“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:5
Happy New Year! The confetti has been cleaned up and the ball boxed back up, but the year is still very young. Our calendars are fresh and crisp – not tired and worn like the ones we replaced. Yes, it’s just another day in another month, but the New Year always seems to bring anticipation and excitement. A hope of what might be and an expectation of what will be.
God created the New Year. Way back when the He delivered the Israelite people from slavery in Egypt, God instructed Moses to invent the Jewish calendar and to make their freedom month the first month. He desired that the beginning of each year be a reminder of His rescue and a celebration of His strength. Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past gave them confidence to rely on Him for their future.
We can be sure of the same. Four thousand years have passed since God split the Sea and saved His people. Two thousand years have passed since God sent His Son and saved His people. He has never changed and He never will. And yet, in His constancy, He is constantly changing us – tenderly transforming our hearts to resemble His. He shapes our desires and molds our minds into His image. He sends the newness of each morning to remind us of our fresh start. As the sunrise fills the sky with brightness, His unfailing love warms us with hope and whispers to us grace.
“I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercy is fresh every morning. Great is His faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
One day God will make a new heaven and new earth, but right now He’s busy making a new you!
Let the triumphs and the tragedies of yesterday rest in His peace.
Rely on His strength for today.
Count on His grace for tomorrow.
May this New Year find you full of fresh faith in your never-old God!
Time for a Little R&R
REFLECT
How was God faithful to you and to His promises in 2008?
RESPOND
Pause and worship. Praise Him for His goodness and thank Him for His love.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Good News of Great Joy!
“I bring you good news of great joy. Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:7
They could use some good news. Rome occupied their homeland, ruling with a heavy hand and a ruthless heart. Taxes were up. Spirits were down. Times were hard. Ancient prophesies of a Savior seemed only distant dreams. Promises of peace and joy appeared as empty words. Daily the priests offered the required sacrifices. Daily the people offered their desperate prayers. And God had been silent for 400 years.
Then a mother moaned. A baby cried. And the angels sang.
Good news of great joy!
God has come to taste our suffering.
God has come to take our sin.
Light pierced the darkness. Death’s shadow was dispelled. Our only Hope had left His heaven to embrace the earth. “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.”
Rejoice greatly!
Rejoice gratefully!
God is with us.
Merry Christmas.
They could use some good news. Rome occupied their homeland, ruling with a heavy hand and a ruthless heart. Taxes were up. Spirits were down. Times were hard. Ancient prophesies of a Savior seemed only distant dreams. Promises of peace and joy appeared as empty words. Daily the priests offered the required sacrifices. Daily the people offered their desperate prayers. And God had been silent for 400 years.
Then a mother moaned. A baby cried. And the angels sang.
Good news of great joy!
God has come to taste our suffering.
God has come to take our sin.
Light pierced the darkness. Death’s shadow was dispelled. Our only Hope had left His heaven to embrace the earth. “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory.”
Rejoice greatly!
Rejoice gratefully!
God is with us.
Merry Christmas.
No Room
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, but obviously they didn’t own a timeshare. With the local motel all booked and no immediate family offering a guest room or at least the pull-out-couch in the office, Joseph and Mary found themselves sleeping in a stable.
The events leading to their abnormal accommodations are not chronicled for us to read. We only know they ended up in the barn and that’s where Jesus ended up being born. All because there was “no room for them in the inn.”
How could the innkeeper deny the definitely due Mary? Where were the gentlemen who would give up their comfort for a laboring mother? And if we’re pointing fingers, let’s ask the obvious –- Could not God have reserved them a room?
Of course. But if He had, the shepherds would have been turned away at the door, their search for the Savior ending in dismay and not delight. The inn was not accessible, but the stable door stood wide open.
The shepherds came to worship. Then they went to witness. And God took care of Mary, even providing a manger bed as the Messiah’s bassinet.
