Daily Devotion, December 31, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:5.

Elephants are so strong they have been used to carry large logs and even uproot trees. But these giant animals are usually gentle, especially when they are tamed from a young age. The elephant's trunk has more than 40,000 individual muscles and is strong enough to rip branches from trees but sensitive enough to pick up a single blade of grass. Elephants are both strong and gentle. Meekness requires us to be both strong and gentle. Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” This beatitude tells us that to experience the blessings of God, we need to be meek. Meekness does not mean weakness. Godly meekness requires strength! The biblical understanding of meekness is power under control. The word meek from the original language was used to describe reining in a stallion. It is the idea of a horse being controlled by a bit and bridle. The horse is choosing to submit to authority. We show meekness when we could lash out at others but we control our temper. We demonstrate meekness when we don’t react harshly when we are criticized. We demonstrate meekness when we give over control to God. Meekness is listed by the apostle Paul as one of the fruits of the spirit. Meekness is an indicator that we have God’s Spirit living in us. When we live with his Spirit in us we will experience the blessings of hope and joy Jesus describes in this beatitude. 

Personal Worship Option:

Practice today being both strong and gentle as you demonstrate Godly meekness.

Daily Devotion, December 30, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:1-4.

This week we will be focusing on the first part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the ten verses known as the Beatitudes. The word “blessed” was often associated with those who were wealthy and had all the comforts of life. So Jesus turns this understanding of being blessed upside down with these verses.

How can I be fortunate or blessed if I am poor in spirit (or simply poor, as Luke has it in his version of this teaching)? If I am poor in spirit, I realize I have absolutely nothing on my own; and that naturally leads me to a deep dependency on something greater than me. Christians who travel from our comfortable surroundings to poverty-stricken countries like South Sudan are often struck by the depth of faith of Christians there. When they pray for their daily bread, they are literally asking God for enough food for that day. And when there is food, they are quick to give thanks to God. They sense their utter dependence upon God, and they are blessed. 

When Jesus says those who mourn are blessed, he may be saying that mourning helps us to see the love and care of other people and to sense God’s presence. I have indeed grown closer to God during times of mourning for loved ones. But more likely, Jesus is saying that we are blessed when we are aware of our sinfulness and mourn for our inability to save ourselves, causing us to turn to God. We are blessed by our close, personal relationship with God. 

Personal Worship Option:

Think for a few minutes about what causes you to feel blessed. We often think of material things and comforts of life as blessings, and they are to some extent. Reflect on how today’s passage might help you to seek and understand being blessed in other ways.

Daily Devotion, December 29, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 2:1-12.

The Magi were somewhat mysterious characters. We are not sure where in “the East” they came from, but many say it was likely from Persia. They are generally thought to have been priests, scholars, and astrologers. We have no idea how many of them were along on the trip, but we assume there were three simply because of their three gifts. We learn a great deal from their visit to see the new king. Our tradition of giving gifts at Christmas may have begun with their example of bringing gifts. They were the first Gentiles whom we see worshiping Christ, and this helps us to understand that Christ came for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. While the shepherds help us to see that Christ came for the poor, the Magi help us to see that he also came for the wealthy.

But the greatest lesson the Magi have for us may be the way in which they responded when their GPS “recalculated.” God instructed them not to return to Herod’s palace to tell him the exact location of the Christ child. Herod’s invitation for a return visit to his palace would have been an honor for them. Yet they listened to God, changed their plans, and went home by a different route. Our GPS recalculates sometimes, as God invites us to go home by another route.  

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for the way God leads us and calls us individually. Reflect for a few moments on whether God is messing with your GPS right now. Are you being led to take on something for God or to go in a different direction? If so, pray for insight and be open to God’s leading. If not, stay the course!

Daily Devotion, December 28, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:18-21.

We actually know very little about Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. We know that he was a craftsman, but even the Greek word tekton, generally translated as “carpenter,” literally means a builder or one who works with wood or stone. From the genealogy in Matthew, we know that Joseph was of the tribe of Judah. From Luke, we know that he lived in Nazareth. But it is today’s passage that gives us the most insight into the person or character of Joseph. Mary was betrothed or pledged to Joseph, which was much more than our current practice of becoming engaged. In accordance with Jewish practice in their time, the families had entered into a legal agreement, marked by the exchange of gifts. The couple would not live together as husband and wife until the wedding itself. 

Upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph surely struggled with his own anger, hurt, and embarrassment, yet he chose the option of a quiet divorce, the least hurtful and disgraceful for Mary! But when God’s angel explained the incredible news that Mary had conceived by the Holy Spirit and instructed Joseph to take her as his wife, Joseph obeyed. We can look to Joseph as a wonderful example of allowing God to change our own carefully made plans.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about the awkwardness of this situation for Joseph and the way he faithfully followed God’s direction, likely becoming the object of gossip and scorn. But he was blessed as the earthly father of our Lord. Pray for discernment to see when God has other plans for you and for the courage to let God change your plans.

Daily Devotion, December 27, 2019

Devotion:

Read Acts 9:1-9.

When Saul’s GPS recalculated on the road to Damascus, his life suddenly and dramatically changed. He pivoted from being the church’s most violent enemy to being its most faithful advocate. Scripture tells us that Paul was consumed by his desire to kill and persecute the LORD’s disciples. His vision was clouded by many factors: his education in the Law, his standing in the Jewish community, but most importantly his unwillingness to listen to “the others” and listen to God. But God had other plans for Paul and so we find him on the road to Damascus with a vision-altering encounter with Jesus.

We shouldn’t fault Paul too much. How often do we make plans and are unyielding in changing course only to find out later that God had other ideas. Lately, I too, have had to alter my plans. Health challenges were not part of my plan and yet that seems to be my path at the present. It is difficult to embrace each day with all the joys and hardships and find joy in the journey with God. But it is possible! One day at a time, bathed in God’s presence and direction, gives meaning and joy on a daily basis.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today:  Great God of the universe, Abba, Father, thank you for speaking in ways that I can understand. Help me learn to hear your voice in your Word and in all the other ways you speak. Help me to follow Your direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 26, 2019

Devotion:

Read John 21:15-17.

I have a question about this scripture. Do you think Peter heard the rooster crow again when Jesus asked him the question about loving him for the third time? Considering the central place of love in our lives, it is not surprising that Jesus would press Peter with this question. Three times earlier he denied knowing Jesus by a charcoal fire. Three times beside another charcoal fire Jesus asked Peter about the sincerity of his love. Jesus was caring and sensitive, but he was also determined that Peter had to face his failure. So Jesus confronted him three times. Peter claimed his dedication was stronger than the rest. Jesus asked him if he still claimed to love Him more than the rest. Peter had claimed that he would never deny Jesus, but he did so three times. Jesus' loving confrontation of Peter wasn't about shaming Peter, but reclaiming him. Peter had to face his failure, so Jesus asked him three times. Jesus also reaffirmed Peter's call to ministry three times. Sometimes we fail Jesus. Don't despair. He can and will use us if we will be open about our failures and let Him call you again to ministry and service. Our path of life can change.

Personal Worship Option:

Father, forgive me for my failures, sins, and moments of unfaithfulness. Restore me to your service, renew me in my passion for holiness, and rekindle me with your Spirit. I want to honor and serve you always. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 25, 2019

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:1-11.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. “ Luke 2:11 (KJV)

Around my Grandmother’s Christmas tree, as each gift was presented, the gift tags were read with great enthusiasm! Maybe that’s why I like to keep the gift tags which have people’s names after the simple words, “From” and “To”! And usually additionally written in were the words, “with love.” 

These words, “from” and “to” are also vital for our GPS. Of course, they have a different meaning than on the Christmas gift tags…or do they? The similarity is that they both are about journeys, geographical journeys and heart journeys.

Heart journeys don’t always have a clear roadmap. I’m sure Mary and Joseph weren’t planning on taking such a difficult journey “from” Nazareth “to” Bethlehem at the time of Mary’s due date of Jesus’ birth. If the journey had been in their original plans, they surely would have made reservations! Yet God used that census to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in the City of David.

