Daily Devotion for December 31, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Galatians 5:22-25.

Galatians 5:25 says, "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit". This verse from the Apostle Paul describes how to live as someone who is free in Christ. It means to live a life that is guided by the Spirit of God, rather than being controlled by sinful desires.

Some ways to walk by the Spirit include:

• Acknowledging the Spirit: Start your day by acknowledging that the Spirit is in you and lives in you.
• Paying attention to the Spirit: Pay attention to the Spirit's nudges and moments of conviction.
• Following the Spirit's leading: Trust the Spirit and follow where it leads.

Walking by the Spirit involves: Growing in godliness, Obeying God's commands, and Experiencing increasing intimacy with God

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, please help me to be aware of your Holy Spirit in my life. Open my spiritual ears so that I can hear his leading. May each step I take be guided by you. Amen

Daily Devotion for December 30, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 119:105.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (NIV).” The psalmist has such a gift for using powerful imagery to make a point. I can picture myself walking in utter darkness except for a lamp that is aimed at the ground just in front of my feet. This lamp provides a light on the path ahead. This light does so much for me! By its light, I am able to see the things that might make me stumble if I walked in darkness. There are noises all around me, and I might become afraid of what lay ahead but for the lamp that lights the path ahead and gives me courage. So I walk on, unafraid. The path is not a single walkway without intersections, but instead has many turns and twists which could confuse and tempt me. The light helps me to see the correct way, so I stick to the path.

Isn’t this a beautiful way to picture God’s word, helping us to understand right from wrong, assuring us and giving us hope, and guiding our decisions? God’s word helps us to know what to do and say; how to treat others; and most of all, to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray today for discernment to see the lamp of God, the light that is offered to light your life and to show you how to live, how to love, and how to be the person God calls you to be. The light is there!

Daily Devotion for December 29, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:12-17.

Many people probably got at least one new clothing item for Christmas, maybe several. For some people, there is something about having new clothes to wear that gives them a sense of “newness” about themselves.

As Paul writes to the Christians in Colossae, he invites them to live their daily life in a whole new way, putting their old ways behind them and “putting on some new clothes” that has nothing to do with what they put on their physical body each day. He’s got spiritual “clothes” in mind and it is a lesson that is still just as applicable to us as it was to them. These clothes have everything to do with how we treat people.

People may or may not notice if you are wearing new “physical” clothes, but you can be sure they will notice if you treat them differently. To show “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” toward others (especially if you have not been doing so) will definitely get the attention of others. And chances are, they will want to know what brought about the change. That’s when you get to tell them about Jesus!

Personal Worship Option:

I hope you are planning to be in worship at Christ Church this morning! We are having one combined service at 10:00 and it will be great! Be there! And bring somebody with you!

Daily Devotion for December 28, 2024

Devotion:

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Read John 1:1-14.

It is interesting to note how each of the Gospel writers begin their story of Jesus. Mark starts with the beginning of Jesus’ time of ministry. Matthew and Luke give us the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. But John takes us all the way back to the beginning of Creation. This “Word in flesh” was there at the very beginning and through him everything was created.

Three other statements in these verses are highlights for me. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” No matter the depth of the darkness we may face in this world, we can hold on to this fundamental truth of what Jesus Christ brings to us and the whole world.

“...to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God….” What good news this is! Anyone who simply believes Jesus for who he says he is and is willing to follow his way of life is welcomed as a child of God. Hallelujah!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” What an amazing story it is! One who was fully God was willing to become human and live among us in order to save us and show us the way to a family-like relationship with God. Praise be to God!

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for the wonder of what God did for you and me and everybody else through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Daily Devotion for December 27, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 2:16-23.

This part of the story is not often included at Christmas, but it is part of the story related to Jesus’ birth. It is a reminder of the injustice that often occurs in our world, especially at the hands of those in positions of power. The reaction to Jesus’ birth was mixed. The wise men came to worship Jesus, while King Herod tried to kill him.

Choices, changes, decisions. We all face them, so how will you respond? Maybe you are in the middle of a decision, and you hear God say,

… move. Take your family and move overseas. I have special work for you.

…forgive. It doesn’t matter who hurts first. What matters is that you go and build the bridge.

…evangelize. That new family down the block? They don’t know anyone in town. Go meet them.

…sacrifice. The orphanage has a mortgage payment due. They can't meet it.

Regardless of the nature of the call, the consequences are the same. Though your heart may say yes, your feet say no. Excuses are abundant.

How do I respond to Jesus, the King? Do I worship Him? Do I celebrate His birth, life, death, and resurrection? What do I bring to give to him?

Personal Worship Option:

Bring a gift to Jesus in your prayer, worship, and service.

Daily Devotion for December 26, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 2:1-14.

This story in the Bible seems very strange. What does it mean? The book of Matthew explains that “Magi from the east” came to Jerusalem to honor a new king. These wise men studied the stars, and they had seen a special star that signified the birth of a king. They did not know of the prophets who proclaimed that a Messiah was coming. The Magi are the first of a long line of people from other nations and cultures who come to honor Jesus and worship him.

The Magi referred to this newborn as the “king of the Jews.” It is interesting for me that they knew this child was already a king. Herod instructed the Magi to let him know when they found this baby as he would want to come to Bethlehem to worship him. How did the Magi know that Herod was lying? I have often thought how this could have been a different story if God had not given the Magi the thought of Herod's deceit. Jesus came to be the Savior of the world—all of it. Are we as passionate as the Magi to worship and follow Jesus? Are we willing to offer ourselves and our gifts the way the Magi did?

Personal Worship Option:

 Lord Jesus, as we celebrate Christmas, may we remember that you are and always have been the King we are called to worship. Amen

Daily Devotion for December 25, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 1:18-25.

Last night at the Christmas Eve Candlelight services, we heard the story of Jesus’ birth from the Gospel According to Luke. In that narrative, we hear the story with the focus on Mary. This morning, we experience the story from the Gospel According to Matthew, this time from the vantage of Joseph, the forgotten one. But one who was very important to Jesus. When the narrative begins, an obviously pregnant Mary comes to Joseph with this fantastical story about an angel and the Holy Spirit informing her that she is carrying the Son of God himself. It was too much to believe! Joseph was hurt, he felt betrayed, but he must have loved Mary very much. By Jewish law, he could have had her stoned to death at the worst, or he could have rejected her which would have led her to become homeless and shunned by her village. But with no malice toward her, he was determined to divorce her quietly instead of bringing shame upon her. Doing so would give her a chance for a new life in a new community, possibly living with distant relatives. I doubt that he slept peacefully that night. As he slept, he had a dream where he was visited by an angel who told him that this child was the Son of God and that he would be named Jesus. Joseph follows God’s command to care for Mary and the Child and he does that to the best of his ability.

We don’t know much about Joseph. In fact there is more information about shepherds and wise men in the birth narrative than there is about Joseph. Outside of the first and second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, we never hear of him again. Most of what we know about him comes from extra-biblical sources. We don’t know much. But we know this: Joseph’s act of compassion for Mary allowed Jesus to grow up in a family that loved him and helped mold him into the person that he was meant to be.

So when you arrange your manger scene, put the shepherds and the wise men around the baby Jesus. But don’t forget Joseph. He earned his place beside the Christ child. Because Joseph – the forgotten one, who just sort of hangs around the stable like a doorman or something and doesn’t have any lines in the Christmas pageant – has much to teach us about the Christmas story, and about unwavering faith. Merry Christmas!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray, “O God, as I reflect upon the story of Jesus’ birth, help me to be like Joseph. Help me to overcome my doubts and fears and follow you without hesitation. Let my life be filled with the light of Christ and let me share that light with everyone that I meet. For unto us is born this day in the city of David, a savior, who is Christ the Lord. Amen.”

Daily Devotion for December 24, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Luke 2:1-20.

“Silent Night! Holy Night” is another well-known Christmas hymn. It was written by parish priest Joseph Mohr when the organ at the small church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria, broke down. Mohr wrote this song to be accompanied by guitar on December 24, 1818.

“Silent Night” tells the story of the birth of Jesus the Messiah from Luke 2.

In the closing lines of three stanzas in this song, we hear important titles that are ­assigned to Jesus at his birth. He is the “Savior,” “Christ (Messiah),” and “Lord.” All of these titles are mentioned by the angel of the Lord in Luke 2:11.

Appearing to shepherds at night in a bright burst of glory, the angel announces the birth of the Savior in the nearby town of David (Bethlehem), saying, “He is the Messiah [Christ], the Lord.”

This is the greatest birth announcement ever. The baby born in Bethlehem has signifi­cance for the whole world. He is the Savior, the one who saves us from our sins. He is the Messiah, the “anointed one” promised through the prophets. And he is the Lord. God sent his Son, who is himself fully God, to become human and live among us.

