Devotion
Joy to the world
David Jacobs
I often wonder what it would be like if God appeared to me. "Surely I would be excited," I think to myself. Excited is probably true, but I think terrified would also be true. For those of us with jobs, imagine being at your job, perhaps at your desk, in a car, or doing something that you do often with your time. Suddenly, God appears! Even the most devout Christians amongst us would be fearful at first! The same is true for the shepherds in these verses, and it makes us wonder why God chose to appear to shepherds when He could have appeared to anyone.
Consider the story of the birth of Jesus: his parents, the location, the time. Christ had the most humble of beginnings. It was a choice by God so that everyone could identify with the story. He chooses to appear to shepherds for the same reason: anyone can put themselves in the shepherds' situation and understand it. Also, if God had appeared to a king or someone powerful, the message would have changed and spread in a different manner. Christ was born in the humblest state so that the message would spread to those that needed it the most first, those that would believe it the most first, and those that would spread this joy to the entire world first. It was an intricate plan by God that has stood the test of time.
Prayer
My almighty God, your blessed angels sing your praises and all people hear the good news. Strengthen our hearts, so that we may all spread the good news to those that need it. Heavenly Father, there is still so much work to be done, and I pray that you will grant me the fortitude to never grow tired, and to advance your name in all I do. Amen.
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#FlagDay2024 #CountdowntoChaos #GodBlessAmerica
Devotion
Do you feel special?
David Jacobs
What a tremendous gift we have all been given! God almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to live amongst us, from the humblest of beginnings, so that He could understand us: to live, breathe, speak, see, touch, and die like us! How often do you consider this? In these verses, Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was worshipping in the temple. Simeon could not have been aware of the birth of Christ; Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple and the Holy Spirit had already visited it. Upon seeing the baby boy, Simeon immediately realizes what he is witnessing: humanity's salvation.
Simeon did not know about this before – how could he? In that moment, however, he knew that he was special. He knew that what he was witnessing was a miracle, one that would change the entire world. He was chosen by the Holy Spirit because he was a good man; he was chosen because God knew he would understand; he was chosen...
Morning Prayer
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Inspiration
We have friends who stand with us through the good times and bad, while others only stick around for happy moments. These acquaintances know us on the surface, and we have no desire to share the worst parts of ourselves with them because we are ashamed or embarrassed. Jesus is the best friend we have. He has been present during each hardship and knows every dark thought that's crossed our minds. We can be confident when we lean upon Him; He will listen to our concerns with grace and guide us to overcome our sinful nature.
Prayer
Dear God, we do not open up to everyone because we are ashamed of our feelings and actions. You understand our hearts and extend forgiveness. We are grateful for Your everlasting love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