 

And the shepherds in the fields weren’t prepared for a trip into Bethlehem with the only roadmap being that they would find the baby lying in a manger! Imagine the shepherds walking around asking, ”Have you seen a newborn baby in a manger anywhere?!” Yet the shepherds became God’s witnesses and messengers of Jesus’ birth. 

 

Have you ever had an experience where things didn’t go as planned? In the midst of well-made plans, sometimes, the “GPS” recalculates? Is your heart open to the possibility for God to recalculate your life and lead you in a different direction?

 

“WITH LOVE FROM GOD TO YOU!” It’s the journey from God’s own heart to our hearts by giving to us, Jesus to be our Savior! The Angels read the gift-tag with great enthusiasm! “For unto YOU is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” 

Personal Worship Option:

Repeat that last sentence and replace the word “YOU” with your own name. It’s possible that God wants to reach to your heart in a new way on this Christmas Day. Maybe nothing has gone the way you have planned. Keep your heart open for Jesus to be born anew in your life. Let us all live our lives out of a profound thanksgiving for Jesus, the gift of love from God to all!

Daily Devotion, December 24, 2019

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 16:1 and 8-13.

Samuel has had a hard time mourning Saul and his failures as a leader. God tells him that it’s time to move on and sends him on a mission to find the next king. Samuel makes his way to the home of Jesse as God directs. Jesse has seven of his eight sons lined up for Samuel to see. God promised Samuel that he would direct him to the right son. I imagine Jesse has instructed them to be on their best behavior hoping one of them will be picked for the anointing. One by one Samuel sizes them up. Eliab is first. Oh, he must have looked very kingly, for Samuel is ready to pick him. But God tells Samuel otherwise, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Samuel continues down the line of sons. Next comes Abinadab, then Shamma, on and on. No no no. “Any more?”, Samuel asks. Jesse replies, “Well, there is the little brother out in the field.” Can you imagine how those seven brothers might have responded to their rejection? And Samuel must have been wondering why God hadn’t given him the go ahead for one of these seven young men! Jesse sends for the youngest brother, David. He is dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes, and the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him” (1 Samuel 16:12). Samuel anoints David with oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on (1 Samuel 16:13). God’s Spirit began preparing David for his role as king. Samuel was using human standards as he considered which of Jesse’s sons would be anointed the next king, but God was looking through his eternal lens. Samuel looked at the outward appearance but looked at the heart.

Personal Worship Option:

Our relationship with God is always a heart issue. David had a heart for God. How closely is your heart aligned with God?

Daily Devotion, December 23, 2019

Devotion:

Read Genesis 12:1-5.

  Many times I have started out on a trip, both across town and to other states, using my GPS to guide me to my destination. Everything is going along smoothly until something happens that I cannot follow the directions I have been given. In some cases it was because a detour had been set up because of road construction. In another situation, there had been a wreck up ahead and traffic was backed up for miles. So I took an exit and headed off to explore a way of getting around it. And sometimes, I just missed a turn. Each time, the GPS had to recalculate and give me a new set of directions.

  I had been reading the Bible for many years before I really took note of a verse just prior to these verses. At Genesis 11:31 we read “Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there.” Abram’s father decided to make Haran his home. But at some point, God called Abram to leave that place and go to the land God would show him. In our lingo of the GPS, God did some recalculating for Abram’s destination. Abram was faithful to God’s call and followed the directions given to him.

  We can all have a tendency to “settle” into our way of doing things and living our lives. But if we are listening and paying attention, God will sometimes lead us to change our plans or go in a different direction. Just be assured if that happens and you are willing to follow those directions, God will go with you.

Personal Worship Option:

The wise men were guided by the stars. The shepherds were given directions by the angel. How might God be guiding you to find or follow Christ this Christmas?

Daily Devotion, December 22, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:24-25.

   It is so amazing the many methods of communication available to us in this day and time. There are several methods of social media, emails, phone calls, Facetime and the technology is expanding. I love being able to see the person while I am talking to them. It makes such a difference, especially if I don’t get to be with them very often.

