Merry 2^nd Day of Christmas!

And the word became flesh and dwelt among us. – JOHN 1:14

This is what Bethlehem is really about. He became one with us and for us. Never again could a human being say, “My God does not understand what it means to live on this earth.” The mystery of His great love is the reason why Bethlehem is our home. It was His first.

Our prayers today are gratitude for the Incarnation.

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and worshipped him. –MATTHEW 2:11

If home is where the heart is, then Bethlehem today is home for each of us. “Come, Desire of nations, come! Fix in us Thy humble home.” That line of the carol

says it all as we draw near. We have so much to say to this Child of heaven and of earth.

Let your heart speak to Him.

No one has ever seen God. It is God, the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known. – JOHN 1:18

This is the Christmas story in one verse. This Child, approachable by poor shepherds and townfolk, by travelers from the ends of the earth and by every sincere seeker since then, is ours. The face of God’s love is revealed this night in a Baby cradled in a manger. No more can be said.

In awe and thanksgiving, we draw near to the heart of God

Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labor in vain. –PSALM 127:1

 There are two aspects to our spiritual journey. There is the work we choose to do and there is the grace of God to help us. The psalmist reminds us of this second element. We are often such doers that we forget to ask God to aid us. The Lord longs to support us as we build that spiritual home.

We will be aware this day that our Christmas welcome to Jesus depends on both our soul work and on God’s grace.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. –PSALM 84:10

 

The doorkeeper might be as physically far from the great ritual actions of the Temple as one could be, but it was a place of privilege. It was he who welcomed pilgrims home to the house of the Lord. Could we offer a similar welcome to someone this day by being Christlike, consciously, in life’s ordinary demands?

Let us be aware of our role as doorkeepers of the Good News of Jesus.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. –PSALM 23:6

 Only the psalmist knows the deepest meaning of what he says here. It probably stems from his desire to feel as elated and close to the Lord every day as he feels when he walks into the Temple courtyard on a festival day. Every day cannot be Christmas either, but we can dwell in the presence of God each day. All it takes is our desire.

Our prayer for today: Dwell in me as I long to be a home for you.

But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness is at home. – 2 PETER 3:13

Righteousness, being in a loving relationship with God, is one of the key concepts in the Bible. The author of this letter weaves it into the very nature of God’s promises coming to fulfillment. We need to remember that it is not some alien idea but part of our call from God. Thus He challenges us to be part of this new world where we and our neighbors stand together in justice. What step might we take today to make God’s dream come true?

We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. – 2 CORINTHIANS 5:8

Paul, battered, persecuted and torn by the needs of his new communities, is looking forward to his final rest. He uses the lovely image of being “at home” with the Lord to express this. Jesus has come into our world to be at home with us and one day we will finally be at home with Him. Full circle! Let us reflect this day on the phrase “at home with the Lord.”

“If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” –ACTS 16:15

Lydia warmly offers hospitality to Paul with these words, but they could so easily be our invitation to Jesus in prayer. They do carry a condition – “If you have judged me to be faithful” – but that is really our everyday challenge, isn’t it? “Come and stay at my home.” Let us invite Jesus with Lydia’s warmth.

Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. – JOHN 14:3

In all the busyness of these weeks, here are words to warm our often distracted souls. Jesus is looking to make a home in the hearts of any who love Him and prove it by keeping His word. Which of His teachings do we have the greatest difficulty incorporating into our lives?

Choose your favorite word of Jesus to be your companion for this day.

Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. –LUKE 10:38

What a gift to be able to welcome Jesus into one’s home. Like Martha, that is really what we are about this Advent, making those little changes so that Jesus will feel at home when Christmas comes.

Let us listen for anyone who knocks at our soul’s door today. Can we welcome them?

“Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” –MARK 5:19

Here is an apostle in the making since this man is told to spread the good news. And look at what he is to say: how much the Lord has done and what mercy – what life-giving grace – has come to him. What a powerful message!

Recount the blessings of the Lord to you in prayer this day.

“I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.” –MARK 2:11

As a cripple and so a sinner, this young man might not have been welcomed home in a long time. Jesus is sending him back to mend those ties and to bring joy to others who might have been shunned by their neighbors. This is a day for rejoicing in the truth that seeing with new light is always possible.

What new eyes do we need to develop this day to welcome someone?

“Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” – JOHN 7:42

It is so easy to forget. These objectors in Jerusalem have no idea where Jesus was born. For them He originates where they think He came from, a backward area to the north where one’s accent betrays one’s place of birth. How sure and how wrong they are!

