Matthew 2: After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim 2 and asked, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim. 4 He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote,
6 ‘And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah,
are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah;
for from you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’”[Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:1(2)]
7 Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: “Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.
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Matthew 2:10 tells us about the wise men. “They were happy and excited to see the star.” When the wise men saw the star, they rejoiced. They were happy that God had chosen them to see the sign about Jesus’ birth.I can imagine that the wise men were joyful when they told King Herod about the birth of a new king. And they must have been very happy to finally find Jesus and worship Him.
As Christians, our sins are forgiven and we are saved from eternal separation from God. We should be very happy that Jesus was willing to die for us. We should also be excited to be close to Jesus and tell other people about Him.
There are many ways we can express our happiness to God. We can sign songs and poems, dance or sing as we worship. We can serve other people. And we can pray.
How will you show your happiness to God today?
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to rejoice in You and Your Son, Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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"Wise Men (1)" Matthew 2:1-12 for Thursday, December 8th, 2016
Matthew 2:1 After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim 2 and asked, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim. 4 He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote,
6 ‘And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah,
are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah;
for from you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’”[Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:1(2)]
7 Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: “Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.
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We are now in the Christmas season. The wise men are important characters in the story about Jesus’ birth. Today and for the next few days we will talk about some lessons that we can learn from the wise men.
Our Bible verses tell us that God gave the wise men a sign to lead them to Jesus. That sign was a star. The wise men faithfully obeyed God and followed the star.
In verse 12 we read, “But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Again the wise men faithfully obeyed God and took a different route home.
Like the wise men, we should faithfully obey God. We should devote our lives to doing what God tells us to do and avoiding things that God says are wrong. I hope you are faithfully obeying God and following Him today.
PRAYER: Father, I want to obey You in all areas of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (19)" Psalm 119:145-152 for Wednesday, December 7th, 2016
Psalm 119:ק (Kuf)
145 Wholeheartedly I am calling on you;
answer me, Adonai; I will keep your laws.
146 I am calling on you; save me;
and I will observe your instruction.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are open before the night watches,
so that I can meditate on your promise.
149 In your grace, hear my voice;
Adonai, in keeping with your justice, revive me.
150 The pursuers of carnality are getting close;
they are distancing themselves from your Torah.
151 You are close by, Adonai;
and all your mitzvot are truth.
152 Long ago I learned from your instruction
that you established it forever.
One morning I had my prayer time and sent my sons off to school. It was winter and the old furnace was on in the school. Something went wrong with the furnace, and smoke started pouring into the hallways of the school. The children were all safely evacuated from the building. Later I learned that the situation could have been much worse. I believe that God answered my prayer and kept my sons safe.
After that experience, I truly believed that my morning prayer time was very important. Have you talked to God today?
PRAYER: Lord, I trust You and ask You to bless me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Miracles" Mark 7:31-37 for Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
Mark 7:31 Then he left the district of Tzor and went through Tzidon to Lake Kinneret and on to the region of the Ten Towns. 32 They brought him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment and asked Yeshua to lay his hand on him. 33 Taking him off alone, away from the crowd, Yeshua put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat, and touched his tongue; 34 then, looking up to heaven, he gave a deep groan and said to him, “Hippatach!” (that is, “Be opened!”). 35 His ears were opened, his tongue was freed, and he began speaking clearly. 36 Yeshua ordered the people to tell no one; but the more he insisted, the more zealously they spread the news. 37 People were overcome with amazement. “Everything he does, he does well!” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!”
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Our Bible verses today tell us that Jesus healed a deaf man. This was a miracle — something that could only be done through God’s power. Whenever Jesus did a miracle, He was showing people about God’s awesome power. Many of Jesus’ miracles were predicted in the Old Testament. When Jesus did these miracles, He proved that His words were true.
Sometimes my family goes to a market. On tables at the market are cups of food samples. We like to taste these samples. Then we have an idea of how the food tastes. In the same way, reading about Jesus’ miracles gives us a sample of God’s kingdom. When we learn about God’s power and majesty, we look forward to living with Him forever.
I hope that reading about Jesus’ miracles and God’s power makes you want to live forever with Him. We will have an eternity to see God’s great power and experience His everlasting love.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Word which shows me Your power. And thank You for leading me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (18)" Psalm 119:137-144 for Monday, December 5th, 2016Psalm 119:צ (Tzadeh)
137 You are righteous, Adonai;
and your rulings are upright.
138 You have commanded your instructions
in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139 My zeal is destroying me,
because my foes have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is refined to complete purity,
and your servant loves it.
141 I may be small and despised,
but I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your mitzvot are my delight.
144 Your instruction is righteous forever;
give me understanding, and I will live.
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Recently I shared with you about my husband’s death as a firefighter. My birthday was six weeks after he died. What I did not know was that my son had told many people about my birthday. He asked these people to send me birthday cards.
Every day for about two weeks, I received birthday cards in the mail. When my son came home each evening, he asked me how many cards I had received that day. When I told him how many, he smiled. It was such a joy to see my son smiling again! That was the best birthday present I could ever have received.
The joy that I felt is the same kind of joy that God wants us to feel when we read His Word. Verse 143 of our Bible Reading says, “Even though I have troubles and hard times, your commands give me joy.”
God’s Word gives us comfort, peace and guidance. If we study the Bible and keep it in our hearts and minds, we will have great joy!
