Daily Bread

God’s Leading

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

God’s leading or burden for various choices in our lives is often misunderstood. We say, “I felt God’s leading on this matter.” in order to put to rest any questions. Yet in perhaps one of the biggest decisions of all time, Joseph and Mary choose to go to Bethlehem just to pay taxes.

It is strange that the creator of the universe decided to use such mundane means to direct them to the manger. That gives me hope that once we are surrendered to Him He can use the most ordinary things to bring about His miracle in our lives! What a wonderful and mighty God we serve!

D-Day in Bethlehem

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June 6  1944 was the date for the invasion of Normandy by the Allied forces under the command of General Dwight Eisenhower. In the dark of night a fleet of ships silently carried an invading army to beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. Despite the element of surprise and careful planning heavy casualties were suffered as the liberation of Europe from Hitler and the Nazi regime began.

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In a field just outside of Bethlehem another army readied itself to invade earth. We often hear of a heavenly choir appearing to the shepherds but the Greek word stratia, which the King James version translates as hosts meant an assembled army. This was not just a bunch of white-robed musicians playing harps in the sky. This was a part of God’s invasion force rejoicing at the successful insertion of their general into the enemy’s territory! Victory was in sight. Peace was to come but not through a treaty. Peace would be the result of the ultimate defeat of the evil regime reigning on the earth and the crowning of the Prince of Peace on His victorious return from the field of combat. Yes Christmas was more than gentle shepherds and sweet angels. It was God’s expeditionary army of light led by General Jesus coming to bring His peace on earth to men on whom His favor rests!

What would Jesus think?

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Some years ago it became popular to have the letters WWJD on a bracelet. That acronym asked “What would Jesus do?”

The answer often seems clear i.e. would Jesus rob the convenient mart? Would Jesus buy cocaine? Would Jesus swindle the car insurance company? What is not always obvious are questions like, “Would Jesus marry Jody? What does He think about a 5 year car loan vs a lease? Can my teenage daughter go on dates? That is when we need to ask, “What would Jesus Think? What is His opinion of my friends, my career choice or my activities at church?

James gives us some great guidelines to help us pick out of the crowd of ideas, the guidance that comes from God.

I always remember the saying of Pastor Rick Warren, “God loves you and everybody else has a wonderful plan for your life!” Just like the Nike swoosh tells us which clothing is theirs so God’s plan has some trademarks.

First comes purity. There can be no hidden selfish motive in the direction God leads. Using friendship for profit or manipulating our family for personal advancement cannot be an acceptable way of thinking before Jesus.

Next our choices that line up with His will carry with them a sense of His peace. No matter what people say no what happens we find a supernatural trust rises in our hearts in the face of conflict.

Last of all is the quiet loving gentle strength we receive as we stay with God’s way of thinking. His thoughts in our hearts are like good seed. The longer they stay and the deeper they are planted the bigger the fruit and greater the harvest will be!