Rarely is a Christian in favor with God and not with all the people.

Live it
When Scripture says to be in the world, but not of it, too many Christians believe that means we should become a monk-like recluse, snubbing the world and waiting for the trumpet to call us home. In this time of year when we celebrate Christ, it's hard to keep a positive attitude while the world mocks him and perverts the season.

One night this week while scanning TV channels, I happened upon a movie simply called "The Nativity." I couldn't move past it, so I put the remote down and started watching. I forgot how much Herod hated the thought of Messiah being born. I wept at the thought of all the male babies in and around Jerusalem being slaughtered. The majority of the world back then missed the event while only a handful saw and worshipped Jesus for who he was. The story ended with Mary, Joseph and Jesus heading to Egypt to escape the persecution. But come to think of it, the story really isn't over, but you and I are late additions to the cast whose reaction to God's love is still a work in process.

Pray it
I'm not certain which part of the Nativity account impresses me more. This morning it might be the fact that most of the world has never seen what you've shown me. Forgive me for so often having a selfish love that excludes the very ones you came to save.

Resources
Salvation was never intended to be the destination as much as the journey. (2000)
The minor Prophets reveal God using weak vessels to do great things. (2004)
Using God's property for ungodly purposes will generate ungodly results. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
Devotional (2007)
We're stronger and bolder in Christ. (2008)

1. One-minute Devotionals began on January 2, 2006 and are the original creation of James R. Green, Prayertower Webservant Content is derived from his alternating and sequential survey of both the Old and New Testament to offer insight on Scripture.
2. Resources are derived from daily devotions of James R. Green called, Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005) and One Minute Devotional (2006-2008).
3. Scripture: God's Word Translation (c)1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright ©2008 James R. Green, Webservant - Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved