Day 50 - 50 Day Journey To Christ

Daily Reading:

Luke 2

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”

13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:

14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to people He favors!

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.

The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus

21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus—the name given by the angel before He was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).

Simeon’s Prophetic Praise

25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said:

29 Now, Master,

You can dismiss Your slave in peace,

as You promised.

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation.

31 You have prepared it

in the presence of all peoples—

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and glory to Your people Israel.

33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Anna’s Testimony

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Family’s Return to Nazareth

39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him.

In His Father’s House

41 Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. 43 After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it. 44 Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. 46 After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. 48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

49 “Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what He said to them.

In Favor with God and with People

51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.

Key:  Bold - Verse of the Day 

Reflection:  It seems as though, when life finds us at our busiest, is when we need the most to find that small quiet barn, and to get alone with our Savior as He peacefully lays in the feeding trough (this was the first time I realized manger was actually the feeding trough, not the entire scene.).  Isn't ironic how God gave the Bread of Life to us and His first clue was to place Him inside a feeding trough?  

Discussion Topic:  How did you celebrate the birth of Christ?   

Join the Discussion on G+

Prayer:  Father in heaven, we come to you eager to the see the Glory you revealed to the shepherds, knowing that You alone are Holy, Holy, Holy.  We bow before You, because You chose to have Your Glory revealed through Your Son, Jesus, beginning with the most humble of beginnings.  Oh Lord, prepare our hearts for Your return.  Search our hearts and reveal to us the things in our life that are not of You.  Thank You for Your mercy and grace.  In Jesus name, Amen! 

Acknowledgements:  Scripture - BibleGateway.com, Image -http://irenepk2.deviantart.com/art/Nativity-Scene-145302453

Day 49 - 50 Day Journey To Christ

Daily Reading:

Luke 1

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Dedication to Theophilus

1 Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. 3 It also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.

Gabriel Predicts John’s Birth

5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.

8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him:

Do not be afraid, Zechariah,

because your prayer has been heard.

Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,

and you will name him John.

14 There will be joy and delight for you,

and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord

and will never drink wine or beer.

He will be filled with the Holy Spirit

while still in his mother’s womb.

16 He will turn many of the sons of Israel

to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go before Him

in the spirit and power of Elijah,

to turn the hearts of fathers

to their children,

and the disobedient

to the understanding of the righteous,

to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.

18 “How can I know this?” Zechariah asked the angel. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them. Then they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them and remained speechless. 23 When the days of his ministry were completed, he went back home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived and kept herself in seclusion for five months. She said, 25 “The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor in these days to take away my disgrace among the people.”

Gabriel Predicts Jesus’ Birth

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her:

Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

31 Now listen:

You will conceive and give birth to a son,

and you will call His name Jesus.

32 He will be great

and will be called the Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give Him

the throne of His father David.

33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever,

and His kingdom will have no end.

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?”

35 The angel replied to her:

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore, the holy One to be born

will be called the Son of God.

36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

38 “I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry:

“You are the most blessed of women,

and your child will be blessed!

43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me! 45 She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!”

Mary’s Praise

46 And Mary said:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

48 because He has looked with favor

on the humble condition of His slave.

Surely, from now on all generations

will call me blessed,

49 because the Mighty One

has done great things for me,

and His name is holy.

50 His mercy is from generation to generation

on those who fear Him.

51 He has done a mighty deed with His arm;

He has scattered the proud

because of the thoughts of their hearts;

52 He has toppled the mighty from their thrones

and exalted the lowly.

53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped His servant Israel,

mindful of His mercy,

55 just as He spoke to our ancestors,

to Abraham and his descendants forever.

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months; then she returned to her home.

The Birth and Naming of John

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. 58 Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her His great mercy, and they rejoiced with her.

59 When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, after his father. 60 But his mother responded, “No! He will be called John.”