Have we some equally inaccurate judgments that we are holding against others?

Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. –LUKE 2:15

The shepherds are the first of so many to decide they need to make a journey out of the routine of their ordinary lives to see for themselves something that God has done beyond their fields. They journey together to explore the new.

Explore in prayer what God has done in your life to call you beyond your “fields.

David said longingly, “O that someone would give me to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate.” – 2 SAMUEL 23:15

In a biblical anecdote meant to exalt the valor of David’s warriors, we hear the young leader’s careless words about his heart’s desire – water from home to which nothing else can compare. His warriors brave the enemy’s lines to get him that water, water that becomes too precious to drink when David realizes they have risked their lives to fulfill his wish.

This might be the day to speak carefully, knowing that our words have impact beyond what we might think.

But David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. – 1 SAMUEL 17:15

David, secretly anointed to succeed Saul, cannot claim his destiny until Saul dies. Here we see his somewhat mundane existence, still tending his family’s sheep while making music for the soul of the troubled king, Saul. It is a picture of patience and duty that we might have missed.

“Back and forth” indicates tedium. Does that apply to anything in our lives?

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. –RUTH 1:19

Ruth and Naomi are coming into Bethlehem as exhausted widows, without family or means of support. They are the poorest of the biblical poor, widows, for whom the Bible is so solicitous. Met at

the city gate by Naomi’s old friends, they turn tired, worried faces to this welcoming circle.

Who needs a welcome from us today?

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel. –MICAH 5:2

Micah’s dream is of the destiny to which tiny Bethlehem is pointed. It might be home for an insignificant tribe, but it can also produce a ruler for Israel with the ability to unite all the tribes into a nation.

“David’s city” is later applied to Jerusalem, this new capital. Men will forget that the name belonged first to this site that birthed Israel’s most famous king.

It takes so little to aim a spotlight elsewhere, but Bethlehem knows her destiny. On what should we focus today?

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; –LUKE 2:4

Joseph’s family, of the tribe of Judah, would have called Bethlehem home for many generations. Part of its appeal is hidden in the Hebrew name of the little town. It means “house of bread” and so it invites us to both spiritual and physical fulfillment.

For what are we most famished as we begin this Advent journey?

C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis was born 114 years ago today in Belfast, Ireland. He described this world as "enemy-occupied territory," desperate for a Savior. I suppose my favorite quote by him is, "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Day 30: August 18

There is a kind of joy in suffering true persecution which confirms our relationship with Christ.

Father God, on the last day of Ramadan may Christians be abundantly filled with joy even in the midst of their persecution.  May the source of that joy be a mystery to their persecutors causing them to seek to know the reasons ... and may they find You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Day 29: August 17

The persecuted suffer for doing rigteousness and standing in the truth of Christ.

Those living across the globe in Comoros Islands, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, and Brunei are suffering only becuase they stand on the truth of Christ, living their lives of righteousness.  Father, today hear their cries, strengthen them to remain bold in their faith and show Your glory in the midst of their suffering.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Day 28: August 16

Peacemakers are an enemy of Satan.

Lord, we know that many Christians suffer persecution because they stand as reminders to Satan, and those under his power, that Christ is in them to stay.  Even as they suffer injustice, like Asia Bibi in Pakistan, bring to mind that You stand with them and they they share in the suffering You suffered on their behalf.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Day 27: August 15

It is through strength and godly knowledge that peacemakers seek to establish peace.

Father, increase a hunger for Your Word in our lives that we might know You more.  We pray that Your Spirit might strengthen us to stand for true peace across the globe as we pray especially for our brothers and sisters in Mauritania and Morocco; intervening as You enable us for the cause of justice. 

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Day 26: August 14

Peacemakers realize that the peace can only be obtained by trusting in Jesus Christ.

Father, we know that true peace can only be found through faith in Christ.  Father fill Your flock world-wide today with an abundance of godly peace, so that this Ramadan holy day, Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power) those who hunger for peace will seek and find it in You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Day 25: August 13

Peacemakers delight in peace and attempt to advance peace everywhere.

Lord Jesus, the greatest act of peacemaking was Your sacrifice on the cross.  We pray for those living in the midst of political hostility and chaos in the Palestinian Territories, that You fill them with Your peace during this Ramadan season.  May this perfect peace be visible and draw those who do not know You into a relationship with You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Day 24: August 12

Through their faith in Christ, the pure in heart sees God in all circumstances.

