Protector, Provider, Peace Giver

Are you a trusting type of person? Or are you the type who does not trust anyone until they earn it? How does that affect your ability to trust God? Do you trust him to protect you? Do you trust him to grant you peace? Do you trust him to provide you with what you need?

Trust can be hard to give and hard to earn. Some people trust everyone until they break that trust. Others don’t trust anyone until they earn it. Depending on the type of person we are dealing with, trust may be very difficult to earn from them.

However, from the other side of it, if you are the person who does not easily trust, you may find it difficult to trust God. After all, we cannot physically see him. We often are oblivious to him working in the world. We chalk up our successes to our own hard work. We believe the skills we have are ones we have developed ourselves. We quickly see the faults in others and, therefore, apply the possibility of faults to God as well.

Because we do not trust others, we often don’t trust God. Our lack of attributing our successes to him contributes to our distrust of him. Yet we are told throughout Scripture that it is God who provides us with protection, provision, and peace. If we take time to think through it, dig to the bottom of it, we find that Scripture is correct. God is our protector and provider, because of that we have peace.

The Psalmist describes protection as the strengthening of the city gates. He describes provision as being providing with the finest wheat. He equates peace with other nations as peace within. It only when we open our eyes, see more than the moment, and reflect over our lifetimes that we can see how God has worked all around us. Once we see that, we then can trust that he will continue to work in our lives.

I pray we all seek to see how God is working in our lives. I pray we recognize the ways in which he has provided for us. I pray each one of us will trust God to be our protector, provider, and receive his peace. God is working in your life. God provides for you. God is your protector. Receive God’s peace.

Psalm 147:13-14

For he strengthens the bars of your gates; 

he blesses your children within you. 

He grants peace within your borders; 

he fills you with the finest of wheat.

God Overcomes the World

How many times have you moved during your life? Have you moved from one town to another? Have you moved from one state to another? Have you moved from one country to another? Why did you move? What was the purpose of it?

People move from one location to another for many different reasons. Some move for job opportunities. Some move because their job has sent them to another place. Some move to escape their current circumstances. Regardless, moving means uprooting.

I have moved more times than I would like to count, covering each of the reasons listed above. I have lived in another country and visited others for short periods of time, ranging from a couple weeks to more than a month. Even traveling to visit, or on orders, requires a lot of planning, packing, and mental preparation.

Mary and Joseph moved to escape. They were fleeing to protect the infant Jesus. They also were following God’s plan, which is a continuation of obedience. Once the danger had been removed, they returned to their native land, again obeying God. They were willing to go where God called them, when God called them.

Rather than focusing only on the hatred, fear, and violence of King Herod, perhaps we should focus on the obedience of Mary and Joseph. We can also see God actively working in this world through the visions given to them. God was their protector. Yet, it required their obedience as well.

I pray we all understand the world is full of hatred and violence. I pray we look for God working in our world. I pray each one of us is willing to be obedient to God and accept his protection. See the world for what it is. See God working in the world. Be obedient to God.

Matthew 2:23: There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarene.”

One Step At A Time

Have you ever considered the early years of Mary and Joseph’s marriage and Jesus’s life? Have you thought about the travails and travels they had to overcome? Can you imagine running for your life or the life of your baby? Would you be willing to follow God’s plan to that extent?

Though we all know the story, we may not have thought through the details. Consider that while Mary was pregnant, they went to Bethlehem by Roman order. After the birth of Jesus, they are given a warning that King Herod was seeking to kill their newborn son.

We are not given the specific timeline for the events. Though we are given some hints. They were in Bethlehem for less than two years because Herod commanded all two-year-olds and younger be killed. Herod didn’t live much beyond his commanded massacre. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus likely only lived in Egypt for a year or so. Jesus would have been at least a year old and less than four years old when they returned to Israel.

Having traveled to a faraway country with an infant who was just three months old, I can state it is no simple task. Returning when he was three years old wasn’t much easier. We had all the conveniences of modern day, so I cannot imagine the struggles Mary and Joseph went through. Yet, we do know the precious gifts they received from the three wise men would have provided the means for them to travel and live.