“No room.” It’s a Christmas reminder that what we think ought-to-be isn’t always what God knows needs-to-be. And it’s a guarantee that He can use even the most bizarre for His very best.
Maybe being born in a barn isn’t so bad after all.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
How has God used a “no room” situation in your life to help you and others know Him better?
RESPOND
Take a moment and come to worship. As you go through this Christmas season, be a witness to God’s wisdom and His grace. And make sure you leave the door wide open so others can come in.
Joseph’s ancestors were from Bethlehem, but obviously they didn’t own a timeshare. With the local motel all booked and no immediate family offering a guest room or at least the pull-out-couch in the office, Joseph and Mary found themselves sleeping in a stable.
The events leading to their abnormal accommodations are not chronicled for us to read. We only know they ended up in the barn and that’s where Jesus ended up being born. All because there was “no room for them in the inn.”
How could the innkeeper deny the definitely due Mary? Where were the gentlemen who would give up their comfort for a laboring mother? And if we’re pointing fingers, let’s ask the obvious –- Could not God have reserved them a room?
Of course. But if He had, the shepherds would have been turned away at the door, their search for the Savior ending in dismay and not delight. The inn was not accessible, but the stable door stood wide open.
The shepherds came to worship. Then they went to witness. And God took care of Mary, even providing a manger bed as the Messiah’s bassinet.
“No room.” It’s a Christmas reminder that what we think ought-to-be isn’t always what God knows needs-to-be. And it’s a guarantee that He can use even the most bizarre for His very best.
Maybe being born in a barn isn’t so bad after all.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
How has God used a “no room” situation in your life to help you and others know Him better?
RESPOND
Take a moment and come to worship. As you go through this Christmas season, be a witness to God’s wisdom and His grace. And make sure you leave the door wide open so others can come in.
And It Came To Pass
“And it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1
It didn’t just happen. Or happen to happen. “It came to pass…” because of a Divine decree. A heavenly desire that at that exact time in that exact place, God would step into our world as one of us –- and all of Him. We can’t start to comprehend how it happened, but we should never stop celebrating that it happened.
Big reasons for rejoicing abound, but God is also in the details. Don’t miss Him. Every facet of His coming sparkles with God’s sovereignty. Every ingredient of Advent is a delicious reminder of His dominion. Caesar Augustus may have been king, but God was in charge.
He caused Caesar to call for a census. Rome used it for tax reform. God used it for town relocation. King David had been born Bethlehem, and King Jesus would be too. The prophet Micah proclaimed the promise centuries earlier. “But you, Bethlehem, although you are small among the villages of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over all Israel…”
Only a command from a higher power would motivate a pregnant Mary and a protective Joseph to move the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. So, at the will of the Highest, “it came to pass…”
“And so it was that while they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.”
And so it came to pass.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Reflect on the events of your life during the past month.
Where do you see God in the details?
RESPOND
This Christmas, praise God for His power and for His presence in your life.
He’s still causing things to come to pass.
It didn’t just happen. Or happen to happen. “It came to pass…” because of a Divine decree. A heavenly desire that at that exact time in that exact place, God would step into our world as one of us –- and all of Him. We can’t start to comprehend how it happened, but we should never stop celebrating that it happened.
Big reasons for rejoicing abound, but God is also in the details. Don’t miss Him. Every facet of His coming sparkles with God’s sovereignty. Every ingredient of Advent is a delicious reminder of His dominion. Caesar Augustus may have been king, but God was in charge.
He caused Caesar to call for a census. Rome used it for tax reform. God used it for town relocation. King David had been born Bethlehem, and King Jesus would be too. The prophet Micah proclaimed the promise centuries earlier. “But you, Bethlehem, although you are small among the villages of Judah, out of you will come one who will be ruler over all Israel…”
Only a command from a higher power would motivate a pregnant Mary and a protective Joseph to move the 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. So, at the will of the Highest, “it came to pass…”
“And so it was that while they were there, she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.”
And so it came to pass.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Reflect on the events of your life during the past month.
