Daily Devotion for December 31, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 2:1-11.

In many eastern cultures, the giving of gifts is a very common practice. If one is invited to dinner, one carries a gift to the host. It was natural for the Magi, coming from somewhere east of Israel, to bring gifts to the one they were seeking. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were gifts for a king, a priest, and for someone who would give his life. Not only were their gifts powerfully symbolic of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, their gifts were expensive. If God set up an online gifts registry to instruct us on what gifts to bring Christ, what do you think would be on the list?

When we join a United Methodist church, we promise to participate fully in the life of the church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. In making this promise, we say we will be present in worship, in small groups, and other gatherings. We will pray for the staff, leaders, and ministries of the church. We will give our financial gifts and put our spiritual gifts to work in service. We will witness by living in ways that bring honor to Christ, and we will share our faith in Christ with others. These are awesome gifts that would no doubt be on that registry.

Personal Worship Option:

Many of us are better at some of these promises of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness than we are at others. Pray about this and pick the one you need to work on the most. Don’t make a resolution; instead make a promise and bring that gift to Christ this year.

Daily Devotion for December 30, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 25:34-40.

We looked at this whole story from Jesus two weeks ago. I offer just this portion of it today in light of our focus for this week. Have you ever considered this: when you make that contribution to the Food Bank or help provide those meals for Mustard Tree Ministries, you are feeding Jesus? Or when you help welcome that new person or family into the church or into your small group, you are welcoming Jesus? Or when you give those clothes to the person who has little, you are clothing Jesus? Or when you mentor at Walker State prison (or visit with someone in any kind of prison), you are connecting with Jesus? Or when you help that person who is sick, you help Jesus recover? What’s that you say: that you haven’t really thought about any of that being for Jesus? Good; sounds like you have the same motivation that the people in this story have. They weren’t meeting the needs of people because they thought it was Jesus. They were just doing it because they cared about people and were living the way Jesus taught all of us to live. 

The story reminds me that one of the best gifts you can give to Jesus each day is to do what you can to serve and bless other people, especially those most in need. God bless you for the many times and ways you do just that!

Personal Worship Option:

One of the hymns in our United Methodist Hymnal is titled “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service.” It’s a prayer hymn, written by Albert Bayly. Here is one of the verses of it for you to use as your prayer today:

As we worship, grant us vision, till your love’s revealing light in its height and depth and greatness dawns upon our quickened sight, making known the needs and burdens your compassion bids us bear, stirring us to tireless striving your abundant life to share. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 29, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 6:1-14.

A boy gives Jesus what he has, and Jesus uses what seems like a little bit to bless thousands of people. This boy gave Jesus what was in his hands. The disciples had more resources than this child, but they limited their resources by refusing to allow Jesus to do the impossible. So, they didn’t give anything at all. The boy gave what little he had, and it made all the difference. If we offer nothing to God, he will have nothing to use. But God can take what little we have and turn it into something great. Age is no barrier to Jesus. Never think you are too young or too old to be of service to him. All Jesus wants is what’s in your hands.

Personal Worship Option:

What is God speaking to you? Will you give Him what is in your hands?

Daily Devotion for December 28, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 21:15-17.

Peter had surrendered to the paralyzing fear of standing alone and denied three times that he did not know Jesus. He had told Jesus that he would stick with him until the end, but he didn’t. Peter’s conscience immediately made him feel ashamed and sorrowful. He wept bitterly. But fortunately, Jesus enabled Peter to break out of the guilt by asking him three times “do you love me”? Peter answered every time, “Lord, you know that I love you”. Jesus then empowered Peter to put his past behind him and walk confidently into the future. Jesus restored him and made him a leader for His kingdom.

We all have scratches and dents in our lives due to our falling short. But Jesus sees through all that and focuses on the person we are created to be. He forgives us and uses us to spread the good news of eternal life. In community we can help each other by forgiving past mistakes and moving on. God delights in our love and our willingness to love and serve others. That is the best gift that we can give.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us to have the courage to always proclaim your love and your teachings. Open our eyes to see those who need our love and help. Thank you for your son, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 27, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Mark 12:41-44.

We can visualize what is happening in these verses. (Where do you find yourself in this story?) And it is written in such a way that even children can understand and are open to what Jesus is teaching here. It is interesting though, that these verses are right after Jesus’ teachings in verses 38-40 to be wary of the teachers of the law (scribes) in the temple. They value their own importance and Jesus says, “they devour the widows' houses.” The widow’s offering is a lesson which children can understand and yet the leaders and disciples struggled to comprehend.