  Still, there is nothing better than actually getting to be there with them. To be able to hold them, hug them or just sit in the same room with them makes such a big difference.

  My favorite story this time of year is about the little girl who got frightened one night and went running into her parents’ bedroom. Her mom assured her that she didn’t have to be scared and she could go back to her bed. A little later there was a crack of thunder and she went running back to her parents. Her father reminded her of the lesson she had learned at Sunday School, that God was with her all the time, so she did not need to be scared. She said, “I know God is with me, but right now I need somebody with skin on!”

  We all need somebody with skin on at times; somebody we can hold; somebody we can touch. Jesus Christ put skin on in order to be with us and deliver God’s message of love and forgiveness personally. After all, personally is the best way to deliver a message.

Personal Worship Option:

Though Christ came to be with us, he does not force his way into any part of your life. He respects your freedom too much for that and wants you to be able to choose if you want him there. If you do, make this verse by Phillips Brooks your own prayer:

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to me, I pray; cast out my sin, and enter in, be born in me today.

I hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to me, abide in me, my Lord Emmanuel.

Daily Devotion, December 21, 2019

Devotion:

Read John 1:14.

  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” is one of the most powerful statements in all of the Bible. This is the God of all the universe, willing to become vulnerable as a human being and live among us. This is the Word that created everything in the beginning. Yet this same being is willing to become part of what was created. Eugene Peterson puts it in appropriate contemporary lingo with this translation: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”

  So there are two important truths given here. The first is that Jesus became human. He became one of us. He came to experience life as we experience life. He knows what it means to feel pain and hunger and thirst in this physical body. He experienced life as a human. The second truth in this verse is that Jesus was willing to live among the humans, particularly the poor. He could have chosen to become human, but live a very protected life. Instead he chose to live among the most vulnerable.

  Receive these truths for yourself. Then reflect on what it means to represent this God. In what ways can you enter into the experience of people who do not know Jesus, to “become one of them”?

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks that Jesus was willing to become one of us. Pray for wisdom and courage to “become one of them” for someone else.

Daily Devotion, December 20, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 28:18-20.

Matthew closes his Gospel with the same message with which he began it. Jesus assures his disciples, then and now, that he is always with us. I am with you always - God with us! What an astounding promise. In the height of joy and the darkest despair, God is there. But do you acknowledge His presence? How many times do we feel alone because we have not invited God into our day. Does it make a difference to “invite” God into our day, if he is always there? It makes a difference in our heart. Now you “see” him. You have peace. You have spent time with the Father and together you face the day, the moment, the hour.

Personal Worship Option:

Welcome God into your day. Acknowledge his presence periodically throughout the day. May God’s peace and presence permeate your soul.

Daily Devotion, December 19, 2019

Devotion:

Read John 4:9-15, 25-26.

This scripture tells of the improbable encounter of Jesus with a lowly Samaritan woman at a well. Jews did not travel through Samaria in that day, but Jesus wanted to reach out to those marginalized in that area. He wanted relationships with all people and desired that they hear about the living water (Holy Spirit).

You know when someone asks me for a drink of water, I open my cabinet and I have such a variety of glasses, water bottles, and cups. Sometimes I just give them a plastic bottle of water.  All this is done without thinking twice about needing a container to hold the water.

When Jesus asked the Samari­tan woman for a drink, she noticed that he didn’t have a container to draw water with or to drink from. But it turned out that he wanted to give her the water of eternal life, and as she listened and grew to believe in Him, she became the container for his life-giving message.

I read recently that when it comes to living water, we are the containers that Jesus wants to fill. I had never really thought about us being the vessels to hold the holy water! I love that image. Jesus offered himself as the living water that wells up to eternal life. In Jesus’ day, living water was the clear water of a flowing stream. All who sustain a relationship of faith in Christ have the true source of pure, embracing, and never-ending nourishment. Jesus wants to connect with each one of us personally. Come to Jesus and drink.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, our lives are dry wastelands without the water of your life. Water us by your grace and Spirit, that we may experience the delight and fruitfulness of your kingdom. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 18, 2019

Devotion:

Read Job 42:1-5.

