Day Eight
Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child and destroy Him.” And he rose and took the child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord has spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I will call my Son.”
Can you imagine that your sitting in your home nestled in your chair reading a good book when all of a sudden there is a bright light and this glowing dude in white is standing in your living room! Then as if that were not enough he tells you to pack up your family and head off to a foreign land until the king dies because it's no longer safe for you and your family in your home? This family has had a rather rough start, they travel a long distance to meet the census requirement, then the baby comes and there's no where but a stable for Him to be born in, then just about the time they get settled this guys shows up and tells them to run for their life! If this all happens to the King of Kings in just His first two or so years of life what are we complaining about? Anyone who has ever said being a Christian was easy either had not been one for long, or was living in total denial, this life is hard and that is the truth! It was hard for Jesus and it will be hard for us and the sooner we get a grip on that and stop complaining the sooner we can get on with winning of some of these battles. The fact is the day we became a believer our lives were turned upside down, at confession we opened a floodgate of turmoil that directly causes conflict with every being of our soul. To proclaim the truth means to expose the untruth or lies and they do not desire to be exposed, the spiritual battle begins at that point and increases with every truth we proclaim, as it should. Is it easy, of course not, is it right, absolutely, is it worth it, yes eternally so, all these things being said how are we to survive? Let's go back to the passage at hand; the angel directed them first of all when and where to go, then he told them at what point to return, "At the death of the king". You will notice he didn't say how long that would be, nor did God kill the king, for whatever reason God wanted them to be in Egypt until He wanted them out of Egypt, (very similar by the way to the Jews in earlier history). The point truly is this, things are tough all over and when God is ready He will deliver us to safety, peace, and security, until then we obey and wait, for by doing so we remain under His covering and surrounded by His blessings, whatever they may look like.
Daily Prayer: Father as You know we are an impatient people, waiting is not our greatest of virtues, nor more than being satisfied with where we are is, therefore please be patient with us, speak clearly to us, and be gracious as we fail, in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
"The war rages on whether we choose to believe it or not"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Day 7
Day Seven
Matthew 2:7-12 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young child, and when you have found Him, bring word back to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come in to the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
In this section of scripture we see a very well defined picture of God's ability and desire to have His will and His will alone be done for His people. I strongly believe that while this portion of the word is referring to the protection of Jesus, our God will and has done the same for each and every one of us, His children as well. Here you have the enemy (in the form of Herod) plotting to stop the will of God by killing his rival the rightful heir to the throne. The enemy has formed a plan to locate this threat in the form of a child, he even uses the unsuspecting and innocent through manipulation to assist him by lying and deceiving them. Then he waits and watches while his best-laid plans are carried out all the while thinking he has been successful. However on the other side we have the Lord of hosts who has his own plan, and is well aware of His enemy's trickery and lies, hence He uses it for His good. God in His infinite wisdom leads the wise men to Jesus, has them bless His family with great gifts and earthly provision, and makes them aware of the trickery of Herod. You see first of all the scriptures must be fulfilled speaking of this event so God saw that they were, all the while not forgetting about the earthly and physical needs of this family. The Lord knew that soon this family would need to leave their land, He knew that in a foreign land Joseph as a stranger could have trouble providing for his family, trips are and even then were expensive this was not a wealthy family, there were deposits and rents to be paid, food to be purchased, and so on, again all things the Lord cared about. Hence He brought forth wise men bearing valuable gifts ones that could be used if needed to more than provide for this family while in exile. All of these things this family was not yet aware of, all they knew was that some Wise men dropped by and gave them gifts hoping to see and welcome the Messiah. The point here for us is the need to realize that God is in control, that He by His will does not allow the scheming of the enemy to affect in any way His plans for His people. And if you're worried about trusting Him or believing that He has great things in store for you, just look at His word. There is never a case (even Job) where the end result for those who were faithfully following Him was not in the very best of their interest. God always has been and always will be faithful even when it seems like the enemy has robbed us of every blessing we must remember this very fact, He our Lord will have the last word and His will, will be done in all our lives!