First, and foremost, the widow gave all that she had. She sacrificed completely and she gave all that she had which were two copper coins, with the explanation that they are worth a fraction of a penny. This sentence alone reminds us of the role and status in biblical times of one whose husband had died; no rights, ownership of anything, insurance or inheritance.

Jesus surprised the disciples and the others listening by turning the valuing system all around! He said, “...this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” We need to listen deeply to Jesus’ words in our day as well. How do we measure value and what is greatest in the kingdom of God?

Two weeks ago, our devotions helped us examine our motives behind our actions of service unto God. Earlier in Mark 12, some of the leaders of the temple had been sent to Jesus to ask him questions to trap Jesus. Their motives were not pure and upright. But the motives of this widow were from her heart in her love and trust of God and in her willingness to sacrifice. Even though in the eyes of others, it was very little, she truly gave her all. She gave from a genuine heart. This ties in back to verses 29-31, of the greatest commandment...”to love with all your heart.”

Some commentaries say that the widow’s story can be read as an anticipation of Jesus’ own sacrifice of his life. God’s love for the people of the world comes from God’s own heart of sacrificial love.

Personal Worship Option:

As we continue in the Christmas Season, let us re-examine our hearts, our motives and our own valuing system for giving our whole hearts to Christ. Let Christina Georgina Rossetti’s words from 1905 inspire us.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I would do my part;

Yet what can I give Him?

Give Him my heart.

Daily Devotion for December 26, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Jeremiah is God's voice, speaking about the promise of the Lord's new covenant that he will make with his people. Of course, knowledge of God's "instructions" started with the prophets and others who spoke for God in Biblical times and starts with the Bible and people who speak for God now. However, knowledge is not nearly enough. We need to be empowered and transformed by the Holy Spirit of the living God who will place God's instructions on our hearts and make them a part of us. As important as the scriptures are, the Spirit who inspired them is also the one who is essential for us to understand and live the intent of scripture. The Holy Spirit will inform, transform, and conform God's people to be like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). This promise of a new covenant also runs throughout the New Testament, but the work of the Spirit in this covenant is especially emphasized in John chapters 14-16 as Jesus promises the Comforter or Counselor or Advocate or Helper or Friend (depending on your translation). It is also emphasized powerfully in 2 Corinthians 3, which is probably a spiritual reflection about the fulfillment of God's promise recorded by Jeremiah. Read 2 Corinthians 3 after reading today's verses from Jeremiah. Rejoice that we have this promised time of grace and divine presence available to us in the Holy Spirit!

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, I rejoice in the sacrifice of Jesus and the work of your Holy Spirit to bring your promise of a new covenant alive in our day. I ask that the Spirit's power, his force, his grace, be at work in me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 25, 2023

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here. Read Isaiah 9:6-7a; Matthew 5:9.

This coming Sunday in worship, we are going to be thinking about gifts that Jesus might like to receive from us. These two Bible passages for today tell of one possibility. On this Christmas day, we are reminded of the prophecy of Isaiah that told that the Messiah’s kingdom would be one of peace. And Jesus blessed those who are peacemakers. Jesus sought to bring peace to a broken and troubled world. Some chose to accept his offer; others did not (which only continued the brokenness and trouble).

 

As his followers, we are also invited, and challenged, to be a people of peace; to be peacemakers. And to be a peaceMAKER means we are to be intentionally working to promote peace. It is not enough just to avoid conflict. We are to be actively seeking peace with and among those with whom we disagree and among those who promote violence and divisiveness. To be sure, this is not easy. It is hard work. But be assured that if you will commit to this work, the Prince of Peace will go with you and guide you in your efforts. And be assured he will receive your efforts as a great gift.

Personal Worship Option:

Sy Miller and Jill Jackson wrote the words to a great song that could be sung as a prayer. May this part be your prayer this Christmas day:

Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow: to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Amen. 

Daily Devotion for December 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 2:8-18.

