Out of the Lowly Places 12-14-07

Good morning, Lord Jesus. You are Emanuel. You are God with us. ... "All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child" (Luke 2:3-5). The Jewish prophets declared long before the days of Joseph and Mary that the Child who would be born the Messiah of Israel would be a descendant of the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6-7). He would come forth from the generational line of King David (v. 11:1-2). And the light of His glory would shine forth from Galilee (v. 9:1-2). Yet, this holy Child would be born in Bethlehem, of the tribe of Judah (Micah 5:2). Just as His earthly father Joseph, this Child would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David, yet he would grow up and live in Nazareth of the region of Galilee. Apparently Nazareth was seen as a lowly place in those days. It was asked, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46). And the place of Your birth was a lowly place as well -- in the manger of a stable in the very city where You were a descendant of the King (Luke 2:7). You love to chose "what is low and despised in the world" to be the places where You display Your glory (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). Lord, take the low places of weakness, failure, sorrow, sadness, brokenness, and shame in my life. Let the light of glory shine through these places -- how You love me and give Your life for me even when I sin; how You save me and raise me up from times of hurt and pain; how You keep healing me and freeing me and sending me out to love others with the love You have given me. Thank You, Jesus. You resist the proud, but give grace to the humble. And for all who will admit our desperate dependence on You, You lift us up and let the light of glory shine through -- even out of the most lowly places of our lives (James 4:6-10). If we give it to You, if we keep giving ourselves to You, You cause good to come out of it all in Your timing and in Your way (Romans 8:28). In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I can send you a Postcard Flyer for sharing with dates for the City-Wide Strategic Prayer Summit (Jan 11-12, 2008) and for our next School of Spiritual Ministry (Jan 21-24, 2008) if you request it by email to me at: MessiahMin@aol.com Save the date for our City-wide Strategic Prayer Summit to begin the new year in prayer, praise, and proclamation January 11-12, 2008. We'll have a number of city-wide and regional prayer leaders leading us to "Know Our Calling and Fulfill Our Destiny" as the Body of Christ in our city. Our ministry will host it at Church of the Savior. Write or call Marilyn Walker at 859-317-1591 or DirOfMinistries@aol.com for details and please spread the word! Subscribe/unsubscribe by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.injesus.com