PRAYER: God, when I am facing hard times, I know I can read Your Word and find joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Zacchaeus" Luke 19:1-10 for Sunday, December 4th, 2016
Luke 19:1 Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through, 2 when a man named Zakkai appeared who was a chief tax-collector and a wealthy man. 3 He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn’t, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a fig tree in order to see him, for Yeshua was about to pass that way. 5 When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!” 6 He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully. 7 Everyone who saw it began muttering, “He has gone to be the house-guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zakkai stood there and said to the Lord, “Here, Lord, I am giving half of all I own to the poor; and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Yeshua said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
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Jesus traveled to Jericho. In that city was a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus. He had heard about Jesus and wanted to see him.
Our Bible verses tell us that there “were many others who wanted to see Jesus too. Zacchaeus was too short to see above the people” (verse 3b). What did Zacchaeus do? He climbed a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus.
As Jesus was passing by, He saw Zacchaeus and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry! Come down! I must stay at your house today” (verse 5b). Zacchaeus was happy to have Jesus come to his home. That day Zacchaeus decided that he wanted to start doing good things for God.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name. God loves each one of us and knows our names, too. He wants us to fellowship with Him every day. I hope you will be like Zacchaeus and open your heart to God today!
PRAYER: Lord, I want to do good things for You today. Please forgive me and help me to obey Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (17)" Psalm 119:129-136 for Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Psalm 119:פ (Peh)
129 Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
130 Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
131 My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
132 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
133 Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will observe your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 Rivers of tears flow down from my eyes,
because they don’t observe your Torah.
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Psalm 119 is a long discussion between the writer and God. These verses teach us how we can learn from God’s Word. In verses 129-136, we can find some guidelines to help us make God’s Word most important in our lives.
Verse 129 says, “Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them.” If we want to truly follow God, we must know that His rules are the best rules. Verse 130 tells us, “As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise.” We can read through the Bible many times, but we need to take God’s words and apply them to our daily lives.
In verse 133 the writer says to God, “Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me.” When we study the Bible and obey it, we will be ready to resist the devil and the bad things he wants us to do. Depending on God’s Word will keep us close to God.
Are you studying and obeying God’s Word today?
PRAYER: Lord, I want to be with You and read Your Word every day. Guide me and teach me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Hitchhiker Christians" 2 Samuel 15:18-22 for Friday, December 2nd, 2016
2 Samuel 15:18 for all his servants to pass by him in review; all the K’reti and P’leti and all the Gittim (600 men who had accompanied him from Gat) passed in review before the king.
19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gitti, “You too? Why are you going with us? Go back, and stay with your king, since you are both a foreigner and in exile from your own place. 20 You arrived only yesterday; should I ask you to wander around with us? There’s no telling where I may go. Return, and take your kinsmen back with you. Grace and truth be with you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king, “As Adonai lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, your servant will be there too.” 22 “Go, move along,” said David to Ittai; and Ittai the Gitti moved on, accompanied by all his men and the little ones with him.
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My friends and I were driving, and we saw a young hitchhiker. We picked him up and asked him where he was going. He said that it didn’t make any difference — he was just out looking around!
It is too bad that many people are what I call “hitchhiker Christians.” These people go from church to church, not wanting to be committed to any church. These people are missing out on serving in a local ministry, receiving help from a pastor and developing relationships with other Christians.
Our Bible verses tell us about Ittai. He was a foreigner who served King David. When David told him to return home, Ittai answered (verse 21), “As the Lord lives, and as long as you live, I will stay with you, in life or death!” Ittai faithfully served King David as a commander in his army.
If you do not have a church where you can worship and serve, I encourage you to find one. Then commit yourself to being part of God’s kingdom there.
PRAYER: Father, I want to faithfully serve You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (16)" Psalm 119:121-128 for Thursday, December 1st, 2016
Psalm 119:ע (‘Ayin)
121 I have done what is just and right;
don’t abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
don’t let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for [the fulfillment of] your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant in accordance with your grace,
and teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I can know your instruction.
126 The time has come for Adonai to act,
because they are breaking your Torah.
127 Therefore I love your mitzvot
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128 Thus I direct my steps by [your] precepts;
every false way I hate.
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My husband died as a result of fighting a fire. After his death, he was recognized as a Fallen Firefighter and honored at a special memorial service. I drove across the country to attend this memorial service.
As I was driving, I had a lot of time to look at God’s creation. It was fall time and the leaves were turning. I thought that my husband would have loved to see this beauty. Then I thought about my sons, and I realized that for the first time, I was the head of our family. I would have to raise my sons alone. But I knew that I could not do this without God’s help. I would need God’s wisdom if I was going to be successful in raising my sons.
The verses in our Bible Reading remind me of that time in my life. I was like the writer of these verses. I asked God to be good to me, to show me His love and to give me wisdom.
No matter what you are facing today, you can depend on God to be with you!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for always being with me and giving me Your wisdom and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Seeds" Mark 4:13-20 for Wednesday, November 30th, 2016
Mark 4:13 Then Yeshua said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you be able to understand any parable? 14 The sower sows the message. 15 Those alongside the path where the message is sown are people who no sooner hear it than the Adversary comes and takes away the message sown in them. 16 Likewise, those receiving seed on rocky patches are people who hear the message and joyfully accept it at once; 17 but they have no root in themselves. So they hold out for a while, but as soon as some trouble or persecution arises on account of the message, they immediately fall away. 18 Others are those sown among thorns — they hear the message; 19 but the worries of the world, the deceitful glamor of wealth and all the other kinds of desires push in and choke the message; so that it produces nothing. 20 But those sown on rich soil hear the message, accept it and bear fruit — thirty, sixty or a hundredfold.”
