SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 1:10 He [Jesus] was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
OBSERVATION: Jesus created the world, yet when he came as a little baby, born of a virgin, announced by angels, in the town prophesied by the prophet Micah, the world did not recognize Him. Even the Jewish people who had been given all the prophecies about Jesus did not recognize Him. The religious leaders who probably best knew the Old Testament scriptures did not receive him but led the mob in having Jesus put to death.
APPLICATION: As I read the above verses, it comes to me that there are times my eyes are so fastened on my circumstances that I do not recognize the presence of Jesus. He is with me; he never leaves me; I claim to be his own, but I do not recognize His presence! I miss the opportunity to exercise my faith.
My conversation should be filled with faith and the possibilities of what God can do; but in not considering His presence, my conversation is filled with doubt and negative thoughts about what I fear. People around me see that my claim to being a Christian really makes no difference in my daily life.
PRAYER: Lord, May I always keep myself keenly aware of your presence. May your presence be the first thought in my mind when I face trouble. Amen
Pastor Leon
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