2 Samuel 7:12-13

2 Samuel 7:12-13  God promised David: "When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."   Luke 1:32-33 The angel said to Mary: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

God,  Your Word is a timeless tapestry of rich and royal hues. Wondrously woven by a Master Artisan, it's an everlasting vision of Your never changing view. Meticulously following the scarlet thread hidden within the completed work, I can see the beautiful plan You designed for man.   One thousand years before Christ was born, You promised David a never ending kingdom. You made the line of identification so clear. No imposter might be mistaken for the Messiah. Like a tedious thread on a tapestry, Your Word was not broken over time. O how I marvel at the magnificence and intricacy of Your handiwork.    Upon careful study, the one thing I particularly notice is that good things take a long time, a lot of devotion, and an unwavering faith. Help me dear Lord, to be more like David. Though he committed grievous crimes, he was remorseful, repentant, and will always be remembered as a man who sought Your heart.    Lord, I don't know when You'll return, but my hope is in Your well-woven Word. While I wait, please give me patience to continually trace the scarlet thread on Your Tapestry, remain wholeheartedly devoted to studying it, and maintain unwavering faith for the glory of Your name. Amen.

I marvel at how intricately God has woven the scarlet thread of Jesus Christ through His Word. By carefully studying it, I see His plan being fulfilled before my eyes. Blessed assurance, His Word is my only hope.    David was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons. A little shepherd boy with a humble heart and a whole lot of faith was anointed with power and called to be a great king. Mary, a peasant girl with the heart of princess and a whole lot of faith, was blessed by God and called to deliver the Most High King.    After hearing the Word of the Lord, both immediately and unquestionably believed, and humbled themselves in heartfelt adoration for the blessed assurance they had received.    If you are feeling small and inadequate, observe how God works. He uses little, unlikely people who have a whole lot of faith, to accomplish His master plan. Humble yourself before Him, believe He can do great things, and watch with wonder at the way He weaves You into His work.

John 8:12

John 8:12  Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Jesus, You are the Light of the World,  Your radiance fills the whole earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. Before You created life, You spoke and created light to separate the world from impenetrable darkness. Great are You Lord and mighty in power!     Thank You for leaving the hallowed halls of heaven and stepping out into the wreckage of this cold, dark, and wicked world so that I could see the light of Your love and live. In the light, You exposed the mess I made of my life. Lovingly picking me up, You cleaned me out, filled me with the oil of Your Spirit, and made me into a dazzling luminary to brighten the world. Following You, I can carry the light of life into the dense darkness of death, disease and despair; sickness, suffering and sorrow.    Lord, You know how dark these days are. With the Light of the World eclipsed by heathenism in the hearts of the benighted millions, guide me by the lamp of Your Word. Following You, I won't fumble and stumble through frightening darkness, but will purely, patiently and peacefully illuminate Your love by helping and encouraging those who are lost and alone. Blazing with Your glory this holiday season, use me to lead hopeless, helpless, and hurting people into the light where they will find goodness, grace and an abundant new life. To God be the glory for the radiant gift of Light! Amen.

I don't have to tell you that we're living in dark days of uncertainty. Hordes of people are hopeless, helpless and hurting this holiday season, horrified by the unknown. They're stumbling through the darkness because they can't see the Light. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, don't hide your light. Follow Him. Open your Bible and do the things you see Him doing. His Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Let the light of life shine brightly through you by helping or encouraging someone for Jesus today.

Matthew 1: 1, 6-11

Matthew 1: 1, 6-11 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: King David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife, Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram, Jehoram the father of Uzziah, Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Sovereign God of all my ancestors, Let Your name be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to You. You change the seasons and the years. You take presidents, kings, and prime ministers away, and put new ones in place. I praise You that whenever power changes You remain unchanged. As much as I find genealogies BORING, I thank You for preserving ancient history so that we can see how You order governments, principalities, and dynasties for Your glory. I believe the kingdoms of the world are Yours, and You appoint whomever You want to rule them. I'm grateful that I can look back and see that there really is nothing new under the sun. Both good and bad leaders are in the lineage of the Messiah. Likewise good and bad leaders will be in place until You return. Precious Lord, knowing You guide the future as You did the past, gives me hope and confidence to believe that this journey will have a joyous end. I pray that our governmental and church leaders today may know that You are the ruler over everyone. You give power, strength, and glory to whomever You choose in order to accomplish Your heavenly purposes here on earth. Yet, You are not a dictator. Give world leaders a Spirit of wisdom and revelation that they may know You personally and intimately. Open the eyes of their hearts to recognize that everything they have comes from the storehouses of heaven. In awe of who You are, may they willingly choose to bend their knee to Your absolute authority, and lead with righteousness, justice, and mercy. Thank You for the blessed hope that You are coming, and possibly quite soon, to rule and reign on earth with righteous, justice and mercy forever! Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.