One week from today is Christmas Day. That sentence might bring many emotions! Reading from the Book of Job probably isn’t high on your Christmas To-Do List! But within the Book of Job is the gift of the golden thread of hope, light, power and transcendence. This golden thread of God’s presence with us is woven throughout scripture.

Job is a person of great faith. Until the time of Job the basic belief was that spiritual piety would produce prosperity and a life full of sin would produce suffering. God was perceived to be distant. Job was faithful in every way and yet he still suffered. His friends offered misguided advice about God.

Job suffered with the loss of his wealth, his family and his own health. Job remained faithful. Job called out to God. And God answered. Job 38-41 records some of the most beautiful, powerful and descriptive words about God. Again this is the golden thread of hope, light, power and transcendence.

Job 42 is Job’s confession out of his encounter with the Living God. In verse 5, Job speaks to God. “My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job’s experience of the presence of the Living God put everything in perspective and far outweighed anything his friends had told him. It was all Job needed.

 

This word, this bright golden thread continues into the New Testament gospel scriptures. Matthew 5:23 says…”And they shall call his name Immanuel which means ‘God is with us.’” John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

GOD IS WITH US! God is with us in our suffering, giving us hope, light, power and presence. We can experience God too, just like Job, not because we can reach God, but because God reaches unto us!

Personal Worship Option:

GOD IS WITH US! “Just Like Job” is an inspiring poem written by Maya Angelou. The fourth stanza says, “You said You’d be my protection, My only and glorious Saviour, My beautiful Rose of Sharon, And I’m stepping out on Your word. Joy, joy, Your word. Joy, joy,The wonderful word of the Son of God.” That’s HOPE! Amen!

Daily Devotion, December 17, 2019

Devotion:

Read Genesis 33:9-11.

After Jacob stole Esau's birthright and blessing by tricking their father, Isaac, Jacob fled. He and Esau had been apart for twenty years when God commands Jacob to return home. The idea of seeing his brother was daunting. The brothers prepare for their meeting like warriors surrounded by armies. Jacob sends men to spy on Esau, but he also sends gifts. Esau is surrounded by a 400-man army. When the brothers meet, Jacob bows down to Esau as a sign of respect. Esau runs to his brother, embracing him and kissing him. They both wept. When Jacob looks into his brother’s face, he says, “It is like seeing the face of God!” This scene shows the power of forgiveness and grace, traits that reflect the character of God. As Christians, we are to reflect the character of God by extending love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others. Consider today the traits you are reflecting.

Personal Worship Option:

Our personal God is always ready to forgive us. Do you need to reflect the character of God by taking the initiative to forgive someone today?

Daily Devotion, December 16, 2019

Devotion:

Read 1 John 4:7-12.

Our Christmas party here at Christ Church for the children at the Bethlehem Center was last Monday night; and once again, I was blessed by seeing the children having fun with crafts, eating a huge meal prepared by loving hands, and being shown the love of Christ. A few years ago after one of those parties, I was out in the atrium saying goodnight to the children as they headed to their buses. A tiny little girl with long braids came up to me and asked me something. I knelt down to my knees to be at eye level with her and asked her to repeat her question. “Will you see Jesus here during Christmas?” she asked clearly. As you can imagine, I was surprised by her question, but I am often surprised by the innocence and faith of children. “I hope so,” I responded (not the best answer in hindsight, but it was the best I could manage in the moment). “Good!” she said, “Will you please tell him ‘thank you’ for our party tonight?” Then she hugged me and ran off with her friends to the bus and home.

Our church showed our love to the children that night in a crazy, noisy, messy Christmas party. And a child was able to see in her heart that it was the love of Christ living in us. She looked beyond us to thank the source of that love.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for God’s love. Acknowledge and celebrate that God loved you before you loved God. Pray for opportunities in this Season of Advent to show love to others and to let God’s love shine through you.

Daily Devotion, December 15, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 2:1-6.

