Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
MIRACLES IN 2025
Advent Series- 12
Preparation
Luke 2:3-4
And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
As we have seen, Jesus had to be born in the city of Bethlehem. How did that take place? We saw the hand of God move in the heart of the pagan emperor to require a registration for taxes, but why could they not just register in the city of Nazareth where they were living? The answer to this is that Joseph was not a native of Nazareth; he was born in Bethlehem and had been a resident there. So why was he in Nazareth? We do not know all the specific answers to that question, but we do know some. He was betrothed to Mary, so he must have decided to move to her city to establish his home. Remember that the marriages at that time were arranged. It is possible that their marriage had been set many years before, possibly when Heli, Mary’s father, had been in Jerusalem for worship or business. The families were of a similar background seeing that both were of the lineage of David, who had been born in Bethlehem.
Joseph also was a carpenter, so, his business could have taken him to Nazareth as much of the best lumber came from the forests of northern Israel; and to be closer to the source of his raw material would have improved his business.
The one thing we do know is that God placed Joseph in the right place at the right time so that he had to return to his native home to take part in the registration and taxation. This was the hand of God in preparing for the ancient prophesy to be fulfilled at exactly the correct time.
God has His hand on our lives also, and many times when we do not see what is happening, God is preparing us to be in the right place at the right time. This is called divine destiny. Aren’t we thankful that our God is a great God who has all things under His sovereign control?!
At this Advent season, we can be thankful that we serve such a Great and Awesome God, who has all things perfectly planned. He is able to bless us as He prepares us for the next phase of our lives. Be ready!
Bible Reading for the Year
December 12th, Hebrews 1-2
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Beth Buchta. She had a hip replacement, on November 25th. She saw her orthopedic doctor, and he explained she really had a hip revision which is more serious and will take much rest and recuperation time.
Please pray for Frances and Edward Lee who are both sick with upper respiratory infections. Edward is better, but Frances is still not well.
Please pray for John Head who has the flu.
Please continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. Today she will complete the 10th of the 28 radiation treatments.
Please continue to pray for Linda Franks. The doctor had to prescribe new medication that is helping her. She sees the surgeon on December 16th for a consultation.
Please pray for Lee Roy Elks, Jackie Whitehurst’s brother-in-law. He is home now, but under hospice care.
Please pray for Jackson Broome as he goes to Duke to discuss a new treatment plan.
Praise the Lord for Anderson and Meredith Womble, friends of Donna Dixion. The doctor said the fluid is gone from the baby’s heart. They will check the baby again as soon as the birth takes place. This is a great answer to prayer. Thank you for praying!!!
Please pray for Marvin Silverthorne. He will see his eye doctor on January 20th.
Please continue to pray for Phil Corey. Pray for his continual dialysis treatments.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia