HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!
"And we
have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay
attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and
the
morning star rises in your hearts" ~ 2 Peter 1:19 (ESV)
Welcome to a New Year, with another wonderful opportunity to search the
Scriptures every day. May the Lord bless your efforts and give you wisdom and
understanding in every reading. This
year we will take an exciting journey through the Prophetic books of the Old
Testament mixed with readings from the entire New Testament. May we "pay attention as to a lamp in a dark place", to find new light for every challenge. So, now we begin...
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." ~ Matthew 2:10-11 (ESV)
Some people worship their cars, others worship their houses and still others worship health or wealth. In doing this they look for joy and fulfillment. The expectation is centered on the gain to be had from the thing worshiped. But, is worship getting or giving?
This wonderful account of the Magi traveling from afar to worship the King of the Jews is quite revealing. The fact that they came so very far with a single focus in mind tells us much about their heart. They came to bow in homage and worship a king. They came bearing treasures to show their honor and in doing so "they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy". For the wise men worship was giving, which resulted in getting.
What do you seek to accomplish when you enter the sanctuary every week my friend? Do you come to worship with a selfless heart of devotion to the Lord? Are you satisfied in giving of your time, talents and treasures, willing to receive nothing in return? Is your joy found in the simple expression of love to your King? Be wise this week and come to give worship and as a result you will get great joy.
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