February 9 Devotion
“The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 9:24-30)
Jesus returns to the temple where He is, again, surrounded by people questioning Him. This time, they want to know if He is the Christ, or Messiah. In their view, the Christ would rescue them from oppression and free them from bondage.
Jesus comes right out and says, “I and the Father are one,” yet there are some who still do not believe Him. If we believe in the Lord, we are His sheep, and we will listen to His voice. We just have to have our hearts open to the truth.
Prayer: Dear Lord, there are many to this day who do not believe in you. We pray for them to be open to all that you are saying to them. We care for them and want them to be with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: February 9, 9:00 a.m.
Alternate (backup) link for February 9 Worship Service
February 8 Devotion
“The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” (John 10:19-21)
Once the people understood Jesus’ parable, they fell into division and conflict. His big claims–that He is the shepherd of Israel and under the guidance of the Father–led some to believe that He was possessed or insane. Those who defend Jesus point to His good works as proof that He was neither possessed nor insane.
Sometimes, in our weakness, it is easy to doubt God, but we must not give up on the one who truly has the ultimate authority. There are no persuasive words I can say to convince you, but there are plenty of truths put forth in the unshakable word of God. If you and I take time to pray to the God of the universe, I can assure you that He is listening. He will make a difference in your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, while some understand you to be the one true God, help others to understand you in ways that they never have before. Reveal to them the great love you have for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
February 7 Devotion
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:17-18)
Jesus makes a specific point to tell His audience that He will willingly choose to lay down His life for His sheep. He did not die because He was ambushed by thieves. He was not caught off guard by a pack of wolves. Jesus, our good shepherd, willingly laid down His life in strength to protect you.
In what ways does seeing Jesus as your good shepherd change the way you think about (or deepen your understanding of) His crucifixion? I tend to think of a totally selfless life He led, and how He would go to such great lengths to save us!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help all of us to know the depth of your love for us. Help us to live for you because you have broken the shackles of sin and made us free. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
February 6 Devotion
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus tells a parable, and when He is done, He takes time to explain it. Jesus tells of how a shepherd leads the sheep and protects them from harm. The sheep do not recognize a stranger, nor do they put their trust in someone other than the shepherd they have come to know. Then He tells them that He is the good shepherd.
Jesus took time to help His confused listeners, in order to help them understand what He was saying. It should give us great assurance when we know how much time Jesus took to help them. It should give us great assurance to know that the written word of God is here for us to read, study, and meditate on, and to ask questions of our spiritual leaders. We need the good shepherd to lead us and to clear up any confusion we may have. He wants us to live a full and meaningful life, trusting in the one who gives life itself and life everlasting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for leading us, for being patient with us, and being the one whom we can trust at all times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Meeting: February 5, 5:00 p.m.
February 5 Devotion
“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.” (John 9:35-38)
The man born blind is talking to Jesus, and he is the first person John records who is persecuted for following Jesus. By being put out of the synagogue, he lost his ability to worship, to hear the Word of God read, and to participate in communal festivals. It might have been tempting to think of his sight as a curse.
Despite the new difficulties in his life, he did receive some blessings, and the blessings could have been worth the struggles. He knew that following Jesus was worth the cost of persecution. He may have lost the ability to worship within the synagogue, but he met and believed in God Himself. All told, the cost of persecution was much smaller than the reward of knowing Jesus.
Have you and I lost anything for the sake of Christ? There are some ways that knowing Him is better than anything the world has to offer. We are not missing out on anything. We are only missing out if we have not made a decision for Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we praise your name because of the good things you stand for and the beliefs we have which the world can not take away. Thank you for looking out for us, and blessing us when we call on your name. Amen.
