Today's Bible Verse |
"He is despised and rejected
of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he
was despised, and we esteemed him not."
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Isaiah 53:3 King James
Version (KJV)
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Today's Bible Study |
One of the saddest truths
associated with the ministry of Jesus is the
rejection he suffered from those who should have
welcomed Him. Centuries later, it is easy for me to
wonder at the foolishness of the Jews.
What was wrong with them? Had they not heard the
scriptures that foretold the coming of the Messiah?
Could they not take their minds off their physical
bondage and contemplate the spiritual bondage he
came to remove?
Many Jews did not recognize the Savior when He
appeared because He did not fit the mold they had
created for Him. They had built a box for their
Redeemer, and Jesus did not fit inside it.
In this season of sparkling lights, festive
gatherings, melodious carols, and general goodwill,
what image do we have of the Savior whose birth we
are celebrating? If He appeared among us, would we
recognize Him? Would He fit into the mold we have
designed for Him?
Do we expect this Savior to fix our problems, pay
our debts, and make our siblings share the
inheritance fairly? One who will accept us at face
value and demand nothing from us? One who will
spend his time handing out presents?
What is wrong with us? Do we not recognize that our
biggest problem is sin and our greatest need is a
Savior to release us from that bondage?
This season celebrate the birth of a Savior Who
brought the best gift of all.
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Today's Prayer |
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Oh, Lord, we focus upon physical issues when our biggest problem is sin. Forgive us for trying to make you in our image. Show us Yourself. Amen.
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Yesterday's Bible
Verse |
"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe."
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Mark 5:36 King James Version (KJV)
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Yesterday's Bible
Study |
Possibly because I am a
mother, I am especially touched by Bible stories
about sick or dying children. Nothing strikes fear
into my heart like the suspicion that one of my
children or grandchildren is in peril.
When our son was about five years old, he often
played outside with a friend. These two boys found
more hiding places in our yard than I would have
thought possible. When I was inside the house, I
stepped outside often to check on the boys.
I went from calm to panic if I couldn’t find my son
within one minute of leaving the house. There were
times when I yelled for him so desperately that a
neighbor took pity on me, stepped outside onto her
porch and called to me, “He’s okay. I just saw
him.”
You had better know if I had lived when Jesus was
on earth and I had a sick child, I would have found
a way to get that child to Jesus. I hope I would
have sought Jesus in faith, but more than likely it
would have been in terror.
I am certain Jairus did not approach Jesus calmly,
but Jesus did not chide him for his fear. Though
Jesus knew the end of the story, Jairus didn’t, and
Jesus felt compassion for him.
Never be afraid to go to God with your deepest
fears. He knows them anyway and loves you through
your desperation. Trust God to listen, understand,
and respond by bringing about what He knows to be
best.
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Yesterday's Prayer |
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Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. I struggle to understand your ways and your wisdom sometimes. I grow fearful and full of dread. I give you today [name situation]. I ask for Your help. You love everyone who is involved in this matter. Please bring about healing or resolution and bless me with your peace. Amen.
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