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I spent many years teaching math to students. Now I am retired. But God continues to teach me lessons about Himself and His Word.
Our Bible Reading is a story that Jesus told about planting seeds. The seeds in this story are God’s teaching. As I was working in my garden recently, I thought about these verses. If seeds stay in the package, they can’t be planted. When they are taken out of the package and planted in good soil, they begin to grow. With sunlight and water, these seeds will produce fruit, flowers or vegetables.
When I decided to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, God planted the seeds of His teaching in my heart. Then I started to grow as a Christian and to share the Good News about Jesus with others.
I hope you will be like the good ground in Jesus’ story. I hope that you will receive His teaching and grow as a Christian.
PRAYER: Father, help me to receive Your Word and to share it with other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (15)" Psalm 119:113-120 for Tuesday, November 29th, 2016Psalm 119:ס (Samekh)
113 I hate doubleminded people,
but I love your Torah.
114 You are my hiding-place and shield;
I put my hope in your word.
115 Leave me alone, you evildoers,
so that I can keep my God’s mitzvot.
116 Uphold me, as you promised; and I will live;
don’t disappoint me in my hope.
117 Support me; and I will be saved,
always putting my attention on your laws.
118 You reject all who stray from your laws,
for what they deceive themselves with is false.
119 You discard the wicked of the earth like slag;
this is why I love your instruction.
120 My body trembles for fear of you;
your rulings make me afraid.
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In verse 114a of Psalm 119, the writer says to God, “Hide me and protect me.” When I am surrounded by problems in my life, I want God to hide and protect me, too.
I have found a way so that I can feel like God is hiding me and protecting me. I have a corner of my living room set up just for my Bible study and prayer time. When I sit there, I read my Bible or books written by Christian authors. Or I spend time praying and praising God.
This time in my special corner helps me prepare for my day. It gives me peace so I can go out in the world and face conflicts and problems. I look forward to this time every day when I can be quiet and renew my spirit.
Maybe you can have a special place where you can be alone with God. Ask Him to hide you and protect you and fill you with His Word.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for being with me each day. You always comfort me and fill me with Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Training" 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 for Monday, November 28th, 2016
1 Corinthians 9:23 But I do it all because of the rewards promised by the Good News, so that I may share in them along with the others who come to trust. 24 Don’t you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win! 25 Now every athlete in training submits himself to strict discipline, and he does it just to win a laurel wreath that will soon wither away. But we do it to win a crown that will last forever. 26 Accordingly, I don’t run aimlessly but straight for the finish line; I don’t shadow-box but try to make every punch count. 27 I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that, after proclaiming the Good News to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
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Every four years I watch the Olympics on TV. I am always amazed by all the training the athletes go through so that they can compete in the games. These men and women work very hard to get their bodies in the best shape possible. They each try to win a gold medal.
In our Bible Reading today, Paul talks about running a race and getting the prize. Paul says that athletes train and win a prize. This prize is “one that doesn’t last. But our prize is one that will last forever” (verse 25b). What is this prize that will last forever? The prize is much better than a gold medal. It is eternal life with God!
Just as an athlete trains for the Olympics, Christians need to train themselves to have self-control and to be like Jesus. This training must happen every day. And they must not give up. They must keep focused on the prize of heaven.
Do you want to receive the prize of eternal life with God? Be like Jesus today!
PRAYER: Father, I pray that You will be with me today and help me be like Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (14)" Psalm 119:105-112 for Sunday, November 27th, 2016
Psalm 119:נ (Nun)
105 Your word is a lamp for my foot
and light on my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
that I will observe your righteous rulings.
107 I am very much distressed;
Adonai, give me life, in keeping with your word.
108 Please accept my mouth’s voluntary offerings, Adonai;
and teach me your rulings.
109 I am continually taking my life in my hands,
yet I haven’t forgotten your Torah.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,
yet I haven’t strayed from your precepts.
111 I take your instruction as a permanent heritage,
because it is the joy of my heart.
112 I have resolved to obey your laws
forever, at every step.
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Verse 108a of our Bible Reading says, “Lord, accept the praise I want to give you.” This section of Psalm 119 lists many reasons for praising God.
Several years ago my husband died. It was a hard struggle for me to raise my sons. I suffered emotionally, and I also had many physical problems. Every day I would pray and ask God to help me with my problems. Then one day as I was praying, I stopped. I realized that I needed to praise God, too.
I had been so busy thinking about my problems that I had forgotten about the many things I could praise God for — my sons, Christians who encouraged me, people who prayed for me and most of all, God who took care of me every day!
As I started to spend more time praising God, I realized that my problems and pain were not as bad as before. Praising God encouraged and strengthened me!
Take time to praise God today!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are always worthy of my praise and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Good News" Romans 1:1-4 for Saturday, November 26th, 2016
Romans 1:1 From: Sha’ul, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua, an emissary because I was called and set apart for the Good News of God.
2 God promised this Good News in advance through his prophets in the Tanakh. 3 It concerns his Son — he is descended from David physically; 4 he was powerfully demonstrated to be Son of God spiritually, set apart by his having been resurrected from the dead; he is Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord.
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In our Bible verses today, Paul said that his work was to tell the Good News. “The Good News is about God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (verse 3).
As Christians, our job is to tell the Good News, too. But where should we go to tell the Good News about Jesus? Look at the word “NEWS.” The “N” could stand for North, the “E” for East, the “W” for West and the “S” for South. We should go everywhere — in all directions — to tell other people about Jesus and His wonderful plan of salvation.
