The account that follows is about the twins born to Rebekah and Isaac, their names were Esau and Jacob. Esau was the first to be born, and by tradition at the time should have been the child to inherit the family “business,” and get the special blessing. But as the text describes, God had a different plan.

Romans 9:11-12, “Before the children had been born or had done anything good or bad, Rebekah was told that the older child would serve the younger one. This was said to Rebekah so that God’s plan would remain a matter of his choice, a choice based on God’s call and not on anything people do.”

Genesis 25-27 tells the entire account of these two sons of Isaac, but the point is that God has a plan, and he calls people based on his plan. He doesn’t wait around to see if we are good or bad, We are each a part of the plan God is executing.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose.”

The twists and turns in our lives are not a surprise to God. He is using all of us and our experiences for his “holy purpose.”

Dear Lord, we cannot understand how we can have our own free will, and also be a pre-determined participant in your plan, but this is what we know from your word, and we will just accept it. Help us,, as a result, get power to act boldly for you and have peace, knowing and trusting your plan for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I read a good quote today that went, “I asked God for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.”

James 1:2-4 tell us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It would be nice if the right way was the easy way, but usually it is not. It is the challenges in life that allow us to build up our ability to choose what is right, when it is the difficult choice.

Dear Lord, help us always to choose the right way, and when it is the difficult choice, give us the strength and discipline we need to persevere. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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If you read the book of Proverbs chapter 1:20-21, written by Solomon, it says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech” It is easy to read this as literary technique, giving personification to the idea of wisdom by calling it “she.”

However, if you read Proverbs 8 it makes you think a bit more about what Wisdom may really be. In Proverbs 8:22-23 Wisdom says, “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” and verse 30, “I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.”

It is very interesting to me that the characteristic that we call wisdom, that we think is something we learn and develop, is actually an entity that God created, and that he can give to us. James 1:5 writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In Proverbs 8:22 Wisdom is speaking, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.” and verse says, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

This is another fascinating and wonderful complexity that God has created for us.

Dear Lord, your word and creation always has something new that we can learn. Send us Wisdom that “she” may help us glorify you and find your joy and favor, as you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Shortly after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple in Jerusalem. There was a man named Simeon to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would see the Messiah before Simeon died. Simeon was at the temple the day Mary and Joseph arrived, and when he saw the baby Jesus he held the baby and proclaimed, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:29-32.

I like the section describing Jesus as “a light to reveal God to the nations” This is the fundamental message we as Christians are to send to the world, that God loves each of us so much that he sent Jesus into the world to save us from what we deserve.

Dear Lord, How great your love for us is, that you would send Jesus as a way for all to be saved. Help us share this simple but powerful message with all, “Jesus is the light that reveals God to the World.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!” Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas! On this day we celebrate the transition from the Old Testament days when God’s people believed for a Savior to come, to the New Testament believers that Jesus came as God on earth to save us.

The amazing thing about Christianity is that God came to earth to save people. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves, we are at the mercy of God’s grace. Thank God, he loves us and did all the work.

As John writes in John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Dear Lord, We praise and thank you for coming to earth to save us. Help us to always remember how you humbled yourself to be our savior, and as a result all we must do is accept you to be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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