Tag: Jesus
Holy Child–Son of God!
Scripture reading for June 28th: Luke 1, Psalm 128, Proverbs 4
Luke 1: 30-35 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Child to be born will be called Holy–the Son of God.”
Luke, the Greek physician, wrote this Gospel account so that the Gentile believers might have an account of Jesus’ life. Luke began with the testimony of Mary, concerning her encounter with Gabriel, the angel of God. Gabriel came to her and revealed her favor with God. She would bear a Son and give Him the Name Jesus, and He would rule on the throne of David. His rule would be eternal–without end! Mary questioned how this might take place. Gabriel revealed that the power of the Most High would overshadow her and she would conceive as a virgin. Her Child would be Holy–the Son of God! God’s blessing and the Prince of Peace would come to Zion and Jerusalem would be the city of the great King!
Psalm 128:5-6 “The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!”
Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Son to be born of a virgin and experience life as a human. Thank You for showing us Your love and Holy heart, saving us from the penalty of our sins. You have blessed us with Your peace through forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life. Today I ponder the path of my feet, that I may walk in Your ways and share the news of Your Holy Son!
Proverbs 4:26-27 “Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.”
A Son, Conceived by the Holy Spirit
Scripture reading for April 6th: Matthew 1, Psalm 69, Proverbs 7
Matthew 1:18-22 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
As we begin the Gospel of Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, he included a genealogy of Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, showing Jesus’ promised link to Abraham and King David. Matthew was a Jew and wrote this Gospel primarily to help his Jewish people understand God’s promises through Moses and the Prophets and their fulfilment in Jesus Christ and His virgin birth. In this passage, Matthew describes how Joseph found Mary to be pregnant during their betrothal. He was an honorable man and was going to divorce her quietly, but an angel gave him instructions, explaining His conception through the Holy Spirit. A Son would be born, and the Name given: Jesus. This Son would save God’s people from their sins. What a blessed privilege and a joy to obey must have come over Joseph! Also, he had a great responsibility and much suffering as he walked out this Holy Spirit assignment.
Psalm 69:22-23 “I will also praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which You have redeemed.”
Prayer: Holy Father, thank You for Your amazing plan of salvation! I am humbled that You would send Your Son to earth as a human man on our behalf, to save us from sin’s shame and ultimate penalty of eternal separation from You. I shout for joy and sing Your praises for the redemption of my soul and all who will believe and receive. Open doors for me to share, even today, this Good News! Amen!
Proverbs 7:1-3 “My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live; keep my teaching as the apple of your eye; bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.”
God’s amazing plan to send His Son!
Scripture reading for July 18: 1st Kings 19-21, 2nd Chronicles 17, Psalm 129, Matthew 1
Matthew 1: 17-21 “So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
God is intimately involved with each person. He knows their names and the plans He has for them. He has times and seasons that He Alone has set to accomplish His purposes. He had this special history of the generations of people from Abraham, the father of faith, until David, king of Israel and flowing down through Jehoshaphat for 42 generations to Joseph a descendant of David. God chose Mary, also a descendant of David, to be the mother of His Son. He spoke to Mary and she agreed with His plan. God spoke to Joseph and calmed his fears caused by Mary’s pregnancy. Even the Name, Jesus, was given for God’s amazing Son who would save His people from their sins!
Psalm 129:4-5 “The Lord is righteous; He has cut the chords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward!”
Prayer: Father God, I am in awe of Your amazing plan to send Your Son to earth in human likeness specifically to save us from our sins. The virgin birth, His sinless life, and His willing sacrifice of His own life that I might have life is amazing love demonstrated to me and all sinners. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and love to share this Good News with those who have not heard!
2nd Chronicles 17:3-6 “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David. He did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments, not according to the practices of Israel. Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor. His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.”
Gabriel greets Mary!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Luke 1:26-33 “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Our God has plans established from before the foundation of the world. He is a master of watching over His Word to bring it to pass. Nothing is impossible with Him! Gabriel, the special messenger angel of God, was sent to Mary, a virgin who was betrothed in marriage. Both her and her husband were of the lineage of David. Gabriel greeted Mary with the title, “Favored one” and told her that the Lord was with her. Mary did not grasp what this greeting meant and was afraid. “Fear not” was the next instruction, and then the plan of God for Mary to conceive and bear a Son, calling His Name Jesus. This Jesus would be great and called the Son of the Most High! He would rule on the throne of David in an eternal kingdom. God would bring this to pass! Mary graciously offered herself to serve the Lord.
Luke 1:37-38 “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your Word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing plan of the virgin birth and bringing Your Son Jesus into the world to show us Who You are and to reveal Your Word. Help me to be like Mary and willingly respond in faith to revelation of Your plans for my life. I believe that nothing shall be impossible with You and let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life, on earth as in heaven!
Numbers 24:15-17 “And he took up his discourse and said, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, who see the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
God’s amazing plan for a Savior!
