Re-Center Around God
Isaiah 9:1-7
- Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
- The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. - You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder. - For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor. - Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire. - For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Pondering Point
Here are some of those prophetic words about the Messiah Jesus:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We’re closing in timewise on the birthday festivities of this child, of this Son given who would establish a fellowship with the Father, a kingdom for eternity, a path of peace. There is much to be grateful for regarding the wonderful counsel He provides as we seek fulfilling lives in this broken-but-beautiful world. He, Jesus, is given TO US – together. Let’s review our attitude and approach toward fellowship with God and His people in Jesus’ way of governing.
Review
Who are you doing life together with? Where and when and with whom do you gather in the name of Jesus? Think in terms of larger groups like worship, small groups (5-15 people) and micro-groups (2-4 people).
Whom do you wish you could spend more time with to bless your spirit? To whom could you be a blessing?
Repent if Necessary
A time of repentance may be in order for ignoring the fellowship of God’s people (and fellowship with God among His people). Think both about being blessing and being a blessing to others by your presence.
Return (as necessary)
Ask God how to reshape your life and schedule to reflect the value of fellowship among His people. If this is not a current value, pray that it would become a value in your life, mirroring God.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 146:5-10
- Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God. - He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever. - He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free, - the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous. - The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. - The Lord reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Matthew 11:4-5
Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
The Promise
Matthew 11:6
Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.
Pondering Point
The blessings of God – of Messiah Jesus – come in following Him, putting your hope in Him. Blessings of God can also be missed out on. What are you missing?
What am I missing God?