Father, today we ask You to increase the faith in persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, especially during this month of Ramadan.  As they see Your clear presence in all their circumstances, enable them to bear up under pain and hardship, assured of Your goodness and power in their lives.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Day 23: August 11

The pure in heart live in confidence knowing that they will see Christ face-to-face in heaven.

Lord, today we lift up those who travel across difficult borders taking scriptures in countries where Your Word is banned.  Father as they face the threat of beating, imprisonment and even death if discovered, fill their hearts with the sure knowledge that one day they will see You face-to-face when You will honor their faithfulness to You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Day 22: August 10

The pure in heart have been given by the Spirit a new heart, one that desires God.

Thank You, Father, for the new hearts You have placed within us.  Increase daily our desire for You.  In countries like Northern Nigeria and Sudan where violence is reigning now, may believers be filled with a vision of You that their godly lives might be a testimony to their neighbors.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Day 21: August 9

The pure in heart know that their hearts are naturally impure and are in need of Christ's cleansing.

Father, our hearts grieve for brothers and sisters in Somalia and Mauritania where evil is all around them.  Remind them daily during Ramadan of their own need for cleansing that they will begin each day with pure hearts, showing others Your Spirit that glows inside of them.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Day 20: August 8

The merciful forgive those who have wronged them and show mercy to all.

Father God, many who live with daily persecution have endured so much injustice and hardship.  They have been imprisoned and family members have died simply because they worship You.  Protect them from bitterness.  As You have forgiven us all, during Ramadan release forgiveness in them toward perpetrators of violence.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Day 19: August 7

The merciful freely seek and receive God's mercy, and then pour it out on others.

Father, as You draw Secret Believer to Your Word during Ramadan.  May they prayerfully seek opportunities to demonstrate Your mercy, especially for those living in Iran and Saudi Arabia.  Father, may they extend Spirit-filled compassion to their neighbors who will see Christ in them.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Day 18: August 6

The merciful understand acutely their own need of God's mercy.

Lord, we each come to You with nothing to offer, in complete need of Your mercy.  We call on You to pour out Your mercy and compassion on Christians in Oman and Kuwait.  During this month of Ramadan may they have opportunities to extend that compassion to their Muslim neighbors.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Day 17: August 5

The merciful show compassion to those who suffer and they go out of their way to help.

Father, thank You for those who are persecuted for their faith, and yet, even in their suffering have compassion on their neighbors and show mercy to them.  Protect and strengthen those living in war-torn Syria letting their lives of mercy light the way for those living in darkness.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Day 16: August 4

The righteous believer feeds hungrily on the Word of God that he will live a God-filled life.

Father, for Christians working in government and other places of influence increase their hunger for Your Word and godly living.  Strengthen them to live lives of righteousness even when persecuted and intimidated.  May You fill them with wisdom in their actions ultimately drawing others to You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Day 15: August 3

The righteous believer listens to Christ speaking to his heart, conscience, soul and spirit.

Lord, as believers living under the perils of Sharia law in Afghanistan and Somalia bring their lives before Your Spirit, speak to their hearts, purify their consciences, cleanse their souls and strengthen their spirits that their righteous lives will be a living testimony that leads many to follow You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Day 14: August 2

The righteous believer conforms every thought, decision, word and action to what pleases Christ.

Father, with Your living water, cleanse the hearts of believers in Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan that they may search their hearts daily.  Out of clean hearts we pray that they live lives of rigteous integrity before their Muslim family and neighbors in this month of Ramadan.  May their righteousness be a beacon of light in the darkness.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."

Day 13: August 1

The righteous live in complete accordance with the will of God - all that is just, honorable and godly.

When the evil intents of men confront our brothers and sisters in Qatar and Bahrain, we pray, Lord, that You would satisfy their hunger for Your Word and empower them to live just, honorable and godly lives before their enemies ... especially during Ramadan.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth."

Day 12: July 31

The meek are patient.  The wicked don't win; in the end, the meek inherit the earth.

Father, sometimes it's difficult to see the Your glory with the powers of darkness threaten us.  But Jesus has overcome and so we pray for those who are humbly submitting to Your will in Yemen and Egypt, that You will grant them a vision of Your victory during the season of Ramadan and that hope will overwhelm their fears.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth."

Day 11: July 30

The meek live in the confidence that Christ shall have the victory, not Satan.

