The Word of God International University

Use Credit or Debit Card for $175 Enrollment for Ministerial Credentials, Bible College Degree, or Make a Donation towards our Community Work Here Loving to Learn Clinics and Centers Health, Education & Social Services Meet Dr. Joshua Smith

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

Notes

Notes Home

Welcome! To view all notes, click here.

THE WORD OF GOD WORLD OUTREACH

You Must Ask for Eternal Life... Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. John 16:24 - Here to have you asked nothing in my name: ask, and you shall receive, that your joy…

Continue

Created by Bishop Dr. Joshua Smith Oct 18, 2011 at 3:47am. Last updated by Bishop Dr. Joshua Smith Mar 21, 2014.

View All

Meeting You Where You Are?

Daily Bible Verse & Prayer

Today's Verse - Luke 2:6-7

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

—Luke 2:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Despite Jesus' miraculous conception in Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, the LORD entered our world in the most common of ways. The time came to be born, his mother went into labor, she gave birth to her child, the child was welcomed and wrapped in soft cloths, and placed in a crib. Jesus' birth wasn't just "normal"; it was common, even below average conditions for his birth. When the Son of God was born, he wasn't placed in a crib. Instead, he was placed in a manger where animals ate. His room was not in a house, but a stable. No one made room for him in an inn or a house. Neither of his parents' families opened their homes or hearts to him, even though Bethlehem was also their likely destination for the census. The holy God who created everything enters our world as baby Jesus to share our way of life as one of us in such low circumstances. Why? He loves us and wants us to know we can come home to him no matter our circumstances. Incredible... incredible story... incredible birth... incredible love... because of our incredible God!

My Prayer...

O LORD God Almighty, how can I ever show you how much the gift of your Son means to me? I am struck with wonder and joy that you should love me this sacrificially and tenderly. Please accept my praise and adoration for both the gift of your Son, Jesus, and your love in sending him. Praise to you, loving Father, for your indescribable gift! In Jesus' name I thank you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Luke 2:4-5

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

—Luke 2:4-5

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

For the next few days, let's journey with Joseph and Mary as they experience the incredible grace of God in the miraculous birth of God's Son to their family. These verses give us the basics:

They took a trip south from their home.
The expectant couple went to Bethlehem, which was King David's home city as well as their own.
The two were "betrothed" (legally pledged in marriage), but not yet married.
The time for Jesus to be born was quickly approaching.
Joseph and Mary were going there to register with the Roman government in Bethlehem as required by the census.

Intrigue about Jesus' biological father hinted at scandal associated with Mary's pregnancy. Themes of promise and fulfillment from the prophets frame the story, reminding us that this is God's story. Human faithfulness amid social, religious, and familial storms echoes throughout the story. The Roman census provides a real historical context for real everyday people who journeyed, risked, sacrificed, and welcomed the newborn Messiah. The LORD enters our world very much in a place where we find ourselves. God has chosen to enter our world in Jesus, Immanuel, as one of us. The Messiah born into such a mess is certainly a Savior and LORD we can reach, follow, and love. This Jesus is one of us.

My Prayer...

Holy and loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for entering our messy world with all its contradictions, ironies, and conflicts. Thank you for not being aloof or immune to our struggles, but for sharing in them with us as our Immanuel, "God with us"! Amen.

Today's Verse - Acts 2:21, 40-41

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ... With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

—Acts 2:21, 40-41

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Call on the name of the LORD to save you! Proclaim Jesus as your risen LORD! Share with him in baptism as the first Christians did. Have God add you to his holy people. Know that Jesus will save you from the corruption that plagues our world and so many of our lives. You see, God sent Jesus to save, redeem, restore, and bless us. Share in the joy of that salvation. Don't wait! Today is the day of salvation! Rejoice in it. Pass it on to others. Christ our King has come to bring his salvation to all of us who will truly believe!

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for sending Jesus the first time to die for my sins! Thank you for sending Jesus into my heart to comfort and strengthen me as he works in my life! Thank you most of all for my salvation, which will be fully realized when Jesus returns. So, I pray in Jesus' name, with anticipation. Amen.

More…

Badges | Report an Issue | Terms of Service