One of the most well-known and recited Bible verses during Christmas time is Luke 2:11 (NKJV) – For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
There’s an interesting verse that ties to this one in II Samuel 2:1: It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up… to Hebron.”
David asked God where he should take his family and live. He did not lean on his own understanding by settling for the Mediterranean coastal life. Nor did David seek out peace in mountain-living. He sought God first. Soon after settling in Hebron, David would conquer Jerusalem, and build the City of David. If David had made his decisions on his own, our Christmas verse would today include nothing about a city that David rebuilt. However, David sought God first, and made history.
It’s amazing how surrendering all to God our Father places everything on course, in God’s will, in His perfect plan. We may not see how our children finally surrender their lives to Jesus, or how our decision with work impacts so many other people, or how our daily tasks and decisions, placed in God’s hands, unfold His mighty, glorious plans. God encourages us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8) Thank You, Father!
Seeking God first in everything is more divine and monumental in building God’s kingdom than we may be able to understand. Inquire of God. Seek HIM first. —Katy Foster
“Make mine apple pie `a la Mode!” Separately, both the apple pie and vanilla ice cream is good, but together they are very good. I feel like I am getting an extra special treat. Why not splurge? The opportunity does not arise often and I will rise to the occasion.
God rewards us when we seize each opportunity to pray. “Make mine prayer `a la Mode!”
Any good pie begins with a crust foundation, prayer starts on the foundation of faith; God hears and answers prayer. The pie filling is a perfect blend of apples, sugar and cinnamon.
We fill our prayers with praise, confession, thanksgiving and requests. I have used the easy reminder in the acronym A-C-T-S.
- Adoration
- Confession
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication
Scoops or dollops of ice cream sit atop the apple pie. I top off prayers with portions of God’s word and pray In the name of Jesus, God’s Son.(1 John 5:14) —PamFord Davis
When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. (John 21: 7 NRSV)
Here is the man who had betrayed his Savior three times just days before. Here is the man who had carried the heavy weight of that betrayal and had probably felt deep conviction, sadness and confusion, but was now eager to make amends for his wrongdoing.
This story, in which Jesus appears to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberius, reveals a different Simon Peter. His enthusiasm to be with his Lord erupts into a hasty decision to jump from the boat and swim to shore. With no hesitation he is ready for reconciliation. Ready to be united with Jesus, so that they may be one. And Jesus waits to receive him.
Perhaps sin has kept us from Christ; from being reunited with him. Hesitate no longer. Jesus stood patiently waiting on the seashore as Simon Peter crossed the threshold of pain and conviction to be accepted and forgiven by his Savior. Christ waits for us to take make the same move and be reconciled with him. His arms are open wide. Like Simon Peter, can we too be willing and eager to make amends? To come back to that place with Christ where there is deep consolation and joy. —Jennifer Woodley
Father, I have sinned and ask for your forgiveness. Help me to remain in you, to be one with you. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen.
I like fairy-tales; they allow young and old to stretch their imaginations.
Yet, I know there is a vast difference between make believe and reality. Fiction and non-fiction are decidedly different. There is not a real fairy godmother waving a magic wand and granting wishes.
To many, Esther is one of their favorite books in the Old Testament. It is a true story with drama, intrigue, love, conspiracy, and a beautiful woman’s bravery. The king did not wave a magic wand over his realm. He extended a golden scepter of grace to his beloved.
Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king. (Esther 8:4 KJV)
Approaching the king uninvited was punishable by death. In grace, he granted Queen Esther’s entrance and urgent requests that followed. It also served as a word picture of God’s amazing grace. —PamFord Davis
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him. Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that you are wearing, and bring them to me." So all the people took off their earrings and brought them. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (Exodus 32:1-2 NIV)
Beautiful One, has God been so long in coming down the mountain to meet with you? Have you become bored in your endeavors and with each passing day, your growing more impatient and discontented? What have you been playing with to ease your confusion? What charms have you fashioned that you're hoping will bring you comfort and fulfillment?
