Daily Devotion, December 31, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 25:37-40.

Most of us have what we need to feel safe and secure, but there are many people in the world who lack these basic needs. Some people don’t have homes; some are cold, thirsty, and hungry. Others are sick and lonely. As we read the words that Jesus spoke we find something very powerful. When Jesus talks about the “least of these” he is talking about people who don’t have what they need to feel safe and secure.

When we give care to people who need help it is as if we are giving the care directly to God. What are some ways we can help? Give food to a food bank, send clothes to a homeless shelter, give someone a cup of water, make people feel welcome, visit the elderly who are housebound or in a nursing home, volunteer at a hospital, see and acknowledge each person you meet, plus countless other ways. All of these are powerful ways to help others and at the same time serve God.

So as this year draws to a close and a new year begins, examine how you spend your time. Will you follow Jesus’ call to minister to individuals who are hungry, thirsty, or who are strangers, or who have nothing, or who are sick, or who are in prison? If so, you will be where Jesus is.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the goodness of God in your life. Share kindness with each person you encounter today.

Daily Devotion, December 30, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 4:3-10.

The disciples were very surprised that Jesus chose to go through Samaria to get to Galilee. For many years the Jews and Samaritans had despised one another so they avoided each other when possible. At the well, the woman was surprised when Jesus reached out to her and asked for a drink of water. She was even more surprised when Jesus told her about "living water" that would quench her thirst forever.

We need to follow his example by reaching out to others who are not like us. Jesus crossed barriers of race, religion, and culture. The Samaritan woman was an outcast in her community so she did not seem to be a likely candidate for salvation. Her life was full of broken relationships and sin. Jesus addressed her past, but he did not dwell on it. He saw what she could become if she believed in the living water. Having been to the Holy Land and getting to visit Samaria, it had special meaning to me to think of this isolated woman who encountered Jesus and became a follower. A life changed.

Personal Worship Option:

God, continue to fill us with your living water, so we will never thirst again. Give all your people new life, strength, and joy, and help us devote our lives to you. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 29, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 6:27-32.

On the Church/Christian calendar, we do not spend much time with Jesus as a baby or as a child; neither do the Gospel books about his life. The focus is on his ministry among us as an adult - his teaching, his death and resurrection.

This passage is a good example of the depths and challenge of his teaching. This chapter contains material that we find in Matthew’s Gospel in what is known as “The Sermon On The Mount.” However, Luke introduces this teaching section this way in verse 17: “He went down with them and stood on a level place.” Luke then shares some of the beatitudes from Jesus, but also some “woes” to those who “have it good” in this life. Then comes our text for today.

In my opinion, this is the height of Jesus’ teaching, the peak of what it means to be a Christian. “Love your enemies” does not mean you agree with them or approve of their ways. They may continue to be your enemy. But Jesus says the way you love them is to “do good...bless…(and) pray” for them. He sums it up with the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Jesus invites disciples then and now to put into practice the love of God that Jesus showed to everyone. He grew from a baby to a teacher who challenged all of us to go beyond what everybody else does, to constantly mature in our love for God and people. Is your love for people (even your enemies) growing?

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: God whose love is higher and deeper than I can understand, help me to continue to grow in my love for other people, including even my enemies, that I might more closely resemble you and help others come to know you.  Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 28, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Mark 1:35-39.

After a successful and tiring beginning to Jesus' ministry, Jesus retreats to a deserted place to pray, to enter into communion with the One who sent him, to seek guidance and encouragement and support. Scripture tells us he got up before daybreak and went alone to pray. Notice the fault-finding attitude of the disciples when they found him – “everyone is searching for you” – as in, “where did you go…and why?” Their attitude might be reflective of ours when we get so busy with the demands of life that we forget to take time for solitude, individual worship, and prayer.

One of the greatest blessings I found over the past year was the contentment I experienced as I spent time in prayer and devotion. I have found solace each day in going to my back porch no matter the weather and taking my Bible and devotional materials, a cup of tea, and a blanket, and spending time reading a devotion, studying God‘s word, and praying. It has helped me to self-reflect and prepare me for the day ahead.