61 Then they said to her, “None of your relatives has that name.” 62 So they motioned to his father to find out what he wanted him to be called. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote:

HIS NAME IS JOHN.

And they were all amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came on all those who lived around them, and all these things were being talked about throughout the hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him.

Zechariah’s Prophecy

67 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

68 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,

because He has visited

and provided redemption for His people.

69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of His servant David,

70 just as He spoke by the mouth

of His holy prophets in ancient times;

71 salvation from our enemies

and from the clutches of those who hate us.

72 He has dealt mercifully with our fathers

and remembered His holy covenant—

73 the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.

He has given us the privilege,

74 since we have been rescued

from our enemies’ clutches,

to serve Him without fear

75 in holiness and righteousness

in His presence all our days.

76 And child, you will be called

a prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord

to prepare His ways,

77 to give His people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins.

78 Because of our God’s merciful compassion,

the Dawn from on high will visit us

79 to shine on those who live in darkness

and the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Key:  Bold - Verse of the Day 

Reflection:  Our journey is coming to a familiar end.  Think about the joy felt by both Mary and her cousin Elizabeth.  One too old to conceive, one a virgin, God's hand on both.  As we prepare for Christmas morning, think of the miracles that you have witnessed within the last week, and how your heart received them.  

Discussion Topic:  Tonight, step away from the computer and spend the time normally spent discussing things to be present with your family as eagerly celebrate the arrival. 

Prayer:  Father, thank You for making the impossible, possible.  We take this time to focus our eyes on the marvel of the story of Life.  Lord God, You made a way for our hearts to return to You.   We are forever grateful.  Bless our time tonight as we gather with friends and family to share in Your joy.  In Jesus name, Amen! 

Acknowledgements:  Scripture - BibleGateway.com, Image - http://www.irishpage.com/bible/marysong.htm

Day 48 - 50 Day Journey To Christ

Daily Reading:

John 1

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Prologue

1 In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

2 He was with God in the beginning.

3 All things were created through Him,

and apart from Him not one thing was created

that has been created.

4 Life was in Him,

and that life was the light of men.

5 That light shines in the darkness,

yet the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man named John

who was sent from God.

7 He came as a witness

to testify about the light,

so that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light,

but he came to testify about the light.

9 The true light, who gives light to everyone,

was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world,

and the world was created through Him,

yet the world did not recognize Him.

11 He came to His own,

and His own people did not receive Him.

12 But to all who did receive Him,

He gave them the right to be children of God,

to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born,

not of blood,

or of the will of the flesh,

or of the will of man,

but of God.

14 The Word became flesh

and took up residence among us.

We observed His glory,

the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father,

full of grace and truth.

15 (John testified concerning Him and exclaimed,

“This was the One of whom I said,

‘The One coming after me has surpassed me,

because He existed before me.’”)

16 Indeed, we have all received grace after grace

from His fullness,

17 for the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has ever seen God.

The One and Only Son—

the One who is at the Father’s side—

He has revealed Him.

John the Baptist’s Testimony

19 This is John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”

20 He did not refuse to answer, but he declared: “I am not the Messiah.”

21 “What then?” they asked him. “Are you Elijah?”

“I am not,” he said.

“Are you the Prophet?”

“No,” he answered.

22 “Who are you, then?” they asked. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What can you tell us about yourself?”

23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.”

24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 So they asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you aren’t the Messiah, or Elijah, or the Prophet?”

26 “I baptize with water,” John answered them. “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know Him. 27 He is the One coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.”

28 All this happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Lamb of God

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me.’ 31 I didn’t know Him, but I came baptizing with water so He might be revealed to Israel.”

32 And John testified, “I watched the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He rested on Him. 33 I didn’t know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The One you see the Spirit descending and resting on—He is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God!”

35 Again the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following Him, He asked them, “What are you looking for?”

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are You staying?”

39 “Come and you’ll see,” He replied. So they went and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day. It was about 10 in the morning.