Father, we pray that the next generation of Christians in Muslim dominated countries like Uzbekistan and Chechnya will understand the power of Your Spirit as they humble themselves before You.  Give them opportunities today to tell others about the victory in Christ Jesus.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth."

Day 10: July 29

The meek are humbled before a holy and righteous God and submit to His will.

Father God, for those in Eritrea and Pakistan who are in prison, for otherwise suffering for their faith, strengthen them to submit in these dark providences.  Bring to mind assurances from Your Word that You are already victorious over Satan; his power in temporary; that suffering is only for a time and that one day they will rejoice in Your presence.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth."

Day 9: July 28

A meek person in meek before God but mighty and bold before the world and before Satan.

Father, strengthen our brothers and sisters in places dominated by Islam, that they might have boldness in their witness tempered by wisdom and compassion as they interact with their Muslim neighbors during this month of Ramadan.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Day 8: July 27

The promise to those who mourn is that they will be comforted.

Father, we lift up Christians in Somalia and Ethiopia who are suffering for their faith in You.  As they walk in humility before You, relinquishing to You their safety and even their own lives, comfort them.  Be a constant presence and give them a profound peace that can only come from You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Day 7: July 26

It is through mourning that we experience unbelievable joy and hope.

Thank You, Father, that as we grieve over our sins and die to them ... You lift us up and restore us.  Today as Christians in Algeria and Libya humble themselves before You, we ask that You restore their hope and cause them to walk in joy.  Living as true testimonies to their Muslim neighbors of Your saving grace.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Day 6: July 25

We mourn because we have sinned against a holy God and have brought dishonor to His name.


Father, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Sudan and Northern Nigeria who sometimes give into worldly ways because persecution is so great.  Help them to confess their sins and walk forward in Your grace.  Give them strength to fight the spiritual battles that surround them, bringing honor to Your holy Name.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Day 5: July 24

A person who mourns recognizes that he is a sinner before God.

Father we pray for our Christian brothers and sisters living in Muslim communities, who experience both physical and spiritual suffering.  Many have become weak due to the pressures.  Comfort and care for them during the Ramadan season so that Muslims who witness Your strength and power in them will be drawn to You.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"

Day 4: July 23

Only the poor in spirit will enter into the kingdom of God.

Heavenly Father, we pray that You strip us of self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-esteem as we seek ways to proclaim Your Word.  Whether it is in our local communities or in places such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Iran, Father, we ask that You provide us with tangible ways to share Your love.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Day 3: July 22

Poor in spirit means to acknowledge our unworthiness to receive gifts that God desires to bestow upon us.

Father, You gave us Your Son as a free gift because You love us. Today we pray for Christians living in Muslim dominated countries like Turkey, Iraq and Maldives.  We ask that You provide them with opportunities to share this knowledge of Your love and grace with their Muslim brothers and sisters.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim. Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Day 2: July 21

The "poor in spirit" are the ones who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, our hearts break for Muslims who are living in spiritural poverty.  We know that You love them and desire that they come to know You.  Today we ask that You raise up an army of stong believers living among Muslims in countries like Jordan and Indonesia to boldly share the gospel message with relatives, neighbors, and co-workers.

July 20th - August 18th is Ramadan, the holiest time for a Muslim.  Would you pray during these days for fellow Christians living in Islamic-dominated countries, for strength when they are harassed, for comfort when they are fearful, but most importantly that they may be emboldened to share the Gospel when possible?

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Day 1: July 20

The word "poor" in Greek means one who has nothing and is completely empty.

Father we pray today for Christians worldwide to humble themselves before You with the full knowledge of their lack of righteousness.  Help them to openly confess their sins.  Fill them with Your Spirit so that they can be used as a light to those around them, especially to Muslims in their communities.

By opposing abortion we are not opposing choice in general. We are opposing one choice in particular – child-killing.

All Scripture is God-breathed. A perfect God did not inspire an imperfect book.

“All Scripture is inspired of God.” The world translated “all” means the whole and every part of the whole.

Today the Lord will not require of me what He will not do in and through me.

I read my Bible – God talks to me. I pray – I talk to God. Wireless service that’s out of this world!

Today, dear Lord, help me to be deeply spiritual, but perfectly normal.

For every unfaithful pastor you can show me, I can show you dozens who are quietly doing their ministry for the LORD without fanfare or sensationalism.

Some pastors view their church as a diving board from which to launch to another place; some as an ironing board to do the work of the Lord.

Many churches make all their decisions on the basis of who is there now. Be sure and make your decisions on the basis of who is not there yet!