Jesus had a regular, disciplined time to be alone with his Father each day. His quiet time with his Father was intentional; it was a priority he built into his day, and it required his effort — effort to wake up early before everyone else, and effort to go out away from everyone else so he could talk with the Father by himself. If prayer was important for Jesus, then it must be important for his followers.

Personal Worship Option:

How intentional is your daily time with the Father? Commit now to set aside time each day to spend with the Father. 

Daily Devotion, December 27, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 4:16-21.

After his baptism in the Jordan River, Jesus went into a lonely, desolate place to pray and to determine how he would use his awesome powers. After resisting each of the devil’s temptations to use them for the wrong reasons, Jesus returned to Galilee and began his ministry. His popularity grew, and he was invited to speak and teach in synagogues. In today’s reading, Jesus had returned to his hometown of Nazareth and was invited to speak in their synagogue on the Sabbath.

Jesus intentionally searched the scroll of Isaiah until he came to what we have numbered as Isaiah 61:1-2 and read it aloud. These verses initially described the role of the prophet, but in a much larger sense, they outline the mission of the messiah. Jesus left no doubt that this is his mission as the Christ: proclaiming the good news to the poor, bringing freedom and healing, and resisting oppression. We can imagine how his audience saw him...a village child grown up, Joseph’s son, a carpenter. They struggled to see him as the Christ, the Son of God. We too must allow the baby to grow up and to take on his mission as our own.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on your thoughts and images of Jesus. Think about some of his most difficult teachings and let those confront and perhaps change your images of Jesus as the Christ, fully grown, resurrected, and having promised to return. 

Daily Devotion, December 26, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 2:13-15.

Can you imagine what it would have been like for Joseph, the proud father of a newborn son, to learn that the king was searching for the little baby in order to kill him? Joseph’s taking his little family and leaving for Egypt during the night demonstrates the sense of urgency he felt. Matthew does not seem to be aware that Joseph and Mary were actually from Nazareth, to the north in Galilee. In going southwest to Egypt, Joseph was going in the opposite direction from their home. We do not know what life was like for them in Egypt, but we can imagine. It was likely difficult for a foreigner, an alien in a strange land, to find work as a carpenter. Joseph must have longed for the time when he could take his family home to be near their relatives and to resume their lives in familiar surroundings.

This was Joseph’s thing not yet done. Living with his new family as exiles in a strange land, Joseph must have felt a great responsibility to do the thing he had not yet done -- to return to friends and family in his home village. And as soon as it was safe to do so, he did that very thing. Joseph’s return to Nazareth in Galilee paved the way for Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, and the rest is history!

Personal Worship Option:

On this day after Christmas, reflect on what you have needed to do, perhaps you have even wanted to do, but for some reason have not yet done. Pray for whatever it takes...wisdom, strength, humility, courage, whatever...and set out to do your thing not done. 

Daily Devotion, December 25, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 2:1-20.

Luke provides the most complete and best-known account of the birth of Christ. It is only in Luke’s account that we learn that Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, why they traveled to Bethlehem, about no room in the inn, and about shepherds being the first people to receive the awesome news of the birth. Many of us have heard this story read to us before we could read, and we read it ourselves at some point during Advent and Christmas. We never tire of this beautiful story of God’s Son being born in the form of a baby, as one of us. It is a story that fills us with hope and reminds us of God’s love for all humanity.

God had reached out to humans immediately after creating us. God made covenants with us and gave us the law to help us know right from wrong. When we strayed from our relationship with God, God sent prophets to warn us, to call us back, and to promise to send a Messiah. God knew that someday He would send his Son into the world to save us. It was the ultimate “thing not done.” And when God did that thing, the rest is the most beautiful story of selfless love, peace on earth, and the gift of the hope of eternal life.