Throughout the Season of Advent, we have been focused on learning from the experience of various Biblical people who went to Bethlehem. Today we join the shepherds who were tending their sheep outside of town when they got the surprise of their life! Let yourself try to imagine what that experience must have been like. First, they were terrified. Who wouldn’t be?! But then they get this “good news for all the people…” Then they get the anthem by the heavenly choir. (After the angels left, I wonder how long it took for those guys to close their wide-open mouths. Or how long before any of them said anything.) Whatever discussion ensued, it ended with the only decision they could make: let’s go check this out!

You and I and everybody else are also invited to Bethlehem. We are invited to look around us every day and see what God is doing in the lives of other people. When God’s Spirit prompts you to do something, it may seem at least surprising to even consider, if not ridiculous. But hey, go and check it out. You know never what God may have there for you to experience!

Personal Worship Option:

Phillips Brooks wrote the words to one of my favorite Christmas hymns. May this verse be your prayer today:

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray

cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

Daily Devotion for December 23, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 20:24-29.

Yes, it seems strange to be reading part of the Easter story here at Christmas. But it is a reminder that Christmas was not the only time God invited the world to experience something new and different. Both Christmas and Easter reveal to us a God of surprises, One who is not bound by our understanding of how things are supposed to be. For Jesus to be alive was totally unrealistic to Thomas, but when he experienced the risen Christ for himself, he was “all in” on believing. Jesus (and the writer of this Gospel) uses the opportunity to bless all those who believe that “nothing is impossible with God” (as Luke reminds us in his Gospel at 1:37), whether they got to be there when it happened or not.

I am not one to take all of the Bible literally. I believe it is okay to question and wonder about whether some of what is written literally happened that way or if it was simply written that way to share some part of God’s truth and guidance to us. But I also fully believe that every bit of it could have happened exactly as it is written. God has all power. God can do anything God wants to do. And God seems to love to surprise us!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one like it in your own words: God of Christmas and Easter, thank you so much for those two major times when you surprised us, giving us an assurance of your presence and power and love for all the world! Help us to be aware of other times and ways you surprise us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 22, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 4:18-20.

Jesus invites some fishermen into a whole new focus on fishing. Whereas rabbi’s focused mostly on lessons of the Law, Jesus would focus on connecting with people in order to share God’s good news with them. Notice that Jesus gives the invitation to follow him, and Peter and Andrew drop everything to follow Jesus. The two men responded in faith rather than getting caught in the fear of the unknown. At times, we want all the “details” before we say yes. Yet, God rarely provides those ahead of time. Jesus gave his disciples the most rewarding job. He taught them to reach out to people with the Good News of God. God also offers us the same opportunity - how will we respond?

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: “My LORD and Savior; thank you for inviting me into the journey with you! It is my joy to follow you and to listen for your voice. You are the great and mighty King and I choose you. In your precious name, Jesus, amen.”

Daily Devotion for December 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Mark 1:9-15.

Jesus’ ministry opened rather low key. It was somewhat private as Jesus didn’t even have his disciples yet to witness the event that this scripture passage describes. The heavenly power does not swoop down in a big way but gently arrives like a calm dove. The spirit of God enters Jesus, giving us a sign that a very new creation is getting under way. It states that God is very pleased with his son who is very unique.

No matter what you think of yourself, here is a wonderful thought. God has come into the world with a new creation that includes you and an unbelievable amount of love. Jesus himself declares in verse 15 that the time has come-the kingdom of God has come near. We are to repent and believe the good news. Jesus often spent time alone. Likewise, we need time alone with God. When we are alone with God, talking to him and listening for direction through his Word, we are being prepared for our mission here on earth. Our faith is formed as we seek God’s guidance and wisdom. We must not let the busyness of life make us skip time with God.

Personal Worship Option:

Here is your challenge for today. Find some time to be alone with God as he prepares you for his mission in your life. Ask God to prepare you for the mission you have here on earth and ask that your faith continue to grow.

Daily Devotion for December 20, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 43:16-21.

When we first moved to the area in 1992, the Blythe Ferry was still in operation for cars to be transported across the Tennessee River on Highway 60 between the towns of Birchwood and Dayton, TN. In 1994, the current bridge across the river was completed and the Blythe Ferry closed. The bridge opened up many possibilities for employment and the economy on both sides of the river!

Rev. Michael E. Williams writes, “Bodies of water serve as both barriers and conveyances of life. In an era of bridges and airplanes, when we can easily drive or fly over bodies of water, we forget the power the images had for earlier ages.” Rev. Williams continues, “In verse 19, where God says, ‘See, I am doing a new thing!’, for the people then, the imagery is shifting from ‘water as a barrier’ to ‘water as a conveyor of life’.”