“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

If God is not worried, why am I?

The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ are the twin towers of the gospel message. This is clearly seen in I Cor. 15:1-8. A close examination of this passage shows that the crucifixion and resurrection provide the good news about what God has done for man’s two problems: sin and death.
At the cross God paid for and put away sin. In the resurrection He conquered death and changes life. What a message!

The Bible has several kinds of literature. There is narrative, poetry, epistolary, prophecy, apocalyptic, etc. to be found in the Bible.
In interpreting a passage of Scripture, it is absolutely vital to remember what kind of literature is the context of your passage. For instance, when you are studying a poetical passage, keep in mind that it uses a great deal of figures of speech. “The Lord is my shepherd” in Psa. 23:1 is clearly intended to draw lessons from the image of the shepherd to indicate characteristics of our Lord.
The shepherd guards his sheep; the Lord guards us. The shepherd guides his sheep; the Lord guides us. The shepherd feeds his sheep; the Lord feeds us.
Keeping this in mind will help you to avoid some misinterpretation.

When studying a Bible passage don’t overlook the prepositions. Those little words are often filled with important meaning.
Take, for instance, the prepositions in Philippians. 4 of them could be called the “Prepositions of the Christian Life.”—1. “IN Christ”(1:1)(our new POSITION); 2. “FOR Christ”(3:7)(our new PURPOSE); 3. “THROUGH Christ”(4:13)(our new POWER); 4. “WITH Christ”(1:23)(our new PROSPECT). Don’t neglect the prepositions!

Yesterday I mentioned the passage on the temptation of Christ. As I worked through Matthew 4:1-11 I was reminded again of the importance of doing parallel work in the Gospels. Several additional statements from Mark and Luke give further insights.
For instance, Matthew says Jesus was led of the Holy Spirit into the wilderness temptation. Mark is even stronger. He says Jesus was “driven” by the Holy Spirit. This gives us the definite impression that God Himself was behind the temptation experience. Think about all that might mean.
Also, Matthew says, after the temptation the devil left Jesus. That might give the impression there were no more encounters between Jesus and the devil. But, Luke adds that the devil left Jesus “for a season.” Changes your understanding, doesn’t it?
Be sure to check parallel passages when you are reading from the Gospels.

Since we believe that every word of Scripture is inspired and inerrant, we must not overlook a word.
In studying again the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11, I noticed that the passage begins with the word, “Then.” It is actually a continuing conjunction. This indicates to us that Matthew’s account is chronological, in contrast to Luke’s which gives the temptations in a different order.
“Then” also indicates that a comparison is being made between the temptation and what has gone before. Before Jesus was tempted, He was baptized and the Holy Spirit came upon Him. This suggests that often the times of greatest temptation and testing come after times of highest spiritual experience.
After the baptism, the battle; after the dove, the devil; after the ecstasy, the agony! Don’t overlook the words in the Word!

It is always helpful to get some keys to understanding a book of the Bible. Yesterday I mentioned the 2 key phrases to Judges: “there was no king in Israel,” and “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
Other Bible writers give keys to understanding their books. In the New Testament John gives keys for his books. His Gospel key is found in John 20:31. The key to I John is scattered throughout the book(“These are written…”). The key to Revelation is found in 1:19. Look for the keys to open the door of a Bible book.

The book of Judges is probably the best book to understand what is going on with the church in today’s modern culture.
There are two keys to the book: 1. “there was no king in Israel.” (occurring 4 times); 2. “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”(occurring 2 times). There you have the keys to the secularization of the American church—No authority; no absolutes.
However, the Bible makes it very clear we do have an authority—Jesus, the Son of God! We do have absolutes—the Bible, the Word of God!

This year at Levy Baptist, I’ve been preaching through the letters of Paul, book by book. I have been struck again by the sold biblical foundation for book by book preaching.

Of course, neither Jesus nor the apostles were pastors. But, it is easy to see the foundation for preaching through books of the Bible in their preaching ministries.

Our Lord’s message to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) indicates a consecutive, Christ-centered approach to preaching. Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17) gives evidence of a systematic, consecutive presentation of Old Testament truth.

For people to say you shouldn’t do book-by-book preaching because neither Jesus nor the apostles did is just ill-informed.

There are a number of strong words in the Bible to indicate the importance of biblical, expository preaching. Just a few from the ministry of Paul are in Acts 17:2-3. We are told Paul, “reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.”

