Trusting God

The Writer’s Psalm – The Lord is My Editor!

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1516287561606_image.jpgThe Lord is my editor He makes me lie down and rest upon His word

He leads me to the quiet place of prayer so I will think before I write

He leads me to live His word not just listen so others will see His name written in my life

He stays up with me on lonely sleepless nights giving the comfort of His presence when I have nothing I can think of to say.

He prepares a feast of the joy of His presence when unfair words work to discourage me

He pours His grace over my life in such amounts that I can’t wait to share it with others

He sends blessings to follow me every day

And when He sends His approval of my manuscript

He includes a note saying, “Why not stop at my house when you are done

So we can spend all of eternity together!”

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy[e] shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23 ESV

Drawing Close to Bethlehem

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. Luke 2:4-6 KJV

We cannot know from this passage if it was on the night of their arrival that Mary gave birth, but we can imagine her weariness as they plodded through the outskirts of Bethlehem. How much longer would it be till the child’s birth? Where would they stay? Who might welcome them? Who would believe the miraculous story they carried in their hearts?

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This Christmas God is also bringing you and me on a journey. His goal is for us to go where He has prepared for us to be. Like Mary you might have times when you might be wondering: Where do I really belong? But God who has prepared a place for every sparrow’s nest has also planned a place for you. When we wish to be welcomed, He reminds us in those moments that we are always welcome to come to Him. Just as Joseph and Mary could only trust God’s timing on the long road to Judea so also we must be patient as the seconds tick down on the changes that lie ahead for us. You might think that no one can know the story of your heart, but God will send angels stars or shepherds to help you as you draw closer to Bethlehem.

Jesus knows where we are

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Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:5-6

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Recently I started a part-time job at a large store in our city. Since I know so many from my church, neighborhood and work I thought that I would see people I knew regularly. But day after day, week after week it is a rare delight to see a familiar face. There are just so many! That may have been the feeling of this lame man lost in the crowd. The pool of Bethesda was jam packed with strangers. There was no one there to help him. Jesus came at a time when he felt abandoned and forgotten. He came not just to wave His hand and perform a miracle, but to ask about his needs and to listen to his response.

Jesus is right here I the middle of our small and forgotten situation. Jesus is bending down to ask us what we need. Because even with all the knowledge and all the power in the universe He will not begin His work until we ask. Are there years of bitterness and frustration holding you back? Do you feel forgotten in the crowd? Jesus has not forgotten! Jesus knows exactly where we are! He is passing by us, whether at the pool of Bethesda or on a busy city street. He is listening so we can fearlessly tell Him exactly what we need!