February 4 Devotion
The man who Jesus healed by getting the gift of sight stated his case before the Pharisees. He wanted them to know that Jesus really had the ability to heal him, “Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” (John 9:32-33)
The Pharisees were too set in their ways to believe what this man was telling them, “To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.” (John 9:34)
The man was defined by his sinfulness instead of redemption in Christ. Once again, the Pharisees got it wrong. They should have given credit to Jesus, but ironically, they were too blind to see, or to understand the reality of the healing and saving power of Christ. Let’s not be discouraged when we encounter some folks who simply do not yet understand what Jesus can do for them, and we can and should pray for them:
Prayer: Dear Lord, we realize that some people have been misinformed or not informed at all about your life-changing power. We ask that you soften their hearts and give them ears to hear your most precious message of salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
February 3 Devotion
“One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)
The man who was born blind and had been healed by Jesus gave a simple and straightforward explanation to those who questioned him. He was glad, and he gave credit to God for everything that happened. God may allow difficult circumstances in our lives so that He might display His glory to the world. But when we are struggling–physically, financially, spiritually, etc., it may be difficult to see God’s purposes. It may even feel like God is anything but near to us.
What are we to believe about God when things are not going well? Putting our full trust and faith in God is not easy, but once we have gone through a crisis, we become stronger in our faith, as we realize the one who sees us through both good and hard times. We have the wisdom to know that troubles will come, but we have the right perspective. We have a God whom only good things come from, and Paul tells us in Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, we are encouraged by the strength you give us to take one day at a time, and the undeniable joy of our salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
February 2 Devotion
“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1-3)
Jesus refutes the notion concerning how sin might have been the cause for this man to be born blind. It is a common misconception that we pay for our sins in some way; Jesus is the one who paid the price for our sins.
The thing that is true is when we are spiritually blind, we need to be healed, and the sooner we realize that God can heal us, the better. Then we can give credit to the one who is always in control, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins and leading me down paths of righteousness. You are the one I should always give credit to, because you are the one in charge! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: February 2, 9:00 a.m.
February 1 Devotion
“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)
We don’t often think of obedience as freedom. Many today think that obedience to a set of rules keeps us from being free. But, according to Jesus, we have it backward: His way is freedom, and living in sin is true bondage. Without Jesus, we are enslaved to sin and walk in darkness. But He is eager to forgive us, to give us the light of life, and to set us free.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have opened my eyes to how great it is to be free from sin. No longer do I feel obligated to conform to the world, and a heavy burden has been lifted. Give me the words to say to let others know of the freedom we can all have by trusting in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 31 Devotion
“Even as he spoke, many believed in him.” (John 8:30)
Even though the Pharisees, the loudest voices in the temple courts, rejected Jesus, we learn in John 8:30 that there were still many who believed in Jesus. Who, exactly, were the people that believed? We often focus on the people who reject Jesus and miss the quieter stories of those who trust Christ.
It can be easier to hear the loudest voice, and we may feel the urge to defend our faith in the midst of those voices, but we should not overlook the quieter voices. They are the ones, assuming they have faith, who are willing in Spirit from the start. We can pay attention to their thoughts and their needs in addition to those who initially reject Christ. When we do that, it helps them and helps us in our ability to strengthen the community of faith. We can have an open door to everyone, because everyone needs the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be attentive to the needs of everyone. I ask that no one is overlooked or dismissed. You have taught me that you welcome all who are willing into your kingdom, regardless of who they are and where they’ve been. I pray that I will always be mindful of the needs of everyone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 30 Devotion
Jesus addresses the Pharisees and tells them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” (John 8:23-24)
The Pharisees prove that they are walking in darkness. They are lost, unable to understand Jesus or the hope He is offering to them. Their ignorance, ultimately, is a terrible tragedy. It can be easy to vilify people who reject us, but we must remember that, apart from Christ, people are walking in darkness.
How do we think we would treat a Pharisee if you met one today? What can we do to show compassion and love to those who are walking in darkness, even if they oppose or insult us?