Personal Worship Option:

Rest today and celebrate Christmas! Give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior.

Daily Devotion, December 24, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 1:18-26.

Joseph had begun the legal process to be married to Mary, but now her pregnancy is a huge obstacle to his going forward. How can he proceed and finish this process? Joseph is a righteous and godly man. On one hand he has the Law. On the other, he has his love. The Law says, stone her. Love says, forgive her. Joseph is caught in the middle. But God had a third option. - marry her. God often shows us that there are more options available than we think. Only God’s guidance helped Joseph make the best decision. He placed God’s plan ahead of his own. When our decisions affect the lives of others, we must always seek God’s wisdom. God’s plan emcompasses your personality, your talents, and your future.

Personal Worship Option:

Ask God today to help you be a witness, open to new assignments, and eager to grow in faith.

Daily Devotion, December 23, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Growing up on a farm, working long hours in the two acre garden and in the fields, we learned to create straight rows for planting. The rule was not to look down at the ground in front of you, but look to the end of the field. We were to keep our eyes focused there at all times to keep the proper line. The best way to go straight toward something is to keep looking out as we go.

The writer of Hebrews knew this was true also for the Christian life. We should not get bogged down in our busyness and daily distractions. Instead we should focus on the destination of growing our faith and following Jesus Christ. We must run the race designed for us with our eyes fixed on the finish line.

The good news is that we are not running on our own strength; we are running in the strength of Jesus Christ. Christ is the basis of our faithful run, and he is the one who brings it to completion. We can rejoice in knowing that he has already run the race ahead of us. Jesus provides all the spiritual blessings we need during the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of our life.

Personal Worship Option:

As you run the race of faithful living, are you focusing steadily on Jesus, who ran the course already and helps you along the way?

God, teach us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Forgive us when we try to do things on our own. May we be led by your Spirit in all we do. Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 22, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-12.

Can you recall embarking on a journey as a child and asking the familiar question, “Are we there yet?” Can you imagine stopping one hundred miles short and never arriving at your destination? This metaphor helps me to better understand Paul’s urgency in writing to the church in Corinth.

In Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul is describing with a sense of urgency, the work that God has given Christians to do in the world---the work of bringing God and people together through Christ. So here in 2 Corinthians 8:10-12, Paul is in essence saying that, we are not there yet in this work God has given to us through Christ. Remain faithful and see this work to completion.

Sometimes after we start a new work, time passes, and some of the energy and passion diminish and fade. Paul is encouraging the Christians in Corinth and encouraging us today to complete the work with the same level of energy. To not complete the work is similar to ending a journey a hundred miles short of the destination.

In verse 8, Paul wants the Corinthian Christians “to test the sincerity of their love by comparing it with the earnestness of others (the Macedonian Christians).” He is asking them to assess their motives. Second, in verse 9, he is acknowledging that they are going through more difficult times, but to realize that Christ endured difficulty too and “through his poverty they became rich.” 

Then in verses 10-12, Paul acknowledges that the resources of the Corinthian Christians are less than the year before, but he challenges and encourages them to continue being faithful and giving what they are able to give so that the work can be finished. In other words, it’s not about what we have or don’t have, it’s about our willingness to give and trusting God to work through us to help others.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, you have called us to join you in reconciling people to you through Christ. Sometimes our energy and passion diminish and fade. As we celebrate your greatest gift to us in Christ, your Son, refresh within us, by your Holy Spirit, new energy and passion to complete the work of love you have called us to do. Amen. 

Daily Devotion, December 21, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 14:28-30.

