December 20, 2018
Isaiah 43:4-7
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.
I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
    and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.”

New International Version (NIV)
               “I believe what you say of me,” sings Lauren Daigle.  Who does God say we are?  How does that affect our lives?  Daigle sings, “You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing.  You say I am strong when I think I am weak.  You say I am held when I am falling short.  When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours.  And I believe."

                Through the flood and through the fire God protected and preserved his people for generations.  Now he is comforting them and calling them home to their land through the words of the prophet.  Who were they to God?  Precious in his sight.  Honored and loved.  From all directions on the compass, all the places they were in exile, God called his children home.

                Ten years ago this Christmas Eve, we learned that Casey’s mom had died.  Eight years ago today our adoption of her was final.  Our family celebrates her adoption and immersion into our family today.  As we celebrate the sending of God’s Son to earth, all heaven celebrates the redemption of all the orphans in the world into God’s family.  He says we are precious, chosen and loved children of the King.  Do we dare believe what God says of us?  Do we dare not?

Pray with me:  
Father, remind us again of your unconditional, unfailing love.  You promise you will not leave us as orphans.  Thank you for including us in your beautiful family.  Give us the courage to believe your voice over all the other voices we might hear.  Let us live today with the full assurance of your love.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.    
   This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
 
Joyfully, 
 
Duane 
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