We just have to realize how we were prior to accepting Christ. We may have been as blind to the truth as anyone else, perhaps feeling that we don’t need God, but now we know better. I think we can have compassion for those who are missing out, and don’t forget to pray for them:
Prayer: Dear Lord, our prayers go out to those who are lost and seeking. Help us to love them and never forget their need for you, just like we now realize how much we have always needed you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 29 Devotion
Claiming to be the “light of the world,” the Pharisees rejected Jesus’ claim: “The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” (John 8:13)
Despite rejection, Jesus doesn’t get angry. He doesn’t fight or dismiss the Pharisees. Instead, He calmly explains His identity is rooted in what the Father says about Him, and He sums it up by saying, “I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” (John 8:18)
How do we react when people reject us? If we are one with Christ, we should have no fear of rejection, because we let God be the judge. Meanwhile, we can be assured of God’s love for us, even when the world hates us. If we walk with the Lord, our motives are pure and we speak the truth. It seems very clear that following Jesus’ example is a good thing to do.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know of your great love each and every day. Therefore, I will not despair whenever I am rejected, because your love never ends and your grace is sufficient. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 28 Devotion
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
We know that our world consists of many people and places where dark deeds are being performed. This would be enough to discourage us, but the good news is that Jesus is a light that shines through all of the darkness. Jesus is the one who gives us hope for a bright and better future.
If you and I look back at a time when we didn’t put our faith in Jesus, we might not have had such a good outlook. It may have been easy for hopelessness and discouragement to prevail, and that is not a good feeling. If you are one who has not invited Jesus to come into your life, I urge you to make a decision for Him today. We all need a spiritual boost, and the best remedy for our brokenness is accepting the love of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this new life you have granted me. I pray for those who need you; surround them with your love, letting them know of the eternal hope which is available to them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 27 Devotion
In John 8, we have the story of the woman who was caught in adultery. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees knew this was an opportunity to trap Jesus, to prompt Him into making a wrong decision, and if they succeeded in doing so, this would be grounds to have Jesus arrested. Would He abide by the law of Moses, or would He simply let her go with no strings attached? So they asked Him what they should do, and Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
This is a prime example of how we ought to think very seriously before judging someone. We are all guilty of sin, and we would be wise to leave the judgment up to God, instead of “playing God” ourselves. This leaves us in a much better position, humbly accepting the love that God has for all of us, and as Jesus told this woman, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) God gives us the opportunity for a new life; a new beginning.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving my sins. I look forward to the freedom you give me every day, to love you and to love my neighbor, and to live without fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 26 Devotion
“Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” (John 7:45-51)
The Pharisees and others see Jesus as a threat and fear some of their own leaders may have trusted in His teaching. As it happened, one of their own leaders, Nicodemus, had already befriended Jesus back in John 3.
Nicodemus gives a very wise response, believing that we are innocent until proven guilty. On the other hand, the Sanhedrin and Pharisees seem completely uninterested in speaking to Jesus. This reminds us of a very important fact: people will reject Jesus for no good reason. Even in the face of wisdom, people will choose to not hear Jesus for themselves.
We cannot persuade someone to believe in Jesus, but what we can do is tell them how He has affected our lives and the world around us. After that, we can pray for the Spirit of God to move them toward making a decision for Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for those who are missing out. Help them to know how much you love them, and that you want them to be with you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: January 26, 9:00 a.m.
January 25 Devotion
“How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.” (John 7:41-43)
Back then, everyone seemed to have their own ideas about Jesus’ identity. They thought He either told fabricated stories about Himself, only claiming to be the Son of God, or he was someone who was delusional and only thought He could claim that title, or He actually was who He proclaimed Himself to be.
Those who doubt Jesus in this passage note that He’s from Galilee, not Bethlehem, the prophesied home of the Messiah. We know what they did not: Jesus was a descendant of David born in Bethlehem. Doubt can cause us to reject Jesus before we look for answers to our questions.
We can ask those questions and begin to erase any doubts. We can read all that it says in the Gospel of John to erase those doubts. We can seek answers to our questions in the rest of scripture and discover how various passages complement rather than contradict each other. Let’s pray that all will come to an understanding of who Jesus is.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your word, which helps me to understand who you are. Be with those who still question who you are, and instill hope and full confidence in a belief in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 24 Devotion
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:37-39)
Jesus again refers to Himself as living water as He did in John 4. But this time He promises those who will believe in Him will be overflowing sources of life. Not only does Jesus satisfy our thirst, but He also causes us to be sources of life for others. In other words, your faith should overflow into and influence the world around you.