Have you ever gone into a project without the proper supplies? Or, have you ever started a project and midway realized you no longer have the time to invest in it? If you ever did, you will agree that it is very stressful. You suddenly find yourself in the middle of something you have started but cannot complete because you didn’t count the cost. Thinking back now, you would probably agree that you would have been better off checking what the project would cost in time, money, and supplies before you started. Our passage today tells us don’t begin until you count the cost (Luke 14:28 NLT). Jesus believed the best idea was to plan before you start. When we begin a new ministry at Christ Church we often begin with the end in mind by casting a vision for that ministry. Next the staff works with a team of committed lay leaders to create an action plan to bring the ministry to fruition. We have begun many ministries by using this model of vision casting and planning with the goal of finishing successfully. Jesus’ intent with this example is to remind us to always count the cost, whether we are beginning a building project, a new ministry, or becoming a disciple of Christ. To truly follow Christ, we must consider the cost and put him above everything else.

Personal Worship Option:

Today, I make a commitment to count the cost of anything before I commit to it. Thank you, Lord, for helping me.

Daily Devotion, December 20, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Ecclesiastes 7:8.

Ecclesiastes is one of the books of the Old Testament known as “Wisdom literature.” (Others are Proverbs, Job, Psalms and Song of Songs.) These writings come from generations of learning how to live life at its best. They help us see how to make good decisions and sound judgments.

  

This particular verse sounds a lot like the sayings you find in the Proverbs. I sometimes say they make good bumper stickers or wall hangings. They are good reminders, so it is wise to go over them every so often or have them around so you see them regularly.

“The Teacher,” as this writer is called at the beginning of the book, lets us know that one of the wisest lessons you can learn in life is to finish what you start. I am too often guilty of starting to read a book, but then laying it aside and starting something else. Yet I always find it very rewarding when I finish it. In every case, I would have missed so much of what the writer wanted to share with me if I had not made it to the end.

However, this lesson is not just for us on a personal level. It is also about our relationships with other people. Can they depend on you to finish something you start? Be reminded today that you will experience more joy and fulfillment in your life, both personally and in your relationships, when you finish what you start.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: Holy God, continue to guide and challenge me to finish what I start, both in my personal life and in my relationships with others. In the name of Jesus, the One who carried out his mission on earth all the way to the point he was able to say “It is finished.” Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 19, 2021

Devotion:

Read 1 John 4:9-12.

These verses are one of the best summaries of the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all of the Bible. The writer is in the midst of encouraging the people to whom he is writing to love each other. He reminds them, and us, why we are to do that: It is what God has done for us. Even more, it is the core of who God is and what God is all about.

God gave us the gift of love and personalized it through sending his Son into the world. We got to experience the love of God through the life and teaching, the death and resurrection of Jesus. He showed us what this love looks like in everyday life, in relationships with people from all walks of life.

  

Throughout Advent, we have been examining these gifts that God has given us and emphasizing that we are not just to keep them for ourselves, but are to pass them along to as many people as we can. That’s exactly what this writer is doing in this passage. God has gifted us with love; now we are to share this gift with others. Anytime you are wrestling with whether you can love a particular person, remember who gave you that gift in the first place.

Personal Worship Option:

Morgan Walker and Hilly Michaels wrote these words as part of a popular contemporary song. Perhaps they could be your prayer as well.

Help me to love with open arms like You do.

A love that erases all the lines and sees the truth.

Oh that when they look in my eyes, they would see You.

Even in just a smile; they would feel the Father’s love.

Daily Devotion, December 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Matthew 5:43-48.

It is one of those teachings from Jesus that is easy to dismiss as being almost impossible. “I just can’t do that; I can’t love my enemies,” you might think. It is part of what is known as “The Sermon On The Mount” in chapters 5-7 of this Gospel. That whole section contains challenging lessons.

I sometimes call this one the “top level” of the love of God. It is the “high bar” for which we are to be aiming (think pole vault or high jump). Jesus reminds us that it is easy to love those who love you. Everybody does that. As in all of his teaching, he is calling his followers to something beyond the usual ways of this world. He is calling us to do something we cannot do on our own. It is another situation where we need a higher power to give us the power to go beyond what we think we can do.

Loving an enemy does not mean you suddenly accept all of their ways or thinking. You can still fully disagree with someone and see them as your enemy on some issue or cause, while at the same time being willing to do anything for them and help them any way you can. You want the best for them as much as you do for yourself. Jesus disagreed with many religious leaders and saw them as the enemy of what he was seeking to do in the world. But he was willing to die for them just as he did for everybody else.

