God is Great...God is Good.

May 31st 2010
Matthew 2:1-12
The Magi’s visit

Inspired thots

1) God is good to everyone… even the ‘non-Christians’ (why do we ‘label’ others?) – as long as one has the heart to seek Him (Jer 29:11). He leads those who seek Him to find Him.
a. The Magi travelled far to meet the King, though He may be just a babe… they endured the difficulties of a long journey (especially in those days) for a purpose so passionate in their hearts!

Wow! Reminder to self: Passion Drives Action! Passion is MOTIVATION! How much do I love God, to do what the Magi did? Truly God’s word is true when He said, Seek and you shall find (Matt. 7:7)

b. What has the ‘King of the JEWS’ got to do with the Magi (the Easterners?) What business do they have with one not of their race or culture? Somehow, the Magi understood God’s….? plan? desire? And they made the effort to accomplish what was laid in their hearts. Surely their actions pleased God. This brings to my mind John 5:44 where the Jews were reprimanded by Jesus correctly, as with me… How can I make no effort to obtain praise that comes from the only God?... if I claim to have the love of God in my heart (John 5:41).. unless I don’t.

2) Do not belittle anything or anyone ‘small’ (in my eyes), for they are not in God’s.
a. God is truly good to all. No one is left behind or sided by Him. Bethlehem may seem a small and insignificant town but God used it.

b. This was also my lesson when I considered going to SOL in Nov 2008. My thot was “can anything good come from there?”(John 1:46) Praise God for His grace for indeed GOD was there and ministered to me, drawing me closer to His heart. That simple town (Lahad Datu) started me off on the path of intercessors.

c. I will miss God’s wonders if I overlook the ‘small’ and insignificants in my life.

d. The Magi didn’t look at the circumstances or surroundings of baby Jesus. They somehow knew who He was, and that was sufficient to excite them and they were enveloped with joy unspeakable.. that the only Right thing to do then was just to WORSHIP Him – baby though He was. Am I on focus with God, or am I still considering my circumstances and surroundings? Still bemoaning?

3) God is great! He speaks to non-Christians. He speaks to ALL, for He is our Creator. It is not the title or label we give ourselves or others but God judges our hearts.
a. The Magi had a heart for the true and living God, and God granted their hearts’ desire. How great is my God!
b. I must stop categorizing people and keep checking my heart in all circumstances and situations; only then can I find the unspeakable joy that God wants to pour into my life (John 17:13)