Jan 4-11
Jan 11. Luke 24 he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked and talked with the perplexed men. Here He was the Risen Lord in their midst and all they could see and talk about was the tragedy of the crucifixion. Jesus was frustrated but patient. He taught them scripture about His life, lingered at their invitation, and began to show His characteristics. Finally when he broke bread their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus for who He is. How many times do we miss Jesus working in our midst because we do not listen to His word, have time to invite His presence or do not recognize His acts? Let us have eyes to see Him at the first encounter.
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Jan 10 Exodus 19:4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples,
God shows Himself during times in our lives to have carried us on wings like an eagle. It is those sovereign grace or God moments where after much hardship we feel as if we are effortless moving in the hands of the greater one, just like Israel when they left hard bondage and walked in a surreal manner through the Red Sea. God shows us Himself in these ways so we will follow Him to greater victory and blessing as we learn to trust His move not our own efforts.
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Jan 9. 2 Cor 7:11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!
Paul had corrected the church about their permissiveness towards sin and the people recieved the rebuke. This should be our example. When God chastens us as sons, we need tender hearts that are quick to admit wrong and go overboard to repair that area of our lives and church so it could never happen again. True conviction should draw us close to GOD to get back in step with him. Ungodly sorrow brings a grief or sorry for things going wrong but it is based on personal embarrassment not a fear of God so it does not bring repentance. Man can repair himself and his image with self help, money and a makeover, but true change comes when the broken relationship with God and others is mended.
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Jan 8. Exodus 18:18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.
Moses' father in law gave Moses the advice to delegate tasks because he was burdened morning until night with the people. Moses probably did not realize what was happening or how to resolve the issue. Sometimes we need advice from an outsider because we have gotten so involved in an issue that we don't care for our own needs or use wisdom. Thankfully God uses people to give us timely words in season.
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Jan 7. Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
It is interesting to me that places were named after what happened there. There was a place in the wilderness named quarreling because the people whined continually due to a physical lack around them. They questioned Gods sovereignty and presence among them because things were not going as planned. This became a notorious black spot on the history of the nation because of a carnal response to a difficulty. In the same way, how we react different times in our life, will stand out for years to come. Our trial will show us to be people of faith and praise or discouragement and doubt. It is our choice; the valley can be called disappointment or delight.
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Jan 4 Luke 18:39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”.
When we encounter Christ people will try to hold us back. It will not be the right time, place, or way that is acceptable. The fact is obstacles to a miracle are a mere test to our faith. Will we believe God for the impossible when others discourage or try to silence us. The blind man here showed marvelous faith because the opposition only made him cry more and louder for his miracle. Jesus took time for him because of his faith. Let's push harder for a blessing when there is a problem, not give up, complain, run away, run to other comforts or make excuses. With Jesus, there is sure to be a miracle.
On the road to Emmaus, Jesus walked and talked with the perplexed men. Here He was the Risen Lord in their midst and all they could see and talk about was the tragedy of the crucifixion. Jesus was frustrated but patient. He taught them scripture about His life, lingered at their invitation, and began to show His characteristics. Finally when he broke bread their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus for who He is. How many times do we miss Jesus working in our midst because we do not listen to His word, have time to invite His presence or do not recognize His acts? Let us have eyes to see Him at the first encounter.
*
Jan 10 Exodus 19:4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples,
God shows Himself during times in our lives to have carried us on wings like an eagle. It is those sovereign grace or God moments where after much hardship we feel as if we are effortless moving in the hands of the greater one, just like Israel when they left hard bondage and walked in a surreal manner through the Red Sea. God shows us Himself in these ways so we will follow Him to greater victory and blessing as we learn to trust His move not our own efforts.
*
Jan 9. 2 Cor 7:11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!
Paul had corrected the church about their permissiveness towards sin and the people recieved the rebuke. This should be our example. When God chastens us as sons, we need tender hearts that are quick to admit wrong and go overboard to repair that area of our lives and church so it could never happen again. True conviction should draw us close to GOD to get back in step with him. Ungodly sorrow brings a grief or sorry for things going wrong but it is based on personal embarrassment not a fear of God so it does not bring repentance. Man can repair himself and his image with self help, money and a makeover, but true change comes when the broken relationship with God and others is mended.
*
Jan 8. Exodus 18:18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.
Moses' father in law gave Moses the advice to delegate tasks because he was burdened morning until night with the people. Moses probably did not realize what was happening or how to resolve the issue. Sometimes we need advice from an outsider because we have gotten so involved in an issue that we don't care for our own needs or use wisdom. Thankfully God uses people to give us timely words in season.
*
Jan 7. Exodus 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
It is interesting to me that places were named after what happened there. There was a place in the wilderness named quarreling because the people whined continually due to a physical lack around them. They questioned Gods sovereignty and presence among them because things were not going as planned. This became a notorious black spot on the history of the nation because of a carnal response to a difficulty. In the same way, how we react different times in our life, will stand out for years to come. Our trial will show us to be people of faith and praise or discouragement and doubt. It is our choice; the valley can be called disappointment or delight.
*
Jan 4 Luke 18:39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”.
When we encounter Christ people will try to hold us back. It will not be the right time, place, or way that is acceptable. The fact is obstacles to a miracle are a mere test to our faith. Will we believe God for the impossible when others discourage or try to silence us. The blind man here showed marvelous faith because the opposition only made him cry more and louder for his miracle. Jesus took time for him because of his faith. Let's push harder for a blessing when there is a problem, not give up, complain, run away, run to other comforts or make excuses. With Jesus, there is sure to be a miracle.
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