As with many issues in life, this is about moving in the right direction, not necessarily having arrived yet. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, spoke of “striving for perfection” in this love of God. With the Holy Spirit providing the power we need to keep moving in that direction, may we never stop striving to live the love of God toward others; even our enemies.

Personal Worship Option:

Consider this prayer: God of love, help me see each person I encounter as you see them. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:37-39.

Nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, even death. This could cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by God. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from God. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can stop God’s constant presence with us. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid. Give thanks for that and let everyone else know that God feels the same way about them.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the deep love that God has for you. Let that love wash over you and then demonstrate love to others today.

Daily Devotion, December 16, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

This passage is about the importance of love, that nothing is comparable to it. It is part of Paul's Epistle but was also used as a hymn and sung in the early church. It was and is an essential instruction on how we are to be and behave. It is a template that explains what love is. There is perhaps no vocabulary or prose in the history of humanity that can correspond to that which God is clearly communicating to us. The whole point is that in order to be truly faithful, love of Christ must reside within us and dictate our lives. 

The principle of love, which is the bulk of the Gospel, must impact us so we are influenced by His love, that we internalize it, become energized by it, and that it flows even when we are not thinking of it. The point of this passage is the main point of the Gospel. If we live out our Christian lives with great commitment and diligence and we do all we can in ministry and service to God, it will be meaningless and of no value unless we are fueled by love. Nothing we are capable of doing can amount to what it could be if we do it without love. All we do must be driven by our faith, hope, and most of all our love, because of Christ's love. As Christians we must study the scriptures so that we can emulate the love of Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Take some time today and ask Jesus if you are a person of love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and put your name in it. Do you need to work on these characteristics?

Daily Devotion, December 15, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Proverbs 3:3-4.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature and is mostly written by King Solomon. In I Kings 3 and 4, we read the story of God’s gift of wisdom to Solomon. Wisdom from God is more than knowledge and information, or even human intuition.

The Message’s Introduction to Proverbs says, “’Wisdom’ is the biblical term for this ‘on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven’ everyday living…In matters of everyday practicality, nothing, absolutely nothing, takes precedence over God.” (Proverbs has 31 chapters, so reading a chapter a day can be a healthy habit.)

Proverbs 3:5-6 are often quoted and are favorite verses for many, but verses 3-4 hold great wisdom as well. The NIV translates the original Hebrew words here as “love and faithfulness”. Other translations interpret these words as, loyalty and faithfulness; mercy and truth; love and fidelity; love and loyalty; and loyalty and kindness. It all reflects who God is and is given from God unto us.

The point is that “love and faithfulness” unto God and others is to be our whole outlook on life. It is the very core and center of who we are. It is to be our purpose of life, reflecting God’s love and faithfulness unto humanity.

My Greek professor, Dr. David Garland, said a clearer understanding of the first phrase of John 3:16 would be, “Out of God’s love for the whole world…”  If the gift of “love and faithfulness” is from the core of our being, then we can’t help but love and worship God and give expressions of love unto others, in both words and actions.

This is a proverb with a promise, “Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and humankind.”

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus broadens our understanding of this love to include individuals who don’t like us and our enemies. The 10th Day before Christmas can be a high stress day. Pause and ponder God’s love and faithfulness unto you. Pause and let God give you the gift of wisdom to remain loving and faithful unto God and others.

Daily Devotion, December 14, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Ephesians 2:4-7.

At the beginning of Ephesians 2 Paul reminds us how we as Christians used to live, how we followed our passionate desires and sinful nature. And then he says, “But God…” Those two words describe much of the Gospel message. All humanity was mired in that old stagnant life of sin. We let the world tell us how to live and did what we felt like doing. But God in his immense mercy and with an incredible love, embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. God loved us so much that even though we were filled with sin, he extended grace to us and gave us new life. We all make mistakes, experience shame, and do foolish things. Just as God extended love, mercy, and grace to us, he expects us to do the same for others.

