The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (6)" Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:10 for Saturday, December 24th, 2016Hebrews 10:10 It is in connection with this will that we have been separated for God and made holy, once and for all, through the offering of Yeshua the Messiah’s body.
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When we think about people who make sacrifices, we may think about men and women who serve in the military. People in the military sacrifice their right to change jobs or move whenever they want. They sacrifice being with family and friends on special occasions. Military people may even need to sacrifice their lives so that we can be protected.
Jesus made a big sacrifice when He chose to come to earth to be born as a baby. Our Bible verse for today says, "Jesus Christ did the things God wanted him to do. And because of that, we are made holy through the sacrifice of Christ's body. Christ made that sacrifice one time - enough for all time."
No one forced Jesus to give up the beauty and riches of heaven to come to earth. Jesus chose to come to earth and make the greatest sacrifice of all. He chose to suffer and then to die on the cross for us!
Jesus did all this for you! Thank Him today for His great sacrifice.[GT]
"The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can get it back again. No one takes my life away from me. I give my own life freely."[John 10:17-18a]
PRAYER: Father, thank You that Jesus was willing to die for me. In His name. Amen.
The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (5)" Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-11 for Friday, December 23rd, 2016Jesus made a big sacrifice when He chose to come to earth to be born as a baby. Our Bible verse for today says, "Jesus Christ did the things God wanted him to do. And because of that, we are made holy through the sacrifice of Christ's body. Christ made that sacrifice one time - enough for all time."
No one forced Jesus to give up the beauty and riches of heaven to come to earth. Jesus chose to come to earth and make the greatest sacrifice of all. He chose to suffer and then to die on the cross for us!
Jesus did all this for you! Thank Him today for His great sacrifice.[GT]
"The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can get it back again. No one takes my life away from me. I give my own life freely."[John 10:17-18a]
PRAYER: Father, thank You that Jesus was willing to die for me. In His name. Amen.
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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.
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The wise men were probably well-educated, wealthy men. They may have been used to living a comfortable life.
Verse 2 of our Bible Reading tells us that the wise men asked people, "Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him." The wise men were willing to leave their easy lifestyle in order to make a hard and long trip to see the new king.
The wise men sacrificed their time to prepare for and make the long journey. They also sacrificed much money to buy supplies for the trip and the expensive gifts for Jesus. These men understood that Jesus is more important than their physical comfort or their wealth.
Think about the wise men today. And then ask yourself if Jesus is more important than having comfort and money.[GT]
"The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him."[Matthew 2:11a]
PRAYER: God, help me to show others that Jesus is most important in my life. In His name. Amen.
The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (4)" Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-16 for Thursday, December 22nd, 2016Verse 2 of our Bible Reading tells us that the wise men asked people, "Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it rise in the sky in the east and have come to worship him." The wise men were willing to leave their easy lifestyle in order to make a hard and long trip to see the new king.
The wise men sacrificed their time to prepare for and make the long journey. They also sacrificed much money to buy supplies for the trip and the expensive gifts for Jesus. These men understood that Jesus is more important than their physical comfort or their wealth.
Think about the wise men today. And then ask yourself if Jesus is more important than having comfort and money.[GT]
"The wise men came to the house where the child was with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened the boxes of gifts they had brought for him."[Matthew 2:11a]
PRAYER: God, help me to show others that Jesus is most important in my life. In His name. Amen.
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Luke 2:8 In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, 9 when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; 10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day, in the town of David, there was born for you a Deliverer who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know: you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, along with the angel was a vast army from heaven praising God:
14 “In the highest heaven, glory to God!
And on earth, peace among people of good will!”
15 No sooner had the angels left them and gone back into heaven than the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go over to Beit-Lechem and see this thing that has happened, that Adonai has told us about.” 16 Hurrying off, they came and found Miryam and Yosef, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.
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Today we will talk about the sacrifices made by the shepherds. Luke 2:8 says that the night Jesus was born "some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep."
These shepherds had responsibilities. They had flocks of sheep to take care of and protect. But after the angel appeared to them and told them about Jesus' birth, they did not hesitate to go to Bethlehem. They "went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box" (verse 16).
