Tag Archives: God’s provision

December 28
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“So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.  He remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”  (Matthew 2:14-15a, NASB)

Egypt.  Time and again in the Bible, Egypt becomes the place of exile and pain.  Joseph (of many-colored coat fame; please see Genesis 37 for details) found himself in Egypt after being sold by his brothers.  The Children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt in what is known as the Exodus.  And now, the Christ child is taken to Egypt by His parents to escape Herod’s slaughter of children.

Exile may have its purposes, but it, nevertheless, also had its own proximate difficulties: Loneliness, unfamiliarity, suffering.

Have you ever been exiled to your own “Egypt”?  Are you there today?

If you are, be resolute in the knowledge that God is in “Egypt” with you; that God will never forsake you; and that God will, in the fullness of time, deliver you.  – Luther

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December 5
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“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  (Hebrews 4:15-16, NASB)

There are times when it seems as if trouble and adversity are predators and we are stalked like prey.

At such times, God’s word reminds us that we are far from alone in our condition: Prone to anxiety and bent toward fear.  There is One who has been where we are.  There is One who has faced what we are facing, and that One has emerged from the crucible completely victorious and untouched by sin.  His name is Jesus.

The solution to our dilemma is not to seek the counsel of some and the comfort of others.  Instead, immediately “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,” that is, seek God as your first Resource — not as your last resort.

Those who seek God continuously will always receive mercy equal to any sin; find grace abounding in abundance; and receive help that is always on-time.  – Luther

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October 31
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“But a beautiful palace does not make a great king!  Why did your father Josiah reign so long?  Because he was just and fair in all his dealings.  That is why God blessed him.  He saw to it that justice and help were given the poor and the needy and all went well for him.  This is how a man lives close to God.”  (Jeremiah 22:15-16, Living Bible)

Reject the notion that possessions make a great person; or are the evidence of God’s favor.

Yes, it is difficult to reject this kind of thinking when it is both so prevalent and so prominent in our society; but Jeremiah reminds us that it is the practice of justice and fairness — particularly for the benefit of the least of our neighbors — that pleases God.

It’s never about what you have.  It’s always about what you are!  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break — as normal — tomorrow.  Back, Lord willing, on Monday for another run.  Have a great day in worship, and remember to get that extra hour tonight by setting your clock/watch for Standard Time!

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