Key Verse: 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2: 16-17 NIV
Although I heard and read the scriptures detailing Christ birth all of my life, I never get tired of hearing them. It is an amazingly wonderful story of Immanuel "God With Us"
Note the historical reference:
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
The Hotels were booked solid
6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The Shepherds Go to Find Jesus
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
The Shepherd Spread the Word About Jesus 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Prayer: Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior over 2000 years ago. Thank you that he lives in me today and is coming again to rule he world! Help me, like the Shepherds to tell of the Good News of your coming!
Enjoy this Aretha Franklin Version of Silent Night on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXG6JwTbUO8
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Devo # 80 "The Wonderful Names of Jesus"
Key Verse: Unto us us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This is one of many scriptures foretelling the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. This passage not only foretells his coming but also tells of his wonderful names, signifying what Jesus would come to do.
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Prayer: Lord, your name indeed is wonderful! You are a great Counselor and a Mighty God! Thank you Lord that you are our everlasting Father and that indeed you are the Prince of Peace. Lord your rule with lasf forever and ever and I give praise, honor and glory to your name! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This is one of many scriptures foretelling the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. This passage not only foretells his coming but also tells of his wonderful names, signifying what Jesus would come to do.
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Prayer: Lord, your name indeed is wonderful! You are a great Counselor and a Mighty God! Thank you Lord that you are our everlasting Father and that indeed you are the Prince of Peace. Lord your rule with lasf forever and ever and I give praise, honor and glory to your name! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Devo # 79: Jesus died in the place of rebels!
Key Verse: "He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels." 53:12b NLT
Isaiah reminds us why Jesus had to come and die. Though he was God, and had done no wrong as a man, he was punished in our place:
Jesus bore the penalty of our sins:
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
Jesus had done nothing wrong but willingly suffered for our sins!
7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
8 Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.[b]
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.[c]
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
9 He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
Jesus was not just the victim of man's inhumanity but his sacrifice for us was a part of God's plan.
10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
Jesus would rejoice that his suffering brought about our righteousness!
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
Jesus is worthy of our honor and praise for what he did for us!
12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for bearing my sin, Thank you for interceeding for me, even when I was dead in my trespasses and sins! Lord you are good and worthy of all praise, Glory and honor are due your name!!Though you were already God, thank you for coming to earth, being born in the form of a baby, living as a man, dying for my sins, rising again from the dead and now siting at the right hand of God. Thank you that you are now interceeding for me and that you will come back to judge and rule the world. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of your love and sacrifice for me! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Isaiah reminds us why Jesus had to come and die. Though he was God, and had done no wrong as a man, he was punished in our place:
Jesus bore the penalty of our sins:
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.
Jesus had done nothing wrong but willingly suffered for our sins!
7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
8 Unjustly condemned,
he was led away.[b]
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.[c]
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
9 He had done no wrong
and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
Jesus was not just the victim of man's inhumanity but his sacrifice for us was a part of God's plan.
10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
Jesus would rejoice that his suffering brought about our righteousness!
11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
Jesus is worthy of our honor and praise for what he did for us!
12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for bearing my sin, Thank you for interceeding for me, even when I was dead in my trespasses and sins! Lord you are good and worthy of all praise, Glory and honor are due your name!!Though you were already God, thank you for coming to earth, being born in the form of a baby, living as a man, dying for my sins, rising again from the dead and now siting at the right hand of God. Thank you that you are now interceeding for me and that you will come back to judge and rule the world. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of your love and sacrifice for me! In Jesus Name! Amen!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Devo # 78 "Jesus took our Punishment!"
Key Verse: "But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5
As we approach the Christmas season, this passage reminds us why Jesus came in the first place! Jesus came to sacrifice his life in our place so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be made right with God! He was executed in our place so that we could go free and have life!
1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 NLT
Prayer: Thank you Lord for taking my punishment so that I could have eternal life. Help me to forever live a life of gratitude for your sacrifice for me. In Jesus Name Amen!
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5
As we approach the Christmas season, this passage reminds us why Jesus came in the first place! Jesus came to sacrifice his life in our place so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be made right with God! He was executed in our place so that we could go free and have life!
1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:1-6 NLT
Prayer: Thank you Lord for taking my punishment so that I could have eternal life. Help me to forever live a life of gratitude for your sacrifice for me. In Jesus Name Amen!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
# 77 Zechariah's Prophecy at John's Birth speaks of the Coming Messiah!
Key Verse: 67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David Luke 1:67-69 NIV
John the Baptist is Born and is given his Name:
57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." 61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."
The Neighbors are amazed:
64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.
Zechariah Prophesies About Jesus:
67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn[d] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace."