There are a couple quick lessons we can learn in this story. First, when we follow God’s plan, he provides for us along the way. Second, we can overcome far more than we give ourselves credit for, if we will simply take it one day at a time. Too often, we are overcome with the weight of a long-term task because we focus on its enormity. Rather than focusing on the enormity and unknown of it, focus on the next step and trust God will guide you.

I pray we all seek to follow God’s plan for our lives. I pray we trust that God is always with us. I pray each one of us decide to take the next step rather than focusing on the enormous task ahead of us. Follow God’s plan for you. Trust God is with you. Take it one step at a time.

Matthew 2:14-15 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

Praise the Lord Today

On this day after the celebration of Christmas, do you continue to praise God? Or have you collapsed from exhaustion? Did you experience a day or two of joy and revert to a less than joyous attitude? If so, why? If not, will you carry your joy into a new year and beyond?

Christmas day can be filled with a ton of joy. It can also be exhausting. Some will open gifts in their own home, then run from one place to another. We may eat too much. We may visit too much. We may become as tired of smiling as a newly wedded couple posing for pictures.

The day after we can desire nothing more than to sit in quietness. We may be glad it is all over, which is not to say we didn’t enjoy it. Yet, we are to continue to praise God and experience the joy that can only come from him. We may think that is impossible, but it isn’t. The angels continually praise God. The host of heaven continually praise God.

Let’s not misunderstand. Praising God does not mean we continually sing hymns, shout with joy, nor even continually smile. It does mean that we praise him in prayer for his blessings, we praise him for each day, we praise him for guiding us, we praise him for our family. Praising God and experiencing his joy is not about everything going our way but about following his lead and trusting in his plan.

Today, let’s praise God. Let’s join the angels in praising God for who he is. Let’s remember that God is creator of all things, including us. He made us who we are for a reason—his plan. He manipulates situations for our growth. God works in our lives in ways we do not know. So, praise God at all times, every day.

I pray we all choose to praise God every day. I pray we recognize the blessings God has bestowed on us. I pray each one of us experience the joy that only comes from following God. Praise God. Recognize God’s blessings. Experience the joy of God. Trust in God’s plan.

Psalm 148:1-2

Praise the Lord! 

Praise the Lord from the heavens; 

praise him in the heights! 

Praise him, all his angels; 

praise him, all his host!

Angelic Message

Have you wondered what it might be like to be in the presence of an angel? Have you wondered what an angel looks like? Have you considered the pure power an angel might exude? Do you think you would tremble in fear? Would you be afraid of what the angel might do?

Though there is a plethora of art that depicts angels, I am not convinced an angel looks anything like the art. The only thing the artists may have correct are the wings. It is difficult to project power through art, for the power angels possess is about feeling.

An angel appears fist to the shepherds to bring them the news of the Messiah being born. The glory, or divine power, of a single angel was so powerful that the shepherds were terrified. They dropped to the ground, bowing down to the angel in fear. They may have thought their lives were about to be taken from them. They have thought severe punishment was about to be meted out on them. Whatever their thoughts, they were terrified.

The angel tells them not to be afraid, which was a wonderful message to the shepherds. They were not going to be punished nor their lives taken. Instead, the angel announces the Messiah is born. Not only that, but the angel tells them where to find Him. Then an army of angels suddenly appears and starts glorifying God. If one angel was overpowering, imagine what hundreds, or thousands, of angels would have been like. There would have been power emanated beyond imagination and the thunderous voices of an army of angels singing.

We celebrate the birth of the Messiah in many ways. We praise Him in song. We read the story. We celebrate with people around the world. Yet, I am not convinced we celebrate with the pure joy the angels did that night with the shepherds. Perhaps we don’t due to a lack of full comprehension of the moment. Maybe we don’t grasp the significance of God coming into his creation. The more we understand the significance, the more likely we are to be filled with joy. So much so that we will be driven to tears and trembling.

I pray we all take time to imagine the joy of the angels. I pray we seek to understand the significance of the Messiah. I pray each one of us have our hearts filled with the joy of the angels. Imagine an army of joyous angels. Understand the significance. Be filled with joy.