Where do you see God in the details?
RESPOND
This Christmas, praise God for His power and for His presence in your life.
He’s still causing things to come to pass.
Come Near
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” Luke 2:8
The shepherds on my coffee table nativity seem to have it all together. They appear well-rested, well-fed, and well-dressed. They fit easily into the company of the majestic magi and the angelically-approved holy family.
Not so in real life. Shepherds lived down at the bottom of the social ladder and plenty kept them from moving up. Shepherds looked unkept, acted uncouth, and smelled unclean. They weren’t allowed to worship in church or witness in court. They were plain, practical, and poor.
But on that first Christmas night, while others were nestled, all snug in their beds, the shepherds were busy keeping watch over their flocks, making sure no hungry lion or famished bear dropped by for a midnight snack. Suddenly God’s glory lit the dark sky and an angel proclaimed, “Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come! Today! He’s just been born. You will find him all wrapped up, lying in a manger." In the first-ever holiday rush, those fearful-turned-faithful shepherds left their sheep and their security to seek and find joy in the presence of the Savior.
When God came here, whom did He call to come near? The shepherds. The very ones kept far from God’s Presence at the temple came face to face with God’s Present in the manger. The outcasts were invited, and the ones considered not good enough, couldn’t get there fast enough.
They came with haste.
We shouldn’t be far behind them.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What about who you are or what you’ve done makes you feel like you should stay far away?
RESPOND
Realize that no one is worthy to come near. Rejoice that Jesus came to invite you. Run to Him fast.
The shepherds on my coffee table nativity seem to have it all together. They appear well-rested, well-fed, and well-dressed. They fit easily into the company of the majestic magi and the angelically-approved holy family.
Not so in real life. Shepherds lived down at the bottom of the social ladder and plenty kept them from moving up. Shepherds looked unkept, acted uncouth, and smelled unclean. They weren’t allowed to worship in church or witness in court. They were plain, practical, and poor.
But on that first Christmas night, while others were nestled, all snug in their beds, the shepherds were busy keeping watch over their flocks, making sure no hungry lion or famished bear dropped by for a midnight snack. Suddenly God’s glory lit the dark sky and an angel proclaimed, “Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come! Today! He’s just been born. You will find him all wrapped up, lying in a manger." In the first-ever holiday rush, those fearful-turned-faithful shepherds left their sheep and their security to seek and find joy in the presence of the Savior.
When God came here, whom did He call to come near? The shepherds. The very ones kept far from God’s Presence at the temple came face to face with God’s Present in the manger. The outcasts were invited, and the ones considered not good enough, couldn’t get there fast enough.
They came with haste.
We shouldn’t be far behind them.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What about who you are or what you’ve done makes you feel like you should stay far away?
RESPOND
Realize that no one is worthy to come near. Rejoice that Jesus came to invite you. Run to Him fast.
The Step-Dad
“Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…” Luke 1:16
Joseph’s t-shirt would have said “Life Is Good.” Things were fine today and tomorrow looked fabulous. He had a good job. He wouldn’t make it rich being a carpenter, but he could make it. He’d been able to build a home for him…actually for them. He was getting married! Married to Mary. She was a good girl, a Godly girl –- just a great girl! And she was going to be his.
She kind of was his already. The best way to describe it would be that they were legal but not lovers. But one day, hopefully soon, he could go get his bride and bring her home.
Then she turned up pregnant. How could she?? Why would she?? She was God’s. She was his. She wasn’t supposed to be anybody elses!! The emotions tumbled over each other in his heart. Anger. Betrayal. Shame.
“Stone her!!” some said. “Pile pain on the one who hurt you.” But Joseph couldn’t. His heart was broken but not bent on revenge. His dream would die, but Mary wouldn’t die with it.
He fell asleep. “It’s ok, Joseph, and it’s all good. You’re right. She’s mine, she’s yours, she’s not anybody elses, and she hasn’t been. The baby is mine – the promised Messiah – and you will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. Wake up, Joseph, and step in. Step into a situation that looks worse than it really is. Step into a marriage that will always be marked by suspicion. Step into fatherhood and be a dad to the One who gave you life.”
And Joseph did. He stepped into the mess and married Mary. He stepped up his self-discipline and didn’t sleep with her until after Jesus was born. And he stepped out – out from his comfortable Nazareth to busy Bethlehem to exotic Egypt as he obeyed his Heavenly Father and protected the Father’s Son.
How appropriate that Joseph was Jesus' step-dad.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What is God asking you to step into or step up to today?
RESPOND
Thank Him for being willing to step down from heaven for you and obediently step out for Him.
Joseph’s t-shirt would have said “Life Is Good.” Things were fine today and tomorrow looked fabulous. He had a good job. He wouldn’t make it rich being a carpenter, but he could make it. He’d been able to build a home for him…actually for them. He was getting married! Married to Mary. She was a good girl, a Godly girl –- just a great girl! And she was going to be his.
She kind of was his already. The best way to describe it would be that they were legal but not lovers. But one day, hopefully soon, he could go get his bride and bring her home.
Then she turned up pregnant. How could she?? Why would she?? She was God’s. She was his. She wasn’t supposed to be anybody elses!! The emotions tumbled over each other in his heart. Anger. Betrayal. Shame.
“Stone her!!” some said. “Pile pain on the one who hurt you.” But Joseph couldn’t. His heart was broken but not bent on revenge. His dream would die, but Mary wouldn’t die with it.
He fell asleep. “It’s ok, Joseph, and it’s all good. You’re right. She’s mine, she’s yours, she’s not anybody elses, and she hasn’t been. The baby is mine – the promised Messiah – and you will name him Jesus for he will save his people from their sins. Wake up, Joseph, and step in. Step into a situation that looks worse than it really is. Step into a marriage that will always be marked by suspicion. Step into fatherhood and be a dad to the One who gave you life.”
And Joseph did. He stepped into the mess and married Mary. He stepped up his self-discipline and didn’t sleep with her until after Jesus was born. And he stepped out – out from his comfortable Nazareth to busy Bethlehem to exotic Egypt as he obeyed his Heavenly Father and protected the Father’s Son.
How appropriate that Joseph was Jesus' step-dad.
Time For A Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What is God asking you to step into or step up to today?
RESPOND
Thank Him for being willing to step down from heaven for you and obediently step out for Him.
What?!? or Whatever.
“Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this?’” Luke 1:18
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.” Luke 1:38
Gabriel, God’s number one messenger angel, had been busy.
“Go to earth and tell Zechariah I’m giving him a son.”
“Zechariah the priest? The old guy with the not-so-young wife?”
“The very one. He’s been praying for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Zechariah.
“God has heard your prayers, Zechariah. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son.”
“What?!? No way! How can I be sure?”
Gabriel was soon sent to earth again.
“Go to Nazareth and tell Mary I’m giving her a son, my Son.”
“Mary? The young girl engaged to the carpenter guy Joseph?”
“The very one. The people have been waiting for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Mary.
“Greetings, God’s special one. You’re going to have a son – God’s Son.”
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two similar messages. Two different responses.
Zechariah’s reaction was a skeptical “What?!?” Mary’s was a surrendered “Whatever.”
Our doubt doesn’t alter God’s design. Elizabeth still gave birth to John the Baptist, but Zechariah had to listen to her tell everyone everything without being able to say anything!
And God planted the Eternal One into the womb of an ordinary teenager. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Gabriel told the marveling Mary, and nothing has changed. God works His ways to accomplish His will, and amazingly, He invites us to join in. He usually doesn’t send celestial angels to tell us our part in His plan, but He speaks just as loudly through Scripture, our circumstances, and His Spirit.
The response is up to us. Will we answer with Zechariah’s halting “What?!?” or with Mary’s humble “Whatever.” This Christmas don’t miss out on what God is doing because of your doubting.