The cereal Lucky Charms was created in 1963. An advertising company employed by General Mills suggested marketing the new cereal around the idea of charm bracelets. The saying that we associate the cereal with is;"It's magically delicious."
Great concept, good advertising. But the truth is, there is nothing magical about them. Lucky Charms, is nothing more than just wheat and oats with pretty colors of sugar in them.
When Israel was delivered out of Egypt by God, they were then led to a desert. God had prepared a Promised Land for them, but before He would allow them entry, He took careful steps to route them through a desert.The desert would prepare them for their destiny. Furthermore, God appointed a leader, Moses, who would lead, guide and instruct them on the ways of the Lord.
But Israel was stubborn, not a trusting people. Maybe being in bondage, abused and mistreated for 400 years had taken it's toll. Let's face it, that's a long time to keep taking punches. It's kind of hard to trust anyone, when you've been hurt. Repeatedly, day after day.
As God brought Israel out of their oppression, He displayed mighty works on their behalf. Just imagine for a moment what it must have felt like to have been crying out for help and finally, help shows up and does exceedingly more than they could think, ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
Beautiful One, have you witnessed God move on your behalf? Do you remember the excitement and hope it gave you? To not only know in your mind that God "IS," but to know it in your very heart. There is nothing like it, absolutely nothing can compare to the awakening of the eyes of our heart.
But then, do you also know what it is to come out of something with great power and then be led into an isolated, dry, even dirty place? The days are all the same, it's hot, tempers flare and unbelief slithers.
While Moses went up a mountain to meet with the Lord, the people were left to themselves. The signs that magically appeared on their behalf were no longer in front of them. All they could see was a dry, dusty, desert. Because they weren't familiar with the Lord, when He wasn't directly in front of them, they quickly forgot him.
Beautiful One, are we any different? Have pleas and prayers met with silence? Have your circumstances discouraged you? Do you feel like you are wandering? Nothing new, hope waning, fear winning?
You are not alone.
People from the beginning of time until the end of it, will all encounter the "Desert Dilemma." Every one of us will have to walk through this valley. It is a reality none of likes, maybe we don't agree but at some point, we will have to confront the dry, barren places within our souls. We will have to confront the unbelief that we have hid in our hearts and the charms of deceitfulness we wear on our person.
Beautiful One, when we encounter the "Desert Dilemma," let's remember what Israel forgot. It was the LORD God who delivered us from Egypt, not some trinket we have fashioned to suit us. It was God who brought us through. Not our jobs, titles, our looks, friends, or family. Drugs and alcohol won't deliver you, but God will. Having someone new won't bring you completion, your desert won't magically disappear with someone who is magically delicious ...
God is the only filler to any void we are suffering. Maybe He has taken longer than you'd like, hold on, bear down, wait it out, for surely He's coming!
Beautiful One, God knows our desert. He gets it. He even knows the things we don't, and yet, He beckons us daily to come up higher. Luck has nothing to do with it, leave the charms alone, they might sparkle and shine but in the end, all they can do is sit there and rot. Come to him, cry out to him, scream if you have to. He loves you and longs to help you. He is willing, He is able and He is the Lord your God!
Beautiful One, just believe, not in something that will magically disappear, but in the One who brought you up out of Egypt ... —Shannon Heiden
Make a wish …
No, I’m not suggesting that you wish on a star. Nor am I inferring it’s time to wish after blowing out flickering birthday cake candles.
Instead, I speak of a great concern for the lost.
“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?" "I wish before God," replied Paul, "that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains." (Acts 26:27-29 HCS)
The Apostle Paul was persistent and passionate in his witness. He was not twisting the king’s arm but he was trying to persuade him to place his trust in the resurrected Christ. Paul was wishing but his hope rested in God. He had a burden for the lost, both Jew and Gentile. —PamFord Davis
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation! (Romans 10:1 HCS)
“[God] said, 'I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you; when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” (Exodus 3:12, NRSV)
If you have the time I would highly recommend that you read the surrounding passages of our chosen verse for the day (Exodus 3:7-12). It always helps to put a verse in its context.