Consider what effect you have on those around you. What does it look like to allow the “living water” of Jesus to flow through you?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that the joy of the Holy Spirit is evident to those around me. Help me to make this joy known to everyone I know. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 23 Devotion
“Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.” (John 7:18)
Jesus compares the behavior of someone who speaks to honor themselves to someone who speaks to honor the one who sent them. As Christians, we are always to speak God’s message so that He might receive honor.
In today’s culture, there is pressure to honor yourself. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold,” but it goes on to say in verse 2, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” Know where your strength comes from. It is possible to be a countercultural force by seeking God’s honor first and foremost.
Prayer: Dear Lord, all that I have comes from you. I give you credit for all of the blessings I have received. I ask that I will honor your name all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 22 Devotion
“Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” (John 7:12)
The crowds were divided over what they thought about Jesus. While some thought He was a good man, we should realize that it is possible to be amazed by Jesus’ teaching, to respect His actions all while not believing He is the Messiah. But Jesus doesn’t really give us the option of thinking of Him as a good man. We either choose to trust Him as the Son of God or we reject Him. We are ultimately rejecting God if we stay neutral concerning Jesus and His message.
Jesus was more than a “good man.” He is the one who saves us from our sins. We can strive to be good, and that’s okay; we need more of that, but the one who forgives us is God, through the blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus was more than a man, and He wants to win the heart of you, me, and everyone.
Prayer: Dear Lord, your word reveals your true nature. Help us to put away our pride and surrender ourselves to you, our loving Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 21 Devotion
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” (John 7:5)
Yes, even Jesus’ own brothers! How could this be? Imagine Jesus growing up in a family that does not give Him credit for being the Messiah. Surely they heard about His miraculous birth, but this did not sway their opinion. Deep down, they must have known there was something about their brother, considering the fact that they grew up with Him, but they were still denying any belief, and it would remain this way until after Jesus’ resurrection.
This goes to show that you are not born into a life of faith; this is something that you choose for yourself. Good influences are very helpful, but God has wisely allowed us to have free will. We need to pray for all who are without God in their life. Our love for them compels us to pray for them:
Prayer: Dear Lord, move the hearts of those we name before you. Move them in your direction so that they may have full knowledge of your love for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 20 Devotion
Not everyone who followed Jesus as a disciple stayed with Him. It became too difficult for them to believe or accept His teachings. That is when Jesus asked the twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67) Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
If only those who turned away would have taken a little more time to understand Jesus for who He is, they might not have turned away in haste. It is no easier today, as we are living in a fast-paced, hurried world where we seek quick answers and instant gratification. If only we take time to know the one true God who does indeed speak the words of eternal life, then we will find the peace of God within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have touched the lives of so many, yet there are some who still reject you. We pray for them so that they may come to recognize you as the way, the truth, and the life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 19 Devotion
“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” (John 6:63-64)
The disciples were just as confused as the people in the crowd. Some even left Jesus because they could not understand what He was talking about.
The disciples are similar to us. We can often relate to their questions, concerns, and even failures. Because of our similarities, it is not hard to imagine Jesus speaking to us when He talks to His disciples. He asks them if they understood His teachings, and oftentimes the answer was “no.”
It takes time to understand the spiritual realities of Jesus’ teachings, but give it time, because in due time, you will understand the depth of love our Lord and Savior has for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, enable us to fully understand our life of faith, and how important it is to keep that faith, and to love you and to love one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: January 19, 9:00 a.m.
Please note: The 11:00 a.m. service at Kirkwood is cancelled due to the extreme cold
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
I thought it would be rather fitting to share this material recognizing a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is being put out by the Council of Bishops. It starts today, January 18 and goes until January 25. I encourage you to read and pray through these each day this week.
January 18: John 11:17 – “When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four
days.”
