Psalm 37:11
“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Christ spoke of the meek, calling them blessed, in His sermon on the mount, when He was referring to this Psalm. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Many consider themselves to be meek without realizing what it requires. The Meek are they who are poor and afflicted for His purpose. Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Any affliction that we endure which causes us to know His Word is worth the pain. If the circumstances of this year have driven you to the Word of God more, thank Him. If the pain you experienced has sent you to your knees in prayer, thank Him. Peace is found when we come to Him, for He is the Abundance of Peace. Just as He spoke peace to the wind and waves, let Him speak peace to your storm. Mark 4:39 “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” His Word is powerful. His Word can turn pain into praise. His Word brings peace to a troubled soul. Choose to end and begin the year delighting in the Abundance of Peace through His Word. Psalm 119:47 “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.” Delight in Him today, and every day. Bible Reading: Malachi | Psalm 150
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Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Everyone is searching for peace amidst the chaos and confusion of the world in which we are living. The Truth of the matter is that most are looking in all the wrong places. When we need a break, or to find some peace, we often look to the things of the world. Any form of stress reliever that we can buy or schedule will only give temporary results. Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Anxiety is rampant today. We seek peace and comfort from everywhere else but where the Scriptures tell us it is found. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” The perfect peace that is found in Him “passeth all understanding”. No matter how hard we try, it is impossible for us to comprehend or understand it. Our finite minds simply cannot fully grasp the concept, no matter how spiritual we may consider ourselves. Yet, it is available to us when we come to God through Christ Jesus. He keeps our hearts and minds secure through peace that only He can give. Colossians 3:15-16 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Instead of searching everywhere else, before you pick up your Bible, why not finish out this hectic year seeking peace in Him? John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Bible Reading: Zechariah 11-14 | Psalm 149 Isaiah 26:4
“Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” How we conduct ourselves in times of struggle depends on how we have prepared our hearts before they are broken. Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” The best way to prepare ourselves is to trust Him before the storm comes. 2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.” Trust is found within the pages of His Word. Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” When we trust Him, there is no reason to fear anything or anyone else. Psalm 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” When we trust Him, there is everlasting strength. Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” When we trust Him, there is not just any kind of peace, but perfect peace. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” What is your mind stayed on today? If it is everything or anyone else but Him, you will have anything but peace. Regardless of the situation you are facing, choose to trust Him today, and every day. Bible Reading: Zechariah 8-10 | Psalm 148 Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Purging of the branches often involves a painful experience. This is a vital part of preparing for more fruit to be produced. John 15:2 “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” Purging means something has to be broken. Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” A broken heart can bring us closer to Him. When we feel as if our world has been crushed, it gives opportunity for Him to bring healing. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Allow Him to bind up your wounds today. The healing you need can be found within the pages of His Word. Psalm 107:19-20 “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” He has sent us His Word, so that we may be healed. Despite our circumstance, our perspective can change if we allow our affliction to drive us to the Word. Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” Psalm 119:71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” His Word can fix what’s broken, if only we will let Him. Allow His Word to bind up your wounds today, and every day. Bible Reading: Zechariah 4-7 | Psalm 147 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” As this crazy and chaotic year draws to an end, may it cause us to dwell on the fact that although most of this year did not go as we had planned, nothing was a surprise to the Lord. He allowed every situation, and has given us unique opportunities to use for His glory. Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Sometimes He has to purge away some things in order to make us more fruitful. Amidst all the uncertainties and trials of this year, the Lord has given us more fruit. John 15:2 “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” Anything that makes us more fruitful is a blessing from Him. 1 Peter 5:10 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” Regardless of what this year has brought your way, choose to allow it to enable you to be more fruitful and bring glory to Him. The choice is up to each of us. We can hide in fear or press forward in faith. He is in control. He knows best. Proverbs 29:25 “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Romans 8:31 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Trust Him today, and allow Him to make you fruitful for His glory. Bible Reading: Zechariah 1-3 | Psalm 146 Luke 2:49
“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” Jesus and His parents returned into Galilee to Nazareth after sometime, and then made yearly trips to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When He was twelve, Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem while His parents travelled home. Luke 2:43 “And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.” They returned back to Jerusalem and found Him after three days in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors asking them questions that amazed everyone. In the first recorded Words of Jesus, the Son of God, He asked two questions of His seeking parents. “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” They looked for Him in all the wrong places. It took them three days to find Him. How are you seeking Him? It is easy seek Him in all the wrong places, just as His parents did. Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” He must be the first priority if we are to live as He intends. 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God…” What is your heart set on today? Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” What is in our hearts determines what we do, how we act, and who we are. If we are to be like Christ, we too must be about our Father’s business. Seek Him with your whole heart today, and every day. Bible Reading: Haggai | Psalm 145 Luke 2:21
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Isaiah told that His name would be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, and Immanuel. Yet none of those compare to His given Name…”his name was called JESUS.” Gabriel had told Mary before she conceived. Luke 1:31 “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” The angel of the Lord had also foretold it to Joseph in a dream. Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” JESUS. Jehovah is Salvation. The Reason He came is woven throughout His Name. John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” JESUS. The Name above all names. Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” JESUS. There is just something about His Name. Bible Reading: Zephaniah | Psalm 144 Luke 2:20
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Their journey began full of fear in their field as they kept watch over their flock. They were led to the city of David where they found their Saviour wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. Now, they returned to the field, but things were different. What they had heard and seen had changed them. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Once you have experienced the presence of the Lord, you will never be the same. They heard the angel bring good tidings of great joy. What we hear affects our faith. Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” They saw the Saviour, as a baby in a manger. What we see strengthens our faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” What they had heard and seen changed everything, both for them and for all of us. How could they not glorify and praise God for what He had done? Yet, every moment we are given the same opportunity and often choose to glorify and praise anything and anyone but Him. Glorify Him today. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Praise His Name for the wonderful things He has done! Isaiah 25:1 “O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Bible Reading: Habakkuk | Psalm 143 Luke 2:19
“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” What are the things that Mary kept and pondered? She was simply in awe of what God had done in and through her. She was highly favoured, willing, and full of faith in the Lord Who had performed “those things”. Luke 1:45 “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” What are you pondering in your heart this Christmas? Perhaps the wonder of the lights, the presents, Santa and his elves tends to distract you from the Reason for the Season. Choose to stand in awe this Christmas. Psalm 4:4 “Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” Psalm 119:161 “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.” Instead of “Carol Of The Bells” choose “O Come Let Us Adore Him”. Rather than “Jingle Bells” sing “Joy To The World”. Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room Is there room in your heart for Him? At the end of Luke 2, Jesus is 12 years old… and Mary is still pondering over what God had done through her. Luke 2:51 “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” Here we see that it was not just the “things” that she kept in her heart, it was “these sayings”. Are you keeping the Word of God in your heart? Psalm 119:2 “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” Bible Reading: Nahum | Psalm 142 Luke 2:18
“And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” The Gospel fills hearts with wonder. When the Shepherds made known abroad what had taken place, those that heard the Good News wondered at what they were told. The Saviour was born as a baby in a stable instead of a palace. The Angels told shepherds instead of kings. Jesus was born of a virgin, as the Son of God. He was born to die. Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” If we only wonder at the Gospel instead of believing, we have missed out on the Gift. Romans 10:13-14 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” If the Shepherds kept the news to themselves, how would people have heard? In order for someone to hear it, someone has to tell it. Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Tell the Good News of the Gospel so that someone will hear today, and every day. Bible Reading: Micah 5-7 | Psalm 141 |
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