Maybe you can go to neighbors who live close to you. Maybe you can go to another town. Or maybe you can go on a mission trip to another country. Wherever you go, you can share about Jesus.
When Jesus was ready to leave the earth and return to heaven, He told His disciples, “So go and make followers of all people in the world” (Matthew 28:19a) That command is for you, too. Where will you share about Jesus today?
PRAYER: Dear God, I want to tell people the Good News about Jesus today. In His name. Amen.
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"Focus on Jesus" Hebrews 12:1-3 for Friday, November 25th, 2016
Hebrews 12:1 So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment — that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement — and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, 2 looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting,[Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4] Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1] 3 Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent.
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Last night I remembered that my husband had recently bought some ice cream. I looked in the freezer, but I could not find the ice cream. I was puzzled, but I kept on looking. Finally I found the ice cream – in the refrigerator! So I had a bowl of very soft ice cream!
Sometimes we are distracted in our everyday life. Then we may forget to do things or we may put things in the wrong place. But it is really bad when we become distracted in our spiritual life. Our Bible verses compare life to a race. If a runner becomes distracted and wanders off the course, he will not win the race. In the same way, if we become distracted from following Jesus, we become spiritually weak. Then it is easier to give in to the devil’s temptations.
It is important for you to focus on your family and your job today. But it is even more important for you to keep focused on Jesus. Don’t let the distractions of the world stop you from following Him.
PRAYER: Father, help me to keep my life focused on Jesus today. In His name. Amen.
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"Prayer Turkey" Psalm 136:1-9 for Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to Adonai, for he is good,
for his grace continues forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his grace continues forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his grace continues forever;
4 to him who alone has done great wonders,
for his grace continues forever;
5 to him who skillfully made the heavens,
for his grace continues forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth on the water,
for his grace continues forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his grace continues forever;
8 the sun to rule the day,
for his grace continues forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule the night,
for his grace continues forever;
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On Thanksgiving Day in America, many families prepare a turkey for their dinner. So around Thanksgiving time, some people make craft projects that look like turkeys.
Maybe you can make a “prayer turkey” to help you and your family remember to thank God for all He has done for you. Place your hand on a piece of paper and draw around it. Draw a turkey face on your thumb outline and color the four fingers to look like turkey feathers. Then write above each finger things that you are thankful for. Maybe you can write salvation, family, friends, food or other things that you want to thank God for. Then hang your turkey some place where you will see it every day.
Our Bible verses from Psalms today list many reasons that we can be thankful. Each verse reminds us that God loves us and is faithful. God has done so many wonderful things for us. Give thanks to Him today!
PRAYER: Father, thank You for all the blessings You have given to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Be Thankful" Philippians 4:4-9 for Monday, November 21st, 2016
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! 6 Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 7 Then God’s shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy. 9 Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.
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Later this week, people in America will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Giving thanks is something that Paul taught. Verse 6 of our Bible Reading says, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.”
Many Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving Day only think about a day of vacation and all the food they will eat. But Thanksgiving Day is more than that. It is a day to thank God for all our blessings — families, homes, jobs, food and most important, Jesus!
Maybe you have to work on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe you don’t have family members you can eat with. Maybe you don’t have a lot of food to eat. Those things are not the most important. What is most important is to thank God for the many ways He has blessed you.
Praise God for all He has done for you!
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to always remember what You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Joy" Philippians 3:7-11 for Sunday, November 20th, 2016
Philippians 3:7 But the things that used to be advantages for me, I have, because of the Messiah, come to consider a disadvantage. 8 Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yeshua as my Lord. It was because of him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah 9 and be found in union with him, not having any righteousness of my own based on legalism, but having that righteousness which comes through the Messiah’s faithfulness, the righteousness from God based on trust. 10 Yes, I gave it all up in order to know him, that is, to know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings as I am being conformed to his death, 11 so that somehow I might arrive at being resurrected from the dead.
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A young boy placed $1 bills on his bed, covering the entire top of the bed. He had earned this money mowing lawns. The young boy was filled with joy.
A mother looked at her newborn child. She looked at the child’s eyes and smile. The mother was overflowing with joy.
These are examples of treasures that brought great joy. But the most precious treasure that we can have is to know Jesus as our Savior. In our Bible verses, Paul said that all the great things that happened to him were “worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”(verse 8b). Having Jesus as our Savior is the greatest joy we can have.
We have all experienced times when we did not trust God to take care of us. But we can know that He is always with us and will never let us down. Do you want to experience great joy? Give your life to God and live for Him every day.
PRAYER: Lord, Your love for me is so great. Thank You for the joy I have because I serve Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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Watch latest Deaf Devo in ASL on:"Wise Men (1)" Matthew 2:1-12 for Thursday, December 8th, 2016
Matthew 2:1 After Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah during the time when Herod was king, Magi from the east came to Yerushalayim 2 and asked, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard of this he became very agitated, and so did everyone else in Yerushalayim. 4 He called together all the head cohanim and Torah-teachers of the people and asked them, “Where will the Messiah be born?” 5 “In Beit-Lechem of Y’hudah,” they replied, “because the prophet wrote,
6 ‘And you, Beit-Lechem in the land of Y’hudah,
are by no means the least among the rulers of Y’hudah;
for from you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd my people Isra’el.’”[Matthew 2:6 Micah 5:1(2)]
7 Herod summoned the Magi to meet with him privately and asked them exactly when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Beit-Lechem with these instructions: “Search carefully for the child; and when you find him, let me know, so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had listened to the king, they went away; and the star which they had seen in the east went in front of them until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 Upon entering the house, they saw the child with his mother Miryam; and they prostrated themselves and worshipped him. Then they opened their bags and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 But they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they took another route back to their own country.