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

God in Emergencies

Are you curious about your ancestry? Where were you born? Where were your children born? Have you moved from your birthplace? If so, have you returned? Have you visited your ancestral home? If not, would you like to? Have you considered your ancestry to be important?

Some of us like to trace our ancestry. We want to know where we came from. We are interested in when our ancestors immigrated, where they entered the country, and under what circumstances. We may even decide to trace them further back within the country of origin.

Joseph knew he was from the line of David. When the census was required, he and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus. Due to the census, Bethlehem was overcrowded. There was nowhere for them to stay. Yet, they were allowed to stay in the lower room where the animals were brought in at night. Even though it was not ideal, Mary and Joseph made it work out of necessity.

For most of us, we could not imagine giving birth to a child in such a place. However, less than a hundred years ago, it was not unheard of for women to give birth in their homes. There are still instances today of births taking place outside of a hospital. This is not to minimize what Mary was going through but to point out that when there is an urgent matter, we figure out how to make it work with what we have.

Often, we are unprepared for an emergency. It’s not that we can have everything needed on hand for an emergency. However, we can prepare ourselves mentally by thinking about how we will react if an emergency happens. We can’t think of every emergency nor contingency. What we can do is rehearse in our minds the potential emergencies we can think of. It causes us to think, plan, and rehearse, which gets us used to new ways of thinking and prepares us for the unforeseen emergency. While thinking through those emergencies, we can also ask God to provide us with solutions, teaching us to continue to rely on him.

I pray we all think about how we will react during an emergency. I pray we trust that God will be with us throughout it. I pray each one of us prepare ourselves mentally for the unforeseen emergency. Spend a little time thinking about emergencies. Prepare yourself mentally. Trust God is always with you.

Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.

Historical Events

Do you like history? Do you enjoy reading history? Have you seen reenactments of historical events? Have you visited museums that display artifacts and provide information about historical events and people? Have you considered how long after an event takes place before it becomes part of history?

History is interesting to me. I truly enjoy it. Yet, I would not consider myself a history buff. And to remember specific dates is challenging at best. Regardless, we mark history by significant events. Most recently, we can all state where we were when 9/11 occurred, or whether it happened pre or post pandemic.

Luke marks the birth of Jesus with an historical event. A census was decreed by Caesar Augustus for taxation purposes. This was the impetus for Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the town of David. It also demonstrates how God uses the most powerful people the world can offer to carry out his will.

Caesar had no idea he was being used by God. It is only as the event is recorded several years later that it becomes clear how God used him. As with any historical event, the birth narrative of Jesus is recorded much later. Why is this important to us and how can we apply it to our lives? God continues to work in the world today. Yet, we won’t necessarily see how he is working until years later. Therefore, just as the Jews were not aware of how God was using Caesar, we are not aware of how God is using leaders in our world today. We are simply called to trust that God is at work and continue to put our faith in him.

I pray we all recognize that history is written years after the events it records. I pray we trust God is at work in our world. I pray each one of us continue to put our faith in God. History is recorded years later. Trust God is working. Put your faith in God. Continue to follow his plan for you.

Luke 2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Step Into the Light

Have you ever looked at a bright light? Did it hurt your eyes? Have you noticed the smallest of lights seems to be bright in the darkness of night? Do you prefer the darkness or the light? Do you feel better during the day or the night? Have you noticed a difference?

Our feelings change depending on the environment. Specifically, we feel better on a bright sunny day than we do on a dreary rainy day. For most of us, we prefer to sleep at night while being awake and productive during the day. It is our innate nature as humans.

Though it may be our nature to prefer the day, we can train ourselves to work night shifts. We can even train ourselves to stay awake for more than twenty-four hours. During the night, our eyes can adapt to see relatively well. Yet, if we are attempting to see well at night, we cannot allow ourselves to look at a bright light. It ruins our night vision.

