"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
—Luke 2:7
Imagine for a moment that it's your birthday and your friends and family have decided to throw you a party. It isn't just any party. It's a mega party. Everyone you know is there.
There are gifts galore and the largest cake you have ever seen. Your name is strung in lights outside the house. Pictures of you are on display. Songs with your name in them are playing in the background.
But there is just one small problem with your birthday party. Someone forgot to invite you.
At first, you think it is an oversight. You know they want you to be there. But when you arrive at the party, the music is so loud and everyone is so preoccupied that no one opens the door, even though you are pounding on it.
Then you actually see some people notice you and say something to each other. But they go back to their conversation without stopping to let you in.
What you don't realize is they have decided to just ignore you, assuming that you eventually will get tired of knocking and will go away.
How many people actually take time for Jesus? We often forget to make room in our schedules for Him.
Will you make room for the things of God? Even Christians can become so busy that we forget about Jesus. Is there room in your life for Him?
*Greg Laurie: Harvest Online
Senior Pastor
Harvest Christian Fellowship
Riverside, Ca
"ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE YOU"
The Lord will sustain, refresh, and strengthen him on his bed of languishing; all his bed You [O Lord] will turn, change, and transform in his illness. I said, Lord, be merciful and gracious to me; heal my inner self, for I have sinned against You.
—Psalm 41:3-4
Don’t obsess over your faults, or you will never enjoy the life that Jesus died to give you. Only God can change you, so talk to Him about your desires. The Word says that those who wait on the Lord will change (See Isaiah 40:31).
Meanwhile, quit taking your flaws so seriously. Don’t let discouragement or depression rob you of your energy and make you angry. If you do, you may take that anger out on other people and miss the blessings God has in store for you today. Enjoy yourself, and lighten up! Take the right steps today toward the change you want to make by asking God to help you all day long.
*Joyce Meyer: Joyce Meyer Ministries
-One of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ.
"SEALED BY GOD"
Today's Scripture
“…I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,' declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:23).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
We don’t often hear about signet rings anymore; but in Bible times, they were very significant. The signet ring was used to identify the message or messenger and the authority they had. In other words, you knew something was from the king because it was marked by His signet ring. It was representative of power and authority. This verse is saying that you are the mark of authority of Almighty God. You have been chosen and set apart to be identified with Him. When you have someone’s power and authority, you have access to everything they have. It’s like having power of attorney; you have the authority to act on behalf of that individual. As a believer in Jesus, marked with His seal, think of all you have access to today. Think about the authority you have. Everything He has is available to you—healing, provision, strength, peace, joy. You have been given authority to “sign His name” in order to receive His blessings. You are God’s seal, and you are marked to live the abundant life He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me and calling me Your own. Help me to fully understand the authority You’ve given by Your Son Jesus. I receive all You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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