Are we open and prepared for the new thing God might be doing each day in the world and in our own lives as well? This thread of God’s doing a new thing is woven throughout all of scripture. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!"

Sometimes we are resistant to the “new thing” God is doing in the world and in our lives. But this is the gift of hope from the prophet Isaiah which the people carried with them. This is the gift from the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. This is the same God who made a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters. (vs. 16) and will now create this new gift, “to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”

Personal Worship Option:

God invites us to always be listening and watching for what new thing God is doing in the people and circumstances around us. Dear God, open our eyes and ears to the new things you are doing and lead us to bring your hope and life-giving power to others.

Daily Devotion for December 19, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 12:1-3.

Scripture says that we are to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). That means we’re unable to know what’s ahead but can trust the God who does. Abraham is a prime example, and we should follow in his steps. When called to leave his country and family to go to a land God would show him, Abraham obeyed. Hebrews 11:8 adds, “He left, not knowing where he was going.”

That’s basically a summation of the Christian life. Each day we face the unknown, but we trust the Lord to guide us. Since we don’t know the particulars, our walk with God can seem perplexing. That’s when we’re tempted to rely on our own feelings, perceptions, and reasoning. But sometimes He places us in situations to teach us to trust Him even when we don’t know where we’re going and cannot see the outcome.

The Lord wants us to lay down our own ways of figuring things out and instead to walk by faith. That may sound risky, but here’s why it’s absolutely reasonable: The One leading us has complete knowledge of the future and the power to orchestrate all events to achieve His good purposes in our life.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to have the faith of Abraham. When you call help me be ready to follow. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 18, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 1:35-46.

When two of John’s disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, there was more to this question than casual curiosity about his lodging. They wanted to know more about and more from this Lamb of God. Jesus invited them to “Come and you will see.” What an invitation! Each one of us, when we accept Jesus as the Christ, are invited to come with him and see, learn, and grow. In just the few verses we read today, we see a rapidly growing circle of followers. Andrew, one of the two, goes to tell his brother, Simon Peter, who accepted the invitation and followed. Then Jesus invited Philip to follow him. Philip invited Nathaniel to come along, and when Nathaniel questioned whether anything good could ever come from Nazareth, Philip said “Come and see.” These are Jesus’ words!

Do not fail to see something important in this. Jesus directly invited some to come, see, and follow him. But those who responded and followed also reached out to invite others, using the words of Jesus, “Come and see.” What they and we are invited to see is what God is doing in the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Do you remember the excitement you felt upon accepting Christ? Reflect on that today and remind yourself that you are still invited by Christ to come and see what God is doing in the world. At the end of the day today, be ready to tell someone what you saw God do today.

Daily Devotion for December 17, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 2:1-8.

The wise men had one motivation for going to Bethlehem and finding this newborn king. Their study of the stars had revealed to them how important this child would be. They were fascinated by the possibility of getting to be there and meet this royal infant. They wanted to worship him and offer gifts to him.

King Herod had a totally different motivation for finding this child. Just the mention of a newborn king made him anxious and troubled. And as verse three notes, when Herod was disturbed, everybody in Jerusalem became anxious, because they knew how ruthless he could be. He saw this child as a potential threat to his throne, so he wanted to quell that threat as soon as possible.

Those are examples of extremely differing motivations for finding Jesus. Let’s let them cause us to search deep within ourselves as to why we want to find him. Remember, he’s a king. He seeks to rule in your life. He wants to guide you in all you do. Many people want to be in control of their life. They are reluctant to let anyone else guide how they live and what they do. How about you? Are you sure you want to find this King?

Personal Worship Option:

Charles Wesley (John’s brother) wrote a hymn we often sing during Advent. Here’s part of the last verse for you to consider as your prayer today:

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King;

born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone….

Daily Devotion for December 16, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 25:31-45.

In our worship services tomorrow, we will take note of the differing motivations of those wanting to find the newborn king. In this passage for today, we find one of three judgment stories from Jesus that Matthew included in chapter 25 of his Gospel book. I find the underlying motivations of the two groups mentioned to be very revealing of who they are.

 

Both groups are surprised that the King was at any point hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothes, sick or in prison. I hear the group who didn’t attend to those needs saying that “if we had known it was you, we would have helped.” They were selective in who they helped. With the group who did attend to those needs, I hear them saying “It didn’t matter who it was, we were going to help them.”