Trust His Word. Trust His ways. Trust His heart.
He will do more than you can ask or imagine.
Time for a little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Are you doubting anything God has shown you or said to you?
RESPOND
Confess your “What?!?” and commit yourself to Him for whatever He desires.
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered.” Luke 1:38
Gabriel, God’s number one messenger angel, had been busy.
“Go to earth and tell Zechariah I’m giving him a son.”
“Zechariah the priest? The old guy with the not-so-young wife?”
“The very one. He’s been praying for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Zechariah.
“God has heard your prayers, Zechariah. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son.”
“What?!? No way! How can I be sure?”
Gabriel was soon sent to earth again.
“Go to Nazareth and tell Mary I’m giving her a son, my Son.”
“Mary? The young girl engaged to the carpenter guy Joseph?”
“The very one. The people have been waiting for many years, and it’s finally time.”
So Gabriel zipped or flew or whatever angels do, down from God’s presence to Mary.
“Greetings, God’s special one. You’re going to have a son – God’s Son.”
“I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”
Two similar messages. Two different responses.
Zechariah’s reaction was a skeptical “What?!?” Mary’s was a surrendered “Whatever.”
Our doubt doesn’t alter God’s design. Elizabeth still gave birth to John the Baptist, but Zechariah had to listen to her tell everyone everything without being able to say anything!
And God planted the Eternal One into the womb of an ordinary teenager. “Nothing is impossible with God,” Gabriel told the marveling Mary, and nothing has changed. God works His ways to accomplish His will, and amazingly, He invites us to join in. He usually doesn’t send celestial angels to tell us our part in His plan, but He speaks just as loudly through Scripture, our circumstances, and His Spirit.
The response is up to us. Will we answer with Zechariah’s halting “What?!?” or with Mary’s humble “Whatever.” This Christmas don’t miss out on what God is doing because of your doubting.
Trust His Word. Trust His ways. Trust His heart.
He will do more than you can ask or imagine.
Time for a little R&R
RECOGNIZE
Are you doubting anything God has shown you or said to you?
RESPOND
Confess your “What?!?” and commit yourself to Him for whatever He desires.
Unto Us
“Joseph was the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ.” Matt. 1:16
“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given...He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
He came for you.
From eternity past, God planned for His coming. All of history was sovereignly orchestrated so that “when the time was right (Gal. 4:4),” Jesus burst onto the scene. Not to get glory. He left what was glorious. Not for fame. Here He would face shame. He wasn’t looking for praise. A myriad of angels had endlessly declared His holiness. He didn’t come for Himself. He came for you.
He came for the Tamars, the Rahabs, the Ruths, and the Bathsheebas. For those of us crippled by fear and haunted by failure. For those whose hearts have faced devastation and felt desperation.
He was given the name Jesus – “the Lord saves” – to declare His purpose and display His power. He is our only Savior. We call Him the Wonderful Counselor who brings purpose to our pain. He is our Mighty God - a fortress when we are afraid. We know Him as our Everlasting Father who provides when we are poor and as the Prince of Peace who stills our past and secures our future.
He came to us. He came for us.
He was purpose, protection, provision, and peace all wrapped up in swaddling clothes.
The best things really do come in small packages.
“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given...He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
He came for you.
From eternity past, God planned for His coming. All of history was sovereignly orchestrated so that “when the time was right (Gal. 4:4),” Jesus burst onto the scene. Not to get glory. He left what was glorious. Not for fame. Here He would face shame. He wasn’t looking for praise. A myriad of angels had endlessly declared His holiness. He didn’t come for Himself. He came for you.
He came for the Tamars, the Rahabs, the Ruths, and the Bathsheebas. For those of us crippled by fear and haunted by failure. For those whose hearts have faced devastation and felt desperation.
