Photo I took of the nativity set Michael got for me when we were first married
Verse To Abide In
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Matthew 1:1 ESV
Digging Deeper
“This verse gives us a clue to the special drift of Matthew's gospel. He was moved of the Holy Spirit to write of our Lord Jesus Christ AS KING—"the son of David." He is to be spoken of as specially reigning over the true seed of Abraham; hence he is called "the son of Abraham." Lord Jesus, make us each one to call you, "My God and King!" As we read this wonderful GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM, may we be full of loyal obedience, and pay you humble homage! You are both a King and a king's Son.“ -Charles Spurgeon
https://www.preceptaustin.org/matthew-commentary-c-h-spurgeon-the-gospel-of-the-kingdom
From The Heart
As I have been preparing my heart for the New Year, as well as preparing for this week's worship service, I have been meditating on Jesus as my King.
Am I, in my character and heart, humble before my King?
Am I ready and alert to serve my King in this new year?
Let's Pray
Father of glory, we humble our hearts before you (James 4:10). Would you prepare us for service to our King this year? We seek first your kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). We ask for wisdom for each day, moment to moment, in understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15–17). May we serve well. May we obey well. May we love well (John 13:34–35). May we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you (Micah 6:8 NIV).
May we walk, having our eyes enlightened, knowing and remembering and believing the hope to which you have called us, knowing and remembering and believing the riches of your glorious inheritance in the saints, knowing and remembering and believing the immeasurable greatness of your power toward us who believe according to the working of your great might—that you worked in Christ when you raised him from the dead and seated him at your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And you put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all, everything in every way (Ephesians 1:17–23 ESV, NIV). Yes! Amen! In the name of Jesus, the only Ruler, the only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15)! Amen!