80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel
Luke 1:57-80 NIV
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the witness you sent through Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and Baby John to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David Luke 1:67-69 NIV
John the Baptist is Born and is given his Name:
57When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
59On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his mother spoke up and said, "No! He is to be called John." 61They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who has that name." 62Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, "His name is John."
The Neighbors are amazed:
64Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. 66Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, "What then is this child going to be?" For the Lord's hand was with him.
Zechariah Prophesies About Jesus:
67His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
69He has raised up a horn[d] of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
70(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
71salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
72to show mercy to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
73the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
74to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable us to serve him without fear
75in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
76And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace."
80And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel
Luke 1:57-80 NIV
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the witness you sent through Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and Baby John to the coming of Jesus, the Messiah!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Fred's Devo # 76 "Baby John's Amazing Response to Baby Jesus!
Key Verse: 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!
After Mary got the announcement that she was to bear the Messiah, she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist-who was to be the Forerunner of Jesus!
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
Look at the amazing response of baby John in Elizabeth's womb!
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
Here was Cousin Elizabeth's Response:
43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!
"46And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
Mary goes into a time of Praise and Worship that Every Christian should Emulate!
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Prayer: Lord, Like Mary, I magnify your holy name for you are worthy to be praised!
After Mary got the announcement that she was to bear the Messiah, she immediately went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist-who was to be the Forerunner of Jesus!
39At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth.
Look at the amazing response of baby John in Elizabeth's womb!
41When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
Here was Cousin Elizabeth's Response:
43But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!
"46And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord 47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
Mary goes into a time of Praise and Worship that Every Christian should Emulate!
46And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
47and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
56Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
Prayer: Lord, Like Mary, I magnify your holy name for you are worthy to be praised!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Fred's Devo # 75 The Angel Gabriel Makes an Astonishing Announcement to Mary!
Key Verse: I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 NIV
I am always amazed and humbled every time I read the story of Gabriel's wonderful announcement to Mary that she would bear the son of God! Let's review this beautiful story as found in Luke 1:26-38 NIV
First, God sends the Angel Gabriel shows up at Mary's house!
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was stunned to say the Least!
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Gabriel reassures Mary and breaks the news! 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Mary replies, I don't get it?
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
Gabriel breaks it down:
35The angel answered, "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. 36Even 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. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
Mary receives the message and yields to God's purpose in her life!
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Prayer: Lord I thank you for Mary's response to the astounding news that she would bear the Messiah, he Son of the Most High God! Yhank you for her example of asking the honest questions that were on her heart and then accepting your answers by faith. Let me live a life that would cause me to be used by you to carry out your purpose for my life. Help me, like Mary, to see the answers to the questions I need to ask for clarity and then trust you to do what you said, even when I don't fully understand! Help me to yield to your purpose for my life. Help me to receive you when you come to me. Help me say like Mary: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 NIV
I am always amazed and humbled every time I read the story of Gabriel's wonderful announcement to Mary that she would bear the son of God! Let's review this beautiful story as found in Luke 1:26-38 NIV
First, God sends the Angel Gabriel shows up at Mary's house!
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was stunned to say the Least!
29Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Gabriel reassures Mary and breaks the news! 30But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Mary replies, I don't get it?
34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
Gabriel breaks it down:
35The angel answered, "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. 36Even 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. 37For nothing is impossible with God."
Mary receives the message and yields to God's purpose in her life!
38"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Prayer: Lord I thank you for Mary's response to the astounding news that she would bear the Messiah, he Son of the Most High God! Yhank you for her example of asking the honest questions that were on her heart and then accepting your answers by faith. Let me live a life that would cause me to be used by you to carry out your purpose for my life. Help me, like Mary, to see the answers to the questions I need to ask for clarity and then trust you to do what you said, even when I don't fully understand! Help me to yield to your purpose for my life. Help me to receive you when you come to me. Help me say like Mary: "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 NIV
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Fred's Devo # 74: God sends John the Baptist as a Forerunner of Jesus
One of the things I appreciate most about the Christmas story is the work of preparation that God did in sending his son Jesus to the earth to become our Saviour. In today's passage, he sends John as a forerunner of Jesus:
Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT
"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."
This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!
Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!
Application:
One of the things I appreciate most about the Christmas story is the work of preparation that God did in sending his son Jesus to the earth to become our Saviour. In today's passage, he sends John as a forerunner of Jesus:
Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT
"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."
This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!
Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!
Application: We can learn three things from Zechariah. First, Our God can do the impossible. Secondly, God has great plans for you. Thirdly, God wants to use you to turn the hearts of others to God.
Lord, I know that you can do the impossible! I trust you! Use me to do great things for your glory! Use me to turn the hearts of other people to God. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT
"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."
This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!
Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!