Daily Prayer: Father I pray that we would have the faith to believe, the strength to stand, and the ears to hear when faced with life's trials, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
"God's will is to help us not harm us, and all things work toward His will"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 2:7-12 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young child, and when you have found Him, bring word back to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star, which they had seen in the East, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come in to the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
In this section of scripture we see a very well defined picture of God's ability and desire to have His will and His will alone be done for His people. I strongly believe that while this portion of the word is referring to the protection of Jesus, our God will and has done the same for each and every one of us, His children as well. Here you have the enemy (in the form of Herod) plotting to stop the will of God by killing his rival the rightful heir to the throne. The enemy has formed a plan to locate this threat in the form of a child, he even uses the unsuspecting and innocent through manipulation to assist him by lying and deceiving them. Then he waits and watches while his best-laid plans are carried out all the while thinking he has been successful. However on the other side we have the Lord of hosts who has his own plan, and is well aware of His enemy's trickery and lies, hence He uses it for His good. God in His infinite wisdom leads the wise men to Jesus, has them bless His family with great gifts and earthly provision, and makes them aware of the trickery of Herod. You see first of all the scriptures must be fulfilled speaking of this event so God saw that they were, all the while not forgetting about the earthly and physical needs of this family. The Lord knew that soon this family would need to leave their land, He knew that in a foreign land Joseph as a stranger could have trouble providing for his family, trips are and even then were expensive this was not a wealthy family, there were deposits and rents to be paid, food to be purchased, and so on, again all things the Lord cared about. Hence He brought forth wise men bearing valuable gifts ones that could be used if needed to more than provide for this family while in exile. All of these things this family was not yet aware of, all they knew was that some Wise men dropped by and gave them gifts hoping to see and welcome the Messiah. The point here for us is the need to realize that God is in control, that He by His will does not allow the scheming of the enemy to affect in any way His plans for His people. And if you're worried about trusting Him or believing that He has great things in store for you, just look at His word. There is never a case (even Job) where the end result for those who were faithfully following Him was not in the very best of their interest. God always has been and always will be faithful even when it seems like the enemy has robbed us of every blessing we must remember this very fact, He our Lord will have the last word and His will, will be done in all our lives!
Daily Prayer: Father I pray that we would have the faith to believe, the strength to stand, and the ears to hear when faced with life's trials, in Jesus name I pray, amen.
"God's will is to help us not harm us, and all things work toward His will"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day Six
Day Six
Matthew 2:3-6 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: “But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah, For out of you shall come a ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel.”
Herod's troubling would best be described here as one who is undone, or terrified, losing sleep from anxiety, Herod was a man filled with fear, why so you ask? Herod was a King who had been appointed by the Romans, in addition he was not of the line of David, and therefore he knew that he was sitting on a throne that was not rightfully his. Yet the power and the perks of being king were of far more value to Herod than human life, hence his command to kill the children. The allure of power and perks is a pit that one dare I say far too many men and women have fallen into over all of time and the results to our society and others around the world have been unbelievably devastating. Let's take a look at a few beginning with the first; the Bible tells us "that satan was the most beautiful of angels" yet his desire for power caused the first great fall, which has consequently led to all others. Next we have the fall of Adam and Eve and their desire to have the knowledge of good and evil or power, led them to disobey and fall, and we could go on and on we know the history. Yet we tend to overlook the modern day victims of the pit of power as I call it, our children, our marriages, our joy, our futures, and our eternal lives, the lust for power has ruined far too many. When I was in the corporate world, a man of great power I learned to despise it, you see I saw what it made me do, how it made me think. I recognize the influence of the power and I despised it with all that is within me. I made far too many decisions based upon the power rather than upon the Word or will of God. For me the best thing to do was walk away, hence I did. Some can handle the power many have been lulled into believing they can or are while in reality they have no control at all. Let me ask you a question if I may "are your decisions based upon the outcome you desire for your business or your ministry and what is best for the people God has placed to serve with you. Or are your decisions and actions driven by profit, pride, or numbers? (By the way the statement being a good steward is over used and over rated). If your honest answer is the second statement I dare say you have missed the mark and let me encourage you to get things back in order. God's order is always His people first including you please don't let it get overturned after all isn't doing His will His way a better path than the pit that waits for the unwary on the road to power?
Daily Prayer: Father I pray for all of us to keep watch and pray, that we might avoid the pit of power, that we might always remember that You are about Your people as we should be, In Jesus name I ask these things, Amen.
"The pit of power lies at the dead end of a bumpy road"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 2:3-6 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: “But you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah, For out of you shall come a ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel.”