  Imagine yourself traveling to a foreign land looking for a prominent family there. You have been given information that a child is going to be born in this family and you want to be there to celebrate with them. Because your information says that this child will become a prominent leader, you assume the family must be one of some prominence. Surely they live in one of the larger cities of the country and are known by everyone. You arrive in the capital and inquire with the leaders there, thinking they will know about this birth. You are surprised to discover they are not aware of it, but on further inquiry with some other officials, they give you directions to a little town outside the capital. As you arrive in the town, you are amazed that this child of such importance to the future of the nation would be born in such an “out-of-the-way” place.

  The place of Jesus’ birth is reflective of lessons he taught throughout his ministry. Bethlehem was a small village, though it still had the historic prominence of being the hometown of the David, who most people said was the greatest king Israel ever had. Still, Bethlehem was not the place most people would have chosen for the birthplace of the one who God was sending as the Messiah.

  Throughout his ministry, Jesus was focused on the least, the last, the lost and the lonely. He noticed them. He reached out to them. He told stories about them. He ministered to them. He assured them that God loved them, wanted to be in relationship with them and cared for them. That is still the message and mission of Christ today. No matter where you are from or your situation in life, God cares for you.

Personal Worship Option:

Give God thanks for opportunities to serve the least, the last, the lost and the lonely. 

Daily Devotion, December 14, 2019

Devotion:

Read Mark 12:41-44.

  Can you imagine what it was like to be a follower of Jesus, whether as one of his disciples or as others who frequently heard him teach? He was constantly saying something that went against the common way of thinking. This brief scene at the temple is another prime example of that. What must have gone through the disciples’ minds when Jesus said the first sentence we have here: “...this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” What? Wait a minute, Jesus. We’ve seen several people put their offerings in and some of them have given significant amounts. This lady only put in a couple of pennies (actually less than a penny in value). How can you say she put in more?

  Then Jesus gives us the “kingdom-thinking” with which he views everything and everybody: “They all gave out of their wealth…” In other words, they still have a lot for themselves, even after they gave what they did. “...but she put in all she had to live on.” 

  As a child, I remember hearing a song that said “Little is much when God is in it.” What may look like a small amount of resources or effort to other people, God knows when we have given our all. One of the popular phrases of our day is to go “all in” on something. When we serve our Lord with an “all in” mentality, be assured that God notices. Do your best. Give it your all for Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

Ask God to help you notice those who often go unnoticed. 

Daily Devotion, December 13, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 18:1-4.

Jesus says the greatest in the kingdom of heaven are those willing to “become like little children.”  So what does that look like?  Children are: Carefree. Full of joy. Playful. Trusting. Curious. Excited. Loving. Forget being “first” or “great”. Seek the little things. Trust more; strut less. Make lots of requests, and accept all the gifts. Come to God the way a child comes to Daddy. The smallest act of kindness can make God smile. And in those moments, greatness is achieved.

Personal Worship Option:

A prayer for today:  “Dear Daddy, you have made me your child through your Spirit.  Remind me today what it means to be your child. It is so easy for me to live my day on my terms.  Help me to live in your grace. Thank you for accepting me as I am but not leaving me the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Daily Devotion, December 12, 2019

Devotion:

Read Jeremiah 1:4-8.

This is an incredible introduction to the prophet Jeremiah, and especially God’s promise to him. Jeremiah’s life is changing as God is appointing him as a prophet, in this time and place for God’s purposes. We know from all of the scriptures that many of the things that God is saying to Jeremiah here are true for everyone who’s a child of God and who trusts in Christ. God knew us before we were born, God has known us from the beginning to eternity. Psalm 139 states that clearly. Like Jeremiah, you may feel insufficient and inadequate, but God promises that He is with you to help, deliver, strengthen, and comfort you. 

You read in this passage of Jeremiah’s inadequacy and insecurities, saying, “I don’t even know how to speak, I’m so young.” God says Jeremiah’s sufficiency is not based on himself but with what God provides. So then he tells him in verse eight, “Don’t be afraid, because I am with you.” We see that promise to God’s people over and over again all throughout scripture. “I am with you to strengthen you, I am with you to uphold you, I am with you to comfort you.” These are the promises we see from God toward his people throughout His word. We are loved by God. Amidst our various inadequacies and insecurities, God is with us.

