*Day 25 - Christmas Day*

^{It's Christmas!} 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. -John 3:16-17

This little passage contains the secret to life. It isn’t the things we get wrapped up in at Christmas… it’s Jesus. God sent his only son into this world so that whoever would believe in him would have eternal life in Heaven. God didn’t send Jesus to this world to condemn us, but rather, he sent Jesus to save us from our sin.

God, in his love, sent his son Jesus to reconcile us to him. Our relationship with God is restricted by a chasm of sin. Jesus is the only way to reconcile that great divide. When we believe in Jesus, he is the bridge that closes the gap. We then have the hope of an eternity with the Creator… the Great Shepherd.

We, like his sheep, need this. We are desperately floundering in our sin, and Jesus is the only one who can rescue us from it. He shepherds us, provides for us, loves us… he went so far as to die for us.

So today, stop what you’re doing, and think about your eternity. Think about your forever… where will you spend it? “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”—Romans 10:9.

Do you really want to spend eternity apart from the one who made you? The one who loves you? The one who tends to your needs as a shepherd tends to his flock? For the last 25 days, we have studied how God works in mysterious ways. We have seen him orchestrate amazing things in people’s lives. We’ve heard story after story about how we are like sheep and God is our amazing Shepherd. Do you want that forever? I sure hope you do.

Jesus is like a shepherd who has left the 99 to go find 1 lost sheep… come home to the one who wants to love you.

May you always remember why we have so much to celebrate this time of year. We have an incredible hope for our future… with one who loves us tenderly, as a shepherd loves his sheep.

Merry Christmas, and may God bless you!

Esther 

*Day 24 - The Shepherds*

Yesterday we read about Jesus’ birth. This is what happened next:

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

¹⁵ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.¹⁷ And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

²¹ And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. – Luke 2:8-21.

The shepherds in the fields were surprised by an angel who told them about the birth of Jesus. They were terrified… we probably would have been too. When they heard the great news of Jesus’ birth, they went to see the Messiah, who was lying in a manger.

The shepherds were so excited that they went and told everyone about Jesus’ birth!

The greatest gift those shepherds would ever receive, is to know they had seen the Messiah. They wanted to share that with others. Jesus in the greatest gift we can give to others.

This Christmas, what are you giving? Are you giving the people around you the greatest gift they could ever receive? Do they know Jesus? Do you?

The shepherds likely knew the prophecies from the Old Testament where God promised to send a Messiah to save His people and become their King. The shepherds understood the importance of this event and knew that because of it, things would never be the same.

History was forever altered because of the birth of Jesus, and so was your life. The Shepherds believed because they had the testimony of Old Testament Scripture to confirm what the angels told them. We can also believe because we have confirmation in the completed Word of God. I implore you to make the decision to accept Jesus Christ and follow him. It is so important, that your life depends on it.

I encourage you to be like these shepherds. Be so excited to know Jesus, that you want others to know him too. Their eternity depends on it. Jesus came into the world to live and die for you and me. That’s a gift worth sharing. 

*Day 23 - Jesus' Birth*

Today's story is about the birth of Jesus

When it was almost time for Jesus to be born, everyone had to go to their hometown for the census. For Joseph’s family, it was Bethlehem, also known as the City of David. Do you remember David? David was a small guy who killed a giant, commanded armies, and became a great king. It would be fulfillment of prophecy for Jesus to be born as a descendent of David. Joseph was of the lineage of David. Here is the account in the gospel of Luke:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. – Luke 2:1-7

When Mary and Joseph got to Bethlehem, they would have been arriving at the same time as a lot of people. There was no room left for them in the local inn. They had no choice but to stay in a stable, where the king of the world would be born, wrapped in strips of cloth, and laid in a manger.

Jesus had been expected for a long time. His birth had been revealed to prophets hundreds of years before his birth. His mother and earthly father, Joseph, were both visited by angels to tell them of Jesus’ miraculous birth. Mary’s relative, Elizabeth felt John jump in her womb when he knew he was in the presence of Jesus. Jesus was a miracle and a Savior. He was born into the line of David… a line of kings. And after all of this, he was wrapped in strips of cloth and laid in a manger, a place where animals ate from. He wasn’t born in a palace. He wasn’t laid in a golden cradle. The King of the world came in the humblest of beginnings.

This means something to us. The eternal Son of God entered this world not with an attitude of superiority, but, with humility, he came to live among us. He came to not have an easy life as a rich man, but to experience what it means to live like common man. He didn’t have a lavish life. He didn’t have the upper hand. He was humble. He was fully God in fully human form.

Think about Jesus’ first breath, and the life he would have lived. He wasn’t rich, and I’m sure they didn’t have a whole lot, because Joseph was a carpenter. Jesus was never conceited. He lived a sinless life. He was perfect in every way. He was perfect but humble.

What does Jesus’ humility mean to you? I hope it means that he feels more approachable to you. He knew what it felt like to live the harsh realities of life.

Today, just 3 days before Christmas, remember that the greatest gift of all was Jesus, and it was a very humble beginning. Christmas isn’t about how much money is spent or received. No matter how many gifts you give or get, Jesus is still the reason for Christmas. We celebrate this humble beginning. Be different in the Christmas season. Celebrate the true reason for Christmas, Christ himself. Gifts are wonderful, but they will all fade away eventually. Jesus is forever, and that is something to remember and celebrate.

Dear God, thank you for your Son Jesus and his beautifully humble beginnings. Help me during this time of year to focus more on Jesus than I focus on things. I know that everything in this world will eventually pass away, but I have an eternal hope in Jesus. Forgive me when I’m a bit too worldly. Change my heart, and help me set my heart on the true meaning of Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen

*Day 22 - Rest and Remember*

Make today a day of rest for you and your family. 

We are so close to Christmas, and this is a hectic time of year.

Today, think back over the last seven days:

·         In Matthew 9, Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few...", were you able to be a laborer this week? Could you be a laborer for some of your family members over Christmas who may not know God?

·         In John 10, Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture..." If you prayed for discernment this week, were you able to tell a difference in how you perceived people? Were you able to feel a different connection with the Holy Spirit?

The rest of the week we looked at the beginning of the story of Jesus:

·         Multiple prophecies foretold the coming of Jesus. These prophecies give us hope.

·        Zechariah lost his speech when Gabriel the angel told him he would be a father in his old age and he didn't believe. His wife Elizabeth gave birth to John the Baptist who would go on to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry.

·         An angel appeared to Mary and told her she would give birth to a son, and she received the task of raising the Messiah with grace. The angel told Mary that, "nothing is impossible with God".

·       An angel appeared to Joseph who was a good man, and told him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph graciously went on to take Mary as his wife and raise Jesus as his own son.

·         Elizabeth was pregnant as an old woman. When her relative Mary visited her, John leapt in her womb with excitement and joy.

These are important components of the story of Jesus' birth: the story of Christmas. Over the next several days, remember to not get wrapped up in gifts and family, but remember this amazing story. A story that was orchestrated from the foundation of the world. Our savior came to this earth as a baby, to grow up and live among us, and to give his life to save us from our sins. Remember the true meaning of Christmas this week, and enjoy your day of rest.

*Day 21 - Elizabeth*

Today's story is about Elizabeth

A couple days ago we talked about Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was Mary’s relative. Elizabeth and Mary were pregnant at the same time. When Mary heard that her much older relative, Elizabeth, was pregnant, she went to stay with her for about three months.

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

Before Jesus was even born, he was already doing remarkable things. Elizabeth’s son leaped when he heard Mary’s voice. Somehow, John knew that Jesus was close by.

How it must have been for Elizabeth to feel her baby leap at the sound of Mary’s voice. Do you think she would have been a little freaked out? It seems like she was startled at first, but Elizabeth knew what had happened because she was filled with the Holy Spirit. It humbled her  to know she was in the presence of God's Son.

Jesus was so amazing that he was doing incredible things before he was even born. John leaped in his mother's womb when he knew Jesus was close by. Jesus didn’t have to talk, he didn’t have to do anything but be in John’s presence, and it was enough to make him leap with joy.

Something was different about Mary, she was pregnant with the Savior of the world. As Christians we often say that the Holy Spirit is in us. We talk about how we are “filled” with the Holy Spirit. Do you think that being filled with the Holy Spirit makes us different?

It should, in a good way. We are supposed to be different from the rest of the world. The reason we are different is because we know Jesus and we believe in him. John the Baptist was already aware of the presence of Jesus. We need to be aware of the presence of Jesus too.

 John leaped in his mother’s womb because Jesus was in the same room. You don’t always have to say words for other’s to know that Jesus lives inside of you. By doing things that are different than the rest of the world, people can see a difference in you.

Today, think about how we can be different than the rest of the world in a positive way.  We can show others how amazing Jesus is by being kind, offering forgiveness, not getting overly angry, and most importantly, showing love. Let others know who Jesus is by striving to be like him.

“Dear Lord, help me to feel you all around me all the time. Help me to trust that I always have you close by, even when it sometimes doesn’t feel like it. Help me to do what you want me to do. Help me to be different in a good way. Help me to show others your love. Help others to see you through me and my actions. Forgive me when I don’t do what you want me to do. Make me someone that people want to be around because of you. Help those people to come to know you as well. In Jesus name, AMEN!”

*Day 20 - Joseph*

Today’s story is about Jesus’ earthly father – Joseph

Yesterday we learned about Jesus’ mother, Mary. Today we’ll learn a little bit about Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. –Matthew 1:18-19

Mary was engaged to be married to Joseph. As you can imagine, Joseph was a little shocked to find out that Mary was expecting a baby from someone else. He had planned on quietly breaking their engagement so Mary wouldn’t be embarrassed. He didn’t know how she could be pregnant, since they weren’t married yet.

20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, --Matthew 1:20-24

Do you recognize these words? They are the same words the prophet Isaiah spoke of a few days ago. The prophecy was being fulfilled. Joseph would have the honor of being the earthly father of Jesus Christ. He would raise Jesus as his own, and train him to be a carpenter just like he was.

Joseph accepted the task ahead of him. He was apparently a good man. During this period of time, he could have made a huge deal out of Mary being pregnant, but he chose to keep it quiet. It took a good man to not want to shame Mary.

Joseph thought through his decision carefully. He was already a good man, and he wanted to make sure he didn't cause Mary any shame. When you are faced with an uncomfortable situation, especially one God puts before you, what is your reaction?

Do you give in to your anger and frustration? Do you think about what you are doing before you do it? Are you careful with your words, or do you just say whatever comes into your head?

Today think about Joseph and what raising Jesus would have looked like. Jesus wasn't his biological son, but he was the Son Of God. Joseph accepted the task ahead of him with grace. What is God asking you to do that may seem uncomfortable? If God called you today to do something huge, what would your initial response be? Think on these things today.

"Dear Lord, Joseph seems to have been a man of high moral character. He was a descendent of your servant, David. I don't know how I would have reacted if I had been Joseph. He accepted his new responsibility, and appears to do so without grumbling. Sometimes I don't always act like I should when I am being called to do something. Sometimes I reject it all together, or grumble considerably. Change my heart to be a heart that longs to do what you want, Lord. Give me a heart that wants what you want. A heart that is gracious and willing. In Jesus' name, Amen." 

*Day 19 - Mary*

Today’s story is about Jesus’ mother, Mary.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. –Luke 1:26-27

Yesterday we talked about Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth had a cousin named Mary. One day, the angel Gabriel went to Nazareth and appeared to Mary. Gabriel was the same angel who had also appeared to Zechariah. Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant of David. Remember, David killed Goliath and went on to become a great king. 

28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. --Luke 1:28-38

The angel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also expecting a miracle baby. Elizabeth’s baby was a miracle because she had been barren for so long. Then Gabriel told Mary something that we all need to remember, “nothing is impossible with God.” God makes the impossible possible. Most people would have rejected the idea, but Mary seems to have accepted the idea of her immaculate conception with a lot of grace. Although she was initially scared, the Bible makes no mention of her ever doubting.

We can learn a lot from the way Mary gladly accepted God’s plan. So many times we don’t trust in God’s plan and we try to run away from it. We think of all the obstacles that could present themselves. We think about all the hurdles we’ll have to jump and the mountains we’ll have to climb, but NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Today, think about the miracle that would occur in Mary's life. Nothing like this had ever happened in history, so she had no way to prepare for what took place. God still works miracles. The miracle of Jesus' birth was only the beginning. Spend some time today thinking about miracles. What does that mean to you? Do you need a miracle? Although God doesn't promise everyone a miracle, we still must remember that nothing is impossible with God.

“Dear heavenly Father, thank you for working miracles every day. I know that nothing is impossible if I trust in you! Mary trusted that nothing is impossible with you. Today we pray for your will to be done in our lives: whether that is miraculously or ordinarily. Help us to remember the miracle of Jesus' birth during this time of year. Give us the same kind of faith Mary had. When we don't know what things will look like, give us the faith to always know, that you are a God who can do seemingly impossible things... NOTHING is impossible with you. In Jesus' name, Amen."

*Day 18 - Zechariah*

This week we will be reading and talking about the events leading up to Jesus’ birth.

Today’s story is about Zechariah.

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. –Luke 1:1-7

Zechariah was a priest and his wife was Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Remember Aaron? He was Moses’ brother. This tells us that Elizabeth comes from a long line of priests. Luke says that both Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people and loved God. Elizabeth couldn’t have children and both her and Zechariah were in their old age. In the temple, there were 24 divisions of priests who would serve for a week, twice a year. When it was Zechariah’s division’s turn to serve in the temple, they all drew lots, and Zechariah was chosen to burn incense. While he was burning the incense and praying, something amazing happened:

8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty,9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. –Luke 1:8-13

Can you imagine how scared Zechariah must have been!? He was just praying, and the next thing he knew, an angel was talking to him! The angel told Zechariah that his prayers had been heard and that God was going to answer those prayers by giving him a son.

14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”

18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” -Luke 1:14-25

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, 60 but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. 63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. 65 And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, 66 and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.-Luke 1:57-66

There were miraculous circumstances surrounding the birth of Zechariah and Elizabeth's son, John. You may know John and not realize it. Most often, he is referred to as John The Baptist. He was a miracle baby and cousin of Jesus.

John's miraculous conception and birth signaled the beginning of something incredible: Jesus would soon be born. As adults, John would go before Jesus and prepare the hearts of many people to receive Jesus as savior.

In the temple, Zechariah was terrified and doubted what the angel said. After all, he was very old, and had given up on ever having children. But God used Zechariah's family in an amazing way. John's birth was only the beginning of the miracles that would happen in the book of Luke.

What sticks out to you the most in this story? Is it the angel who spoke directly to Zechariah? Is it Zechariah's doubt and proceeding muteness? Is it John's miraculous conception? Is it the townspeople's reaction to his birth?

Whatever resonates with you in this story, spend some time in prayer about whatever it might be. This is the beginning of the greatest story ever told.

*Day 17 - Prophecy and Hope*

We have had so much fun learning about special shepherds in the Bible and special passages about sheep. Starting today, we will learn the Christmas story.