Personal Worship Option:

Receive God’s great love today, express your thanks to him, and then show an act of love to someone else.

Daily Devotion, December 13, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 15:9-12.

Those of us who can remember the 1970’s TV series The Waltons will remember how each show ended at bedtime with all the members of the three generations of Waltons in their beds and calling out, “Good night” to one another. “Good night, Dad!” “Good night John-Boy!” “Good night Mary Ellen!” and so on. No one was left out, as everyone was wished a good night, and no one received that greeting without passing it on to others. In one episode, the dad called out, “Enough of this, let’s get to sleep!” This series was based on the life and family of its creator, who remembered how his family showed their love for one another nightly in this way.

Jesus calls us as branches to stay connected to him as the life-giving vine. The Father loves the Son, and the Son loves us. When we stay connected with Jesus through our prayer life, studying the Scriptures, attending worship, serving others, and so on, we continue to receive the life-giving love of Christ. But we are not meant to simply be recipients of that love...instead, we are to pass it on to others. Like the “Good night” greeting, we are to receive the love of Christ, enjoy it, celebrate it, and then show that love to others.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that Jesus Christ loves you. Reflect on the ways you feel the love of Christ. Does the love of Christ come to you sometimes through other people? Give thanks for them. Now ask God to show you someone to whom you can pass along the love of Christ.

Daily Devotion, December 12, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read John 15:9-12.

“The Gospel According To John” includes a large section in which Jesus spends time teaching his disciples the night before he died. These verses are part of that section. What he shares here is a good summation of all he did with all of his disciples, especially the inner circle of the twelve. He sought to share with them (as much as he felt like they could absorb) about who God is and what he is seeking to do in the world. He wanted them to experience for themselves the relationship he had with God the Father. He showed them God’s love because he knew that love himself.

Knowing that love produces a deep sense of joy. He wanted them to know the fullness of that joy as well. And just as he didn’t keep it for himself, he expected that they would not either. They would pass it along to others. As they went out to share the good news of Christ, they would say to those around them “Just as Jesus gave me this joy, I give it to you as well. I want you to have this complete joy in your life too.”

That line of receiving and giving is to continue today through the followers of Jesus Christ. He passed along this joy to his disciples, who passed it along to others, who continued that pattern down through the years to our time. It is our turn now. It is your turn now. Receive the gift of the joy of Christ. You can keep it for yourself, but by some miracle, you can also give it away to others, and it won’t lessen what you still have! In fact, it will actually increase the joy you have!

Personal Worship Option:

In this passage, Jesus connects the love of God with this joy that results. Who do you know that needs you to share the love of God (maybe with actions first, then with words) so that they begin to experience this joy?

Daily Devotion, December 11, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Galatians 5:22-23.

I don’t know that there is any significance to the order of this list, but I note that three of the gifts we are focusing on this season are listed first: love, joy and peace. The writer is emphasizing what is produced in the life of individuals and a community of faith when that person or group is being led by the Holy Spirit. These are not characteristics that we produce on our own, just like we don’t produce fruit on our own. The production comes from this Spirit who is God. So it is vital that we stay in touch with this Spirit each day, allowing for cultivation and growth to take place.

This week our focus is on joy. We do not produce this joy on our own. Sure, we can try to have a positive attitude all the time or do our best to have a smile on our face when we encounter others. But this joy runs much deeper than that. The Spirit gives us a sense of joy that overcomes all of the struggles, trials and complications of this world. Does that mean we won’t ever grieve or be upset about something? Of course not! But we can experience a foundation of joy that will see us through anything. The key to knowing this joy? It’s found just two verses later in this same chapter: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Personal Worship Option:

What do you do each day to “keep in step with the Spirit”?

Daily Devotion, December 10, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 15:3-10.

