15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

Observation:

Jesus understands temptation, Just as we do.  He experienced a full range of temptations throughout his life as a human being.  We can be comforted knowing that he faced these temptations and that he can sympathize with us.  We can also be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving into sin.

Application:

In everything the bible tells us it shows us that o not have to sin when facing temptation. Jesus was faced with the same temptations we come across and he chose not to sin. This gives me great hope in my life because there are many issues in my life where I am tempted to give in and do things my way which is only going to lead me down a road that will cause me to sin. Right now my battle is money. Everyday I chose NOT to spend, not to sin.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me the truths and the way things really are. Thank you for the bible and that I may open it up to your word and get lost in the stories of Jesus and to be able to see how he faced the same trials I am tempted with. Knowing he could face them without sinning is encouraging to me; however I am not perfect only Jesus is. So thank you for the gift of forgiveness for when I do sin and falter. In your heavenly name I pray, Amen

4And because Joseph was a descendant of of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was now obviously pregnant.

Observation:

Things weren’t easy for Joseph and Mary, traveling all that way in such conditions. Sometimes we think to ourselves I’m being obedient, so why aren’t things going better for me in life? We face discomfort or inconvenience and immediately think either that we have misread Gods will or that God has made a mistake. But if you read how this couple traveled toward Bethlehem and the attitude they took….wow! God did not soften Josephs bumpy road, but strengthened him through it. God could have provided a luxurious Inn for  Joseph and Mary but he didn’t, he chose to bring his son into this world by means of a humble surroundings.

Application:

When we do God’s will we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. But we are promised that everything even discomfort and inconvenience has meaning in Gods plan.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for guiding me and providing all that my family and i need. Like Joseph strengthen me to live each day, by faith trusting that you will direct my path and that i will be content with you in charge. In your heavenly name i pray, Amen.

27 to a virgin named Mary. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”

Observation:

Mary was poor, young and female, all characteristics that to the people of her day would call unusable to God for a major task.  But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience he has ever demanded of anyone.

Application:

There are days that I feel my ability, experience or education makes me an unlikely candidate for God’s service. But i have to remember that I cannot limit God’s choices. If i trust him then he can use me.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the abilities you have and have given me. When i feel that sorrow is weighing me down,  and dims my hopes help me to think of Mary and  how she waited patiently for you to finish working out your plan. Because i know that you have a plan for me and even if i don’t understand it now, help me to be patient and do your will and serve you. In your heavenly name i pray, Amen

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Observation:

Because worry has no good affects on us, Jesus tells us not to worry about the those needs that God promises to supply. Worry will damage your health, disrupt your productivity, negatively affect  the way you treat others, and reduce your ability to trust God.

Application:

This really got me to thinking how many ill effects am I experiencing right now? I admit I have been consumed in worries lately. But the one thing i have learned is that worry is immobilizing…but genuine concern about something moves me into action.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there by my side even when i allow myself to wallow in my worry. Please for give me for seeking stress above giving you my worries. Give me the strength to conform to your will daily and to seek you in prayer as worries enter my mind. In your heavenly name i pray, Amen

10“Get out of here Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the scriptures say,  You must worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”

Observation:

The devil offered the whole world to Jesus if he would only bow to him and worship him.  Today, the devil offers us the world by trying to entice us with materialism and power. We can resist temptation the way Jesus did.

Application:

When we find ourselves craving something that the world offers,quote Jesus’ words to the devil “You must worship the Lord your God and serve  only him.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to resist the temptations the devil throws my way, allow me to always see the path that you have designed for my life and to make sure that whatever it is i do will bring glory to you alone! In your heavenly name i pray, Amen

1 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of our sight!

Observation:

God wants to forgive sinners.  Forgiveness has always been a part of his loving nature. In scripture he has announced this to Moses, he revealed it to David, And he dramatically revealed it to the world through Jesus Christ. 

Application:

We are so blessed that God puts our sins out of sight. He is the one who can clear us of our guilt. It is through Jesus Christ that we can have this joyous experience of  which only comes through faith in Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the cross, thank you for your son. Thank you for sending him to take my sins upon himself. In your heavenly name i pray, Amen

22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters,*Love each other deeply with all your heart.*

Observation:

Sincere love involves selfless giving. a self centered person can’t truly love. God’s love & forgiveness free you to take your eyes off yourself to meet others needs.

Application:

Christ sacrificed his life to show how much he truly loves us. Because of his sacrifice for us, we can love others by following his example and giving of ourselves sacrificially.

Prayer:

Father, Please help me to give to others as you have given to me, I know that I may not be able to fully do all that I want right now as I am not financially in a place where I can do so. However, continue to guide me as I give of my time serving  others and sharing my time and my talents. In your name I pray, Amen 

1 “Comfort, comfort my people.” says your God . 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.”

Observation:

God was telling Isaiah to speak tenderly to comfort Jerusalem. They still had 100 years of trouble before Jerusalem would fall, followed by 70 years of exile.

Application:

We may not escape adversity, but when life seems to be falling apart we can ask God to comfort us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the comfort of your words and grace to which I can turn to when I need comfort, there is something wonderful and peaceful about reading your word when all hope seems to be lost. Even when sometimes the only comfort I may feel at the time is in the knowledge that someday I will be with you. Thank you for placing people in my life whom I can turn to who follow your word as well. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

3 It was not because of his sins or his parents sins, “Jesus Answered”. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.

Observation:

The fact is we live in a fallen world. Good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior is not always punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. If God took suffering away whenever we asked, we would follow him only for comfort or convenience, not out of love or devotion. Regardless of our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it.

Application:

When we suffer from disease, tragedy or disability try not to ask, why did this happen to me? Or what did I do wrong? Instead ask God to  give you strength for the trial and a clearer perspective on whats happening.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,thank you for being a just and loving God. In my world I know I have been wrong about asking why…especially when I wonder why Grace is in the medical condition she is at such a young and tender age, but you know why and the more i spend time with her I have begun to understand, she teaches me to look deeper into my heart and soul on a different level and I learn so much from her precious little ways! The only thing i ask is for comfort and peace to be with her and my family , especially my mom ad dad as they are caring for her. Lord, they are tired, the are weary, they feel broken and helpless. PLase show them your comfort and love even on the darkest of days and I pray that they will continue to seek you Lord as their refuge & strength. As an infant she hurt so very much and could not express it to anyone, still she struggles with that. It is my prayer to you that Elizabeth will be strengthened through everything as well and find comfort through her daughters eyes and seek after your heart Lord. She has so much love for her little girl! Forgive our hearts when we ask you why Lord and stengthen us to turn those questions into praises. In your heavenly name i pray, Amen

Heaven

Grace

“They kept demanding an answer so he stood up again and said,”All right, but let the other one who has never sinned throw the first stone.”

Observation:

This is a significant statement about judging others. By saying that only a sinless person could throw the first stone, he highlighted the importance of compassion & forgiveness. When others are caught in sin, are you quick to  pass judgement? To do so is to act as though you have never sinned.

Application:

I know that it is God’s role to judge, not mine.  My role is to show forgiveness & compassion.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for showing me that I am not sinless and for reminding me that forgiveness and compassion is what you want me to give others. Amen