Days 20-21

Day 20


The Return

Read Nehemiah 1-3 and Ezra 1.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What was the report from Jerusalem that Nehemiah received?
What was Nehemiah’s job?
What did Nehemiah want to do in Jerusalem?
How did Nehemiah organize the work to get it accomplished?
What prophet’s words were fulfilled through Cyrus king of Persia?

After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.

Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for holding true to His word. Thank God for how he works through history to bring about His purposes.

Understanding the Old Testament: The return of the exiles to the Promised Land showed God’s faithfulness despite the peoples’ lack of faithfulness. God brought the people back to the land He had promised their forefathers even though Israel had repeatedly served other gods, turned from God and disobeyed His commandments.

God is faithful. He provides a way for all of us to come into a relationship with Him (as we were intended to be since the beginning of time) despite our repeatedly serving other gods, turning from Him and disobeying His commands. It is through Jesus that we can know forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Through Jesus, we can come into a relationship with God.




Day 21

Jesus’ Birth

Read Matthew 1:18-25.

Jesus’ birth came through no ordinary circumstances. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. His father remained loyal to his mother, in spite of a seemingly scandalous situation. An angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph to explain Jesus’ birth. And He was predicted to save His people from the very beginning. What stands out to you the most about the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth?

Read Matthew 1:19-25 and then Luke 1:26-38.
Consider Mary and Joseph’s reaction to the news of Mary’s pregnancy. God worked in a way that was outside of what Mary and Joseph had planned. How do you react in unexpected circumstances? Are you open to God’s ways and timing?

Spend a few minutes focusing on the Lord and His plan. Thank Him for having a plan that is higher than yours. Ask Him to help you trust His plan and His timing. Spend some time surrendering to His plan for you.

Read Luke 2:8-20.
Through Jesus’ birth, prophecies were fulfilled, showing God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life?

Thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Praise Him for His fulfillment of promises in Scripture and in your life now. Ask Him to show you His faithful hand in your life.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?