Daily Devotion for December 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Titus 3:5-7.

This scripture is a key reminder about salvation, emphasizing that it is a gift of God's mercy, not earned by our own good deeds. There is great joy in this passage.  The passage highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in giving believers a "new birth" or "new life," leading to a new identity in Christ as heirs of eternal life. Knowing that we do not have to pay or buy our love of God is such a joy. We can enjoy our lives if we are trying to follow Jesus and be guided by him to love and help others. God’s mercy is abundant, and these verses are stated very clearly.

This shows that good deeds are not the way to be saved, but the natural result of being saved. Our salvation is not a reward for good deeds, but God has prepared good deeds for us to do as a demonstration of His work in us. Because of this grace, we have been declared righteous and are confident that we will inherit eternal life. This knowledge brings confidence, peace, joy, and a new identity that sets us apart from the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for the joy you bring to us as we try to live out our Christian life. We ask your continued help in accepting your grace and mercy so that we can pass it on.

 

Daily Devotion for December 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 71:14-15a.

We are people of hope. Today’s scripture underscores that: “But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.”  (v. 14) You and I are shaped by hope for today and hope for the future. Hope is not mere optimism but is grounded in the reality of our faith. Because of what God has already done, and the promises that God has made, we hope for what God will be doing both in our lives and in our world. David, the writer of this psalm, lived by this belief. He constantly called out to God for help and often repeated his belief that his hope was in God alone. The older David got, the more life experiences that he had - the more he talked about hope. 

Perhaps growing older gives one a more experienced perspective. We learn more, see more, experience more (both positive and negative), and make our share of mistakes. And yet we can also attest to the many places over a lifetime where we have seen and experienced God’s grace, and sometimes in surprising or unexpected ways. No matter how dark it may be in our lives and society, we too have reason to hope. What are you hoping for this Advent season?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to help others to hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 23:5-6.

Jeremiah spoke these words in a time of spiritual collapse, corrupt leadership, and national despair. The shepherds of Israel had failed, and the people were scattered. Into that darkness, God gave a promise—not of merely better circumstances, but of a better King. A righteous Branch. A true Shepherd. A Savior whose very name declares His nature: The Lord Our Righteousness.

This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the King who reigns with wisdom when human wisdom fails. He is the One who does what is just and right when earthly justice feels uncertain. And He is the Savior who brings true safety—not merely the absence of danger, but the presence of His peace, His protection, His righteousness covering us like a garment we could never earn.

Jeremiah’s prophecy reminds us that our hope is not in political systems, leaders, or human solutions. Our hope is in a King who has already come and who will come again. In a world still full of confusion and corruption, Christ stands as the unshakeable anchor of righteousness.

Today, rest in this truth: Your righteousness is not found in your performance but in your King. He reigns wisely. He saves completely. He holds you safely. And His righteousness is your covering, your assurance, and your peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our righteous Savior. In a world filled with uncertainty, help us rest in Your perfect leadership, trust in Your justice, and walk in the righteousness You provide. Reign in our hearts today. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:31-33.

A really powerful method for understanding Scriptures, especially narratives or stories, is to place ourselves in the role of one of the characters. Imagine being Mary, likely barely a teenager, a virgin, and already promised to be married to Joseph. He is a carpenter in your village of Nazareth. You have taken the initial vows of marriage with him, so you are legally pledged to him. Joseph is a descendant of the great king David, but many generations have passed since David was king, and being his descendant does not bring any particular benefits.

Then, out of nowhere, appears the angel Gabriel, telling you that you will conceive, give birth to a son, and give him the name Jesus. He will be given the throne of his ancestor David, and his kingdom will never end. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that this baby will be called the Son of the Most High…God’s Son! You will be shocked, you will question how it can happen, and then you will submit to God’s will and be filled with joy.  May we all be filled with joy at this announcement!

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, you choose common people like Mary and even me to carry out your will. Help me to be as full of faith and obedience as Mary was. And like Mary, fill me with the joy that comes with the birth of Christ into the world. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 14, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:26-35.

The Angel Gabriel was dispatched from the throne of God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. This moment in history not only changed Mary, but all who would believe in her son. The glorious presence of Gabriel was enough to frighten anyone. This was an overwhelming moment for Mary.  The shock of seeing Gabriel was small in comparison to the message he brought her.  She sees an angel, the angel tells her she is going have a child and she will name the child Jesus which means God is salvation.  The joy over this message she received gave her joy that was unspeakable and full of glory.. 

 

When Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth the power of the Holy Spirit came on Elizabeth and John The Baptist leaped for joy in her womb, and she prophesied that Mary was blessed among women.  What a joyous moment for these two special mothers.

 

I hope you are filled with joy this Christmas.  Let us worship God with joy!  

Personal Worship Option:

God of joy, we celebrate that you are not hidden from us, but you chose to be with us in the blur and mystery of our lives. Amid Christmas lists, parties and the Christmas rush, you are with us as a song that echoes in our minds, as the light of the advent candle, or as a card from a friend. We turn to you and pray that you would birth joy and healing, blessing and hope in us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 13, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 26:3.

A steadfast mind is one that is focused on God.  The steadfast mind or as the writer of Hebrews would say, the renewed mind trusts in God and is not shaken by circumstances.  As we are focused on God by studying the scriptures, worship, prayer and service we have peace in our heart.  This peace is not an emotion we create but a gift from Jesus the prince of peace as we fix our eyes on Jesus.   It is a peace that fills our heart despite circumstances because it is steadfast, focused and unwavering.

 

Peace in our heart and life is worth more than we can calculate.  Knowing that everything is good with us and God and knowing we have a glorious home in heaven gives us a peace that is beyond understanding.   Let us put our faith and trust in the prince of peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Charles Wesley I rest beneath the Almighty's shade, My griefs expire, my troubles cease; Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed, Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.

Daily Devotion for December 12, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:15.

We need to trust God to fill us with His peace. Christ peace becomes a referee in our hearts. The heart is the center of conflict because that is where feelings and desires clash - fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants? We must use the rule of peace. Which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches and in our relationships?  

To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences of opinion are eliminated, but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling but a decision to meet others’ needs. Love leads to peace between individuals.    

Personal Worship Option:

Are you at peace with God, with others, with yourself? Let Christ’s peace permeate your life today.