Herod's troubling would best be described here as one who is undone, or terrified, losing sleep from anxiety, Herod was a man filled with fear, why so you ask? Herod was a King who had been appointed by the Romans, in addition he was not of the line of David, and therefore he knew that he was sitting on a throne that was not rightfully his. Yet the power and the perks of being king were of far more value to Herod than human life, hence his command to kill the children. The allure of power and perks is a pit that one dare I say far too many men and women have fallen into over all of time and the results to our society and others around the world have been unbelievably devastating. Let's take a look at a few beginning with the first; the Bible tells us "that satan was the most beautiful of angels" yet his desire for power caused the first great fall, which has consequently led to all others. Next we have the fall of Adam and Eve and their desire to have the knowledge of good and evil or power, led them to disobey and fall, and we could go on and on we know the history. Yet we tend to overlook the modern day victims of the pit of power as I call it, our children, our marriages, our joy, our futures, and our eternal lives, the lust for power has ruined far too many. When I was in the corporate world, a man of great power I learned to despise it, you see I saw what it made me do, how it made me think. I recognize the influence of the power and I despised it with all that is within me. I made far too many decisions based upon the power rather than upon the Word or will of God. For me the best thing to do was walk away, hence I did. Some can handle the power many have been lulled into believing they can or are while in reality they have no control at all. Let me ask you a question if I may "are your decisions based upon the outcome you desire for your business or your ministry and what is best for the people God has placed to serve with you. Or are your decisions and actions driven by profit, pride, or numbers? (By the way the statement being a good steward is over used and over rated). If your honest answer is the second statement I dare say you have missed the mark and let me encourage you to get things back in order. God's order is always His people first including you please don't let it get overturned after all isn't doing His will His way a better path than the pit that waits for the unwary on the road to power?
Daily Prayer: Father I pray for all of us to keep watch and pray, that we might avoid the pit of power, that we might always remember that You are about Your people as we should be, In Jesus name I ask these things, Amen.
"The pit of power lies at the dead end of a bumpy road"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Friday, September 9, 2011
Day 5
Day Five
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
This passage has been made famous by the nativity scenes, plays, and stories that have been told all over the world in regards to Christ's birth traditionally celebrated as Christmas. Now would be a good time for me to make it clear that it is not my desire to crush anyone's perception or understanding of the birth of Christ, however I may unfortunately be the first to tell you that our traditions have truly inaccurately depicted these events. The truth is that the wise men or Majai, which means in loose terms astrologers arrived when Jesus was a bout two years old, and He had long since moved out of the manger. It is also more likely than not that what the Majai had seen was not a star that continued to remain in the sky but rather a comet, or some other terrestrial event that was a sign which they had long since been waiting for, possibly even generations. You see for generations before the birth of the Messiah had been foretold, we see prophecy upon prophecy (Zech 9:9 for example) that foretell these events. Wouldn't it make since that if the Lord were providing signs through men that He would also have foretold this to the Majai, after all where would God have His chalkboard? The Majai came because of what had been foretold, they came to worship the King, and can you imagine how surprised they were when they realized that no one else had recognized the fulfillment of prophecy? I would imagine that they expected to see great fanfare and celebration, after all the deliverer had come, people should be rejoicing and excited about their future, but know they were not, they were rather continuing on as if noting had changed. How could they be excited about a King born in a manger, running around in diapers living in a common home with common parents? But you see they didn't know the truth, they had not heard the prophecies or read the scrolls, they only knew what they were told and far too many had no desire to seek out the truth. Much like the story we have all been told and the pictures seared in our mind from what we have seen and believed in regards to the wise men we simply accept things for what they appear to be. After all why would anyone lie? Now mind you I am not wanting to make a big deal about the story of the wise men, however I do challenge each and every reader of this passage and these writings, are you looking at the signs, are you seeing the fulfillment of prophecy, are you preparing the way for your King in your heart and in your mind, or will you like many of the people of Jesus time be caught not knowing, not recognizing, not participating in the joyous celebration of His return?
Daily Prayer: Father I pray that we would not miss the signs of the fulfillment of prophecy, may we be found ready and waiting at the return of our Savior Jesus Christ your Son it is in His name we pray these things, Amen.
