Pastor Stephen Dedman

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬

We’re not told what happened to the wise men after they saw Jesus. They worshiped Him, then gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and then they departed. The Bible doesn’t say but they must have lived out the rest of their days as believers.

It was no accident that these men came to meet and worship Jesus. The star that guided them to the young Child gave way to a spiritual transformation. Today’s verse says they departed for their own country, but in another way.

Has your life taken a new direction since coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ? New life in Christ takes on a whole new direction. The truth of Jesus Christ is a truth that will set you free and give you a new purpose for living.

We should learn from these wise men. They searched for Jesus and when they found Him they worshiped Him. When they worshiped they were prepared to give sacrificially. 

When is the last time you spent time talking with Jesus and listening to His voice? Has your new life in Christ set you in a new path? Are you still on that straight path?

Pray

Lord, You gave me Your best and in return I worship You with my best. I give you my heart, soul, and mind. I love You and will follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬

God spoke a promise through the prophet Isaiah in the form of a sign – a sign that goes beyond human comprehension. Isaiah 7:14 foretells the miraculous birth of a child, a virgin conceiving and bearing a Son, whose name shall be Immanuel, meaning “God with us.”

The significance of this prophecy lies not only in the miraculous nature of the birth but in the profound truth it carries. Immanuel is not merely a name; it is a declaration of God’s desire to dwell intimately among His people. In the face of fear and doubt, God promises His abiding presence, a presence that brings comfort, assurance, and hope.

As we navigate through life, let us cling to the promise of Immanuel. In every season, God is with us – a constant source of strength, guidance, and unending love. The birth of Jesus fulfills this ancient prophecy, making God’s presence a reality for all who believe.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of Immanuel – Your abiding presence with us. In moments of uncertainty, help me to anchor my faith in the assurance that You are with me. May the truth of Immanuel bring comfort, hope, and joy to my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬

This verse unveils the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a Christian. As we open our hearts to Him, we experience the richness of His wisdom and understanding. In moments of uncertainty, the Spirit provides divine counsel, guiding us with supernatural insight. His might empowers us to face challenges with strength beyond our own, while the knowledge He imparts deepens our connection with God.

Let us invite the Spirit of the Lord into every aspect of our lives, allowing His wisdom to govern our decisions, His understanding to bring clarity to our minds, His counsel to direct our paths, and His might to sustain us in every season. In embracing the Spirit’s work, we cultivate a reverence for the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our hearts with His purpose.

As we journey through life, may the Spirit of the Lord manifest in us, shaping us into vessels of wisdom, understanding, and strength. Let our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of His presence, drawing others to experience the fullness of life found in the Spirit of the living God.

Pray

Lord, I humbly come before You, grateful for the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. May Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding dwell richly within me, guiding my thoughts and actions. Grant me the grace to seek Your counsel in all matters, relying on Your might to face challenges with unwavering strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.