Jesus was never a backup plan. From the beginning of time, God knew that we would need Jesus to come as a Savior for this world. Hundreds of years before anyone knew Jesus' name, God put these words in the prophet Isaiah's heart:

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel - Isaiah 7:14

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6-7

When Isaiah wrote these words, he knew he might never know Jesus personally, but he made sure to write down what God told him, so generations would know about Jesus before he was ever born. Jews would have read these words, known about the Messiah, and would look forward to his coming.

Today we remember that Jesus is the Messiah. We remember that he was known about for hundreds of years before he was ever born. We were told of his imminent birth. God gave Isaiah these words so the Jews knew to have hope. Immanuel means, "God with us". Jesus is indeed with us even today. He was known about hundreds of years before he was born, and we still worship him today, thousands of years after his death and resurrection. Hope has always been associated with Jesus. There was the hope of his coming, and today, we have the hope of his imminent return.

Be honest with yourself today, and ask, where does your hope lie? Or better still, with WHOM does your hope lie?

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul writes these words:  16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

If you knew that everything you had and loved would be taken away from you tomorrow, what would you be most scared of losing? Is that thing or someone your hope? Christmas is a time for family and gifts, but it is also the best time to remember where our hope truly lies. It isn't with loved ones or presents, who will cease to exist here one day. Our hope should lie with Jesus, who is our hope for eternity.

Dear Lord, it is so easy to get caught up in presents and people this time of year. But I know those things won't last forever here on earth. Lord, help me to put my hope and trust in Jesus who is forever. Jesus is Immanuel. He is God with us. He was prophesized about, those prophecies were fulfilled, and we have him as our hope for the future. Although we can't see him, he is indeed with us. Give us strength to cling to the hope of Jesus this time of year. In Jesus' name, Amen.  

*Day 16 - I Am The Door*

Jesus often spoke in parables. A parable is a story that teaches a lesson. Jesus told this parable:

10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

He was speaking in metaphors, and they didn't understand very well, so he explained it to them:

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Jesus explained that he is the only good shepherd. Anyone else isn't. There are many people who want to lead. They want to be in charge, but the harsh reality is, they just want power. If someone is trying to lead you, they want what is best for you. Jesus says he loves you so much that he is willing to lay down his life for you... and he actually did. What other person or god would lay down his life for us? Jesus says that anyone else we would try to follow are like hired hands who don't care about the sheep. They have no stock in them so they don't care how the sheep are treated as long as they get paid. Jesus is the true shepherd. He cares about the flock and what happens to them.

When false teachers try to lead you astray, remember the true shepherd, and the words of the Bible. When other religions start to look appealing, remember what Jesus did for you that nobody else ever could. When hard times come, don't trust people who will run away. Trust in God who created the world, and knew you before the foundation of it. Trust in Jesus who died, just for you.

Today, ask God for discernment. Discernment is the ability to judge between good and bad based on what God places in your heart. Discernment is really important because it helps us determine who is really for God and who isn't. Ask God for him to help point out the people in your life that might be false teachers. Ask him to point out why he is the one true God.

Dear heavenly Father, there are a lot of people who say they are your shepherds, but they aren't good shepherds. Please give me discernment to help me see who is a good shepherd and who isn't. Help me to see why you are the one true God, and why other gods aren't. Give me the discernment to know what is good for me and what isn't, according to your word. There are so many people who live by their own words and not yours. Give me the courage to do what you want, and not be led astray by those who don't actually care about me. Bring good leaders into my life that are grounded in your Word, that will help lead me wisely. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*Day 15 - We Can Be Laborers for the Lord*

Today's lesson is about how we can be laborers for Jesus.

 When Jesus began his ministry, people flocked from all over to see him heal the sick and perform miracles:

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” -Mathew 9:35-38

Although there was always a crowd around Jesus, he recognized that there were too many people for him to shepherd well in his earthly body. He told his disciples that the people were plentiful, but there weren't many people that were willing or able to help the crowds. He asked them to pray that God would send out laborers to help the multitude of people around him.

There are still so many people desperately in need of Jesus. They are like sheep without a shepherd. They need his guidance and his love. These people need to know the Great Shepherd. They don't even know that they are wandering through life, lost without God.

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. There are so many people who need this good news. You and I can be the laborers. We can lead people to Jesus. We can also guide them in the ways God wants us to live. We can shepherd them on a major scale by leading them to Jesus. We can also shepherd them on a smaller scale by navigating life with them, through a Biblical perspective. 

Today, pray what Jesus asked his disciples to pray, " pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest". Pray that God will continue to raise up people to lead others. We need leaders who love God. We need people to shepherd Jesus' followers.

If you do not know Jesus and would like to, I invite you to enter into a conversation with him through prayer and in your own words tell him that you know you are like a lost sheep, wandering without a shepherd. Confess that your life without him is incomplete. Also understand that because of your sin, you cannot yet have a relationship with God until you do this. Tell him that you believe in his death and resurrection and you are now committing to make him the Lord of your life!