The prophet Isaiah says the people in darkness saw a great light. This prophecy was referring to the coming of the Messiah. It is true still today. When someone is exposed to the truth of Jesus Christ, the darkness inside is dispelled. It is by coming to Jesus, knowing we are forgiven, and knowing there is a better way to live that we begin to walk in the light.

In John 1:3-5, we are told that Jesus is the light and the life, and that He shines in the darkness, causing the darkness to leave. It is in Jesus that we rid ourselves of the darkness, or evil, that lives within us. When His grace and truth permeate our souls, we become a new person, one that walks in the light. Our eyes are opened. It is the love of Christ that chases away hate, fear, and anxiety. Instead, we are confident in God’s truth, love, grace, and mercy.

I pray we all choose to walk in the light of Jesus. I pray we walk away from the darkness and our evil ways. I pray each one of us confidently live in the God’s truth, love, grace, and mercy. Walk in the light of Jesus. Step out of the darkness. Live in God’s truth. Know God loves you. Accept God’s grace.

Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness 

have seen a great light; 

those who lived in a land of deep darkness— 

on them light has shined.

Look for God at Work

Have you ever made your own plan only to have God completely change it? Have you followed God’s plan, even when it didn’t seem to make sense to you? How did it turn out? Have you decided not to follow God’s plan? How did that turn out?

We like to make our plans. We have short term/daily plans and we make long term plans. Sometimes, I think God gets a good chuckle when he sees our plans. He sits back and thinks, “Let me show you my plans for you and see what you think of them.”

Joseph had his plan when he found out Mary was pregnant. Evidently, Mary had not told Joseph what Gabriel had told her or he didn’t believe her. I mean, who would? The Holy Spirit had not come upon anyone for hundreds of years and had never caused someone to become pregnant.

Now Joseph likely knew of the stories of Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, Elkanah and Hannah, and the wife of Manoah who was Samson’s mother, all of whom were barren but blessed by God to have children. Although Joseph could believe God had blessed them to have children, it would still have been hard to believe Mary’s story.

Would we have believed Mary’s story? Do we believe those hard to believe stories we hear today? God continues to work in this world. He can and does still perform miracles. We may find them hard to believe, but just like Joseph, we should believe that God is at work.

I pray we all look for God working in this world. I pray we believe he still performs miracles among us. I pray each one of us will change our plans to match God’s plans for our lives. Look for God working. God still performs miracles. Follow God’s plan.

Matthew 1:24-25: When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife but had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.

Risky Choice

Have you fulfilled your potential? Have you accomplished something someone else believed and said you would? Have you seen someone accomplish something you or others foretold they would? How did you feel when you accomplished it or witnessed someone else do so?

Having someone believe in you is energizing. Accomplishing something they said you could, is exhilarating. Why? Often, we weren’t sure we could. It can be just as enjoyable to watch someone else accomplish something we believed they could.

As we see in today’s passage, Mary is part of the fulfillment of prophecy with regards to Jesus. She is the virgin mother who gives birth to the Messiah. Matthew likes to point out the fulfillment of prophecy. This is just one of many times in his gospel that he points our fulfillment. But what if Mary had not accepted her role in God’s plan?

Some may think Mary had no choice. Yet, that is a mistake. God has given us freewill. We can choose to obey or disobey. We can choose to believe or not. We can choose to follow his plan or ours. Mary chose to accept God’s plan and follow it. Her acceptance of God’s plan is an example for us. Her choice to risk everything to follow God’s plan is an example of trusting God knows better than we do and he will provide for us.

Has God called you to something? Is it risky? Scary? Are you going to follow his plan? I encourage everyone who has a calling from God to follow his plan. Just as he called Mary and provided for her, he will provide for you. Though you may think about what may happen if you fail, God is putting things in place for you to succeed. God does not call his people into failure, rather he calls us into success as we trust him.

I pray we all see Mary’s risky choice in following God’s plan. I pray we see God providing for Mary. I pray each one of us will choose to follow God’s plan and trust him to provide for us along the way. See Mary’s risky choice. See God provide. Choose to follow God’s plan. Trust God to provide.

Matthew 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 

“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, 

and they shall name him Emmanuel,” 

which means, “God is with us.”