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which means “Anointed One”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus.

When Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which means “Rock”).

Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day He decided to leave for Galilee. Jesus found Philip and told him, “Follow Me!”

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth!”

46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him.

“Come and see,” Philip answered.

47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, “Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him.”

48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.

49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then He said, “I assure you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Key:  Bold - Verse of the Day 

Reflection:  Today's reading finds us in John's narrative, which begins with the beginning of time, placing Jesus at the center of creation (v2) and ends with the calling of the first of the disciples.  This part of our journey is important, because the Bible says that though he was the Creator of the world, the world did not know Him.  At times during this season we too can get our eyes off Him, and worry about  parties, or gifts, or decorations, when all along, Jesus is among us, humbling patiently awaiting us to notice Him.  Over the next 2 days, yes look into the Nativity, and ponder the crowded inn, think about the journey of the wisemen or the herald of the shepherds, and marvel at how it all came to be.  Also I beg of you, to squarely put the Ministry of Christ into the center of your focus, because He is the Gift, He is the Sheperd, He is Wisdom and He is the King. 

Discussion Topic:  Discuss how you can better reflect Jesus, the True Light, who gives Light to everyone.

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Prayer:  Father, Great is Your name, and Holy to be praised! Your blessings are from Everlasting to Everlasting, your Gift, from the Beginning to the End.  Jesus is our gift, given over to humanity, as an eternal sacrifice for the sin of mankind.  We accept Your Gift, and offer You our sins in exchange.  The beauty of Your grace, the marvel of Your mercy, warms the candle of our heart as we look to You during this time of celebration.  Thank You, forever and ever, thank You! In Your name,  Amen!

Acknowledgements:  Scripture - BibleGateway.com, Image - http://touchyaneighbor.com/2011/04/13/the-reality-of-christ-bible-study-1-john-11-4/

Day 47 - 50 Day Journey To Christ

Daily Reading:

Matthew 1

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

1 The historical record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

From Abraham to David

2 Abraham fathered Isaac,

Isaac fathered Jacob,

Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,

3 Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar,

Perez fathered Hezron,

Hezron fathered Aram,

4 Aram fathered Amminadab,

Amminadab fathered Nahshon,

Nahshon fathered Salmon,

5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,

Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,

Obed fathered Jesse,

6 and Jesse fathered King David.

From David to the Babylonian Exile

Then David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

7 Solomon fathered Rehoboam,

Rehoboam fathered Abijah,

Abijah fathered Asa,

8 Asa fathered Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat fathered Joram,

Joram fathered Uzziah,

9 Uzziah fathered Jotham,

Jotham fathered Ahaz,

Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,

10 Hezekiah fathered Manasseh,

Manasseh fathered Amon,

Amon fathered Josiah,

11 and Josiah fathered Jechoniah and his brothers

at the time of the exile to Babylon.

From the Exile to the Messiah

12 Then after the exile to Babylon

Jechoniah fathered Shealtiel,

Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,

13 Zerubbabel fathered Abiud,

Abiud fathered Eliakim,

Eliakim fathered Azor,

14 Azor fathered Zadok,

Zadok fathered Achim,

Achim fathered Eliud,

15 Eliud fathered Eleazar,

Eleazar fathered Matthan,

Matthan fathered Jacob,

16 and Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary,

who gave birth to Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were 14 generations; and from David until the exile to Babylon, 14 generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Messiah, 14 generations.

The Nativity of the Messiah

18 The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

20 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23 See, the virgin will become pregnant

and give birth to a son,

and they will name Him Immanuel,

which is translated “God is with us.”

24 When Joseph got up from sleeping, he did as the Lord’s angel had commanded him. He married her 25 but did not know her intimately until she gave birth to a son. And he named Him Jesus.

