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Honoured Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: US
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Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
The Birth of Hope
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2
Let's take a moment to explore Micah 5:2, a profound prophecy about God's redemption plan. In this verse, we see that God chose a tiny village called Bethlehem to be the Messiah's birthplace. God's decision offers encouragement and hope to His followers because it shows He uses humble and often overlooked vessels to fulfill His great purposes.
From this perspective, Israel was oppressed and uncertain about its position in Micah's time. The prophecy of a ruler coming from a small village like Bethlehem brought hope to a weary nation. We learn that this ruler, later identified as Jesus Christ, was more than a ruler; He would also be a shepherd who would lead His people with love and justice.
May we be reminded and encouraged that throughout Scripture, God values the small and humble. Friends, just as Bethlehem was small, we may sometimes feel insignificant in the grand scheme of life. However, we should be encouraged that God can use anyone, regardless of background or status. I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on your life and how God might call you into a role or purpose that seems beyond your current circumstances.
We can also take to heart that we have hope in Christ and that no matter our circumstances, God has a plan. As Israel held onto the promise of the ruler, we can hold onto the promises found in Scripture. What are some of God's promises you can meditate on today that bring peace, hope, and encouragement to you? Write these Scriptures down and place them in strategic areas in your home, car, and office. Then, you can read and pray over them until they become hidden in your heart as the Holy Spirit propels you to new heights in your relationship with Christ.
We can anticipate the celebration of Christ's coming, just as this passage points to Jesus's birth. But more than that, this prophecy calls us to look forward to His second coming. Take a moment to examine what you are doing to prepare your heart and life for Jesus' return. As you prepare your heart spiritually, pray for boldness to fulfill the Great Commission, expressing love and grace as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Finally, as a follower of Jesus, remember you are to be salt and light. Beloved, Bethlehem was made to be the birthplace of Hope for the world, and we are called to be an example of hope to others. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you daily opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with others wherever you go.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the promises of Scripture and am so grateful for the promise of hope found in Micah 5:2. Heavenly Father, we thank You for choosing Bethlehem as the birthplace of our Savior. Lord, may we recognize that You can work through our lives at any moment, no matter how small or insignificant it may feel. I ask You today to give me the boldness to share with others the love and hope found in a relationship with You. Lord, as I commit to being about Your business in sharing the good news of Jesus and loving others as You love, go before me, opening doors to multiple divine appointments for sharing Your story. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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