"He will return soon for He said He would do you see the signs?"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
This passage has been made famous by the nativity scenes, plays, and stories that have been told all over the world in regards to Christ's birth traditionally celebrated as Christmas. Now would be a good time for me to make it clear that it is not my desire to crush anyone's perception or understanding of the birth of Christ, however I may unfortunately be the first to tell you that our traditions have truly inaccurately depicted these events. The truth is that the wise men or Majai, which means in loose terms astrologers arrived when Jesus was a bout two years old, and He had long since moved out of the manger. It is also more likely than not that what the Majai had seen was not a star that continued to remain in the sky but rather a comet, or some other terrestrial event that was a sign which they had long since been waiting for, possibly even generations. You see for generations before the birth of the Messiah had been foretold, we see prophecy upon prophecy (Zech 9:9 for example) that foretell these events. Wouldn't it make since that if the Lord were providing signs through men that He would also have foretold this to the Majai, after all where would God have His chalkboard? The Majai came because of what had been foretold, they came to worship the King, and can you imagine how surprised they were when they realized that no one else had recognized the fulfillment of prophecy? I would imagine that they expected to see great fanfare and celebration, after all the deliverer had come, people should be rejoicing and excited about their future, but know they were not, they were rather continuing on as if noting had changed. How could they be excited about a King born in a manger, running around in diapers living in a common home with common parents? But you see they didn't know the truth, they had not heard the prophecies or read the scrolls, they only knew what they were told and far too many had no desire to seek out the truth. Much like the story we have all been told and the pictures seared in our mind from what we have seen and believed in regards to the wise men we simply accept things for what they appear to be. After all why would anyone lie? Now mind you I am not wanting to make a big deal about the story of the wise men, however I do challenge each and every reader of this passage and these writings, are you looking at the signs, are you seeing the fulfillment of prophecy, are you preparing the way for your King in your heart and in your mind, or will you like many of the people of Jesus time be caught not knowing, not recognizing, not participating in the joyous celebration of His return?
Daily Prayer: Father I pray that we would not miss the signs of the fulfillment of prophecy, may we be found ready and waiting at the return of our Savior Jesus Christ your Son it is in His name we pray these things, Amen.
"He will return soon for He said He would do you see the signs?"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Day Five
Day Four
Matthew 1:24-25 Then Joseph being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took him to his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Oh how may times have I been told by the Lord to do some particular thing in a particular way and not been 100% obedient? Far too many I have no doubt. I tell many stories of miraculous events that have happened in my life simply because I obeyed a command that often made little sense. You see when we in our humanness do something that makes absolutely no sense, but sensible things happen as a result we are greatly moved. One time the Lord told me to cross a street and walk up a particular sidewalk, no knowing why or questioning I did as He commanded. As I approached the sidewalk a man began yelling at me and hit me full force with his fist, I felt nothing! As I stood there in utter shock the man cried out “what are you some sort of preacher!” I answered still in shock and might I add no pain, “why yes sir I am”. The man immediately went to his knees and professed Jesus as Lord as he confessed to every imaginable sin. Now I ask you, did it make sense for me to cross the street, be struck, and feel absolutely nothing? Of course not, and while my macho side would like to say it was because of my superior strength and stamina. However the reality is God did a miraculous work, I was simply the puppet. The question remains however, “how many times have we missed out on such miraculous events either out of disobedience, fear, guilt, shame, or some other completely unjustifiable excuse? I believe that Joseph’s obedience was key to why God chose him; He knew that Joseph would obey even when it didn’t make since. I would like to ask you today to believe that Jesus can use you, if you have been saved one hour or a hundred years, He can and will use you for His glory. He is looking for willing servants, those who care not what man thinks, those who are foolish enough to do things others say should not or could not be done. Why you ask? Because if man can accomplish something, then man is able to explain it away, but when God moves you never know what is going to happen and isn’t that miraculous?
Daily Prayer: Lord may we always be more willing to obey and answer than we are to hide and wonder, may we no longer make excuses but rather make memories of the miraculous things you have done, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
“When what God asks begins to make human sense God can become might small”
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 1:24-25 Then Joseph being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took him to his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
Oh how may times have I been told by the Lord to do some particular thing in a particular way and not been 100% obedient? Far too many I have no doubt. I tell many stories of miraculous events that have happened in my life simply because I obeyed a command that often made little sense. You see when we in our humanness do something that makes absolutely no sense, but sensible things happen as a result we are greatly moved. One time the Lord told me to cross a street and walk up a particular sidewalk, no knowing why or questioning I did as He commanded. As I approached the sidewalk a man began yelling at me and hit me full force with his fist, I felt nothing! As I stood there in utter shock the man cried out “what are you some sort of preacher!” I answered still in shock and might I add no pain, “why yes sir I am”. The man immediately went to his knees and professed Jesus as Lord as he confessed to every imaginable sin. Now I ask you, did it make sense for me to cross the street, be struck, and feel absolutely nothing? Of course not, and while my macho side would like to say it was because of my superior strength and stamina. However the reality is God did a miraculous work, I was simply the puppet. The question remains however, “how many times have we missed out on such miraculous events either out of disobedience, fear, guilt, shame, or some other completely unjustifiable excuse? I believe that Joseph’s obedience was key to why God chose him; He knew that Joseph would obey even when it didn’t make since. I would like to ask you today to believe that Jesus can use you, if you have been saved one hour or a hundred years, He can and will use you for His glory. He is looking for willing servants, those who care not what man thinks, those who are foolish enough to do things others say should not or could not be done. Why you ask? Because if man can accomplish something, then man is able to explain it away, but when God moves you never know what is going to happen and isn’t that miraculous?