Too late, it seems too late. However, God is the Giver of Life, as described in the Nicene
Creed. God is always present and always active. May we remember God’s ways are not our ways as we
pray with and for all who share faith in Christ, ever-alive and ever-with-us. (Bishop Hope Morgan Ward)
January 19: John 11:18-19 – “Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the
Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother.”
It happens day by day. Someone mourns the loss of a mother, father, brother, sister, or a child.
Death is a sad reality in this world. It happens day by day. Fellow humans come to console those in grief
and despair. I pause in prayer, thinking of those who need consolation right now and thinking of the
suffering of creation. Is there anyone to whom I might reach out today? Is there anything I might do
towards healing? (Bishop Rosemarie Wenner)
January 20: John 11:20 – “When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary
stayed at home.”
As members of the universal Church of Jesus Christ, we stand together just at the end of
Christmastide and looking toward a whole new reality. Christ has come, and Christ will come again.
May we go out of our safe spaces and into the world to meet Christ in all we encounter. (Rev. Jean
Hawxhurst)
January 21: John 11:21-22 – “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have
died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.”
Things do not always turn out the way we think is right. God does not answer our prayers the way
we want God to. What do we do? Do what Matha did – complain. Tell God what you think about the
situation. But trust that God is with us and at work in the midst of the chaos. (Dr. David Field)
January 22: John 11:23 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again’.”
In John 11:24, Jesus promises that our hope in Him is not just for this life, but for eternity. When
facing loss, we are reminded that death is not the end—Jesus holds the power to raise us to life again. Let
this bring peace to your heart, knowing that even in grief, God’s plan for resurrection and restoration is at
work. (Mrs. Laura Charles)
January 23: John 11: 24 – “Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last
day.”
Resurrection (anastasis) is the concept of coming back to life after death. Today, may we take
time to examine our lives and focus our attention on the blessings of new life and promised restored
existence that God has given to us. As the Hymn of Promise reminds us, “… In the cold and snow of
winter, there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.”
(Rev. Hawxhurst)
January 24: John 11:25-26a – “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in
me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die’.”
God’s miraculous power is at work in Jesus Christ. Our life in the midst of our faith and our faith in
the midst of our life are mysteriously interwoven in a tapestry of abundant and eternal life. May we pray
today for the expansive family of Christians who hold this truth deep in our hearts. (Bishop Ward)
January 25: John 11:26b-27 – “Do you believe this? She said to him, “yes, Lord, I believe that you are the
Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
“Do you believe this?” Yes. I believe in Christ, Son of God made human. I am part of the long chain
of believers, grateful for the faith of Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Susanna, John and Charles Wesley and a
million others. Might we, the faithful, be a beacon of hope, as we together confess: “We look forward to
the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the age to come.” (from the Nicene Creed, Bishop Wenner
January 18 Devotion
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:35-37)
Jesus knows our needs. We hunger, thirst, and seek after something that will fulfill us, yet we do not find it when it comes to worldly things. Deep down, we know there is something more. What will it take for us to know that we need Jesus? In our brokenness, if we humble ourselves, recognize Jesus as the Son of God, and ask Him to come into our lives, we have made the most important (and right!) decision we will ever make.
But do we fear that God will turn us away if we fail miserably trying to live up to His standards? Verse 37 is one of the most hopeful and assuring verses in all of Scripture. As we read it, we can see that we are all too aware of our failures. We have seen how our flaws can offend and drive people away. So how can it be that Jesus will not cast us aside? We may feel as though we have tricked God into loving us or that once he finds out who we truly are, he will hold us away from him at arm’s length. We are just waiting on the other shoe to drop before Jesus realizes that he made a mistake in loving us. But our fear of divine rejection is not founded in the truth. John 6:37 says no matter your baggage, no matter your history, no matter your present state, no matter your sin, he will not push you away from himself.
Prayerfully wrestle with this truth: Jesus will not cast you out. His grace is far greater than our sin and his love far stronger than our doubts.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess my weakness, and there are times when I doubt you, but I ask you to increase my confidence in you, knowing that you always keep your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 17 Devotion
“Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” (John 6:26-27)
Shortly after Jesus fed the 5000, people continued to seek Him. Their physical needs were met, and they surely wanted that to continue. They wanted a king who would bless them, but they were only thinking on a physical level.
God does bless us, but He is not here to only provide for our physical needs. Concerning the 5000 who were fed, the physical needs were met to bring attention to the spiritual needs. They needed a Savior to forgive them, but Jesus knew that was not what was on their minds. The crowd demanded Jesus perform another sign for them so that they might believe. What they really wanted was more bread, not more teaching. They desired Jesus’ blessings more than they wanted Jesus.
It is wise for us to not let physical blessings become idolatrous. God gives us good gifts to show us His character, to remind us of who He is and our need for Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I fully acknowledge how much you have blessed me, but I also realize not only my need for things, but for you. You are the one who forgives me and gives me eternal life, and that is what I am most thankful for. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 16 Devotion
“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (John 6:16-21)
God does not promise to rescue us from every one of life’s storms, but he does promise to protect us through all of life’s storms. Even though suffering and difficulty will come to us, we know that God will never abandon us. Let’s remind ourselves that as we trust God in the midst of our difficulties, our faith is being made even stronger. It is easy for our hearts to be troubled, but God has made a way for us to have His perfect peace.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as troubles arise, remind me to cling to you, knowing that you are right here with me to guide, protect, and to ease my heart and mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 15 Devotion
With a great crowd of about 5000 following Jesus and His disciples, Philip addressed the need to feed them. Philip was wondering how they could possibly get fed. Upon finding a boy with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish, they still knew that there was no way all of those people could get fed. That’s when Jesus told them to have the people sit down. “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6:11)
How did they come up with all of this food, along with much of it left over? The key phrase in this is “gave thanks.” Jesus gave thanks for what they had. When we feel that what we have is insufficient, we still give thanks. Jesus is all we need; Jesus is more than we need. Our needs are met, and oftentimes the things God gives us exceeds our expectations.
This is a far cry from a world that longs for material possessions, but when we give thanks for what we have, we will not be disappointed.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to not worry about the things I don’t have, but to be thankful for all that I’ve got. Actually, when I think about it, I have very much, thanks to you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 14 Devotion
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.” (John 5:24-25)
Jesus repeats the phrase, “very truly I tell you” multiple times in this passage. Two short phrases out of these verses give us a great deal of encouragement. “Will not be judged,” and “those who hear will live.” As I think about these important and trustworthy points, it gives me confidence in the Lord, knowing that I can press forward without fear, because I know how much God loves you and me– “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your perfect plan. You have erased our sins with your forgiveness, grace, and mercy, and made a way for those who trust in you to be with you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 13 Devotion
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (John 5:19)
On numerous occasions, particularly in the book of John we see the ways that Jesus and God are the same. How is it that they seem different? It’s because Jesus came here, dwelling among us, and looking just like us. Initially, seeing Jesus might not prompt someone to equate Him with God, but He came here just like us and it helps us to relate to him even more.
For example, if I am dealing with temptation, I can look at how Jesus dealt with it, by relying heavily on the word of God as my defense. If I am wondering why we sin against God, I can look at those who were healed by Jesus, such as the man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus told him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14) Jesus got to the root cause of his problem, and told him how to avoid it in the future.
It is to our advantage when we read and hear about Jesus and all that He did. If we are wise, we can take those teachings to heart, learn from them, and apply them to our lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I can see even more clearly the reason you came here to dwell among us. I pray that I can follow your example more often, making those wise decisions and doing the right thing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 12 Devotion
“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:39-42)
We believe when we hear the words of those who have experienced the life-changing works of our Lord. We believe when we experience for ourselves the transformation He makes in our own lives. We have no reason to doubt when we’ve been given all of the reasons in the world to believe.