Scripture reading for June 29th: Matthew 1
Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-23 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).”
Matthew’s Gospel account of the life of Jesus was written primarily to a Jewish audience and contains many references to Old Testament Scriptures. This first chapter includes a genealogy of Joseph all the way back to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. (Mary’s genealogy is in Luke, and goes all the way back to Adam and the first prophesy of a coming ‘Seed of woman’ Who would crush the serpent’s head.) Matthew’s account stresses that Mary was found with child before having any relations with Joseph, but conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, not wanting to shame Mary, was ready to divorce her quietly, but an angel gave him clear instructions regarding the child Mary was carrying. The angel confirmed the Holy Spirit as the One bringing conception. Before ultrasounds, the angel declared Mary would bear a Son, Who would be named “Jesus”, for He would be Savior of His people! This is the One announced by Isaiah the Prophet as “a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name “Immanuel”. God’s amazing preparation and planning is evident from the Holy Scriptures!
Matthew 1:24-25 “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a Son. And she called His Name Jesus.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, Thank You for this amazing record of Your plans to bring Your Son Jesus Christ into this world through a virgin birth. Thank You for recording the prophetic words given proclaiming Your plans beforehand and for allowing me to hear and understand and proclaim this Good News of a Savior!
Acts 4:11-12 “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the Cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Serve now, recline later!
Scripture reading for April 1st: Luke 22
Key Scriptures: Luke 22:24-30 “A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the One who serves. You are those who have stayed with Me in My trials, and I assign to you, as My Father assigned to Me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Jesus’ disciples argued with each other about who would have the greatest honor and place of authority in the coming kingdom of God. They assumed a soon-to-be revealed physical kingdom. Jesus admonished them that although greatness in this world is associated with being served, it is those who serve now who will enjoy the greatest honor in the coming kingdom. By humbly serving God and other, we gain opportunity to share the Gospel and kingdom of God with them. Jesus Himself set an example of serving and those following Him must have that attitude. The greatest honor in future kingdom of God will be for those serving Jesus in this life with zeal and humility. It’s God’s Word!
Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great example of serving others by giving Your time on earth and life to obeying the Father and serving others. Help me learn from You daily that greatness in Your kingdom is serving God and others. As we give service to others, Lord, open their hearts to Jesus Christ, our Master Servant!
Proverbs 21:25-26 “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. All day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
Times of refreshing through repentance!
Scripture reading for April 16th: Ruth 1-2, Acts 3
Key Scriptures: Acts 3:17-21 “”And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.””
Peter and John were going to the temple to pray when they encountered a lame beggar by the roadside. The man asked them for money, but they had something better: The Name of Jesus! Peter explained to the crowd that had gathered how this notable miracle had taken place and what their response should be. Many of these people were the same ones who had demanded the crucifixion of Jesus and asked for the release of a criminal. Peter called them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. They could enjoy a time of refreshing just like the healed beggar!
Faith confession and prayer: Jesus, thank You for the power of Your Name to bring healing, salvation and deliverance. Use me today to share the love of God and the good news of Jesus Christ, Lord and healer.
Ruth 2:12-13 “The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge! Then she said, “I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants.””
The Son of the Most High!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Key Scriptures: Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, decided to write an account of the birth and life of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior of mankind. He wrote here of Mary’s supernatural encounter with Gabriel, an angel of God and special messenger to Israel. The angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son. She was to give Him the Name “Jesus.” Her Son would truly be “Son of the Most High.” He would shine as a star and his scepter would rule forever and ever!
Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
Faith Confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for announcing Your plans by the prophets of old and bringing them to pass in the fullness of time. Help me to proclaim the Name of Jesus and His wondrous work of salvation for all mankind.
The Story of God’s Love!
Scripture reading for January 1st: Matthew 1, Psalm 1, Proverbs 1 (Reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs one chapter a day, five days each week in 2019–please join me in the trek!)
Key Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-21 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””
The New Testament begins with a story that has its roots in the flow of the Old Testament. A genealogy from Abraham to Joseph begins the story. Joseph’s betrothal to Mary makes the story personal and about love. But Mary, a virgin, was pregnant before the marriage was consummated! Joseph had a plan, but angelic intervention brought needed information: the baby Mary carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit! The Name, “Jesus” was to be given to the child. He would save His people from sin! This story is made personal and current if you have believed in Him and received His love!
Faith’s Confession: I believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, and was God’s Son in human flesh, and is my Savior from my sins.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
God is impartial!
Scripture reading for May 17th: 1st Chronicles 10-13, Acts 10
Key Scriptures: Acts 10:34-39 “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. As for the word that He sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ(He is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
Peter preached Jesus Christ as Lord of all to Cornelius, the Roman Centurion and his family. God graciously saved them and filled them with the Holy Spirit. God shows no partiality to those who will surrender to Him! He makes them mighty warriors for Christ, the Son of God, Son of David.
1st Chronicles 12:38 “All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel.”