Daily Prayer: Lord may we always be more willing to obey and answer than we are to hide and wonder, may we no longer make excuses but rather make memories of the miraculous things you have done, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
“When what God asks begins to make human sense God can become might small”
Gene Burroughs Servant
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
WHo is this Jesus day 3
Day Three
Matthew 1: 22- 23
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
In Isaiah 7:14 the people are told that God will give them a sign in order that they may know that the one born would be the "Son of God" this child would be born of a virgin and "His name shall be Immanuel". Now here's the thing, there are no documented or recorded occurrences other than that of Mary where a virgin has given birth to a child named Immanuel. This very fact alone should be enough to cause some to wonder," could it be that this Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah"? Yet most did not wonder, nor did they care, they went about their daily duties completely missing out on the greatest blessing ever presented to mankind. Every day each and every one of us are faced with incredible and often unseen opportunities to experience the blessings, and glory of our God, yet more often than not we are to busy or too preoccupied to even know it. We go about our daily routine caught in the rut of existence never looking up to see what is going on around us. In recent days there have been a number of people I am fellowshipping with who have purposed to seek the Lord ever more diligently in their daily existence. Rather than doing things the way they always have they are instead asking the Lord what He would have them do, and wow is it having an impact. One brother wanted a Magnolia tree for his yard, yet rather than just making the purchase he asked the Lord what He would have him do, that night the neighbor gave him a Magnolia tree with no prompting or knowledge of the desire. Another sister at the prompting and with the assistance of her younger siblings took a Bible and the leftovers usually left in the fridge to die a slow death and went in search of someone who had need. That evening her and they were able to bless a woman who had been asking the Lord for a Bible. All they did was stop as they drove by because they felt prompted to do so by the Lord. Later they were able to bless a street couple with a home cooked meal, and yes you guessed it that was exactly what they were in need of. Another brother washed a young mans windshield simply because the Lord led him to and in the process he shared the love of God by his actions as well as by his later words of encouragement. You see sometimes we just need to ask the Lord what He would have us do rather than assuming that we need do things the way we always have, you never know He may just have something He wants to say, like there's a messiah coming, anyone care?
Daily Prayer: Father may we always be ready to here Your voice, may we wait upon You and obey your promptings in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
"Old and mundane or fresh and new either one will get us there but only has clean ears"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 1: 22- 23
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
In Isaiah 7:14 the people are told that God will give them a sign in order that they may know that the one born would be the "Son of God" this child would be born of a virgin and "His name shall be Immanuel". Now here's the thing, there are no documented or recorded occurrences other than that of Mary where a virgin has given birth to a child named Immanuel. This very fact alone should be enough to cause some to wonder," could it be that this Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah"? Yet most did not wonder, nor did they care, they went about their daily duties completely missing out on the greatest blessing ever presented to mankind. Every day each and every one of us are faced with incredible and often unseen opportunities to experience the blessings, and glory of our God, yet more often than not we are to busy or too preoccupied to even know it. We go about our daily routine caught in the rut of existence never looking up to see what is going on around us. In recent days there have been a number of people I am fellowshipping with who have purposed to seek the Lord ever more diligently in their daily existence. Rather than doing things the way they always have they are instead asking the Lord what He would have them do, and wow is it having an impact. One brother wanted a Magnolia tree for his yard, yet rather than just making the purchase he asked the Lord what He would have him do, that night the neighbor gave him a Magnolia tree with no prompting or knowledge of the desire. Another sister at the prompting and with the assistance of her younger siblings took a Bible and the leftovers usually left in the fridge to die a slow death and went in search of someone who had need. That evening her and they were able to bless a woman who had been asking the Lord for a Bible. All they did was stop as they drove by because they felt prompted to do so by the Lord. Later they were able to bless a street couple with a home cooked meal, and yes you guessed it that was exactly what they were in need of. Another brother washed a young mans windshield simply because the Lord led him to and in the process he shared the love of God by his actions as well as by his later words of encouragement. You see sometimes we just need to ask the Lord what He would have us do rather than assuming that we need do things the way we always have, you never know He may just have something He wants to say, like there's a messiah coming, anyone care?