There really is nothing new under the sun. I have spent a good bit of time in God's Word trying to understand why He would allow unscrupulous politicians to rule in power, not only in our nation, but throughout the world. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Just as He allowed atrocious leaders in the very bloodline of the pure and perfect Messiah to accomplish His purposes, He will do the same to usher in Christ's return. May this give you hope and confidence in the days ahead; days, which may become quite difficult. As He protected those who were wholeheartedly devoted to Him in ancient history, like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, He will protect those of us who seek Him wholeheartedly today. Guaranteed! The time to seek Him is NOW! The time to pray for our government and church leaders is NOW. Prayer can change history; but most importantly prayer will change your heart. To help me understand the genealogy of Jesus and the ancient kings God used to fulfill prophecy, I created the following synopsis. David, a shepherd boy and a man after God's own heart, was also an adulterer, deceiver and murderer. Solomon, the richest and wisest man who ever lived was not satisfied with what God gave. He preferred innumerous wives and permitted their idols to be brought into the temple. Rehoboam, led by blind ambition sought the counsel of immature friends over the counsel of God and his wise elders. Abijah sounded regal and like a true man of God, but he was no more than a resounding gong, because he did not worship the Lord. Asa, reputed for being a good king, did not finish well because relied on insight from the king of Syria rather than the High King of Heaven. Jehoshaphat, a relatively good and godly man, aligned himself with the vile King Ahab of the northern kingdom and his wicked wife Jezebel. Worst of all, he accepted Ahab's daughter, Athaliah, as a wife for his son Jehoram, an alliance that would bring deadly consequences. Jehoram reigned for eight years and nothing good came from him. Uzziah was a great administrator and popular politician whose downfall was pride. Jotham did just about everything right. Consequently, he became mighty because He prepared his ways before the Lord his God. Yet, still he accomplished little during his 16 year reign. Ahaz was known as the epitome of evil. Hezekiah's track record is just as impressive as his father Ahaz's was ignominious. Just as Ahaz's sin nearly enslaved his people, so Hezekiah's righteousness redeemed his. Manasseh, the wickedest monarch, reigned longer than any other king in Israel's history - 55 years. He blatantly worshipped idols and publicly practiced pagan rituals. He caused his children to walk through fire, used enchantments, and witchcraft, as well as wizards which provoked the Lord's anger. Amon did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father ... but trespassed more and more. His plans were cut short when his own officials conspired against him and assassinated him. Josiah, for as wicked as his father and grandfather were, was exceedingly righteous. Not only did he tear down the altars of the Baals, smash the Asherah poles, and purify and repair the Temple, but he also found the Book of the Law, read it to the people and made a covenant to observe it. More than anything, however, Josiah, like Hezekiah, brought salvation to his people. After finding the Book of the Law, Josiah sent his officials to consult with the prophetess Huldah, who delivered this message: "Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place ... [But] Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God ... Behold I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace."

1 Chronicles 29:35

1 Chronicles 29:35 Now, our God, we give you thanks,          and praise your glorious name.

O Lord, It is a joy to give thanks and bless Your glorious name! Truthful Teacher, I'm overwhelmed by the truths You teach with me when I open my Bible and my heart. Thank You for correcting my wayward thinking. Healer of Hearts, there is no Doctor like You in heaven or on earth! Thank You for transplanting Your heart into mine, healing me and giving me a vivacious new life full of love and strength. Almighty Attorney, You defend me from the allegations brought against me by proud people with personal agendas. Thank You for standing up for me. Narrator of Life Changing Love Stories, You have written the brilliant biography of my life - a fantastic novel of drama, power, romance, and intrigue. Thank You for my life story.  King of Compassion, approaching Your divine throne, I'm overwhelmed by Your kindness. Your mercy and justice take my breath away.  Thank You for your compassion. Sufficient Supplier, You show me the secret to a satisfying life: Relying on your promises, looking for Your provision, and depending on Your power. Thank You for satisfying the desires of my heart. Great God who governs from beyond the galaxies, You are the Mighty Magistrate righteously ruling and reigning over all the earth. Patiently, You pardon people who plea with You. Thank You for Your righteousness. Irresistible Lover of My Soul, You light up my life, making my heart happy. You are absolutely precious to me! Thank You for loving me intimately. Victorious Lord, You're the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Blessed Angels. I celebrate the sweet victory You've given me through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the glorious conquest! Indescribable Light, because You made Your home in my heart the Light is always on. Darkness has disappeared and I never have to stumble again. Thank You for releasing me from darkness. Negotiator of Great Deals, the bargain You made for me is unbelievable! You'd serve my death sentence so that I could be free. Thank You for defending, saving, and freeing me. Good and Gentle Shepherd, You are my powerful Protector and one and only Owner. O how Your sweet voice resonates deep within the inner ear of my soul. Thank You for taking care of me.