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We are now in the Christmas season. The wise men are important characters in the story about Jesus’ birth. Today and for the next few days we will talk about some lessons that we can learn from the wise men.
Our Bible verses tell us that God gave the wise men a sign to lead them to Jesus. That sign was a star. The wise men faithfully obeyed God and followed the star.
In verse 12 we read, “But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod. So they went home to their own country a different way.” Again the wise men faithfully obeyed God and took a different route home.
Like the wise men, we should faithfully obey God. We should devote our lives to doing what God tells us to do and avoiding things that God says are wrong. I hope you are faithfully obeying God and following Him today.
PRAYER: Father, I want to obey You in all areas of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (19)" Psalm 119:145-152 for Wednesday, December 7th, 2016
Psalm 119:ק (Kuf)
145 Wholeheartedly I am calling on you;
answer me, Adonai; I will keep your laws.
146 I am calling on you; save me;
and I will observe your instruction.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes are open before the night watches,
so that I can meditate on your promise.
149 In your grace, hear my voice;
Adonai, in keeping with your justice, revive me.
150 The pursuers of carnality are getting close;
they are distancing themselves from your Torah.
151 You are close by, Adonai;
and all your mitzvot are truth.
152 Long ago I learned from your instruction
that you established it forever.
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Verse 147 of our Bible Reading says, “I get up early in the morning to pray to you.” When my sons were young, I tried to have a time of prayer and Bible reading early every morning. Often it was a struggle to get my sons ready for school. So finally I decided to set my alarm every morning and get up to pray. During my prayer time, I prayed for my sons and their day at school.One morning I had my prayer time and sent my sons off to school. It was winter and the old furnace was on in the school. Something went wrong with the furnace, and smoke started pouring into the hallways of the school. The children were all safely evacuated from the building. Later I learned that the situation could have been much worse. I believe that God answered my prayer and kept my sons safe.
After that experience, I truly believed that my morning prayer time was very important. Have you talked to God today?
PRAYER: Lord, I trust You and ask You to bless me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Miracles" Mark 7:31-37 for Tuesday, December 6th, 2016
Mark 7:31 Then he left the district of Tzor and went through Tzidon to Lake Kinneret and on to the region of the Ten Towns. 32 They brought him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment and asked Yeshua to lay his hand on him. 33 Taking him off alone, away from the crowd, Yeshua put his fingers into the man’s ears, spat, and touched his tongue; 34 then, looking up to heaven, he gave a deep groan and said to him, “Hippatach!” (that is, “Be opened!”). 35 His ears were opened, his tongue was freed, and he began speaking clearly. 36 Yeshua ordered the people to tell no one; but the more he insisted, the more zealously they spread the news. 37 People were overcome with amazement. “Everything he does, he does well!” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak!”
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Our Bible verses today tell us that Jesus healed a deaf man. This was a miracle — something that could only be done through God’s power. Whenever Jesus did a miracle, He was showing people about God’s awesome power. Many of Jesus’ miracles were predicted in the Old Testament. When Jesus did these miracles, He proved that His words were true.
Sometimes my family goes to a market. On tables at the market are cups of food samples. We like to taste these samples. Then we have an idea of how the food tastes. In the same way, reading about Jesus’ miracles gives us a sample of God’s kingdom. When we learn about God’s power and majesty, we look forward to living with Him forever.
I hope that reading about Jesus’ miracles and God’s power makes you want to live forever with Him. We will have an eternity to see God’s great power and experience His everlasting love.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Word which shows me Your power. And thank You for leading me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (18)" Psalm 119:137-144 for Monday, December 5th, 2016Psalm 119:צ (Tzadeh)
137 You are righteous, Adonai;
and your rulings are upright.
138 You have commanded your instructions
in righteousness and great faithfulness.
139 My zeal is destroying me,
because my foes have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is refined to complete purity,
and your servant loves it.
141 I may be small and despised,
but I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is eternal righteousness,
and your Torah is truth.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me,
but your mitzvot are my delight.
144 Your instruction is righteous forever;
give me understanding, and I will live.
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Recently I shared with you about my husband’s death as a firefighter. My birthday was six weeks after he died. What I did not know was that my son had told many people about my birthday. He asked these people to send me birthday cards.
Every day for about two weeks, I received birthday cards in the mail. When my son came home each evening, he asked me how many cards I had received that day. When I told him how many, he smiled. It was such a joy to see my son smiling again! That was the best birthday present I could ever have received.
The joy that I felt is the same kind of joy that God wants us to feel when we read His Word. Verse 143 of our Bible Reading says, “Even though I have troubles and hard times, your commands give me joy.”
God’s Word gives us comfort, peace and guidance. If we study the Bible and keep it in our hearts and minds, we will have great joy!
PRAYER: God, when I am facing hard times, I know I can read Your Word and find joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Zacchaeus" Luke 19:1-10 for Sunday, December 4th, 2016
Luke 19:1 Yeshua entered Yericho and was passing through, 2 when a man named Zakkai appeared who was a chief tax-collector and a wealthy man. 3 He was trying to see who Yeshua was; but, being short, he couldn’t, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed a fig tree in order to see him, for Yeshua was about to pass that way. 5 When he came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zakkai! Hurry! Come down, because I have to stay at your house today!” 6 He climbed down as fast as he could and welcomed Yeshua joyfully. 7 Everyone who saw it began muttering, “He has gone to be the house-guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zakkai stood there and said to the Lord, “Here, Lord, I am giving half of all I own to the poor; and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” 9 Yeshua said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as this man too is a son of Avraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.”
