Reading for today: Deuteronomy 1:34-46, 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

“When the Lord heard what you said, He was angry and solemnly swore…” Deuteronomy 1:34

Imagine where we would be now if we had followed the path He had pointed out for us.

Reading for today: Deuteronomy 1:19-33, 2 Corinthians 8:7

“See the Lord our God has given you the land…” Deuteronomy 1:21a

I must accept all God gives me trusting Him, knowing I can never out give Him.

Reading for today: Deuteronomy 1:1-18, 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able…” 2 Corinthians 8:3a

This shows how believers can give when asked to help.

Readings for today: Matthew 2:14

Focus on: Matthew 2:14 (During the night they left for Egypt with the child.)

It must have been a mad house trying to get out of there just like the beavers in “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.  During the power outage when it grew dark it was almost impossible to see but it must have been so much harder for them.  If they can trust God without today’s comforts and technology, it should be easier for us.

Readings for today: Luke 2:21-40

Focus on: Luke 2:21-40 (Simeon and Anna in the Temple)

There are so many prophecies about Jesus.  If you were to fill the state of Texas with half dollars two feet deep and marked only one with an ‘x’, and you were dropped in by helicopter, reached down and grabbed the marked coin on the first try that would be the same as only 8 prophecies coming true!  God left so many signposts pointing to the one and only, true Messiah!

Readings for Saturday, December 20th: Numbers 36:1-13, 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Readings for today: Matthew 2:11b

Focus on: Matthew 2:11b (The Wise men)

The wise men might have been used to having people bow down and worshipped them.  But they immediately FALL DOWN before this child.  And a verse later they don’t keep their promise to King Herod.  These guys really had their priorities down!

Readings for Friday, December 19th: Numbers 35:9-34, 2 Corinthians 7:12

Readings for today: Luke 2:8-20

Focus on: Luke 2:8-20 (The Shepherds)

“But Mary kept these things like a secret treasure in her heart.  She thought about them over and over.”  What do I think of over and over?  What is my most consuming thought?  What is my secret treasure?

Readings for Thursday, December 18th: Numbers 34:16-35:8, 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Readings for today: Luke 2:6-7

Focus on: Luke 2:6-7 (The Birth of Jesus)Here a baby is born and is wrapped in a cloth.  Now most likely if you were there, you’d have thought that this is the poorest baby ever born.  But, instead, it was the most important birth in the whole history of mankind!
 

Readings for Wednesday, December 17th: Numbers 34:1-15, 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

Readings for today: Matthew 2:20-25

Focus on: Matthew 2:20-25 (Gabriel visits Joseph)

Joseph believed his dream and acted on what he was told.  And it was a good thing too!  This baby has been God’s plan to save the world from the beginning of time!  I’m so glad!!!

Readings for Tuesday, December 16th: Numbers 33:50-56, 2 Corinthians 7:2-4

Readings for today: Luke 1:39-45

Focus on: Luke 1:39-45 (Mary visits Elizabeth)

The baby leaps for joy.   I wonder: do I?   Is my response to Jesus’ greeting one of joy?   Or is it fright - do I fear what He will ask of me, or from me?   Do I fear what He will see in my life?   Do I fear what He will say about what’s in my heart?   But if I keep reading, it says: if I only believe all the Lord has said (all the promises of God) they will come to pass!