“Christ the Savior is born!”

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Jesus, we glorify and praise your name because you, O God, came to save us, to be our Lord as God’s anointed. Thank you for coming to us, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 23, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:39-45, 56.

We can only guess at the details of this visit of Mary’s to her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth was very old to be having a baby, and perhaps she sent for Mary to come and help her with her work around the house. Or did Mary make this trip simply to postpone the stares and accusations she would be confronted with from friends and family? It is prophetic to hear how the baby John lept with joy inside Elizabeth when the unborn baby Jesus came near him. John was already at work, announcing the coming of the Messiah into the world.

John’s joyful movement led Elizabeth to know that Mary was bearing God’s son, and she proclaimed that boldly to Mary. For Mary, this was total affirmation of her decision to carry this Son of God, conceived in her by the Holy Spirit. We can guess that Mary needed this assurance. From the timing, it appears that she stayed with Elizabeth until John was born and then returned to her home in Nazareth. No doubt Elizabeth was blessed by Mary’s visit, but we can also imagine how Elizabeth’s affirmation gave Mary courage as she returned home to face the accusations and jeers of others.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, help me to be like Elizabeth in this story. Help me to encourage others, not blaming or putting them to shame, but instead lifting them up. Thank you for loving me…now help me to pass your love along to others. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for December 22, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (New International Version) 1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. Our focus today in our worship services will be on Jesus. Yes, he is God’s gift to the whole world. But this passage of Scripture focuses on Jesus gifting himself to everyone. He willingly and intentionally gave up his place in heaven to come and be with us; to become one of us and experience life as a human. It is extraordinary to think about the level of vulnerability in which he was willing to engage in order to have the full human experience. To stoop to the level of being born a human baby, totally dependent on his family is truly amazing. Yet it fits perfectly with how he lived his life and the emphasis of his ministry. He told his disciples that to be part of his kingdom, a person would have to be willing to be a servant. At Christmas, Jesus gifts himself to us, inviting each of us to both receive the gift, but also commit ourselves to following his example and gifting ourself to others. That really is what Christmas is all about!

Personal Worship Option:

Plan to join us in worship today as we focus on the gift of Jesus Christ to all the world! We hope to see you at either 9:30 or 11:15 at Christ Church! And bring somebody with you!

Daily Devotion for December 21, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (The Message) 1-4 If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care—then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. 5-7 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life... This is one of my favorite passages in all of the Bible, because it offers a great summary of what Jesus was all about. As his people, we seek to represent him in the world. So, it is important for us to constantly grow in our understanding of what he was all about so we can faithfully serve that purpose. The Apostle Paul was writing to a group of Christians who he obviously wants to encourage to stay united in their mission to serve Jesus. There was no better way to offer that encouragement than to simply point to the life Jesus lived among us. Everything he did and taught came out of a Spirit of humility and love. Here is another paragraph out of the first chapter of this letter, as translated in The Message. So, this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your own prayer, renewing your commitment to continue to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, so that you can more faithfully represent him in your everyday life and guide others to follow him.

Daily Devotion for December 20, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (New Century Version) 1 Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness? 2 If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. 3 When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others. Be Unselfish Like Christ 5 In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. 6 Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. 7 But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. It is almost Christmas and hopefully you have gotten the gifts together for family and friends. Or maybe not, and you are still looking for those “just right” gifts. Either way, what is on your list to give Jesus? Not sure what to get or what He would want? Today is an exciting day because this passage gives us Jesus’ Christmas list. The first verse is a reminder of what Christ has given us. Then the remainder are the things that will bring joy to Christ:

• Unity with Christ in thoughts, love, mind, and purpose.
• Humility in all you do.
• Give more honor to others than to yourself.
• Focus on the lives of others more than yourself.
• Serve others.

These are beautiful gifts to give Jesus for Christmas, but these gifts are gifts that keep giving all year long.

Personal Worship Option:

Ponder this “list of gifts.” Will you be generous and commit to give all of these gifts to Jesus this year? Or maybe one is harder to give - will you choose that one to give this year? Jesus has given us the ultimate gift of His life. May you choose well this Christmas!