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Jesus traveled to Jericho. In that city was a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus. He had heard about Jesus and wanted to see him.
Our Bible verses tell us that there “were many others who wanted to see Jesus too. Zacchaeus was too short to see above the people” (verse 3b). What did Zacchaeus do? He climbed a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus.
As Jesus was passing by, He saw Zacchaeus and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry! Come down! I must stay at your house today” (verse 5b). Zacchaeus was happy to have Jesus come to his home. That day Zacchaeus decided that he wanted to start doing good things for God.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name. God loves each one of us and knows our names, too. He wants us to fellowship with Him every day. I hope you will be like Zacchaeus and open your heart to God today!
PRAYER: Lord, I want to do good things for You today. Please forgive me and help me to obey Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (17)" Psalm 119:129-136 for Saturday, December 3rd, 2016
Psalm 119:פ (Peh)
129 Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
130 Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
131 My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
132 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
133 Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression,
and I will observe your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
136 Rivers of tears flow down from my eyes,
because they don’t observe your Torah.
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Psalm 119 is a long discussion between the writer and God. These verses teach us how we can learn from God’s Word. In verses 129-136, we can find some guidelines to help us make God’s Word most important in our lives.Verse 129 says, “Lord, your rules are wonderful. That is why I follow them.” If we want to truly follow God, we must know that His rules are the best rules. Verse 130 tells us, “As people understand your word, it brings light to their lives. Your word makes even simple people wise.” We can read through the Bible many times, but we need to take God’s words and apply them to our daily lives.
In verse 133 the writer says to God, “Guide me, as you promised. Don’t let evil rule over me.” When we study the Bible and obey it, we will be ready to resist the devil and the bad things he wants us to do. Depending on God’s Word will keep us close to God.
Are you studying and obeying God’s Word today?
PRAYER: Lord, I want to be with You and read Your Word every day. Guide me and teach me today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Hitchhiker Christians" 2 Samuel 15:18-22 for Friday, December 2nd, 2016
2 Samuel 15:18 for all his servants to pass by him in review; all the K’reti and P’leti and all the Gittim (600 men who had accompanied him from Gat) passed in review before the king.
19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gitti, “You too? Why are you going with us? Go back, and stay with your king, since you are both a foreigner and in exile from your own place. 20 You arrived only yesterday; should I ask you to wander around with us? There’s no telling where I may go. Return, and take your kinsmen back with you. Grace and truth be with you.” 21 But Ittai answered the king, “As Adonai lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether for death or for life, your servant will be there too.” 22 “Go, move along,” said David to Ittai; and Ittai the Gitti moved on, accompanied by all his men and the little ones with him.
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My friends and I were driving, and we saw a young hitchhiker. We picked him up and asked him where he was going. He said that it didn’t make any difference — he was just out looking around!It is too bad that many people are what I call “hitchhiker Christians.” These people go from church to church, not wanting to be committed to any church. These people are missing out on serving in a local ministry, receiving help from a pastor and developing relationships with other Christians.
Our Bible verses tell us about Ittai. He was a foreigner who served King David. When David told him to return home, Ittai answered (verse 21), “As the Lord lives, and as long as you live, I will stay with you, in life or death!” Ittai faithfully served King David as a commander in his army.
If you do not have a church where you can worship and serve, I encourage you to find one. Then commit yourself to being part of God’s kingdom there.
PRAYER: Father, I want to faithfully serve You every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (16)" Psalm 119:121-128 for Thursday, December 1st, 2016
Psalm 119:ע (‘Ayin)
121 I have done what is just and right;
don’t abandon me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being;
don’t let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes fail from watching for your salvation
and for [the fulfillment of] your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant in accordance with your grace,
and teach me your laws.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding,
so that I can know your instruction.
126 The time has come for Adonai to act,
because they are breaking your Torah.
127 Therefore I love your mitzvot
more than gold, more than fine gold.
128 Thus I direct my steps by [your] precepts;
every false way I hate.
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My husband died as a result of fighting a fire. After his death, he was recognized as a Fallen Firefighter and honored at a special memorial service. I drove across the country to attend this memorial service.As I was driving, I had a lot of time to look at God’s creation. It was fall time and the leaves were turning. I thought that my husband would have loved to see this beauty. Then I thought about my sons, and I realized that for the first time, I was the head of our family. I would have to raise my sons alone. But I knew that I could not do this without God’s help. I would need God’s wisdom if I was going to be successful in raising my sons.
The verses in our Bible Reading remind me of that time in my life. I was like the writer of these verses. I asked God to be good to me, to show me His love and to give me wisdom.
No matter what you are facing today, you can depend on God to be with you!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for always being with me and giving me Your wisdom and strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Seeds" Mark 4:13-20 for Wednesday, November 30th, 2016
Mark 4:13 Then Yeshua said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you be able to understand any parable? 14 The sower sows the message. 15 Those alongside the path where the message is sown are people who no sooner hear it than the Adversary comes and takes away the message sown in them. 16 Likewise, those receiving seed on rocky patches are people who hear the message and joyfully accept it at once; 17 but they have no root in themselves. So they hold out for a while, but as soon as some trouble or persecution arises on account of the message, they immediately fall away. 18 Others are those sown among thorns — they hear the message; 19 but the worries of the world, the deceitful glamor of wealth and all the other kinds of desires push in and choke the message; so that it produces nothing. 20 But those sown on rich soil hear the message, accept it and bear fruit — thirty, sixty or a hundredfold.”