If you have done this, I encourage you to find a trusted Christian friend or pastor and share your exciting news with them. Then, find someone that will shepherd you and cause you to draw closer to God.

"Dear Heavenly Father, Our Shepherd,  I pray earnestly today that you will send laborers out into your harvest. There are still so many people who need you in their lives. Help me to be unafraid of the role of shepherd. Help me to lead people with gentleness and kindness to you. Help me to help my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to live a life that is pleasing to you. It takes so much courage to step out of my comfort zone and lead. I ask that you give me the courage to be a laborer for your harvest, and a shepherd for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen."  

*Day 14 - Recap and Rest*

Today, Recap and Rest

This week we learned more lessons from sheep and shepherd references in the Bible.

We heard two stories about Moses that taught us about how God still calls and equips imperfect people like you and me. We also learned how we can still trust God when we have a hard time understanding and trusting him. (Days 8-9)

We learned about how David defeated a giant and how we too can overcome the obstacles in our lives with the help of God. (Day 10)

Jesus told a story about how one day we will all be separated like sheep and goats. We learned when we do things for others, it's like doing them for Jesus. We also thought of one thing we could do for somebody else, and did it. (Day 11)

In the parable of the lost sheep we learned that we can always return to God because he will be there. He always welcomes us back when we wander away from him. (Day 12)

We read a beautiful Psalm about how much God does for us, made a list of all the things we are thankful for, and thanked God for them. (Day 13)

We have grown so much this week in our faith. We know that God is always there for us and that no matter how far we stray from him, he is always waiting. We're not perfect, but God can use us anyways. Even if we have a hard time understanding God, we can always trust him, because God wants the best for us, rescues us when we need help and forgives us when we don’t always do what is right.

Today, think about which of this week’s devotions helped you the most, or puzzled you the most, and go back and re-read those scriptures. Are you most glad that God uses us in our imperfections? Are you still having a hard time understanding and trusting God? Do you need some encouragement in overcoming what you are going through? Are you doing things for the people around you? Are you most grateful that God always accepts us back when we wander away from him? Did God rescue you from troubles in your life this week?

“Thank you god for being our Great Shepherd. Thank you for always welcoming us back to you with open arms, thank you for all you do for us, and thank you for providing everything we need. This week, continue to help me to be a better person, and help me when I need rescuing. Only you can change my heart and pull me out of difficult circumstances. You see everything I do and you still love me. Thank you for being a good God, and our Great Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

*Day 13 - The 23rd Psalm*

Today’s lesson is on the 23rd Psalm

David wrote a beautiful Psalm (which means hymn) about how God is our shepherd. You can find it in Psalm 23. It says:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3     He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for his name's sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

    my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever.

Isn’t the 23rd Psalm beautiful? The language David uses is so elegant, but it’s great for another reason: It shows us how amazing our God is in so many different ways. Like a shepherd with his sheep: God wants the best for us, he wants to make sure we’re always taken care of, he helps us when we’re scared, he protects us, he doesn’t let anyone run over his children, He anoints us, he is good to us, he is merciful, and one day, he’ll allow us to come live with him in Heaven forever. We serve an amazing God.

Today, make a list of all the things you want to thank God for, and thank him for those things. There are a lot to choose from! Are you grateful that God forgives? Are you grateful that God loves us? Are you thankful that he protects us? Take time today to thank him for what he has personally done in your life. We take him for granted so much. If you don’t think you have much to be thankful for, thank him for other things. Thank him for your home, your family, food… you name it! God created everything!

“Dear heavenly Father, thank you for everything you do for us. We love you so much. I am most thankful to you for _____________________. I know that nothing comes about without you being in it. You created the whole world AND me! Forgive me for taking you for granted sometimes, and forgive me for taking the things in my life for granted sometimes. Thank you for being our Great Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

*Day 12 - You Can Always Come Back To God*

Today’s lesson is about The Great Shepherd and how he loves us enough to seek us out like a lost sheep

Our God is a big God! He knows everything about everyone that has ever lived or ever will live. That’s a lot to remember! But did you know that each of us is important to God? Every single one of us matter to him. Jesus told his disciples this parable as a metaphor for his relationship with each of us:

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.—Luke 15:3-7

No matter how far we stray from the will of God, no matter how far away we wander, God loves us so much that he will rejoice every time we come back to him. As humans we will, unfortunately, wander away at some point. We don’t always do what God wants us to. But God loves us SO much, that he sent his son, Jesus, to take all of our sins away:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. –Isaiah 53:6

What that means is, all of us have turned away from God’s will and turned towards our own will at some point in time, but Jesus took all of our sins and laid the sin of the world on himself, so that we can always come back to him no matter how many times we wander. How awesome is that!?

God loves you and he wants to have a relationship with you. Like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, he wants you to come back to him, and he’ll be waiting for you with open arms. He’ll lay you on his shoulders and rejoice at your return! Always return to the Lord, no matter how far you stray, because he will always be waiting for you.

Today, spend some time with God in prayer. Come to him and talk to him about what you’ve learned over the last several days. He’s always listening. If it’s been a while since you’ve spoken to him, just remember, he’s looking for you to come back to him. Just turn to the Lord, and he will welcome you back with open arms, and rejoice at your homecoming.