I don't know about you, but I have flaws, lots of them. Far too often I discover something new that I am unable to do well. My usual response is to spend much of my free time being a bit of a couch potato. I just sit there and watch TV or read a book. It's safe there. I can't fail doing these things unless I drift off into slumber for a while. At times I will use my weakness in an area as an excuse not to take any action. That way it's easier to say, “I tried; but I am unable to do that because ______________.”
When reading through the Scriptures it's clear to see that many people back then made excuses as well; and Moses is no exception. When the Israelites were being oppressed and God wanted Moses to lead them out of Egypt, what did Moses do? He protested, he made excuses, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” The excuse Moses made seems to be a bit of an echo of the kind of excuses I make at times. “I'm suppose to do _______? I can't do that. I have way too many flaws for that. You should ask someone else more effective.” But just as God reassured Moses, he also reassures us: “I will be with you.”
Often times we allow our minds to only focus on our flaws or shortcomings. So, we think we are not smart enough, or that we don't have enough talent, or that our speech or communication is not dignified enough. But God doesn't need to make us “smarter” or more “talented” or more “dignified” in speech. Instead, when He calls us to something He simply promises to be with us, to remain with us, and in actuality that is all we need. —Jeffrey Hagan
Dear Lord God, we pray in the name of your Son that you would continue to be with us giving us all that we need to carry out your will in the area or areas that you have called us to. Help us to remove our focus off of our flaws and onto your promises so that we can boldly and faithfully accomplish the work that you have set aside for us to carry out. Amen.
We live in a society that likes to see things run by the opinion of the majority. That only seems fair; right? It may seem logical to settle questions that way; but it is not a fool proof plan.
As churches most vote among the church members about issues that effect us all. Any pastor or committee chairman is thrilled to get a unanimous vote of approval to their motion! What happens if they get 51% approval and their motion passes? The leadership may decide to drop the suggestion for the current time, and seek the Lord for guidance.
At one time King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were forming battle plans against a common enemy. Ahab sought the advice of 400 prophets to determine if they should attack. It was a unanimous decision! “Go up, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the King." (1 Kings 22:6b NKJ).
Ahab had intentionally left out the opinion of Micaiah the prophet. He didn’t make it a practice to just tell the king what he wanted to hear. He spoke a message of “Thus saith the Lord!” As the story developed Micaiah was also brought in for consultation. After a final word that Israel would be scattered, “the bottom line” was revealed. A lying Spirit was put in the mouths of the prophets to entice the king (1 Kings 22: 13-22)! The majority was dead wrong!
When we face important decisions we need to trust God, not only the opinion of others (Proverbs 3:5-6). He will direct our steps! —PamFord Davis
"His [God's] intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:10-11
Later in Ephesians we are told that, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).
These two verses give us only a glimpse into the heavenly realms. There is another glimpse in the first couple of chapters of Job where we witness two conversations between God and Satan. But Job was never aware of these conversations.
Often it is like that with us. We are unaware of what is going on in the heavenly realms and yet the way we live our lives makes a statement to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies. They want to know if we are going to live according to God’s priorities, his agenda, and his timetable.
We make known the manifold wisdom of God, by the daily choices we make. The choice to not take offense, to be forgiving, to do the loving thing, rather than what’s convenient. Also the choices we make when we watch entertainment, make decisions about our finances, and the way we spend our time. All these choices have an impact because they reveal our faith and our priorities.
What a great encouragement to know our choices make a difference in the heavenlies and that God's purposes are being realized. —Susan Barnes
Women have repeatedly used the excuse for a change of mind; it’s a woman’s prerogative.
That explains why it takes many women so long to choose what to wear. Additional mind changes involve hair color and the mind boggling date night decisions. Asking her which movie she to wants to see and a restaurant choice might push her to the limit.
In reality, we all change our minds. God changes hearts.
And oh how crucial that He makes those changes.
“The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable—who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9 HCS)
We face critical heart issues.
“For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, promiscuity, stinginess, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person." (Mark 7:21-23 HCS)
We are in competent hands. —PamFord Davis