Daily Prayer: Father may we always be ready to here Your voice, may we wait upon You and obey your promptings in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
"Old and mundane or fresh and new either one will get us there but only has clean ears"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Monday, September 5, 2011
Day Two
Day Two
Matthew 1:18-21
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph son of David do not be afraid take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived within her is from the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people form their sins."
Joseph and Mary at the time being spoken of are in the one year betrothal period prior to living together and consummating their marriage, Mary is living at home with her parents and Joseph more than likely is preparing their future home. Upon hearing of Mary's pregnancy the natural and lawful course of action would be for Joseph to publicly announce Mary's unfaithfulness, which would more than likely lead to her death by stoning according to Mosaic Law. Yet on his own, prior to the angelic visitation Joseph displays his true character by purposing to keep Mary's condition silent, an action that displays Joseph's deep love and affection for Mary. It is possible that Joseph was considering a quiet divorce from Mary; however this was of course not to be so as an angel appeared to explain the need for this union to take place. Ever since the writing of this story there have been countless efforts to extol the virtues and qualities of Mary, she was obviously a very special woman to be chosen by God to bear His child, but what about Joseph? Here is a man who by all worldly accounts has been shamed by his bride. Mary by worldly accounts has been unfaithful or at the very least surrendered herself to Joseph, both of which are culturally shameful acts on her part, yet he remains by her side. The fact is that Joseph by his actions has shown himself to be a Godly, faithful, and compassionate man one determined by God to be worthy of rearing and providing for His Son. Little is said of Joseph in the Bible and over the years many have speculated about the character of this man, however by his actions he has shown himself to be a man of God a man willing to be publicly humiliated for the sake of mankind. I would suggest that Joseph is a man many of us would do well to emulate and I look forward to the day when I can shake his hand, or whatever it is we will do in heaven. To be a person of few words, faithful, humble, and unassuming is an admirable goal for each and every one of us, I don't know about you but as for me I could stand to be a little more like this man.
Daily Prayer: Father I do ask that You would help me to be short on words, long on thought, and capable of trusting You in all things, and I ask for these attributes in Jesus name, Amen.
"It is better to be unknown than to be known for unfruitful works"
Gene Burroughs Servant
Matthew 1:18-21
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph son of David do not be afraid take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived within her is from the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people form their sins."
Joseph and Mary at the time being spoken of are in the one year betrothal period prior to living together and consummating their marriage, Mary is living at home with her parents and Joseph more than likely is preparing their future home. Upon hearing of Mary's pregnancy the natural and lawful course of action would be for Joseph to publicly announce Mary's unfaithfulness, which would more than likely lead to her death by stoning according to Mosaic Law. Yet on his own, prior to the angelic visitation Joseph displays his true character by purposing to keep Mary's condition silent, an action that displays Joseph's deep love and affection for Mary. It is possible that Joseph was considering a quiet divorce from Mary; however this was of course not to be so as an angel appeared to explain the need for this union to take place. Ever since the writing of this story there have been countless efforts to extol the virtues and qualities of Mary, she was obviously a very special woman to be chosen by God to bear His child, but what about Joseph? Here is a man who by all worldly accounts has been shamed by his bride. Mary by worldly accounts has been unfaithful or at the very least surrendered herself to Joseph, both of which are culturally shameful acts on her part, yet he remains by her side. The fact is that Joseph by his actions has shown himself to be a Godly, faithful, and compassionate man one determined by God to be worthy of rearing and providing for His Son. Little is said of Joseph in the Bible and over the years many have speculated about the character of this man, however by his actions he has shown himself to be a man of God a man willing to be publicly humiliated for the sake of mankind. I would suggest that Joseph is a man many of us would do well to emulate and I look forward to the day when I can shake his hand, or whatever it is we will do in heaven. To be a person of few words, faithful, humble, and unassuming is an admirable goal for each and every one of us, I don't know about you but as for me I could stand to be a little more like this man.
Daily Prayer: Father I do ask that You would help me to be short on words, long on thought, and capable of trusting You in all things, and I ask for these attributes in Jesus name, Amen.
"It is better to be unknown than to be known for unfruitful works"
Gene Burroughs Servant
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