Sunday, December 17
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.
Micah 5:2-5a (NRSV)
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.
The name Bethlehem is very interesting. “Beth” means “house” in Hebrew. “Lehem” means bread. Bethlehem means “House of Bread.”
Consider Jesus’ words, “I am the bread of life,” or “This is my body, take and eat.”
Even the place of Jesus’ birth is significant. His coming was foretold for many, many years. His arrival was deliberately timed and placed.
Imagine yourself entering a home filled with the scent of baking bread, cookies, or fudge. It would be a warm and welcoming home, and you certainly would love to taste some of the sweet treats!
Jesus is sweeter. He comes from a House of Bread, but the sweetness of Jesus is the best bread by far!
Pray: You're warm. You’re house is filled with love and treats.
Thank you for offering one to us. Amen
Saturday, December 16
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Psalm 103: 1-5 (NIV)
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Strained relationships, stress at work, the stress of having no work, illness of loved ones, grief, and all that life entails creates a wall between ourselves and joy.
Psalm 103 gives us great hope. God heals. God forgives. God satisfies. God renews our strength.
When I read this Psalm, I take great inspiration from the declaration, “All my inmost being, praise His holy name.”
In light of all the Psalm says about God, I want to praise God from the inside out!
For hope, I shout praise. For healing, I cry praise. For forgiveness, I bow in praise. For salvation, I sing praise.
Yes, God is good, and He is due praise from every fiber of our beings!
Pray: You do it all. You see us through all. I praise you for all the things only you can do. Amen
Friday, December 15
He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
For my entire adult life, I have wrestled with anxiety. I worry incessantly. I have learned to settle my nerves by taking time to breath, to pray, and to hug my hubby if he’s near.
God quiets me with His love in those moments, and it’s wonderful to hear His, “Shhhhhhh.”
Whether we experience consistent or intermittent anxiety, each of us needs to be quieted at some point or another.
I encourage you to stop for a moment during each day; breathe deep, and let God quiet you.
Pray: I hear your,”Shhhhh.” Please help me to feel you arms holding me close. Amen.