The Bible does not tell us if these shepherds left someone in charge of the sheep. But we do know that they chose to go right away and see the new baby. The shepherds sacrificed their time (and probably a night's sleep!) to go to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were anxious to see the baby who was their Savior, Messiah and Lord (verse 11). I hope you are willing to make sacrifices so you can follow and serve Jesus every day![GT]
"The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God
and thanking him for everything they had seen
and heard."[Luke 2:20a]
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am willing to give up all I have so I can serve You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (3)" Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7 for Wednesday, December 21st, 2016These shepherds had responsibilities. They had flocks of sheep to take care of and protect. But after the angel appeared to them and told them about Jesus' birth, they did not hesitate to go to Bethlehem. They "went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box" (verse 16).
The Bible does not tell us if these shepherds left someone in charge of the sheep. But we do know that they chose to go right away and see the new baby. The shepherds sacrificed their time (and probably a night's sleep!) to go to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were anxious to see the baby who was their Savior, Messiah and Lord (verse 11). I hope you are willing to make sacrifices so you can follow and serve Jesus every day![GT]
"The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God
and thanking him for everything they had seen
and heard."[Luke 2:20a]
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am willing to give up all I have so I can serve You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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Luke 2:1 Around this time, Emperor Augustus issued an order for a census to be taken throughout the Empire. 2 This registration, the first of its kind, took place when Quirinius was governing in Syria. 3 Everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 So Yosef, because he was a descendant of David, went up from the town of Natzeret in the Galil to the town of David, called Beit-Lechem, in Y’hudah, 5 to be registered, with Miryam, to whom he was engaged, and who was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth; 7 and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and laid him down in a feeding trough, because there was no space for them in the living-quarters.
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Augustus Caesar ordered all people to go to their hometowns to be counted. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, which was Joseph's hometown.
There must have been a lot of people in Bethlehem. Our Bible verses tell us that when Joseph and Mary arrived there, "the guest room was full" (verse 7b). So Joseph and Mary stayed in a place where cattle lived. We do not know if this place was a barn or a cave, but verse 7 tells us that Mary laid baby Jesus "in a box where cattle are fed."
We do not know who found Joseph and Mary a place to stay. It may have been the owner of the guest house. But that person had to sacrifice their time to find a place where Mary could give birth to her baby.
This may have seemed like a small sacrifice. But sometimes God asks us to make small sacrifices. These small sacrifices are still important to God's plan for our lives. Are you willing to really follow and obey God today?[GT]
"And don't forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God."[Hebrews 13:16]
PRAYER: Father, I am willing to serve and obey You today. In His name. Amen.
The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (2)" Bible Reading: Luke 1:26-38 for Tuesday, December 20th, 2016There must have been a lot of people in Bethlehem. Our Bible verses tell us that when Joseph and Mary arrived there, "the guest room was full" (verse 7b). So Joseph and Mary stayed in a place where cattle lived. We do not know if this place was a barn or a cave, but verse 7 tells us that Mary laid baby Jesus "in a box where cattle are fed."
We do not know who found Joseph and Mary a place to stay. It may have been the owner of the guest house. But that person had to sacrifice their time to find a place where Mary could give birth to her baby.
This may have seemed like a small sacrifice. But sometimes God asks us to make small sacrifices. These small sacrifices are still important to God's plan for our lives. Are you willing to really follow and obey God today?[GT]
"And don't forget to do good and to share what you have with others, because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God."[Hebrews 13:16]
PRAYER: Father, I am willing to serve and obey You today. In His name. Amen.
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Luke 1:26 In the sixth month, the angel Gavri’el was sent by God to a city in the Galil called Natzeret, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Yosef, of the house of David; the virgin’s name was Miryam. 28 Approaching her, the angel said, “Shalom, favored lady! Adonai is with you!” 29 She was deeply troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Miryam, for you have found favor with God. 31 Look! You will become pregnant, you will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua. 32 He will be great, he will be called Son of Ha‘Elyon. Adonai, God, will give him the throne of his forefather David; 33 and he will rule the House of Ya‘akov forever — there will be no end to his Kingdom.” 34 “How can this be,” asked Miryam of the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her,
“The Ruach HaKodesh will come over you,
the power of Ha‘Elyon will cover you.
Therefore the holy child born to you
will be called the Son of God.
