After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:  "...

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1: 22, 23, NKJV. Heavenly Father, thank You for being willing to show us Your face, in the likeness of Your Son. In His name we thank You, as we enter the study of Your Word. Amen. We are going to make a break in our devotional thought:  "Knowledge Is Not Enough," during this week,...

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1: 1-7, NIV. Merciful Father and God, please remain with us throughout our study, for Christ's sake. Amen. Once again, this...

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1: 1-7, NIV. Heavenly Father and Lord of our lives, please stay with us as we learn from Your Word how...

I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43: 25, NRSV. Dear God we are so grateful that You forgive and forget. Please help us to be willing to do the same with those who trespass against us. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I have often heard people say "you must forgive and forget." I believe that we should. I have also heard quite a few interpretations of what it means to forget. I am not quite sure what it means myself. Some...

A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of...

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?" Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5: 35, 36, NIV. Dear God, How grateful we are, that "all things are possible if can only believe." "Lord, we believe; help our unbelief." In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Our text for today begins in a rather interesting manner, one conversation is interrupting another! The words of the men from Jairus' house have interrupted...

For this is what the LORD says: "I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;  you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem." Isaiah 66: 12, 13, NIV. Gracious God, we have heard of "peace like a river." Now we would like to experience it. Therefore, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will come very close, and bring Your peace to our lives. This we pray, in the blessed name of Jesus,...

"Now therefore, our God-the great and mighty and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love-do not treat lightly all the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings, our officials, our priests, our prophets, our ancestors, and all your people, since the time of the kings of Assyria until today. You have been just in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly; our kings our officials, our priests and our ancestors have not kept your law or heeded the commandments and the warnings that you gave them. Even in their...

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15: 16, NIV. Holy Father, we are truly grateful that You chose us. Please strengthen us as we study You Word, and help us to be faithful to You until the end. In the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen. As we begin this very brief  devotional, there are four factors that are very obvious:  1) Jesus chose us. 2) He appointed...