Daily Devotion for December 19, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (New Living Translation) 1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, [a] he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace a servant attitude, putting the needs of others before our own. This was the very heart that Jesus demonstrated. He came to serve and give his life for many. In a world that often rewards self-promotion and personal gain, we should stand apart by valuing others above ourselves. We are told to meet the needs of people around us, extending kindness, empathy, and compassion. This passage says a servant attitude begins with a heart transformed by God’s love. As we live in God’s presence, we learn to lay down our ambitions and egos, making room for selflessness and sacrificial love. We act with grace and love toward others, just as God has done for us. In every interaction, let’s consider the interests of others, seeking opportunities to serve in both big and small ways. May we be known not by our accomplishments but by our love and by our servant hearts that follow the example of Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray: Spirit of God, mold our hearts in humility and love to imitate Jesus. Help us to value others above ourselves and to serve selflessly. Help us to show your love to others in this world each day. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 18, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (King James Version) 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: One of my responsibilities at a church that I served a few years ago was to post an inspirational message on the sign in front of the church each week. One week I posted, “God loves you and we do too.” But something about that message bugged me every time I looked at it. So, after a couple of days, I changed the sign to read, “God loves you and we’re trying.” When I was challenged about the sign (after expressing thanks that someone actually read it) I replied that I felt it reflected truth in advertising. As John Wesley might put it, we are going on toward perfection, but we’re not there yet. As Paul describes how Jesus’ love led him to pour everything he had into loving us, even by death on a cross, he provides an example of who God is. God’s love for us is something that we can refuse but not escape… and we can do absolutely nothing to change that. As the song by Stewart Townsend asks, “How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that He should give His only Son to make a wretch (us) his treasure.” God’s love for us is unwavering and unchanging. As we move deeper into discipleship, we can begin to emulate that love toward others.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray: Gracious God, help us to love as you love, and as we move closer to loving others as you love us, let us be filled with your grace and glory that we may share you with everyone that we meet. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 17, 2024

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (Common English Bible) 1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, 2 complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. 3 Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. 4 Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. 5 Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: 6 Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. 7 But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace a servant attitude, putting the needs of others before our own. This humility echoes the very heart of Jesus, who came not “to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In a world that often exalts self-promotion and personal gain, we stand apart by valuing others above ourselves. We seek to meet the needs of people around us, extending kindness, empathy, and compassion. A servant attitude begins with a heart transformed by God’s love. As we live in God’s presence, we learn to lay down our ambitions and egos, making room for selflessness and sacrificial love. We act with grace and love toward others, just as God has done for us. In every interaction, let’s consider the interests of others, seeking opportunities to serve in both big and small ways. May we be known not by our accomplishments but by our love and by our servant hearts that follow the example of Jesus.

Personal Worship Option:

Spirit of God, mold my heart in humility and love to imitate the Lord Jesus. Help me to value others above myself and to serve selflessly. May I reflect Christ’s love for the benefit of others in this world each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 16, 2024

 Devotion:

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Read Philippians 2:1-7 .

Read Philippians 2:1-7 (New Revised Standard Version) 1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. We are doing something different this week. Each day, we will read this same passage from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. A different translation or paraphrase will be used for each day’s reading of the passage, and we are encouraged to see how each of these versions is different. Paul begins this passage with several “if” questions, to which the answer is an implied, “Yes, of course. I find encouragement in Christ, consolation in his love, etc.” Then Paul calls us to make his joy complete by working together in a spirit of complete unselfishness. Can you imagine looking to the interests of others instead of to your own interests? Radical! Then he shifts to make the powerful point of how completely unselfish Jesus was in giving up the form of God and coming to be among us in the form of a human being. These verses and those immediately following are key points of “Christology,” the study of the nature of Christ. We are called to live out the humility of Christ, who came to show us the true nature of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Gracious God, when I begin to listen to the world and look to my own interests above those of others, remind me of your Son and help me to follow his example, to repent, and try more earnestly to seek humility. Amen!

Daily Devotion for December 15, 2024

 

Devotion:

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Read Luke 1:26-38b.

God chose Mary to be the earthly mother of Jesus. When the angel first greeted her, he referred to her as “you who are highly favored.” I wonder what it was about her that prompted that description. I am guessing that one key characteristic was that she had the heart and mind of a servant. She had a deep commitment to God and lived her faith. At the end of this encounter with the angel, she simply said “I am the Lord’s servant.” I believe that is a core lesson God wanted Jesus to learn as he grew up, so he chose a woman for his mother who would teach him that with her words and her actions. In what way(s) do you live as a servant? How do you teach this lesson to others with your words and actions? Do people know that this is a core part of what it means to be a Christian by watching and listening to you? When the Holy Spirit comes to you with an assignment, will you be ready to say “I am the Lord’s servant”?

Personal Worship Option:

We continue in the Advent Season today in our worship services. Join us at 9:30 or 11:15 and serve someone else by offering to bring them with you. (Christmas is only ten days away! Who are you inviting to our Christmas Eve services?)

Daily Devotion for December 14, 2024

 Devotion:

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Read Mark 10:35-45.

Each of the Gospel writers share this teaching emphasis from Jesus in various ways and settings (John does so when Jesus washes the feet of the disciples). Here in Mark, brothers James and John come to Jesus with a request to be closest to Jesus when his kingdom is fully realized. The other disciples are understandably “indignant” at them. (Who do they think they are?!) Jesus had to be disappointed that all of them still did not understand what his way was all about. He certainly saw this as a teaching moment, to drive this particular lesson home: being great in his kingdom was about being willing to be a servant. Even Jesus saw himself in this role as he came into our world. I have shared with many of you before that I do not believe Jesus was “pre-programmed” or just “reading from a script” as he experienced life among us. He became human, so he had to learn just like the rest of us. I am sure he learned many lessons from his parents; and it seems to me that this emphasis on servanthood would have come particularly from his mother. That was her mindset when the angel visited her to tell of God’s plan for her. She was willing to serve as God called her to. We will be focused on her as we worship together tomorrow. Be reminded today that being a servant is a foundational part of “living the way of Jesus Christ.”

Personal Worship Option:

Offer your own prayer renewing your commitment to be God’s servant by serving other people. Who might you serve today?

Daily Devotion for December 13, 2024

 Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 4:8-11.

This whole passage has good teaching, but we are particularly focused this week on this portion: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Peter tells us that each believer has been given at least one gift to use to serve others. That is God’s will for your life. Not sure what the nature of your gift is? Then answer this question: What ignites your heart? Forgotten orphans? Untouched nations? The inner city? The outer limits? Do you have a passion to sing? Then sing! Are you stirred to manage? Then manage! Do you ache for the ill? Then treat them! Do you hurt for the lost? Then teach them! The fire of your heart is the light of your path. Disregard it at your own expense. Fan it at your own delight. To meet the Savior is to be set aflame. To discover the flame is to discover His will. (excepts from Max Lucado Study Bible)

Personal Worship Option:

You have been given spiritual gifts. Pray about ways you can use your gifts to build up the body of believers and share the good news of salvation.

Daily Devotion for December 12, 2024

 Devotion:

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Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

Samuel was a boy who was being raised in the House of the Lord and mentored by Eli. This came about because his mother, Hannah, had been barren for so long that she told God if she could have a child, she would give it to God. Samuel was confused. He heard a voice and thought it was Eli calling for him, so he kept going to Eli’s room. Finally, Eli realized that the voice was God trying to get Samuel’s attention. Listening for God is an important life skill, because God is not silent. We live in a noisy world that often drowns out God’s voice. It can be difficult to hear God if we are more in tune with the voice of our world. As we listen for God, we will be more in tune with him leading our lives. Eli mentored Samuel by teaching him how to respond to God’s voice. “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” In other words, I am ready to hear what you have to say, and I am ready to obey! God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks through creation, through his Word, through mentors, through life situations, and through the opening and closing of doors. God speaks using his Holy Spirit, equipping us with gifts and passions to use for service in his kingdom.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, make us people who are in tune with your voice. Let us follow your lead throughout our lives. Equip us to follow your direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 11, 2024

 Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Galatians 5:13-14.

When Paul was writing to the church in Galatia, he was angry with them. It seems that this church that he had planted was being led astray by teachers who taught them to believe that living as Christ taught was not enough. These false teachers were emphasizing that following the Law was of primary importance - even more important than love. Paul emphasizes (as he does in so many other letters) that there is no benefit to being a slave to the law if you do not have love. In fact, Paul argues that we should be a slave to love of other people as we strive to live out the greatest commandment to love God and neighbor. Advent reminds us that the darkness of the world does not overcome the light that came into the world through Jesus. As we approach the miracle of the Incarnation, let us strive to live out the sacrificial love of Jesus as we love and serve others.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray “O God, help me to see others as you see me. Help me to love others as you love me. Help me to be the person that you created me to be, sharing your love and grace with everyone with joy in my heart. Amen.”