Matthew 2:16 "When Herod had realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under..."
Herod hears of the birth of the Messiah and immediately goes into action to find the baby, and destroy him. After his plot is foiled by the Magi, he orders a mass murder of babies in Bethlehem. This event is known today as the Massacre of the Innocents. It is estimated the population of Bethlehem at the time was around 1000 including 20 or so boys of this age. Although greater genocides have occurred in history, this event was still terrible; a first century Sandy Hook if you will.
Ever since Jesus came on the scene, the evil one has been trying to destroy him. Not only has Satan been trying to destroy Jesus, he is trying to destroy all of his followers as well. Satan is after me, just as he was after Jesus in Bethlehem. How can I withstand his attacks? Are there times when I need to flee to Egypt for awhile? Who am I surrounding myself with to help in this battle?
Dear Jesus, thank you for conquering Satan, and help me to stand up to him as well. Amen.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Joy
Zechariah 8:19 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.'"
The Israelites observed fasts in these months and all were related to some horrible or tragic event. In the fourth, they remembered Nebuchadnezzar breaching the walls of Jerusalem, and in the seventh, they remembered Gedaliah's assassination. God speaks through Zechariah and says one day these festivals will become happy ones for his people.
God brings joy to his people. God is all about joy. He doesn't want me to be a sad and depressed person. He wants me to find joy, even in the darkest moments. I need some joy today! Winter does not want to leave, I am juggling 47 different projects at work, and the Twins are already on pace for 103 losses this season! God wants me to see the good in all things, and the joy in all circumstances. How can I find joy today?
Dear Jesus, I need some joy today. Please send it my way. Amen.
The Israelites observed fasts in these months and all were related to some horrible or tragic event. In the fourth, they remembered Nebuchadnezzar breaching the walls of Jerusalem, and in the seventh, they remembered Gedaliah's assassination. God speaks through Zechariah and says one day these festivals will become happy ones for his people.
God brings joy to his people. God is all about joy. He doesn't want me to be a sad and depressed person. He wants me to find joy, even in the darkest moments. I need some joy today! Winter does not want to leave, I am juggling 47 different projects at work, and the Twins are already on pace for 103 losses this season! God wants me to see the good in all things, and the joy in all circumstances. How can I find joy today?
Dear Jesus, I need some joy today. Please send it my way. Amen.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Just Do It
Zechariah 7:9 "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'"
The Lord tells Zechariah that he is on to the games the Israelites have been playing. He questions their sincerity when they fast, worship, and feast. He sees through their empty actions and rituals. God tells Zechariah what he is really after. He wants his people to show true justice, mercy and compassion.
Today there is some movement taking place in which we are to put a red x on our hands to show we are fighting against slavery or something. I'm not totally sure what it's all about. I am often behind the eight ball with these types of things. I hate to judge it without knowing much about it but for argument sake I'm going to. I'm not sure how much good it does to mark our hands with a red x, or wear a certain color as in blue with autism day a few days ago. It's great to raise awareness and all, but God wants real things to happen. He wants me to really be just, merciful and compassionate. He doesn't want me to just think about it, or have good intentions or wear a certain color. I need to do actually do something today. I need to be Zechariah 7:9. As Nike says, I need to "just do it."
Dear Jesus, help me to day to just do it. Help me actually move beyond good intentions to good deeds. Show me where and how. Amen.
The Lord tells Zechariah that he is on to the games the Israelites have been playing. He questions their sincerity when they fast, worship, and feast. He sees through their empty actions and rituals. God tells Zechariah what he is really after. He wants his people to show true justice, mercy and compassion.
Today there is some movement taking place in which we are to put a red x on our hands to show we are fighting against slavery or something. I'm not totally sure what it's all about. I am often behind the eight ball with these types of things. I hate to judge it without knowing much about it but for argument sake I'm going to. I'm not sure how much good it does to mark our hands with a red x, or wear a certain color as in blue with autism day a few days ago. It's great to raise awareness and all, but God wants real things to happen. He wants me to really be just, merciful and compassionate. He doesn't want me to just think about it, or have good intentions or wear a certain color. I need to do actually do something today. I need to be Zechariah 7:9. As Nike says, I need to "just do it."
Dear Jesus, help me to day to just do it. Help me actually move beyond good intentions to good deeds. Show me where and how. Amen.
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