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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; luvie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; DollyCali; Gabz; ...

Our Daily Bread

Sunday,
January 1, 2023

Choose Joy
Read: Philippians 1:12–21

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Keith was feeling down as he trudged through the produce aisle. His hands trembled from the first signs of Parkinson’s disease. How long before his quality of life began to slide? What would this mean for his wife and children? Keith’s gloom was shattered by laughter. Over by the potatoes, a man pushed a giggling boy in a wheelchair. The man leaned over and whispered to his son, who couldn’t stop grinning. He was noticeably worse off than Keith, yet he and his dad were finding joy where they could.

Writing from prison or under house arrest as he awaited the outcome of his trial, the apostle Paul seemingly had no right to be joyful (Philippians 1:12–13). The emperor was Nero, a wicked man who had a growing reputation for violence and cruelty, so Paul had reason to be concerned. He also knew there were preachers who were taking advantage of his absence to gain glory for themselves. They thought they could “stir up trouble” for the apostle while he was imprisoned (v. 17).

Yet Paul chose to rejoice (vv. 18–21), and he told the Philippians to follow his example: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4). Our situation might seem bleak, yet Jesus is with us now, and He’s guaranteed our glorious future. Christ, who walked out of His tomb, will return to raise His followers to live with Him. As we begin this new year, may we rejoice!Mike Wittmer

What personal suffering or injustice causes you to languish in your sorrow? How might the truth of Jesus bring you joy?

Father, please raise my eyes above my circumstances. I look to You alone for joy.

For further study, read Why? Seeing God in Our Pain.

Bible in a year: Genesis 1–3; Matthew 1

2,942 posted on 01/01/2023 9:08:49 AM PST by The Mayor (“Love the Lord your God,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39))
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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; luvie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; DollyCali; Gabz; ...

Our Daily Bread

Monday,
January 2, 2023

A Small Start
Read: Micah 5:2–4

Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small . . . , out of you will come . . . [a] ruler over Israel. Micah 5:2

The Brooklyn Bridge was considered “the eighth wonder of the world” upon its completion in 1883. But a single, slender wire strung from one bridge tower to the other was essential for the structure to come to fruition. Additional wires were added to the first until a massive cable, along with three others, was woven together. When finished, each cable—composed of more than five thousand galvanized wires—helped support the longest suspension bridge in its day. What started as something small turned into a huge part of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Jesus’ life began in a small way—a baby born and placed in a feeding trough in a tiny town (Luke 2:7). The prophet Micah prophesied His humble birth, writing, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel” (Micah 5:2; see also Matthew 2:6). A small start, but this ruler and shepherd would see His fame and mission “reach to the ends of the earth” (Micah 5:4).

Jesus was born in a small place in humility, and His life on earth ended as “he humbled himself” and died a criminal’s death on a “cross” (Philippians 2:8 nlt). But by His immense sacrifice He bridged the gap between us and God—providing salvation for all who believe. This season, may you receive God’s great gift in Jesus by faith. And if you do believe, may you humbly praise Him anew for all He’s done for you.Tom Felten

What small or big thing is God doing in your heart? How will you humbly respond to Him?

Jesus, thank You for humbly coming to save me by Your great sacrifice.

Learn more about the life of Christ.

Bible in a year: Genesis 4–6; Matthew 2

2,943 posted on 01/02/2023 8:55:59 AM PST by The Mayor (“Love the Lord your God,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39))
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