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I spent many years teaching math to students. Now I am retired. But God continues to teach me lessons about Himself and His Word.Our Bible Reading is a story that Jesus told about planting seeds. The seeds in this story are God’s teaching. As I was working in my garden recently, I thought about these verses. If seeds stay in the package, they can’t be planted. When they are taken out of the package and planted in good soil, they begin to grow. With sunlight and water, these seeds will produce fruit, flowers or vegetables.
When I decided to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior, God planted the seeds of His teaching in my heart. Then I started to grow as a Christian and to share the Good News about Jesus with others.
I hope you will be like the good ground in Jesus’ story. I hope that you will receive His teaching and grow as a Christian.
PRAYER: Father, help me to receive Your Word and to share it with other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (15)" Psalm 119:113-120 for Tuesday, November 29th, 2016Psalm 119:ס (Samekh)
113 I hate doubleminded people,
but I love your Torah.
114 You are my hiding-place and shield;
I put my hope in your word.
115 Leave me alone, you evildoers,
so that I can keep my God’s mitzvot.
116 Uphold me, as you promised; and I will live;
don’t disappoint me in my hope.
117 Support me; and I will be saved,
always putting my attention on your laws.
118 You reject all who stray from your laws,
for what they deceive themselves with is false.
119 You discard the wicked of the earth like slag;
this is why I love your instruction.
120 My body trembles for fear of you;
your rulings make me afraid.
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In verse 114a of Psalm 119, the writer says to God, “Hide me and protect me.” When I am surrounded by problems in my life, I want God to hide and protect me, too.I have found a way so that I can feel like God is hiding me and protecting me. I have a corner of my living room set up just for my Bible study and prayer time. When I sit there, I read my Bible or books written by Christian authors. Or I spend time praying and praising God.
This time in my special corner helps me prepare for my day. It gives me peace so I can go out in the world and face conflicts and problems. I look forward to this time every day when I can be quiet and renew my spirit.
Maybe you can have a special place where you can be alone with God. Ask Him to hide you and protect you and fill you with His Word.
PRAYER: Thank You, Lord, for being with me each day. You always comfort me and fill me with Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Training" 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 for Monday, November 28th, 2016
1 Corinthians 9:23 But I do it all because of the rewards promised by the Good News, so that I may share in them along with the others who come to trust. 24 Don’t you know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one wins the prize? So then, run to win! 25 Now every athlete in training submits himself to strict discipline, and he does it just to win a laurel wreath that will soon wither away. But we do it to win a crown that will last forever. 26 Accordingly, I don’t run aimlessly but straight for the finish line; I don’t shadow-box but try to make every punch count. 27 I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that, after proclaiming the Good News to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
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Every four years I watch the Olympics on TV. I am always amazed by all the training the athletes go through so that they can compete in the games. These men and women work very hard to get their bodies in the best shape possible. They each try to win a gold medal.In our Bible Reading today, Paul talks about running a race and getting the prize. Paul says that athletes train and win a prize. This prize is “one that doesn’t last. But our prize is one that will last forever” (verse 25b). What is this prize that will last forever? The prize is much better than a gold medal. It is eternal life with God!
Just as an athlete trains for the Olympics, Christians need to train themselves to have self-control and to be like Jesus. This training must happen every day. And they must not give up. They must keep focused on the prize of heaven.
Do you want to receive the prize of eternal life with God? Be like Jesus today!
PRAYER: Father, I pray that You will be with me today and help me be like Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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"Psalm 119 (14)" Psalm 119:105-112 for Sunday, November 27th, 2016
Psalm 119:נ (Nun)
105 Your word is a lamp for my foot
and light on my path.
106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it,
that I will observe your righteous rulings.
107 I am very much distressed;
Adonai, give me life, in keeping with your word.
108 Please accept my mouth’s voluntary offerings, Adonai;
and teach me your rulings.
109 I am continually taking my life in my hands,
yet I haven’t forgotten your Torah.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me,
yet I haven’t strayed from your precepts.
111 I take your instruction as a permanent heritage,
because it is the joy of my heart.
112 I have resolved to obey your laws
forever, at every step.
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Verse 108a of our Bible Reading says, “Lord, accept the praise I want to give you.” This section of Psalm 119 lists many reasons for praising God.Several years ago my husband died. It was a hard struggle for me to raise my sons. I suffered emotionally, and I also had many physical problems. Every day I would pray and ask God to help me with my problems. Then one day as I was praying, I stopped. I realized that I needed to praise God, too.
I had been so busy thinking about my problems that I had forgotten about the many things I could praise God for — my sons, Christians who encouraged me, people who prayed for me and most of all, God who took care of me every day!
As I started to spend more time praising God, I realized that my problems and pain were not as bad as before. Praising God encouraged and strengthened me!
Take time to praise God today!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, You are always worthy of my praise and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Good News" Romans 1:1-4 for Saturday, November 26th, 2016
Romans 1:1 From: Sha’ul, a slave of the Messiah Yeshua, an emissary because I was called and set apart for the Good News of God.