It is a good reminder to all of us who seek to follow in the way of Jesus Christ that we are to help whoever we can whenever we can. Jesus’ ministry was especially focused on helping those most in need. Be assured that when you help them, you help him.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Lord Jesus, help me see every person I encounter through your eyes. And help me attend to their needs following your example of sacrificial love.

Daily Devotion for December 15, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 19:16-26.

This man was motivated more by his possessions than his desire to have eternal life. Max Lucado expresses the encounter this way: “More than anything this rich man needed to see the poverty of his own heart - that he was chronically guilty of breaking the first three commandments. He loved and valued created things more than he treasured his Creator. He needed a Savior.

The scene is sobering and encouraging all at once. Jesus felt a love for a man with a messed-up heart. He invited him to repent and to come and follow him. Then he left the choice to him.”

That’s still the way Christ’s kingdom works.

Personal Worship Option:

Is Christ calling you today? The choice is yours - choose wisely. Meditate on Christ’s love for you and the impact that has on you, your family, your community and the world.

Daily Devotion for December 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read John 6:22-27.

A glance back to the beginning of John 6 reveals a crowd of people who had eaten a grand feast provided by Jesus himself. There was so much food left over that the disciples gathered twelve baskets full after the meal. The crowd followed Jesus in the hope of receiving another satisfying meal, but Jesus told them they needed more than just physical food. They needed to focus on God, give God thanks, and look to God for direction in their spiritual lives.

How can that happen? Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." That is a miracle that will last much longer than feeding five thousand people with a little supply of food.

Today, regardless of all that we have, we need to be sure that we have consumed the bread of eternal life by receiving the gift of salvation through Jesus. We must have the love of Jesus in our hearts and be willing to share this "bread" with people around us. There are still so many who are hungry for eternal life. Will you help feed them?

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to us so that we can have the bread that gives us eternal life. Guide our hearts to live for you and to share the good news of the gift of your son. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 13, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read 1 Kings 3:5-13.

We are continuing this week to look at the motivations behind different people in the Bible. Today we are reading about how young King Solomon was motivated by a desire to lead God’s people with wisdom.

The Message interprets this young king’s prayer request in his dream this way: “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

God recognized that young King Solomon’s request was not for his own benefit but for the benefit of others. God responds acknowledging that Solomon didn’t ask for long life, or riches, or the doom of his enemies, but for the ability to lead and govern well. Other translations translate Solomon’s request as a “discerning heart” or an “understanding mind”. God grants Solomon’s request and adds the gifts of the things he didn’t request.

Wisdom, understanding and discernment for the sake of others are truly gifts from God. In my younger years, dedicated church members offered the worship service’s prayer of thanksgiving for the tithes and offerings. Several times during the year an individual who had been a lifetime dairy farmer offered the prayer. His prayer reflected his deep dependency on God from his life as a dairy farmer. His prayers held much wisdom and understanding from his own God-listening heart. Who are wisdom-filled individuals you have known throughout your lifetime?

Personal Worship Option:

For the sake of others, Solomon prayed for a gift, a God-listening heart, which could only come from God. As we ponder the needs of others, how might that change our prayer requests unto God? James 1:5 says, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given to you.”

Daily Devotion for December 12, 2023

 

Devotion:

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Read Acts 8:26-38.

There are some really great things in this passage, but just focusing on one thing, you see the submissive attitude of Philip. Philip had been experiencing very fruitful ministry.

Yet, he now needed to go to the next place of ministry the Lord had for Him (verse 26).

Philip's response to the Lord's command is wonderful, "So he got up and went" (verse 27a).

This sounds so simple, but how difficult this can be! When we find ourselves in a place of ministry or in life that is exciting or just comfortable, we really don't want the Lord to give us a change of direction. We convince ourselves; the Lord would never direct us to leave that place and go to a place of uncertainty for us.

But clearly, as with Philip, the Lord has things in mind that we may know nothing about. Philip left one place of ministry to reach another the Lord had prepared for him (verses 29-31).

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, I pray my heart would be so fixed on You, that I would respond as Philip did to Your leading. Not letting comfort, fear, or the opinions of others hold me from Your will.

Let me just walk with You, today. May I experience Your presence in all that I face.

Amen.