12/26/2015 Christmas PeaceScriptures: Matthew 1:18-25
There were two individuals at the Nativity whose lives would never be the same: Joseph and Mary. Joseph was Jesus' earthly father and Mary was the mother of the Savior. Joseph was a just, faithful man with strong beliefs. He was now asked to believe in something he has never heard of before: a virgin giving birth. Imagine Joseph's confusion, his feelings of hurt and even anger. Joseph did not react with anger nor did he inflict hurt, he was patient and God worked it out for him. Maybe you are dealing with some issues right now: you could be confused, hurt or even angry. If you are patient, God can work it out. If you are confused, God can sort it out. We live in a reactionary world, but the Bible tell us: "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint," Isaiah 40:31. Mary was greatly troubled at the angel's message: she had many questions but few answers. Take a moment and imagine her fear and confusion. Yet she did not overreact, she stilled herself and God calmed her heart. Maybe right now you are dealing with fear and feeling confused: Jesus wants to help you with your fear. In time he will start to answer your questions. We live among people who overreact, but the Word says to us: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10. Today could be the day your life will never be the same: it could the time when God starts to work things out for you. It could be this very moment when Jesus calms your heart. Pray for peace in your life today. 12/15/2015 It Shall Be WellScriptures: 2 Kings 4:8-17
We read about a nameless woman that the Bible states was great. She was not of royal blood or great rank. She was not someone with great wisdom, did not have great beauty or save her people like Esther. Her greatness came from her spirit of service. We do not know her name, but we know of every piece of furniture she put in Elisha's room. God noticed her desire to serve. Her greatness came from her spirit of contentment. Elisha was appreciative and he offered to do something special for her. Elisha told her he had powerful friends: the king and the captain of the host. She had the right perspective: she was thankful for what she already had. God noticed her content nature. Her greatness came from her unshakeable faith. This woman had no children and her husband was old; Elisha told her that this time next year she would embrace a son. She had the child, but the child had an accident and died in her arms. She laid the child in the bed of the man of God; she told her husband "it shall be well and rode off to find Elisha." Elisha came and raised the child back to life: God was moved by her faith. God's definition of greatness is very different than the world's. He looks for little acts of service: what small act of service could you do? He looks for a spirit of contentment: we must remember to be thankful for the many blessings God has already provided for us. He looks for those who pray for unshakable faith: faith that says "it shall be well." 12/7/2015 Lord, Open Our Eyes2 Kings 6:8-17
Elisha's servant cried out: "What shall we do?" The king of Syria had a plan to eliminate Elisha the prophet and he sent a great army at night to surround the city. God was giving Elisha revelations about the Syrians plans to attack Israel. Elisha's servant woke early in the morning and saw the city surrounded. Elisha's servant said: "Alas, my master what shall we do?" This desperate situation filled his mind with fear, loss and grief. We will face unfortunate circumstances, but we must remember our future is sealed! The only thing the servant could see was the impossible situation they were experiencing. Elisha's servant was given a glimpse of the supernatural forces which are sent to guard God's people. God has resources that are protecting us that we cannot see; Elisha prayed: "open his eyes." The young man saw the mountains were full of horses with chariots of fire round about Elisha. God's people there is so much we do not see! We do not see Divine protection: we read in Psalm 91 about this protection. We do not see the Heavenly representatives watching over us: Psalm 91:11 "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." We do not see what is at our disposal when we face trouble: "Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father and He will provide Me with more than 12 legions of angels?" Matthew 26:53. We do not see God's plans for our future: "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope," Jeremiah 29:11. We do not see God's eternal authority: "For it is written "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to me," Romans 12:11. Pray today: "Jesus open my eyes." |
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