Personal Worship Option:

Let’s pray and praise God for His love for us. Let’s thank him for His promises to us, including His promise to always be with us.

Daily Devotion, December 11, 2019

Devotion:

Read 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-13.

In a recent news story a principal gave a student new glasses which enabled him to see colors! As this young fellow began to see colors for the first time, he began to weep for joy seeing all the beautiful colors and sadness for the years he hadn’t seen colors.

It’s interesting that this scripture from I Samuel 16 is paired together with John 9:1-41 for the Lenten Season prior to Easter. The gospel of John’s story is a comparison of the healing of a man who had been blind since birth to the blindness of the Pharisees who were blind in seeing who Jesus was and in seeing the true worth of people.

Samuel, as a priest, and Jesse, David’s father, were blind to the one God was leading Samuel to anoint to be the next King of Israel. Without God’s kind of “glasses” on, Samuel and Jesse were looking on the outside, but God’s glasses helped them to see through to the heart.

How often do we also look on just the outside? Too often we quickly judge and place people on a social ladder of merit without letting God open our eyes to see their true merit and hearts?

God surprises us in this story by reversing the social order of people. Jesus echoed this teaching often. For example, in Mark 9:35, Jesus said, “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” And in Luke 14 Jesus tells a parable about inviting the least and the last to the banquet. Jesus is giving us “new glasses” to see what the kingdom of God is like.

It takes God’s glasses to see a king in David, the youngest and least of the brothers, the shepherd boy. And it takes God’s glasses to see people in the ways in which God sees people.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God please give us your kind of glasses today. Let us wear these “new glasses” and weep for joy for seeing others in new ways and weep for sadness for all the people we have missed along the way. Please forgive us and heal us. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 10, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 13:31-32.

Mustard seeds are among the smallest of seeds; however, when they are sown into the soil, they grow and become larger than all other garden plants. I will never forget the first time I saw a mustard field. I was touring the countryside of England and looked out over miles of golden flowers along the roadside. It was the most colorful landscape I had ever seen. It is hard to imagine acres of flowers that come from such a tiny seed.

In this parable Jesus makes the point that the beginning of his ministry is so small that hardly anyone notices it, just as no one pays any attention to a mustard seed. But just as a mustard seed grows into a large garden, the kingdom of God will grow so much that no one can miss it.

Jesus started growing the kingdom of God with a handful of disciples. Every follower of Jesus is a part of the kingdom and that means that you and I are a part of God's kingdom. Each time we share God’s love, we are helping to grow the kingdom, one mustard seed at a time.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider how you can be like a mustard seed today and spread God‘s love to someone.

Daily Devotion, December 9, 2019

Devotion:

Read Judges 6:11-16.

Gideon is one of my favorite Bible characters -- not because of his might or power, but rather because of his common, ordinary nature among his people and his cautiousness in making sure that God’s call for him is really coming from God. In other words, I can identify with Gideon! The Midianites were powerful neighbors of Israel, and in Gideon’s time, they frequently destroyed Israel’s crops and grazed their own animals on Israel’s pastures. When the angel of God appeared to Gideon, Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress! Threshing wheat was normally done on a flat threshing floor on an elevated place to allow the wind to blow away the chaff, leaving the kernels of grain to be gathered. As a pit, dug into the earth or soft stone, a winepress would be a poor place to thresh wheat, as it would be sheltered from the wind. But Gideon was using the winepress because it sheltered his precious wheat from the marauding Midianites, underscoring the weakness of both Gideon and his people.

 

The angel’s greeting to Gideon as “mighty warrior” is both humorous and prophetic! God often comes to us common and ordinary people, seeing in us the mighty things God can do through us.

Personal Worship Option:

In the “rest of the story,” God uses Gideon to utterly defeat the Midianites and restore Israel. What is God calling you to do now? We often see our weaknesses and limitations, while God sees us as God’s mighty warriors. Give thanks today that God uses all of us and gives us gifts, strength, and wisdom to respond to God’s call.