Jesus offers two parables that remind us what brings those in heaven great joy. We may be able to understand a God who would forgive sinners who come to him for mercy. But a God who tenderly searches for sinners and then joyfully forgives them must possess an extraordinary love! This is the kind of love that prompted Jesus to come to earth to search for lost people and save them. This is the kind of extraordinary love that God has for you. If you feel far from God, don’t despair. He is searching for you! Each individual is precious to God. He grieves over every loss and rejoices whenever one of his children is found and brought into the kingdom. Sharing Jesus’ love and concern for people will definitely impact the amount of joy found in our churches.

Personal Worship Option:

Share God’s love with someone today and bring a bit of joy into their world.

Daily Devotion, December 9, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Psalm 30:4-5.

Psalm 30 is a hymn of thanksgiving written on the occasion of the dedication of King David’s new palace in Jerusalem. The king had benefited from God’s blessings, won battles, but also carried the sorrows resulting from pride and sin. In these two verses, David calls upon God’s saints to sing a joyful song. Singing is one way that we can express ourselves in joy or sorrow.

We should sing to the Lord because we are His saints. In the Bible, a saint is not a person who has been set aside as being a special person, but a saint is anyone who belongs to the Lord. In the Old Testament the Israelites are referred to as saints. In the New Testament, all believers in Jesus Christ are referred to as saints. Perhaps, our greatest reason for singing songs of joy is because we belong to God. We belong to God by His grace, not because we deserve it.

The important thing to know about God is not that He is angry, but that His favor for us lasts for a lifetime. We should sing to the Lord because weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. We have probably all had restless nights without sleep, worrying about what we had to face, but when morning light comes we see things in a new light. We can be sure that there will be times for us to weep, but equally sure that our weeping will turn to joy when God does His work in our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us continue to look to you for peace, hope, joy, and love. Only in you will we have everlasting joy both in this life and in the life to come! Amen.

Daily Devotion, December 8, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 1:39-49.

The question, “How did this story get to the ears of this Gospel’s writer?” came as I was reading these verses. The gospel writer gives us a clue in Luke 2:51b, “And Mary pondered all these things in her heart.” As I read these verses, I can hear Mary telling with great enthusiasm this story of her visit with her cousin, Elizabeth!

Interestingly, the Greek word for joy in verse 44 is “agalliasei”, which is more closely translated “exultation”, and is utilized only two other times in the New Testament; in Acts 2:46 and Jude 1:24. All three of these verses celebrate exceeding joy or exultation because of God’s great work unto the people!

Mary’s song of exultation rejoices in God’s promise through the generations to send a Savior for the people! Her son will be the promised one, the Messiah who will be merciful and will fill the hungry with good things!

  

The Holy Spirit, through the angel’s words, led Mary to know that her cousin Elizabeth was expecting. And the Holy Spirit led Elizabeth to know and confirm Mary’s news before Mary could tell her story! Elizabeth knew by the “leap of exultation” within her womb that Mary was expecting God’s own Son, the Savior for the world. The Message translates this, “The babe in my womb skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.”

For us in this “information age”, it’s difficult to comprehend Mary’s and Elizabeth’s sense of knowing and celebrating what God was doing!!! Mary’s and Elizabeth’s quiet trust in God helped them to see with eyes of faith God’s work in their midst. The source of their joy wasn’t material possessions; it was the angel’s message that “God's promise is being fulfilled and nothing is impossible with God!”

Personal Worship Option:

There’s a little book on my shelf titled, “Lena”, by Margaret Jensen. Lena is the housekeeper of a small Methodist college’s infirmary. Lena shares her wisdom with the resident nurse, the author, who had lost her joy. Lena says, “Your joy has nothing to do with what you want. Your joy is Jesus! You got Him, you got peace! You got Him, you got it all! The things you are worried about are none of your business, they are God’s business. Thank God for everything! Don’t see the problem---just see Jesus! Jesus is your joy!”---Jesus, you are our joy!!! Amen.