DEVOTIONAL
Matthew 1: 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her Firstborn Son: and he called His name JESUS.
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Below is a link to the testimony of David Ring who was born with CP.
Rather than spending his life consumed with self-pity, he used his disability to bring glory to God.
*****This is over an hour, I believe, so make sure you have time to watch or you can listen while you do other things.
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Sitting around the table at Thanksgiving, did you think to yourself, “Why”?
Why does God allow people to suffer? Why do His people struggle?
Let’s turn that page and look from another perspective: Why are we surrounded by those we love? Who determines we are worthy of a beautiful family and sweet friends? Do we ponder and appreciate such wonders or take them for granted? Do we feel entitled or deserving?
Flipping through this mental pamphlet of inquisitiveness, we find ourselves next at the question, “Why DID the Father allow His Son to come among us, live misunderstood by most, endure betrayal then such a brutal death?”
I know I mention this quite frequently, about the Lord leaving Paradise, not only to dwell among sinful humans, but to minister and ultimately die for our sake.
His love for us just infatuates me, how about you?
Do you think Christ felt rejected? Misunderstood? Betrayed? Jesus IS the Ultimate Subject Matter Expert, just read His Word! His love is displayed from promises to precautionary!
Our Father God has given us everything necessary to enjoy, yes ENJOY, a relationship with Him! For goodness sake, do not know why He seeks to engage in a relationship with man, but He does!
Life on this earth was not smooth sailing by any means for Christ, and look Who His Father IS! We didn’t see Jesus (being of TRUE ROYAL LINEAGE), act like the spoiled rich children who call on their deep-pocketed pappas to get out of a jam! At the pinnacle of His pain, Jesus’ Father could not even look upon His Son! What unspeakable agony!
I never read one incident where ANYONE came forward as He was being accused to say, “He healed me” or “I am here to testify that He cast demons out of my loved one” or “I was witness to someone returning from death to life upon His command”. ..NOTHING.. NO ONE…
Talk about a reason to feel sorry for yourself! He lived for the purpose of dying! He didn’t back out of the plan because His feelings were hurt! Then INTERCEDING from the cross, for the very ones who were putting Him to death!
Our Precious Savior did not go willingly to His death because we DESERVED to be saved!
Why do bad things happen to God’s people? Why do GOOD things happen to God’s people?
The Lord is sovereign!
This sounds a bit more like Easter than Christmas, but Christmas is the reason there is an Easter!
From the manger to an empty tomb, isn’t our Savior REMARKABLE! Oh how I love Jesus, because HE FIRST LOVED ME~
PRAYER
Most Gracious and Loving Father
How we thank You for Your provision
You have blessed us far more than we could ever deserve
You saved us
Which is something we could have never earned
The cost of our sins was the death of Your beautiful Son
He suffered so deeply so we could come to You
Talk with You
And live with You in eternity
A love we can never comprehend
Thank You again for what we have been given
Thank You for being our Almighty Father, the Glorious Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Uniquely separate, yet One
Please forgive us for things we do not recognize as gifts
Open our minds and hearts to see more clearly
The blessings around us
Both tangible and intangible
You ARE THE AWESOME AND MIGHTY GOD
To You be all honor and glory and praise
Forevermore
Through the blood of the Lamb
Jesus
Amen
Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9865b-K9s2w “Joy to the World”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” Handel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c “Hallelujah”-Handel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgoY_KFNzR8 “How Deep the Father’s Love For Us”