Peruse your Bible and think about Who God is to you. Thank Him for Who He is.

Psalm 107:22

Psalm 107:22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving       and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Father in Heaven, As a gesture of appreciation for Your matchless mercy toward me, I'll joyfully show the world the wonder of Your amazing love by:  Self-expenditure - I'll gladly abandon my own dreams for absolute loyalty to You, determinedly following You wherever You lead.   Attitude of gratitude - I'll quickly and gratefully stamp out my personal agenda in order to enliven a broken heart.  Crucifixion of self - Deliberately, I'll kill my spirit of intolerance and indifference in order to allow You to freely work through me to do anything You choose.      Radical love - Because of the extravagant love You've shown me, I'll readily demonstrate extreme compassion to those outcast by society. Immediate obedience - Out of fear and respect of Your almighty authority, I'll willingly do any assignment You give me without hesitating or complaining. Full devotion - Attached to no one but You, I'll notice the people and situations that burden You. Individuality broken - In order to effectively aid and assist You, I'll allow You to crush me and shape me into Your perfect image. Challenge - I'll intentionally accept assignments that may be beyond my mental and physical abilities, fully trusting You to energize and equip me. Endurance - The power of Your Word, coupled with praise and prayer will strengthen me. Thank You, Lord for filling me with the sweet aroma of Your love. Let my life pleasantly emulate Your essence this holiday season, attracting others to Your fine fragrance because of Jesus. Amen.

God gave up His Son for Your benefit, ask Him what He wants You to give up for His benefit this holiday season. Then, obey immediately, without complaining. Cheerfully offer Him your sacrifice with a thankful heart. O. Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest: We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later - it must be done now ... Always guard against self-chosen service for God ... God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed.

Psalm 100

Psalm 100 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Almighty, All-bountiful, All-gracious God,  It's sheer pleasure to worship You with heartfelt adoration and undivided attention. Your unfailing love has put a song in my heart, a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I believe that You are Lord, my God, Creator of everything. O, how I praise You! My Good and Gentle Shepherd, knowing You intimately is the greatest joy and blessing. Your voice is music to my ears. With steadfast devotion, You lead me to the lush, rolling meadows in my Bible where I can devour the rich delicacy of Your Word. Faithfully, You guide me through barren deserts to refreshing streams of Living Water that quench my thirsty soul. Along the way, You staunchly defend me from the wolves of wickedness that threatens to devour me. Thank You for protecting and providing for me. With unbridled excitement, I enter the heavenly gate and come into the safety of Your beautiful sanctuary. My thankful heart, tells of Your tender kindness and continuous mercy. I sing of Your infinite goodness and everlasting compassion. Your enduring love has set my feet a dancing. O how I love and worship You for all You've done for me, Jesus, my Wonderful Savior, Redeemer and Friend. Amen.

Prepare your heart for Thanksgiving, by pondering God's goodness. Make a list of all the gifts He's given you. Thank Him for each one, offering Him a sacrifice praise!

2 Chronicles 10:8, 12:14

2 Chronicles 10:8, 12:14 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him ...He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord. My Only Wise King, True wisdom and power are found only in You. Counsel and understanding are Yours. Yes, counsel and sound judgment belong to You. Insight and strength come from You. Deceivers and deceived are both controlled by You. You lead counselors away, stripped of good judgment and turn wise judges into fools. You remove the royal robe of kings, leading them away with ropes around their waist. You lead priests away stripped of status; and overthrow those with many years in power. Trusted advisers are silenced by You, and the insight of elders removed. You pour disgrace upon princes and disarm the strong. You build up nations and destroy them; expand nations and abandon them. You strip kings of understanding and leave them wandering in the pathless wasteland. Groping in the darkness without light, You make them stagger like drunkards. (Job 12) Since blind ambition can be spiritually mortal, I ask You, in the name of Jesus, to send wise counselors to the leaders of the land I love. By the power of Your Spirit, instruct them and teach them in the way they should go. Keep Your loving eye on them and advise them so that they won't lead like Rehoboam who preferred the unsound recommendations of his rebellious friends over the sage suggestions of his elders. Because he arrogantly abandoned Your law after he became strong, choosing instead to be self-sufficient, You forced his country to eat the fruit of his folly, and it was anything but fun for seventeen long years. Holy Spirit, rouse in the hearts of our leaders a desire for righteous knowledge that is sound and fair even if it means they have to humble themselves, step across the aisle, and receive it from the opposition so that our great nation will stand united and strong for many years to come bringing glory, honor and praise to One who gives her holy wisdom and divine power. Amen. From whom do you seek counsel? Do you seek it from those who truly know God's Word and live by it? As Christians, advice from those who are spiritually sound is nothing less than a gift from God. Pray that the leaders of our nation would seek divine counsel so that we can avoid the treacherous path chosen by Rehoboam.