Daily Devotion, December 8, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:1-2, 6, 11, 16-17.

  This week we have been looking at the family tree of Jesus. Matthew begins his story about the life of Jesus with a listing of that tree. In the listing, he was willing to include some of the people and incidents that most families would prefer not be included. What might Matthew have wanted to communicate with this list?

  A primary message I take away from this listing is that God can work through all people and all situations in their lives to bring about something good. So often, we want to hide the details of our past or our family, but we need not do so. The better approach is to look for the ways that God worked even through difficult and painful times to teach us lessons and bring about change. Even when things did not turn out well for us or our family, we can always use that experience to relate to others who may be going through similar experiences, assuring them that we understand and helping to see them through those times. Too often in the church, when someone in a family does something that is publicly looked down on, the family withdraws from life in the church, feeling ashamed and somehow like they no longer belong. The best thing we can do for them is let them know they belong as much as they ever did.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you need to reach out to and let them know they are accepted and belong in the family of God? 

Daily Devotion, December 7, 2019

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:16.

  It is amazing to take note of all that Matthew includes in the beginning of his Gospel by giving us the genealogy of Jesus. The people he includes and even the way he words some of the listing carries a message. This one verse is another example of that. He lets us know that Joseph is not the father of Mary’s baby! How scandalous that must have sounded to the first hearers of this story. (Remember, most people of that day would have heard the Scriptures read, rather than reading it for themselves.) Later, we will find out that God is the Father of Jesus, but that God appointed Joseph to be his earthly father. So Matthew lets his readers know that from the beginning of his life, there was some hint of scandal for Jesus. And not only at his birth, but throughout his family tree.

  It is a reminder of the need for telling the truth about ourselves and what happens in our life. We can be honest with God and with people, letting them know that we are not perfect. When we do that, we discover that people can better relate to us and open up to us. They know they’re not perfect either. This honesty and openness becomes a pathway for a good relationship to develop.

Personal Worship Option:

Who do you need to open up with as a way of developing a deeper relationship with them? Pray for wisdom in who that is and how best to share with them.

Daily Devotion, December 6, 2019

Devotion:

Read 2 Kings 25:1-10.

Matthew includes in the genealogy of Jesus an acknowledgment of the Babylonian exile. This passage tells when that began. It was a ruthless campaign to destroy Jerusalem and the Israelites.  However, God’s plan and message was not to be thwarted. The ancestors of Jesus varied greatly in spirituality, personality, and experience. Some were heroes of the Faith, while others were directly opposed to God’s work. Still others were just ordinary people. God works through history regardless of human failure or sins, and he works through ordinary people. Just as God used all kinds of people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds today to accomplish his will. And God wants to use you too!

Personal Worship Option:

Don’t let the mistakes of the past rob you of the joy of the present. Give to God those things that weigh you down. Look to him for forgiveness, direction, and purpose.

Daily Devotion, December 5, 2019

Devotion:

Read 2 Samuel 11:2-9, 14-17.

In this scripture, we observe the sinful side of King David during his reign, and how it affected the nation of Israel. First, David commits adultery with a married woman named Bathsheba and she becomes pregnant. Afterward, he has her husband murdered in an attempt to repair things. If you read on, the prophet Nathan confronts him and David repents and soon after the child dies. Bathsheba later gives birth to Solomon, who will be the next king of Israel.

Instead of confessing his sin and repenting, David tries to cover his sin up. Our sins are never hidden before God and only hidden with difficulty from our conscience. Our hidden sin hinders our relationship with God and others and is a barrier to our spiritual life. Why even bother trying to hide it? We should do everything in our power to not put ourselves into situations that are tempting, things that we know we cannot resist. Growing closer to God, praying more, and relying on Him will help strengthen me to resist temptations.

What strikes me about this passage, oddly enough, is the hope that I feel from it. Even though David so messed up his life and other people’s lives, God still forgave him and still saw the potential and worth in him. He continued to be used by God in a big way. The important lineage to Jesus continued on through David.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about your lineage and how God is using you to build His Kingdom. Take comfort in remembering that God continues to use imperfect people.