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)