He was given the name Jesus – “the Lord saves” – to declare His purpose and display His power. He is our only Savior. We call Him the Wonderful Counselor who brings purpose to our pain. He is our Mighty God - a fortress when we are afraid. We know Him as our Everlasting Father who provides when we are poor and as the Prince of Peace who stills our past and secures our future.
He came to us. He came for us.
He was purpose, protection, provision, and peace all wrapped up in swaddling clothes.
The best things really do come in small packages.
The Peace Child
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: …David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife…” Matthew 1:1&6
Go ahead and pin on the scarlet letter. Known best for her fling with the king, Bathsheeba’s name is almost always associated with adultery. Her infamous rooftop bath inspired a royal summons and an immoral rendezvous. Whether she was an eager participant or simply too timid to refuse, we’re not sure. But we are certain Bathsheeba turned up pregnant, and King David turned on the cover-up. When the “Come home from war and visit your wife!” didn’t work on her soldier husband Uriah, David resorted to a battlefield murder, then quickly married the grieving widow.
Soon after their son was born, David was confronted with his sin. He openly confessed and was graciously forgiven, but the consequences were severe. The baby died, and Bathsheeba was devastated. The sin of adultery, the shame of the pregnancy, sadness for her husband, sorrow for her son. Her past was not pretty. It was horrible and hard. Filled with regret and remorse, she desperately wanted to turn back time…but she could not.
Bathsheeba couldn’t relive her past. Only God could redeem it for the future. And He did. He blessed her with another baby and sent him a special name, Jedidiah -- “loved by the Lord.” Although David had several other wives and many other sons, God purposely chose this little one to become the next king and be part of His holy heritage.
We know the baby as Solomon – David and Bathsheeba’s “peace” child. His birth was a comforting confirmation that God’s current grace does not depend on our previous performance. What used to be doesn’t determine what has to be. Our former follies and earlier errors come crashing into love at the manger and grace at the cross. And we are given peace.
Bathsheeba “had been Uriah’s wife.” David had been God’s special sovereign. Together they made a royal mess. But God took their history and made it His story. He gave them a baby who brought peace to their past and hope for their future.
He’s given us one too.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
We all have time times we want to turn back time. What “if onlys” and “I wish I hadn’ts” are heavy on your heart today?
RESPOND
Let God get you past your past. Openly confess your sin – Ask for His grace – Receive His peace.
Go ahead and pin on the scarlet letter. Known best for her fling with the king, Bathsheeba’s name is almost always associated with adultery. Her infamous rooftop bath inspired a royal summons and an immoral rendezvous. Whether she was an eager participant or simply too timid to refuse, we’re not sure. But we are certain Bathsheeba turned up pregnant, and King David turned on the cover-up. When the “Come home from war and visit your wife!” didn’t work on her soldier husband Uriah, David resorted to a battlefield murder, then quickly married the grieving widow.
Soon after their son was born, David was confronted with his sin. He openly confessed and was graciously forgiven, but the consequences were severe. The baby died, and Bathsheeba was devastated. The sin of adultery, the shame of the pregnancy, sadness for her husband, sorrow for her son. Her past was not pretty. It was horrible and hard. Filled with regret and remorse, she desperately wanted to turn back time…but she could not.
Bathsheeba couldn’t relive her past. Only God could redeem it for the future. And He did. He blessed her with another baby and sent him a special name, Jedidiah -- “loved by the Lord.” Although David had several other wives and many other sons, God purposely chose this little one to become the next king and be part of His holy heritage.
We know the baby as Solomon – David and Bathsheeba’s “peace” child. His birth was a comforting confirmation that God’s current grace does not depend on our previous performance. What used to be doesn’t determine what has to be. Our former follies and earlier errors come crashing into love at the manger and grace at the cross. And we are given peace.
Bathsheeba “had been Uriah’s wife.” David had been God’s special sovereign. Together they made a royal mess. But God took their history and made it His story. He gave them a baby who brought peace to their past and hope for their future.