36 “You have a relative, Elisheva, who is an old woman; and everyone says she is barren. But she has conceived a son and is six months pregnant! 37 For with God, nothing is impossible.” 38 Miryam said, “I am the servant of Adonai; may it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her
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Today we will talk about the sacrifices that Mary made. Our Bible verses tell us that God sent an angel to Mary. But Mary was "very confused" (verse 29).
The angel told Mary that the power of the Holy Spirit would cause her to be pregnant. The angel also told her that her baby would be the Son of God. Mary knew that if she obeyed God's plan, she would have to sacrifice her reputation. People might stare at her and call her names.
Mary also had to sacrifice her body as a place where baby Jesus could grow. And like Joseph, Mary had to sacrifice her time and energy to raise Jesus and teach Him to love and serve God. But Mary was willing to make these sacrifices.
Because Mary was willing to make those sacrifices, Jesus was born. He grew up and died on the cross. Then He rose from death. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, you and I can have the promise of eternal life with God![GT]
"Mary said, 'I am the servant of
the Lord God. Let this thing you
have said happen to me!'"[Luke 1:38a]
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for eternal life through Jesus. In His name. Amen.
The Deaf Devo from The Deaf Missions in Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States "Christmas Sacrifices (1)" Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-25 for Monday, December 19th, 2016The angel told Mary that the power of the Holy Spirit would cause her to be pregnant. The angel also told her that her baby would be the Son of God. Mary knew that if she obeyed God's plan, she would have to sacrifice her reputation. People might stare at her and call her names.
Mary also had to sacrifice her body as a place where baby Jesus could grow. And like Joseph, Mary had to sacrifice her time and energy to raise Jesus and teach Him to love and serve God. But Mary was willing to make these sacrifices.
Because Mary was willing to make those sacrifices, Jesus was born. He grew up and died on the cross. Then He rose from death. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, you and I can have the promise of eternal life with God![GT]
"Mary said, 'I am the servant of
the Lord God. Let this thing you
have said happen to me!'"[Luke 1:38a]
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for eternal life through Jesus. In His name. Amen.
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Matthew 1:18 Here is how the birth of Yeshua the Messiah took place. When his mother Miryam was engaged to Yosef, before they were married, she was found to be pregnant from the Ruach HaKodesh. 19 Her husband-to-be, Yosef, was a man who did what was right; so he made plans to break the engagement quietly, rather than put her to public shame. 20 But while he was thinking about this, an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream and said, “Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means ‘Adonai saves,’] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this happened in order to fulfill what Adonai had said through the prophet,
23 “The virgin will conceive and bear a son,
and they will call him ‘Immanu El.”[Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14]
(The name means, “God is with us.”)
24 When Yosef awoke he did what the angel of Adonai had told him to do — he took Miryam home to be his wife, 25 but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua.
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One thing most people do not think about at this time of year is sacrifice. But the Christmas story tells us about several people who made sacrifices so that Jesus could be born. Today and for the next few days we will talk about these sacrifices.
Today we will talk about Joseph. He was engaged to Mary. Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant. Verse 19 of our Bible Reading tells us that Joseph "did not want to cause her public disgrace, so he planned to divorce her secretly." But then an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph that the baby was from the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to accept Mary as his wife.
When Joseph married Mary, he might have lost the respect of some people in the community. But Joseph was willing to sacrifice his reputation in order to obey God. Joseph also sacrificed his time, energy and possessions to be an earthly father to Jesus.
Are you willing to make sacrifices for God today?[GT]
"When Joseph woke up, he did
what the Lord's angel told him to
do. He married Mary."[Matthew 1:24]
PRAYER: Father, I am willing to give up everything so I can follow You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Watch latest Deaf Devo in ASL on:Today we will talk about Joseph. He was engaged to Mary. Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant. Verse 19 of our Bible Reading tells us that Joseph "did not want to cause her public disgrace, so he planned to divorce her secretly." But then an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph that the baby was from the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph to accept Mary as his wife.
When Joseph married Mary, he might have lost the respect of some people in the community. But Joseph was willing to sacrifice his reputation in order to obey God. Joseph also sacrificed his time, energy and possessions to be an earthly father to Jesus.
Are you willing to make sacrifices for God today?[GT]
"When Joseph woke up, he did
what the Lord's angel told him to
do. He married Mary."[Matthew 1:24]
PRAYER: Father, I am willing to give up everything so I can follow You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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