Application:
One of the things I appreciate most about the Christmas story is the work of preparation that God did in sending his son Jesus to the earth to become our Saviour. In today's passage, he sends John as a forerunner of Jesus:
Key verse: "But the angel said...your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John...for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God." Luke 1:13-16 NLT
"Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. [12] Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. [13] But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John. [14] You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice with you at his birth, [15] for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or hard liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. [16] And he will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. [17] He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom."
This was the announcement that the angel Gabriel made to the priest, Zechariah as he was carrying out his duties in the Jewish temple. He told Zechariah, that his wife who was by now an and old woman would have a child who would be great in the eyes of the Lord! Yhis child would be filled with the Spirit and would persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord. As we read on, we learn that this child's name was John and that he later preached to the Israelites, baptizing them and prepared them for the message of Jesus, he Messiah!
Even though, Zechariah had been praying for a child, he was in shock and disbelief when God answered his prayer. Our mighty God can do the impossible!
Application: We can learn three things from Zechariah. First, Our God can do the impossible. Secondly, God has great plans for you. Thirdly, God wants to use you to turn the hearts of others to God.
Lord, I know that you can do the impossible! I trust you! Use me to do great things for your glory! Use me to turn the hearts of other people to God. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Fred's Devo # 73 Christmas Presents or God's Presence?
For today's "Guest Devotionalist, I am sharing a devotional from Our Daily Bread which can be found at:
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Enjoy!
Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”
At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.
In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.
When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?
Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.
So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence? — Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, we want to remember You and Your coming in special ways this Christmas. Give us creativity and thoughtfulness in our planning. Help us to focus on Your presence and not on what we hope to give or receive.
http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml
Enjoy!
Oswald Chambers once wrote: “It is not God’s promises we need, it is [God] Himself.”
At Christmastime we often say, “God’s presence is more important than presents.” But the amount of time and effort we spend on shopping for gifts may indicate otherwise.
In certain parts of the world, people give gifts on December 6. By doing so, they have the rest of the month to focus on Jesus and the wonder of His birth, God’s perfect gift to us.
When we say we want God’s presence more than presents from others, perhaps we’re being truthful. But how many of us can honestly say that we want God’s presence more than His presents?
Often we want gifts from God more than we want God Himself. We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live. God may indeed want to give us these things, but we can’t have them apart from Him. As David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps. 16:11). Presents may make us happy for a time; earthly gifts from God may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.
So, what would Christmas be like if we truly celebrated God’s presence? — Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, we want to remember You and Your coming in special ways this Christmas. Give us creativity and thoughtfulness in our planning. Help us to focus on Your presence and not on what we hope to give or receive.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fred's Devo # 72 :"Hold on to Your Faith: Jesus Understands Your Struggles"
Key Verse: " So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:16, NLT
In today's devotional, we are encouraged to hold onto our Faith in Jesus, even when we are tried and tested. Jesus understands because he went through the same struggles and testings as we see in this passage:
"14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT
Everybody struggles with weaknesses and sin. It is in those times that we need to know that God loves us and is willing to forgive us and restore us. In this passage, the writer tells us to hold on to our Faith. He reminds us that we have a High Priest in Jesus who understands what means to be human and to be tempted, tried and tested. Therefore we can run to the throne of God who is ready to provide mercy, understanding and forgiveness when we are in our greatest time of struggle and need.
When you are struggling, don't run away from Jesus, run to Him and fall in His arms.
Pour your heart out to Him! He's waiting for you!
Prayer: Father In Jesus name, I thank you for sending Jesus who understands all of my hurts, sins and struggles. Thank you for reminding me that you are ready and waiting for me to help me in my time of need. Thank you that I will find mercy and grace at your throne. THANK YOU JESUS!
In your Nane! Amen.
In today's devotional, we are encouraged to hold onto our Faith in Jesus, even when we are tried and tested. Jesus understands because he went through the same struggles and testings as we see in this passage:
"14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT
Everybody struggles with weaknesses and sin. It is in those times that we need to know that God loves us and is willing to forgive us and restore us. In this passage, the writer tells us to hold on to our Faith. He reminds us that we have a High Priest in Jesus who understands what means to be human and to be tempted, tried and tested. Therefore we can run to the throne of God who is ready to provide mercy, understanding and forgiveness when we are in our greatest time of struggle and need.
When you are struggling, don't run away from Jesus, run to Him and fall in His arms.
Pour your heart out to Him! He's waiting for you!
Prayer: Father In Jesus name, I thank you for sending Jesus who understands all of my hurts, sins and struggles. Thank you for reminding me that you are ready and waiting for me to help me in my time of need. Thank you that I will find mercy and grace at your throne. THANK YOU JESUS!
In your Nane! Amen.
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