“Dear heavenly Father, thank you for always seeking me out. Thank you for forgiving me when I turn away from your will. Help me to always turn to you with all my needs and desires. Forgive me for relying on myself too much sometimes. Thank you for loving me enough to welcome me back each time. I know I am special to you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

*Day 11 - Separating The Sheep From The Goats*

Today's Story: Separating the Sheep From The Goats

For the last 10 days we have learned about 8 different Biblical shepherds. For the next 5 days, we will be learning some important lessons based on sheep stories in the Bible.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus died on a cross for our sins. He was raised from the dead on the third day, and after a while, he ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God, his Father. The position of sitting on the right hand side means Jesus has authority alongside God. We also believe that there will come a time when Jesus will return to earth. When Jesus comes back to Earth again, it will not be like the first time he came. It will be to judge everyone who has ever lived. When he comes back, he will separate people into two categories, like shepherds separate sheep and goats.

In the book of Matthew, he details this in a sermon by Jesus:   

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.  –Matthew 25:31-33

What is the significance of separating the sheep and the goats? Sheep are quiet and gentle animals. They are easily led by their shepherds and quietly graze. Goats are different. Goats are rambunctious and rebellious. Goats also browse instead of graze. Shepherds separate them into two groups because they are so different. They are two very different types of animals just like the two groups God will separate everyone into:

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. –Matthew 25:34

Jesus tells us that those who are placed on the right, the sheep, will inherit the kingdom he has prepared for us. Then he tells us why:

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. –Matthew 25:35-40

Then Jesus talks about what will happen to the goats, the ones on the left:

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. –Matthew 25:41-46

Jesus details several selfless acts in which we can either help the people around us or not. He says when there is a need to be met, we should meet it as if we are doing it to Jesus. , "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me". In this season of giving, what are you doing for the people around you? If there is a need that needs to be met, are you willing to meet it? Would you be willing to do it if it was Jesus? We need to treat others as if we were doing it for Jesus himself. We never know what someone might be going through, and you may never know how you can bless someone.

Today, think of one thing you can do for somebody else, and do it. You can make such an impact on someone’s life by treating them in the same way that you would like to be treated. This is so important to Jesus that he says when we do these things, it will be like we are doing them for him. 

“Dear Lord, thank you for being our heavenly father. I am so grateful to be one of your children. This Christmas season, teach me how to treat others like I would like to be treated, and use that for your glory. Help me to make it a habit so it lasts all year, not just during Christmas. Forgive me for not wanting to help people, sometimes. I know it hurts your heart when I don’t help those around me. Give me a heart for others so that I am always in your will. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

*Day 10 - David*

Today's story is about an incredibly brave shepherd - David

David was the youngest of 8 brothers. He was much smaller than some of his other brothers. David kept his father’s flocks while his brothers went off to fight in the war. David’s people, the Israelites, were in a long battle with the Philistines. The reason it had been such a long battle is because of one man… a giant! That giant’s name was Goliath. Goliath was HUGE! Some people say he was 9 feet tall! Goliath was mean. He told the Israelites that if they couldn’t kill him, he would make them all slaves. How scary! Everyone was too afraid to go up against him. They thought the odds were against them and that they would never be able to defeat someone so big and scary.

One day, David’s dad, Jesse, asked David to go to the battlefield and take his brothers some food. When David got there, he heard all about Goliath. Nobody would go out to fight Goliath because they were so afraid. David started telling people that they shouldn’t be afraid, because God was on their side. When King Saul heard that David wasn’t afraid of Goliath, he asked David to come see him.

32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” -- 1 Samuel 17:32-37

Saul put his armor on David, but it was too big and uncomfortable. So David took off the heavy armor, went to the stream, picked up some rocks, and went to fight Goliath with only a slingshot, and 5 smooth stones.

45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down … that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.” 48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. – 1 Samuel 17:45-50

David went into battle knowing that God would provide. He didn’t go in and take Goliath by his own power, he did it with the tools God had given him. Today, think about the obstacles in your life and think about the tools God has given you personally to overcome these obstacles. David went into battle with a man three times his size because he knew God was going to take care of him. He knew that God would help him overcome his obstacles with his particular skill set. Have faith that God will use what you have to help you through the hard times and help you to overcome what is holding you back. Give everything you’ve got to him, and he’ll help you overcome your obstacles every single time.

“Lord, there are lots of obstacles in my life. Sometimes it is hard for me to trust you with everything that I have. Help me to trust you more. Help me to rely less on myself and rely fully on you. Give me the tools to overcome my obstacles. Forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. Strengthen my faith in you. Take my little and make it a lot for your glory. Thank you for your amazing grace! In Jesus' name, Amen!”

*Day 9 - Moses Part 2*

Today's story is about a hero shepherd - Moses

Yesterday we learned about Moses and how he felt inadequate to lead his people, the Hebrews, out of Egypt. After God showed Moses that he wouldn't be alone,  Moses and Aaron went to Egypt to deliver the Hebrews out of Slavery. They pleaded with Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go, but as God predicted, Pharaoh didn’t want to let them leave. So God sent 10 devastating plagues on Egypt until Pharaoh finally let them go! Moses was a hero!!!

