachings or his miracles or maybe even his death. But when I think of him, my mind goes back to this time, right after he was born. He had just awakened, I was holding him and he was looking around. Very alert. And he looked up at me and with his little fingers grabbed my finger. They say babies that young don’t smile, but he smiled, as if to say, “I’m glad to be here.” You know, Mary witnessed his death, and Peter felt his forgiveness on the beach after the denial. Thomas touched the scars in his hands, and John even saw a vision of him coming back as King. But I held that baby before all that. And that’s something I’ll never forget.

Back to the Future

• The course of Joseph’s life was entirely redirected by God, and yet he reacted with grace and obedience. How difficult would it be for you to make massive life changes like Joseph? Why?
• God entrusted the care of his Son Jesus to a man without much in the way of monetary resources. What does this show about God’s view of wealth? Of parenting?
• Joseph was a man of faith. What have you learned from Joseph’s life that has strengthened your own faith?

Read Joseph’s Story:
For more on Joseph, read Matthew 1:16—2:23; Luke 1:26—2:52.

Girlfriends in God - A Love That Stays

by Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. (Psalm 89:28 NIV)

Friend to Friend

I took a few pictures the other day with what I call my “big girl camera.” You know, the kind with a lens that adjusts to things near and far, making objects change from blurry to clear with a simple twist. It’s amazing to look through a viewfinder and watch what is hazy become crisp and clear.

Lately I feel like I need this feature for my soul.

Have you ever felt that way?

My week has been a bit of a blur and this distracted heart needs a good refocusing. So I turn to the Word of God, and the adjustment begins. Psalm 89 was penned by a man named Ethan. He wrote the psalm to celebrate the throne of king David and the prophetic promises God made regarding the eternal nature of Christ’s future reign.

It’s a moving read; full of promise, praise, and wonder. A declaration of God’s holiness and steadfast love that seals the destiny of all who place their faith in Jesus.

I read it and am refocused on the hope of God’s power, righteousness, justice, faithfulness, and strength. I’m reminded that the indescribable and unsearchable Creator of the universe invites you and me, His small, but cherished creation, to walk in the light of His presence. (v 15)

I’m reminded that God is not distant, but near. That He offers to sustain and strengthen all who are His. That He works through my weakness with a power that is perfect and that He hears the cries that rise from haughty human lungs as they breathe His holy name: Father, God, Rock, and Savior.

I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness… (Psalm 89:28-35)

I read these words - these promises from the heart of God - and my soul is stirred deeply.

God maintains His love.

His covenant will never fail.

Even when and if I, we, fail, God does not. Even when we disobey His commands and run away from all that is good and holy, He loves us. Yes, consequences will be handed out, but His LOVE will remain. When we are faithless, God will not betray His own faithfulness to us. He will not go back on His word … on His promise of salvation … on His covenant of grace through Jesus.

God swears on His own holiness that the finished work of Jesus is enough. For me. For you. For the remnant of all who’ve been kissed by mercy’s hope.

With a heart that is refocused on clarifying truth and vibrant grace, I turn from my blurry heart haze toward God’s love that remains unfailing for all eternity.

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, There really is none like You. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. Please fix and focus my heart on Your ways and guide me in all truth.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Read Psalm 89 and spend a few moments giving thanks to God for specific ways He’s shown you His unfailing love.

More from the Girlfriends

Gwen Smith is a speaker, worship leader, songwriter, and author of the new book, I Want I ALL, which includes a Bible Study Guide right in the back of the book; no extra purchase required. I WANT IT ALL it’s easy to read yet contains compelling and challenging content. You'll connect with the stories, probably dust off a few heart dreams, think bigger thoughts of God, laugh and smile a lot, search your soul, and even cry a little ... because each page lovingly directs you to the personal grace and truth of JESUS. (CLICK HERE to get a FREE Downloadable “7 Day I WANT IT ALL” Devotional Ebook.)

Seeking God? Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Standing Strong Through the Storm - STORMS REVEAL NEW THINGS ABOUT JESUS

He [Jesus] said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" Mark 4:40-41

Thankfully storms ultimately do come to an end! We learn this as another insight from this passage of scripture. And the storms often reveal something new about Jesus. Here the disciples express their amazement that He even controls the winds and the waves. They had already spent considerable time with Jesus yet this experience actually terrified them. They had known Jesus as fully human to this point in their relationship. And now they are confronted with His being also fully divine—something that really terrified them.

There is always something more to learn about Jesus and sometimes this happens in the storms of life. Twenty-three-year-old Maria fled with her parents from Bagdad, Iraq to the Kurdish north of the country because they had been threatened as Christians living in the capital.

“I really struggled the first year,” she says. “But I knew I had to go on. I could not crawl up and mourn the things I had lost…Because I went to college here it was pretty easy to find a job. And what I really like is that I am safe here.”

Maria had to leave everything behind but did not give up. She concludes, “Start with something small and you will slowly move on.”

We received a report of a Christian arrested for selling Bibles in front of a university in another middle east Islamic country’s capital. He was repeatedly interrogated during six weeks of imprisonment. In a final effort to intimidate him, his captors brought his wife to the prison and threatened to execute him unless he renounced his Christian faith.

“If I have to choose between my wife and children or Jesus Christ, then I choose Jesus,” he reportedly told his captors. When this and other attempts failed to coerce him to renounce his faith, he was finally released from prison. He was forced to sign a letter agreeing not to sell Christian literature, although he continued to actively evangelize in parks and other open-air areas.

“I don't know why, but I cried the whole day,” he said upon release, adding that he wished he could have been martyred for his faith. “I felt very close to heaven in prison. I was happy that the Lord had heard my prayers for my love to be a sacrifice in that small prison cell. But it seems that the Lord wished me to be alive and active in His work again.”

RESPONSE: Today I will be thankful that the storms in my life will come to an end. I will deliberately seek to discover something new about Jesus and what He wants me to be for Him.

PRAYER: Pray that you—and believers everywhere—will have spiritual eyes and ears to see, hear and learn new lessons from Jesus in the storms of life.