2 God promised this Good News in advance through his prophets in the Tanakh. 3 It concerns his Son — he is descended from David physically; 4 he was powerfully demonstrated to be Son of God spiritually, set apart by his having been resurrected from the dead; he is Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord.
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In our Bible verses today, Paul said that his work was to tell the Good News. “The Good News is about God’s Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (verse 3).As Christians, our job is to tell the Good News, too. But where should we go to tell the Good News about Jesus? Look at the word “NEWS.” The “N” could stand for North, the “E” for East, the “W” for West and the “S” for South. We should go everywhere — in all directions — to tell other people about Jesus and His wonderful plan of salvation.
Maybe you can go to neighbors who live close to you. Maybe you can go to another town. Or maybe you can go on a mission trip to another country. Wherever you go, you can share about Jesus.
When Jesus was ready to leave the earth and return to heaven, He told His disciples, “So go and make followers of all people in the world” (Matthew 28:19a) That command is for you, too. Where will you share about Jesus today?
PRAYER: Dear God, I want to tell people the Good News about Jesus today. In His name. Amen.
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"Focus on Jesus" Hebrews 12:1-3 for Friday, November 25th, 2016
Hebrews 12:1 So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment — that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement — and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, 2 looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting,[Hebrews 12:2 Habakkuk 2:4] Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[Hebrews 12:2 Psalm 110:1] 3 Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent.
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Last night I remembered that my husband had recently bought some ice cream. I looked in the freezer, but I could not find the ice cream. I was puzzled, but I kept on looking. Finally I found the ice cream – in the refrigerator! So I had a bowl of very soft ice cream!Sometimes we are distracted in our everyday life. Then we may forget to do things or we may put things in the wrong place. But it is really bad when we become distracted in our spiritual life. Our Bible verses compare life to a race. If a runner becomes distracted and wanders off the course, he will not win the race. In the same way, if we become distracted from following Jesus, we become spiritually weak. Then it is easier to give in to the devil’s temptations.
It is important for you to focus on your family and your job today. But it is even more important for you to keep focused on Jesus. Don’t let the distractions of the world stop you from following Him.
PRAYER: Father, help me to keep my life focused on Jesus today. In His name. Amen.
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"Prayer Turkey" Psalm 136:1-9 for Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to Adonai, for he is good,
for his grace continues forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his grace continues forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his grace continues forever;
4 to him who alone has done great wonders,
for his grace continues forever;
5 to him who skillfully made the heavens,
for his grace continues forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth on the water,
for his grace continues forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his grace continues forever;
8 the sun to rule the day,
for his grace continues forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule the night,
for his grace continues forever;
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On Thanksgiving Day in America, many families prepare a turkey for their dinner. So around Thanksgiving time, some people make craft projects that look like turkeys.Maybe you can make a “prayer turkey” to help you and your family remember to thank God for all He has done for you. Place your hand on a piece of paper and draw around it. Draw a turkey face on your thumb outline and color the four fingers to look like turkey feathers. Then write above each finger things that you are thankful for. Maybe you can write salvation, family, friends, food or other things that you want to thank God for. Then hang your turkey some place where you will see it every day.
Our Bible verses from Psalms today list many reasons that we can be thankful. Each verse reminds us that God loves us and is faithful. God has done so many wonderful things for us. Give thanks to Him today!
PRAYER: Father, thank You for all the blessings You have given to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Be Thankful" Philippians 4:4-9 for Monday, November 21st, 2016
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in union with the Lord always! I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let everyone see how reasonable and gentle you are. The Lord is near! 6 Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 7 Then God’s shalom, passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy. 9 Keep doing what you have learned and received from me, what you have heard and seen me doing; then the God who gives shalom will be with you.
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Later this week, people in America will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Giving thanks is something that Paul taught. Verse 6 of our Bible Reading says, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have.”Many Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving Day only think about a day of vacation and all the food they will eat. But Thanksgiving Day is more than that. It is a day to thank God for all our blessings — families, homes, jobs, food and most important, Jesus!
Maybe you have to work on Thanksgiving Day. Maybe you don’t have family members you can eat with. Maybe you don’t have a lot of food to eat. Those things are not the most important. What is most important is to thank God for the many ways He has blessed you.
Praise God for all He has done for you!
PRAYER: Help me, Father, to always remember what You have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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"Joy" Philippians 3:7-11 for Sunday, November 20th, 2016
Philippians 3:7 But the things that used to be advantages for me, I have, because of the Messiah, come to consider a disadvantage. 8 Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yeshua as my Lord. It was because of him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah 9 and be found in union with him, not having any righteousness of my own based on legalism, but having that righteousness which comes through the Messiah’s faithfulness, the righteousness from God based on trust. 10 Yes, I gave it all up in order to know him, that is, to know the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings as I am being conformed to his death, 11 so that somehow I might arrive at being resurrected from the dead.
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A young boy placed $1 bills on his bed, covering the entire top of the bed. He had earned this money mowing lawns. The young boy was filled with joy.A mother looked at her newborn child. She looked at the child’s eyes and smile. The mother was overflowing with joy.
These are examples of treasures that brought great joy. But the most precious treasure that we can have is to know Jesus as our Savior. In our Bible verses, Paul said that all the great things that happened to him were “worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”(verse 8b). Having Jesus as our Savior is the greatest joy we can have.
We have all experienced times when we did not trust God to take care of us. But we can know that He is always with us and will never let us down. Do you want to experience great joy? Give your life to God and live for Him every day.
PRAYER: Lord, Your love for me is so great. Thank You for the joy I have because I serve Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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