Unfortunately, their celebrating wouldn't last very long. When the Hebrews reached the Red Sea, pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go, and he sent his armies to bring them back. But God made a way for the Hebrews to escape:

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen...

26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the Lord threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

This miracle was mind-blowing, but it was only the first of many miracles to come. The Hebrews would wander in the wilderness for 40 years after this, but God would provide miracles for them all the time. God parted the sea for them, provided drinking water from rocks, and protected them in wars, but sometimes the Hebrews still had a hard time trusting God.

Do you sometimes find it hard to believe in God? Do you question why he does the things he does? The Hebrews saw signs and wonders and had a hard time too. Don't feel bad if you have unanswered questions. Everyone asks questions about God at some point... even people who have seen him do incredible miracles.

But God doesn't expect us to know everything. He just wants us to have faith and believe. If you are struggling in this area, read your Bible and see what God says about himself. Talk to a pastor or someone who is Biblically sound to help you work through your questions. God loves you like he loves the Hebrews. He already knows everything about you, so don't be afraid to seek him and ask him to reveal himself to you through prayer and Scripture. He is an amazing God and loves you.

God, sometimes you're hard to understand. We can't see you or touch you. You don't speak to us in an audible voice. We want to be honest with you, God. You already know our hearts anyways. When we find it hard to trust you or believe in you, help us to go to your Word. You reveal yourself to us through Scripture. You speak to us in a still small voice. You are not a God that is dead, you are very much alive and at work in the world today. Help us in our unbelief and show us who you are. Help us to love you as you love us. We want to trust you and have faith. Show us who you are so we trust you more. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*Day 8 - Moses Part 1*

Today’s story is about an unlikely hero, who was also a shepherd – Moses

Several years after Joseph's family moved to Egypt, the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were named the Hebrews. Long after Joseph had passed away, a pharaoh began to rule that didn't know of Joseph and how he had saved Egypt during the severe famine. The pharaoh hated the Hebrews because there were so many of them. Although the Hebrews were God’s chosen people, the pharaoh didn't recognize God or God's chosen people. He enslaved the Hebrews to keep them oppressed. When the Hebrews thrived even in enslavement, pharaoh began to fear they may rise up and rebel against his authority.   So he did a horrible and scary thing, he killed all the baby boys that were born into a Hebrew home.

During this time, a Hebrew woman gave birth to a little boy and she didn’t want anything to happen to him, so she made a basket, put the baby in it, and placed the basket in the river for someone to find. As providence would have it, the pharaoh’s daughter found the basket. She took mercy on the boy and raised him as her own. She named him Moses.

Although Moses was raised by pharaoh's daughter, he always knew he was a Hebrew. As he grew, Moses began to hate how badly the Hebrews were being treated. One day, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew. He was so upset that he hit the Egyptian and it actually killed the man. Moses was so scared, that he ran far away to the land of Midian.

While Moses lived there, the slavery of the Hebrews became increasingly worse. This upset God because the Hebrew's were his chosen people:

 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. –Exodus 2:24

Little did Moses know that he would be used to help the Hebrews. Moses was out with his sheep one day and came upon something miraculous:

2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. -Exodus 3:2

Then God told Moses that he would be an instrument in delivering the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was severely concerned. He was afraid nobody would believe him. He was afraid he wouldn't speak well enough. He was scared, but God showed Moses signs and wonders that would help others to know that Moses had been sent by God.

 1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” –Exodus 4:1-5

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” -Exodus 4:10-13

Moses always felt out of place. When he was older, he committed a horrible crime, he ran away. Amazingly enough, God still sought Moses. Moses was a very imperfect person (aren't we all?), and he didn't think he was good enough to do something so bold for God. But God told Moses that not only was he good enough, he was going to do an incredible thing through him.

Do you ever think you couldn't be used by God? Do you ever think that your past is too bad, or you're not good enough to do what God wants you to do? Do you look around and see people doing things better than you, and discount your own abilities? Today, forget about all of that, and believe that with God, he can make anything possible. If he can speak to a man out of a burning bush, he can speak into your life too. Are you listening for him? Trust that you are good enough to do what he is calling you to do. Seek God and his will, and he will guide you and equip you for the task he will set before you. Be brave enough to walk it.

"Dear Heavenly Father, you made me. You know what I'm good at, and you know what I'm not good at. You know everything about my past and the choices I will make in the future. Help me to make good ones. Help me to make choices that reflect what you want. Make me brave. Show me what you want me to do, and make me courageous enough to do whatever that might be. Moses didn't think he was good enough to be a hero. Sometimes I don't think I'm good enough to do things either. But God, you gave Moses all the tools he would need to accomplish the task you gave him. Show me what you want me to do, and then help me to do whatever that may be. Help me to be obedient, and give me strength to do whatever it is you may want of me. In Jesus' name, amen."

*Day 7 - Rest*

Today is Day 7!

The seventh day is very special to God. After God had made the entire world and everything in it, he rested on the seventh day:

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. - Genesis 2:1-3

This week we learned some very important lessons from some shepherds in the Bible. Let's go over what we learned.