Three words are very instructive: The Greek word for “reasoned” literally means, “To speak through.” It carries the idea of a logical presentation of Scripture. The Greek word for “opening” means to open thoroughly. It means to open or explain the sense of the Scriptures. The Greek word for “alleging” means to place alongside. The thought is applying the Scriptures to daily life.

There is a solid biblical basis for expository preaching.

Prophecy students used to believe the coalition of nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 represented the Soviet Union and other communist nations. When the Soviet Union fell, there was quite a bit of scrambling to reassess those passages.

It is not always easy to identify current nations, events, etc. in prophecy. But, it may be that the coalition of nations will not be a political one. Perhaps it will be a religion that will unite them.

When you look at the nations that will gather together to attack Israel in the last times, all of them are dominated by Islam. Perhaps Ezekiel is predicting the final destruction of Islam in the events leading up to Armageddon.

We can’t be dogmatic. But, such a view should give us renewed confidence in the providence and superintendence of God.

It is interesting to me that the last chapter of the Bible has 7 uses of the word, “come.” 3 times the Lord Jesus says, “I come”(Rev. 22:7, 12, 20). 3 times the appeal is made to humanity, (you) come”(Rev. 22:17). Jesus is saying, “You come to me before I come for you.”

But there is one more.

In verse 20 John says, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” When we answer the Lord’s invitation to come, then we are ready for His coming and can join John in the victorious shout, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Repetitions in the Bible are important!! Give the Word a careful, close look. You’ll miss some blessings if you don’t!

All Scripture is God-breathed. A perfect God did not inspire an imperfect book.

Today, dear Lord, help me to be deeply spiritual, but perfectly normal.

In your Bible study, I can’t stress enough the importance of tracing words in a Bible concordance.

If you are studying a certain word, just trace it all through the Bible. For instance, study the word, grace. You will find it occurs approximately 100 times in the Bible. When you have looked up all the times the word is mentioned and placed them in categories (ex. God is a God of grace; grace is a gift; etc.), you will have a better grasp of the meaning of grace.

When studying your Bible look for the beautiful pictures. Often comparisons and contrasts in pictures illuminate Bible truth.

Think of the pictures used to illustrate the value and power of God’s Word.

The Word is compared to a song (Psa. 119:54). God’s Word gives the lyric, melody, harmony and rhythm to life.

The Bible is also compared to a seed (Luke 8:11). The seed of the Word, planted in the human heart, can transform it from a wilderness of weeds to a beautiful garden of blessing.

And, the Word of God is compared to a sword (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). Our spiritual sword is sharper than a physical sword. A physical sword is dead and lifeless; our spiritual sword pulsates with life. A physical sword cuts from the outside in; our spiritual sword cuts from the inside out. A physical sword stabs living people and leaves them dead; our spiritual sword stabs dead people and leaves them alive!

Look for the pictures!

“God marks across some of our days, “Will explain later.”

- Vance Havner

Many of our days bring experiences, trials and heartaches we do not understand. On those days, we just have to trust that one day, He “will explain.”

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall  they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"   II Timothy 4:3
Exegesis: drawing out of Scripture what it says. Eisegesis: Reading into Scripture what you want it to say. There's a whole lot of eisegesis going on!

Purim

Then [Queen] Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days.” When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this.” Esther 4:10-14
Today is the Jewish holiday of Purim. This is the celebration based on the book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. The book of Esther tells the story of a young woman of Jewish birth who becomes the Queen. As queen, she employs wit, wisdom, and wiles to save her people from certain death at the hands of a cruel advisor to the king.
Each year during Purim four primary customs are observed. These customs are called mitzvot (which means ‘obligations’.) The four are:

1. Listening to the public reading, usually in synagogue, of the Book of Esther in the evening and again on the following morning (k'riat megillah)
2. Sending food gifts to friends (mishloach manot)
3. Giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim)
4. Eating a festive meal (se`udah)

While Purim is not quite as simple as I’ve indicated here – you get the basic idea, I am sure… and while we are not obligated or commanded to celebrate Purim in the Christian church – each year at Purim I am reminded of two important things: first, it is never a bad idea to read sacred Scripture, give food to others, tangibly help the poor, and eat festively; and second, perhaps you and I are here in this place for just such a time as this.

Prayer
God of all mystery and grace – Open my heart to hear your voice, open my life to share with friends and strangers alike, open my arms to embrace laughter, and open my eyes to see your plan… not just your plan for my eternity – but your plan for my today… your plan for my each and every moment of “now”. Amen.