January 2: Genesis 3-5; Luke 2

Slow Times

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 2:39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Observation: After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the visit to the temple, the escape into Egypt and return, Joseph and Mary settled into the routine of daily life. They had done all they could do and everything required of the Law, and now was the time of just living. It was family life with a small child, and with the brothers and sisters that were born into the family. It was time needed for Jesus to grow and develop.

Application: There have been times of waiting for God to give the next move. They were times of holding steady to the course God had set. They were times of God’s instruction and character building. They were not times to run, change course, or develop my own plan. They were times of growing in the natural circumstances of life.

Prayer: Lord, your timing is amazing. Thank you for helping me not to get discouraged in the “slow” times but learning to appreciate your Presence. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!