• God is our great shepherd. He gives us everything we need, so it's good to be thankful to him for all he provides.
• Abel was the very first shepherd. He gave a good offering to the Lord, so we also should give our best to God.
• Abraham was the father of many shepherds. He was obedient when it was hard. We can be obedient when God calls us to do hard things too.
•  Jacob had a dream in which God promised to be faithful to him. God always keeps his promises. We can keep our promises too.
•  Joseph was a shepherd who spent time in a pit, a prison, and finally a palace. His life was really hard, but in the end, God worked everything out for the good of Joseph and his family. Joseph is a good example of how we should treat God when life gets hard, and how we can trust God's divine plan, even if we don't fully understand it.

Today, I hope you will find time to rest and reflect on what we've learned this week. Think back over the week. Is there one of these stories that spoke to you? Do you need to be more thankful to God? Do you give God your best? Is God calling you to do something difficult? Are you being obedient to that call? Are you keeping promises to the people in your life? When life gets crazy, do you trust God's plan? How do you treat God when things don't make sense?

Take a moment to pray and talk with God. Ask him what he wants from you, and what you can do for him. Sit in silence, listen, and rest.

Did you hear anything specific? I would love to hear what you heard. Please feel free to share with me or someone close to you.

Enjoy your day of rest. Tomorrow we learn about another shepherd.

*Day 6 - Joseph Part 2*

Today's Story is about a shepherd in the pit, the prison AND the Palace - Joseph

Yesterday we learned about Joseph and how after a long time of struggles, he was appointed as governor over the land of Egypt. Joseph became the overseer of a plan to keep Egypt from starving during a severe famine that would last seven years. This was many years after his brothers sold him into slavery. His brothers were affected by this severe drought, so they went to Egypt to get food. They had no idea where the slave traders had taken Joseph. After so many years, they wouldn't even recognize Joseph...  but he would recognize them.

6 Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground. 7 Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke roughly to them. “Where do you come from?” he said. They said, “From the land of Canaan, to buy food.” 8 And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.9 And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. –Genesis 42:6-9

It shocked Joseph to see his brothers after so many years. He pretended to not know who they were. He questioned them harshly so they wouldn’t know who he was. When his brothers mentioned their youngest brother, Benjamin, Joseph came up with a plan to get all of his brothers together at the same time. He kept his identity a secret and and concocted a plan to get them all together. When they brought Benjamin to Egypt, Joseph tested his brothers to see if they would allow their brother to be taken like he was. When they passed his test, Joseph couldn’t pretend anymore:

 3 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

4 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children's children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’ 12 And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck.15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him. –Genesis 45:3-15

God knows everything. God was going to send a famine to the land of Egypt and he wanted to preserve Jacob’s family, so he set about a chain of events that would ultimately save their family. If Joseph hadn’t been there to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, nobody would have known about the famine that was coming, they wouldn’t have stored up food, and Jacob’s entire family would have starved to death! Going back farther, if Joseph’s brothers hadn’t sold him into slavery he wouldn’t have worked in Potiphar’s house, and if Potiphar’s wife hadn’t lied, and he hadn’t been put in prison, he wouldn’t have interpreted the cupbearer’s dream, and if he hadn’t done that, then Pharaoh would never have known who Joseph was. Wow. If any one of those events hadn’t taken place, Jacob’s entire family would have starved. God set the events in motion to preserve the linage of Jacob. He used Joseph in a mighty way. In a way that Joseph could never have predicted.

Joseph had to go through a lot. Although he encountered some pretty harsh circumstances, since it is where God wanted him, God made Joseph prosper through those circumstances. God knows things that we don’t know. Sometimes we go through hard things that we don’t understand, but if we trust God’s plan, he can use our circumstances for things that we can’t even imagine! Through Joseph’s circumstances, thousands were saved during the famine. We just don’t know how our circumstances could positively affect others.

Sometimes God puts things in our lives, or takes them away, to fulfill a purpose that we can’t understand. If we praise him in those circumstances, we may find it easier to accept God's plan, even if it's uncomfortable. Do you think Joseph could have ever predicted that one day he would wind up saving his own family when he was sold to a caravan of slave traders!? NO! That’s something nobody could have ever predicted. But God is a mighty God, and he always has a plan in motion.

Today, think about what’s currently happening in your life. Do you think that God is using you in some way? Are you confused or upset by your circumstances? Focus on the positives in your life and trust in God’s divine plan. Continue to have faith in that plan. Think about how your circumstances are affecting your heart and those around you. God’s got big plans for you! You may just not know it yet!

“Dear Lord, thank you for your divine plan. It’s too big and too complicated for me to wrap my head around. Please use my circumstances for your glory. Help me to grow from the situations that I am currently facing, and help my circumstances touch others. Use me and use my story to serve you in a mighty way. Forgive me for doubting your plan sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard for me to have faith. Strengthen my faith and strengthen my heart through this season of my life. Help me to always turn to you when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you for always having me in the palm of your hand and always pulling me through every situation I encounter. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”