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Oh Holy Night, A Journey to Bethlehem – Day Four, Belong
“So 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.” Luke 2:4 The desire to belong is an essential part of our human nature. Brené Brown, author of “The Gifts of Imperfection,” and an expert on shame, writes, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all women, men, and children. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We…
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Oh Holy Night, A Journey to Bethlehem – Day Three, Register
“And everyone went to their town to register.” Luke 2:3 Have you ever registered for gifts at a store? You know, when you get married or are expecting a child? I loved registering for all the essentials my future husband and I would need to set up a home. We choose just the right set of dishes, the perfect blender, and the best toaster on the shelf. After the wedding, we enjoyed opening each of these gifts chosen and given to us. We did not leave one gift unopened. God knew and planned for us to receive the gift of Jesus Christ at just the right time. He had chosen…
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Oh Holy Night, A Journey to Bethlehem – Day Two, The Census
“…that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)” Luke 2:1b-2 The reason for a census in Luke was for taxation purposes. It was an act of greed and power by a government official. Today we take the census to ensure we have proper representation in government. Our Founding Fathers thought this data so important that they mandated it as part of the Constitution. “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,…
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Oh Holy Night, A Journey to Bethlehem – Day One, The Decree
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree…” Luke 2:1a Our mighty King spoke this world into existence with this decree: “Let there be light.” The sovereign decrees, proclamations, and declarations issued by God put a plan into motion years ago. A plan for the eternal salvation of our souls. Caesar Augustus issued a decree that sent Joseph and Mary on a donkey ride to Bethlehem. It was an official order for everyone to return to their hometown and register. Caesar’s agenda was not to bring glory to God but to create an empire that would make him a god to be served. He signed a tax bill to make money…
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You’re Invited, But Not Really
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9 The truth is, I would rather we didn’t have company over. I don’t usually invite strangers to go to church with me. I rarely throw parties or even want to attend them. I have spent years feeling guilty about this. God has blessed us with a beautiful home, I love my church, and I know I should want to celebrate with you on your special occasion. I feel like I must be a bad Christian since hospitality is a dirty word in my mind. I almost get…
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The Prayers of Nehemiah – Part Four; Prayers of Remembrance
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ Nehemiah 1:8-9 As we wrap up our series on the prayers of Nehemiah, we are going to look at seven prayers Nehemiah often repeated throughout his story: the prayers of remembrance. Nehemiah used the word remember frequently in prayer (1:8, 5:19, 6:14, 13:14, 22, 29, 31). In his opening prayer, we see…
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The Prayers of Nehemiah – Part Three; Trusting Prayers
They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet the threat. Nehemiah 4:8-9 Here’s the situation. Nehemiah has arrived in Jerusalem to help the people rebuild the city walls to protect themselves. Not everybody is happy about this. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, was much incensed over this. Sanballat may have had his eye on the position of governor of Judea, where Jerusalem was located, but Nehemiah’s arrival has ruined his plans, putting him in a terrible mood! Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed those rebuilding the wall in an…
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So Very Thankful, Incredibly Grateful, and Unbelievably Blessed
Our gratitude is a blessing of praise to the Lord. Join me this month to take the time to express our thanks to the Lord who has blessed us in every aspect of our lives. Here are 30 gratitude prompts to start you off. (Free printable at the bottom of this post) Thank you, Jesus, for my life Favorite emotion Your favorite book The best gift you ever received Name a basic need that has been met Where did you see God today? Your favorite season Something you love about your spouse or best friend Best meal you have ever served A family tradition Forgiveness What are you grateful for…
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The Prayers of Nehemiah – Part Two; Arrow Prayers
The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king. “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah 2:4-5 The Situation at Hand Read Nehemiah 2:1-10 HERE. Last week we left off with Nehemiah in prayer as he prepares to ask King Artaxerxes to let him go to Jerusalem and help his people. The opportunity has arisen for Nehemiah to ask the king for his favor. Nehemiah was nervous…