He’s given us one too.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
We all have time times we want to turn back time. What “if onlys” and “I wish I hadn’ts” are heavy on your heart today?
RESPOND
Let God get you past your past. Openly confess your sin – Ask for His grace – Receive His peace.
Our Daily Bread
“A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ: …Boaz was the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth…” Matthew 1:1&5
The situation was really rather pitiful. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as a poor immigrant - a young widow with nothing but a bitter, broken mother-in-law. Their hope had been buried along with their husbands, and their future was sadly bleak. Naomi had urged her to return home and rebuild her life, but instead Ruth had clung to her mother-in-law and committed to her God.
They didn’t need much – just enough to survive. So Ruth headed to the fields to find some leftover grain for food. By heavenly happenstance, she ended up in a field belonging to Boaz – a close relative of the family. It didn’t take long for Boaz to notice the new girl! “Stay in my fields and come share my lunch,” he told Ruth. “Leave her alone and let her have extra grain,” he told his workers.
During the remaining harvest season, Boaz saw Ruth’s hard work and she saw his soft heart. In a daring move of womanly wisdom, she made a midnight marriage proposal, asking for his protection and provision. As Boaz heard her request, no doubt he recalled the words he had spoken only a few months before, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
“Take refuge. Come find what you need.” The poor come pleading. The needy come knocking. Ruth was both. She brought nothing to the table but needed everything on it, and Boaz was the one who could provide. He was a “kinsman redeemer,” a family member who could care for the broken and the begging.
Boaz proclaimed his desire for her hand in marriage and cleverly conducted business to take her home as his bride. God added to their blessings a bouncy baby boy named Obed, who grew up and had a son named Jesse, who grew up and had a son named David. Yes, that David – King David. Ruth - the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the King of Kings.
Is it any wonder that her story took place in Bethlehem - “the house of bread”? For in that same place, on the first Christmas night, the only One who could redeem us, graciously came to us as the Bread of Life.
Come to Him and find what you need.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What do you need? Really, what do you need today?
RESPOND
Come as Ruth did, acknowledging what you don’t have and asking for what He does. He will provide.
The situation was really rather pitiful. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem as a poor immigrant - a young widow with nothing but a bitter, broken mother-in-law. Their hope had been buried along with their husbands, and their future was sadly bleak. Naomi had urged her to return home and rebuild her life, but instead Ruth had clung to her mother-in-law and committed to her God.
They didn’t need much – just enough to survive. So Ruth headed to the fields to find some leftover grain for food. By heavenly happenstance, she ended up in a field belonging to Boaz – a close relative of the family. It didn’t take long for Boaz to notice the new girl! “Stay in my fields and come share my lunch,” he told Ruth. “Leave her alone and let her have extra grain,” he told his workers.
During the remaining harvest season, Boaz saw Ruth’s hard work and she saw his soft heart. In a daring move of womanly wisdom, she made a midnight marriage proposal, asking for his protection and provision. As Boaz heard her request, no doubt he recalled the words he had spoken only a few months before, “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
“Take refuge. Come find what you need.” The poor come pleading. The needy come knocking. Ruth was both. She brought nothing to the table but needed everything on it, and Boaz was the one who could provide. He was a “kinsman redeemer,” a family member who could care for the broken and the begging.
Boaz proclaimed his desire for her hand in marriage and cleverly conducted business to take her home as his bride. God added to their blessings a bouncy baby boy named Obed, who grew up and had a son named Jesse, who grew up and had a son named David. Yes, that David – King David. Ruth - the grandmother of King David and an ancestor of the King of Kings.
Is it any wonder that her story took place in Bethlehem - “the house of bread”? For in that same place, on the first Christmas night, the only One who could redeem us, graciously came to us as the Bread of Life.
Come to Him and find what you need.
Time for a Little R&R
RECOGNIZE
What do you need? Really, what do you need today?
RESPOND
Come as Ruth did, acknowledging what you don’t have and asking for what He does. He will provide.
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