Friday, Jan 10

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 16:7b (NLT) – “The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Luke 1:6 (NLT) – “Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations.”

Luke 1:30 (NLT) – “‘Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God!’”.

Luke 2:25b-c (NLT) – He [Simeon] was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him”

Message: When you look at the story of the birth of Jesus, God uses some of the most unlikely people. They were ordinary people, living ordinary lives, but had hearts full of love and an overflowing commitment to God. Their dedication to God did not go unnoticed.

“Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes,” (Luke 1:6a)

“‘Don’t be afraid Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God!’.” (Luke 1:30)

“He [Simeon] was a righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel.” (Luke 2:25b)

These are just a small sample of the wonderful people that God and Jesus use to help bring the Kingdom of God to earth, from birth to crucifixion, and beyond. They don’t have money, looks, or power. They are humble and craving to live a better life by following the Lord. It was in that society that God sent His Son to be born. No palaces, riches, or status; just good and faithful people with open hearts to learn and receive all that Jesus could teach them.

How’s our heart? Is it centered on God? Is it full of love for our neighbor? Is our heart open to receive the Holy Spirit?

In the chaos that we find ourselves, God is searching for those hearts willing to do His work, whatever it may look like. As we look forward to Lent and Easter, isn’t this a great time to look at our heart, and open it up to receive whatever God has planned for us?

Prayer: Creator God, we unburden all that closes our hearts off to You. Create in us a new heart, full of Your Holy Spirit, ready and willing to do Your work. We want to be the light and love to all who are around us, just as Your Son has taught us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Debbie Babbage