Good morning! When God’s plans succeed it’s not by luck or coincidence, they succeed because God is God. He knows the beginning and the end of the story. He is the Alpha and Omega. Enjoy today’s devotion and your day.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 2:1-12 NLT
“1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 2 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

3 King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. 4 He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

6 ‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’

7 Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. 8 Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

9 After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” 

Reflection 

The insecurity of the king caused him to react in a way that created fear within him and the people of Jerusalem. Yet, the wise men followed God’s guidance and did not given to the fear of the king.

Brothers and sisters, don’t be discouraged by the plots and wicked plans of people. God’s plans for your life will prevail (refer to Jeremiah 29:11).

Stay focused on the path the Lord has you on. Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit as it guides you to the next step and through the next phase of your life. Hear the Holy Spirit’s wise counsel and follow God’s direction.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for sending your one and only son to save us. Lord, thank you for loving us. Lord, thank you for showing us that your word and promises are true and that no plot or plan can stand against it. Lord, speak to our hearts and remove the spirit of fear that has taken residence in our hearts and minds. Lord, help us to boldly follow your path and plan for our lives. Lord, speak clearly to us and show us which way to go and which direction or people we should avoid. Lord, open our eyes so that we can see what you are doing in our lives and in the world. Lord, soften our hearts to love and be compassionate for others. Lord, use us and continue to change us to be more like you in everything that we do.

Lord, we pray for the little boy who is sick today. Lord, we thank you for breaking his fever, but he is still weak. Lord, we ask for complete healing and for his strength to return. We pray for his parents and grandparents to find comfort and peace as you heal him. Lord, give the health care provider the wisdom and discernment to treat him. Lord, we pray for those who are ill today with a cough or virus and we ask for you to improve their respiratory system and clear up their cough. Lord, we pray for the man who is experiencing chronic pain and we ask for his healing and for doctors to provide appropriate treatment for a full recovery. 

Lord, we pray for people and communities impacted by fire. Lord, help the first responders to get the fires under control. Help those without water or power and let it be restored today. Lord, be with each person who lost their homes and help them as they try to recover from the loss. Lord we pray for the states that are preparing for severe weather and snow. Lord, protect each person who goes out in those conditions. Lord, help them as they drive to work, school, appointments, etc.  Keep them safe on the roads. Help them to stay safe and warm. Lord, we pray for those who are or will be traveling and we ask for their safe travels to and from wherever they are going. In Jesus name, amen!

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