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 \  /  TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT   --   http://www.heartlight.org/
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December 20, 2003


VERSE:
[As the prophet has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are
by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a
ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel."    - Matthew 2:6


THOUGHT:
The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem is no accident. The Almighty God had
foretold this many years earlier through his prophets. Even Herod's
religious lackeys could determine that the Messiah was to be born in the
quaint old city of David. The human birth of the promised Messiah would
occur in the city of Israel's great King, poet, and shepherd. This was God's
plan. It is also a reminder that God keeps his word and fulfills his
promises.

PRAYER:
Loving God, I find it hard to complete my plans and fulfill my promises.
This makes the unfolding of your plans, foretold throughout the winding
story of the Old Testament, so amazing to me. Please use your Spirit to
remind me during the darker moments of my soul that you do fulfill your
promises and will bring your
deliverance right on time. Please give me patience to wait faithfully, and
to live courageously, for your salvation to be fully revealed. In Jesus'
name I pray. Amen.