GPS-Peanut Brittle

DEC 17  / Sunday – Read Micah 5:2 / Matthew 2:4-6 / Matt 2:19-23

Overview: Peanut brittle reminds Pastor Mark of a favorite time (Christmastime’s a Comin’), tied to a special place in his life. Places are important in the bible, too. Find out why

18 / Mon – How far?!  |  Read Micah 5:2 / Luke 2:1-5 / Matt 2:4-6

It is not known how long Joseph’s family had lived in Nazareth but Bethlehem was where his ancestors had come from. According to Caesar’s order, Joseph was required to take his wife and go back there to register for the census. Ninety miles was a long way to go with a very pregnant wife but they had no choice. Have you ever been required to do something difficult that didn’t make sense and later you found out God had a specific reason?

19 / Tue – The opposite direction from home  |  Read Matt 2:13-15

Mary must have been anxious to return home to Nazareth but God sent them in the opposite direction. This time they were on the run from a powerful ruler who wanted to kill baby Jesus and the only safe place was in another country, Egypt. Joseph had learned to listen and quickly obey the Lord’s direction. Is there something God has been talking to you about but you are dragging your feet? What spiritual danger might be looming that God wants to protect you from?

20 / Wed – An unexpected place to raise a baby king  |  Read Matt 2:19-23 / John 1:43-46

Nazareth was considered a backwater village in the northern part called Galilee. In Jesus’ day, it was not highly regarded, as you see by Nathanael’s words in v46. Are you sometimes tempted to judge others by where they came from or what they look like? God’s ways are upside down. His kingdom is filled with those who you might least expect. Will you ask the Holy Spirit today to help you see others from God’s point of view?

21 / Thu – Rejection  |  Read Luke 4:16-44

Rejection is tough but especially so when it is the people you grew up with who turn on you. That’s what took place in Jesus’ hometown (v29). Have you experienced some kind of painful rejection? Jesus totally understands what that feels like. But here is the good news. From Nazareth, God led him to Capernaum (v31) where they didn’t want to let him go. This town became the base for his ministry in Galilee. It is where he first met Simon Peter (v38). Sometimes God has to close one door to open a better one. Will you trust Him when this happens?

22 / Fri – Missing home  |  Read Luke 9:57-58 / Hebrews 13:14 (NLT version)

Coming home for the holidays is a theme at Christmas. After Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, he had no earthly home to go back to but he did not lose sight of the fact that any earthly home is just temporary. This season makes some people miss the home they grew up in and making peanut brittle and being together with family members who are now gone. If this describes you, remember there is a family reunion coming that is greater than any you have ever had here. And this one will be permanent, a gift from your Heavenly Father who does all things well.

23 / Sat – He promised – it WILL happen  |  Read John 14:1-3 (NLT version)

Some people grew up moving from place to place for a variety of reasons and felt like they never really belonged. Others grew up in the same town in the same house but still never felt accepted. Whatever your experience, this promise is for you. You are so precious to God that He literally died so you could be together for eternity. You are so loved that Jesus is right now preparing a home for you. In the meantime, Jesus is Immanuel God with us and someday you’ll be home with Him forever. Let this truth saturate your mind and heart.