IMMANUEL: Devotion for Friday December 25, 2015

IMMANUEL      Friday December 25, 2015

Text: Isaiah 7:10 – 16   Memory verse: v 14

Isaiah reproved Ahaz and his court, for the little value they had for Divine revelation. Unbelieving is destructive. This made God to ask Ahaz to ask for a sign so He can prove that His words are real. Nothing is more annoying to God than distrust, but the unbelief of man shall not make the promise of God of no effect; the Lord himself shall give a sign. The sign is that a son will be born whose name will be Immanuel meaning God with us.

Today is Christmas day, a day we commemorate the birth of the Immanuel. From this it is obvious that God‘s word will always come to pass. Ahaz had refused a sign addressed to sight. God now promises the people a sign addressed to faith; a sign therefore for the believing portion of the people. Family Bible Notes states that “While God punishes the unbelief and rebellion of His people, He will, for His own glory, fulfil all His promises to Zion, the sum of which is Jesus Christ, born of a virgin for our redemption.” God is ever faithful. For His name sake, He will fulfill all His promises for you. We wish you and yours Happy Christmas in Jesus name.

Food for Thought: Is God with you?

Prayer: God, may I benefit from the blessings of Immanuel in Jesus name.

THEY PRAISED GOD

THEY PRAISED GOD           Monday May 18, 2015

Text: Luke 2:15 – 20              Memory verse: v 20

When Jesus was born, some shepherds were among the first people that got the good news of His birth. One would have expected the news to have gone to the Chief Priest or the Pharisees but God chose simple men who will value His birth (Luke 2:8 – 15). They did not make argument with the angel. The message prompted them to leave their sheep and went down to Bethlehem. They came and saw (2:16) just as the angel had told them (2:17). They were indeed privileged to have seen all these. They saw the act as the grace of God. As they were returning to care for their flocks, they glorified God for what He had shown them, and for the blessedness which they felt.

There is always joy when a child is born into any home. However, the birth of Jesus was a special case and the joy and emotion expressed by these simple hearts were not just because a child was born, rather because they have seen the Messiah that has been spoken of, and also the privilege of being among the first set to do so. Do you praise God when he gives you a rare privilege? How do you react when you are privileged to hear the truth – frown at the messenger or you take it seriously? The honour these shepherd had, came out of their obedience. Obedience is the best proof of our love for God.

Food for Thought: We can only be privileged to God’s goodness when we obey his instructions and commandments.

Prayer: Grant me the heart of obedience to your word O Lord which is the major source of blessings.