Today's Verse: Matthew 1:20-21

Friday, December 17, 2010

An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus first had to become the sins of the people before he could save them (us) from those sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:10). His own people rejected him before his forgiveness could be received. Jesus' gift of salvation was incredibly costly to him. It is a reminder of two great truths: God loves us incredibly and salvation is a precious gift. In Jesus we know and experience both truths!

My Prayer...

Almighty God and Savior, thank you for bearing the cost of my sin in Jesus. Thank you precious Lord for taking on human flesh and bearing its difficulties and facing rejection so I could be saved. My salvation makes all other names pale in comparison to Jesus, in whom I offer all thanks and praise. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

28 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 1:20-21 — An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, December 17, 2010

A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"Along the way [to crucify Jesus, the soldiers] came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross....."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say, "Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of....."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, encourager, Encourage our hearts and knit them together in love with the heart of Jesus and the hearts of every other child of yours!..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.