Key:  Bold - Verse of the Day 

Reflection:  The verse of the day is the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.  This prophecy can be found in Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel."  Throughout the Old Testament (or Old Covenant) we have been guided lovingly to this very point in time; the birth of our Savior and King who has first come as a living sacrifice for us all, and then, in His second coming, will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.  Here, on the night of His birth, prophecy is fulfilled.  From this point on, our focus is on #nonebutChrist.

Discussion Topic:  Who would have thought, at that moment in time, at the birth of a boy child, that a new chapter in the war against the enemy had begun.  With Jesus on earth, it signaled the Kingdom of God's invasion into the enemy's territory.  Do you think Mary and Joseph had any idea of exactly what the significance of Jesus' birth was?

Join the Discussion on G+

Prayer:  Oh Lord, Your plan from the beginning was to create a people in Your image who would choose to love, obey and worship You of their own free will.  Sin came into the world in the Garden of Eden, but even then You knew that the day would come when You send Your only Son to rescue us from Your judgment of our sins and bring us back into a relationship with You.  Father, there are no words to describe how thankful I am that You sent your Son, my Savior, to this earth to save me and to make me a child of the Living God.  As I meditate on what was begun on that night, may your Holy Spirit wash over me and fill me anew, that I may sing songs of joy and raise up praises to You with a clean heart and a renewed mind and may this Christmas season offer us many more opportunities to share the gospel with others.  To You be the glory and honor and praise forever and ever!  Amen!

Acknowledgements:  Scripture - BibleGateway.com, Image - Believers Journey

Day 46 - 50 Day Journey To Christ

Daily Reading:

Malachi 3

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

1 “See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desire—see, He is coming,” says the Lord of Hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire and like cleansing lye. 3 He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. 4 And the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord as in days of old and years gone by.

5 “I will come to you in judgment, and I will be ready to witness against sorcerers and adulterers; against those who swear falsely; against those who oppress the widow and the fatherless, and cheat the wage earner; and against those who deny justice to the foreigner. They do not fear Me,” says the Lord of Hosts. 6 “Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Robbing God

7 “Since the days of your fathers, you have turned from My statutes; you have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Hosts.

But you ask: “How can we return?”

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!”

You ask: “How do we rob You?”

“By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions. 9 You are suffering under a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. 10 Bring the full tenth into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way,” says the Lord of Hosts. “See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit,” says the Lord of Hosts. 12 “Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord of Hosts.

The Righteous and the Wicked

13 “Your words against Me are harsh,” says the Lord.

Yet you ask: “What have we spoken against You?”

14 You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? 15 So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”

16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. 17 “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of Hosts, “a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. 18 So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

(Note: Read Chapter 4)

Key:  Bold - Verse of the Day 

Reflection:  Again, in biblical prophecy, we are encouraged by the promise of the One who will judge mankind.  What does God do?  He warns those who are in sin to repent.  Judgment could have taken place that very day if the Lord so chose, but again, in His love and patience He continues to give the world time to repent.  Every moment of every day is an opportunity for those living in sin to repent and give their life to the Lord.

Discussion Topic:  God has created a "book of remembrance."  It is a special book for those who fear Yahweh and have high regard for His name.  Not only is our name written in the Book of Life, but now we see that it's also written in the Book of Remembrance.  We need to fill up those pages!!!  Most likely all of us have been procrastinating about doing more in regards to our spiritual walk with the Lord.  What are some of the things you want to accomplish before the Lord returns... what are those things you want to do that will end up in the Book of Remembrance?     

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Prayer:  Oh heavenly Father, I know that You have so much more for me to accomplish before the Bridegroom returns to take us to the bridal chamber.  I pray that You will give me the opportunity and the encouragement to go beyond what I have already accomplished through Jesus, and to enter in to a new area of discipleship.  Please lead me into a deeper walk with You as Your Holy Spirit guides me toward new opportunities to share Your word and make new disciples of Jesus Christ.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Acknowledgements:  Scripture - BibleGateway.com, Image - Glowing Book: teachinglikeits2999.blogspot.com