Saturday, October 20, 2018

Matthew 2

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.

Out of Egypt I called my son.

he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.  So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Lord Jesus, I love you and need you.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Matthew 1

The genealogy of Jesus, the Messiah, Son of David, Son of Abraham....

I don't know all those names, but I recognize many of them in the Lord's genealogy: Boaz, Ruth, Rahab, Jesse, David, Uriah's wife, Joseph/Mary, and I see that God uses all types of people, both the likely and unlikely.  He uses the rich and royal as well as the lowly.  He works through holiness, as well as in the midst of the ugliest of sin.

And then Joseph, attentive to the call of the Spirit, takes the impregnated Mary as his wife and loves her child as his own.

Lord, help me remember that you work through all types of people, and you work all things for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose.  Use me.  Forgive me.  Give me your heart.  Let me be as attentive to your Word and the Spirit's call as Joseph was.  Amen.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Proverbs 31

v. 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

v. 29 Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

Lord God, give me a heart to protect the vulnerable.  Give me a heart to speak up for the marginalized.  Take my eyes off of me.  Help me Jesus.

Thank you for my wife.  She is a woman of noble character, and I take the blessing she is to me and our family for granted.  She is an incredible gift to us and to the world.  Thank you Father for her.  Amen.