Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:00:53 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Dec. 23); BP: Lk. 2:1-7; RBTTY: Rev. 14; Nahum
DEAR FELLOW PILGRIM:
Greetings once again in Jesus' Precious Name! Hope this finds you well and getting ready for a beautiful Christmas. Just wanted to let you know we've received $2,800 so far towards the $3,500 needed for the seven Filipino pastors/church planters' motorcycles/scooters. Thanks to each one of you who's given. And, if you've yet to give, but would still like to contribute, please send your tax-deductible check or money order made out to "Back to Bethel Ministries," P.O. Box 582, Coushatta, LA 71019 ASAP. I know the Lord will richly bless you for helping in this way. Take care. God bless you--and Merry Christmas!
In Jesus' Precious Love,
Bro. Tom
December 23 "Faith for the Tough Times"
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And, Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem—because he was of the house and lineage of David—to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
Luke 2:1-5
Even when difficulties come or things don’t seem to add up, we still can rest in the assurance that our God is on His throne and is at work in our lives.
"If it ain’t one thing, it’s another!"
It’s possible that’s what Joseph was thinking that day when he heard the news of Caesar Augustus’ decree. By this time in history the Roman Empire had extended its rule further than ever before. In fact, its control was known in Latin as "Terraram orbis imperium," which means "The empire of the whole earth." And, the fact that Caesar Augustus was on the throne as the fourth monarch was really a fulfillment of the prophecy in Dan. 2:44.
Regardless, humanly-speaking, Caesar’s decree seemed unreasonable and heavy-handed. It was bad enough for the Jewish people to be ruled over by the proud and powerful Gentile Romans. But, to now be required to have to travel all the way back to his hometown of Bethlehem to have to register for tax purposes likely seemed to be "cruel and unusual punishment" to Joseph—especially since Mary was due to deliver any day now.
But, they had no choice. (Or, did they??)
When "Big Brother" speaks, you’ve got to listen and obey. . .or else. Caesar and his cronies could care less about a peasant carpenter in Nazareth or his espoused, pregnant wife. As someone once said, "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." And, so it was back then even as it is now.
Oh, dear Pilgrim, there’ll always be those whose purpose in life seems to be that of making us miserable. They seem to delight in flaunting their position and power. Intimidation and manipulation are their way-of-life. The question, then, is "How will we respond when others treat us this way? Get bitter and want to get even? Comply, but inwardly seethe with hostility? Spend all our time berating ‘the system’ to whoever will listen?"
Or, will we quietly recommit our lives into the loving hands of a sovereign God, get on our donkey and head toward Bethlehem? Joseph had more important things on his mind right then than joining the Maccabean’s attempt to overthrow the Roman government. Mary was pregnant. . .the journey was long. . .and God was still on His throne.
Sometimes true courage is compliance with what seems to be unreasonable, illogical or un-Scriptural mandates from those in authority over us. It’s not cowardice or compromise; it’s "faith for the tough times" and saying, "Thy will be done, Lord."
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