There was a man who was paralyzed and unable to walk for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6) The man gave Jesus an affirmative answer, and Jesus responded by saying, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (John 5:8-9) Jesus wants all of us to be with Him, so let’s listen to and respond to our redeemer!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know of your mighty works from other people I have talked to and the way you have worked in my life. I just ask that I can live out my faith in ways that are pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: January 12, 9:00 a.m.
January 11 Devotion
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)
What does it mean to worship in Spirit and truth? It’s obvious enough that worship must be founded on the truth, that is, Jesus who is “the Truth” (John 14:6) and His message “the word of the truth, the gospel” (Colossians 1:5) We should build on that foundation by learning more about God in His word. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we will find more works we can praise, more promises we can rely on, and build a deeper relationship with God that we can be sure of.
But in addition to knowledge, God wants you to love Him with “all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Mark 12:30) Worshipping God in Spirit and truth means to worship Him with both your head and your heart.
Prayer: My desire is to worship you, and to let the world know of your love for all of us. I ask that the message I carry forth be one of truth, the same message you speak to everyone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 10 Devotion
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)
While speaking to a Samaritan woman, Jesus says that the benefit of this “living water” is to have eternal life. We hunger and thirst for cravings that lead us to sin, but our deepest longings will never be quenched with earthly things. We can only find permanent spiritual satisfaction in Jesus. Apart from Jesus, our hearts are restless. The sooner we own up to our own shortcomings, the better off we are. That’s when we experience Jesus’ forgiveness in a very genuine way.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess to my own sins, knowing that without you I am weak, but with you, I have your strength to rely on. I long to draw close to you each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 9 Devotion
“So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:5-10)
God sees things from a very different perspective than we normally do as humans. While he was tired and thirsty during a long journey, Jesus sat down by a well in order to get a drink, but this was no ordinary well. This was Jacob’s well. Jewish, Samaritan, Christian and Muslim traditions all associate the well with Jacob. This is something they all agree on, and what Jesus did was something which would further connect us with the idea of unity. He proceeded to talk with a Samaritan woman, something that the Jews might find rather appalling. It didn’t matter to Jesus, because here was someone who could fulfill a need. It turns out that this Samaritan woman could not only fill the need for a physical thirst, but Jesus could provide her with an even greater need, the need for living water.
How much better off we are when we put away our differences and discrimination, and put on the mind of Christ. It’s enough to change people’s lives!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to put away any divisive notions toward people who do not look and act like me, and to put my trust in you so that I can find the value in all human life, being aware of how precious all of us are in your sight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 8 Devotion
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18)
When we believe and accept this free offer from Christ through faith, we have received eternal life. There is a difference between those who trust in Jesus and those who reject Him. This is explained in 3:20-21, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” We have been completely forgiven by God and are able to live in a completely open and unreproachable way. Trusting Jesus causes you to live differently in every area of your life. Thank God for making a change within!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am so thankful for the time when I made a decision and commitment to you. I just ask that you help me to discover even more ways to walk in the light which you provide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 7 Devotion
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” (John 3:14-15)
Jesus is referring to the account in Numbers 21. The people of Israel faithlessly complained against the Lord, and He sent poisonous serpents as a judgment. Many of them died. When the Israelites finally repented, the Lord told Moses to set a serpent on a staff so that everyone who looked at it could live. In the same way, those who face the penalty of death can look upon Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and receive eternal life. Our search for answers ends when we realize that Jesus is the one provision for eternal life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I acknowledge you and the sacrifice you made for me. I pray that others may recognize this undeniable truth, so that they, too, will inherit your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 6 Devotion
“Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:1-3)
We often think of the Pharisees as enemies of Jesus, but not all of the Pharisees opposed him. John 3 introduces us to Nicodemus, a Pharisee who wanted to learn from Jesus. In this scripture passage, we learn that he came to Jesus at night, perhaps using the cover of darkness so that others would not know of his meeting with Jesus. He had respect for Jesus and was curious about his teachings. This is when Jesus tells him that we must be born again.
It was hard for Nicodemus to understand what Jesus was telling him, and that’s because Jesus was talking about a spiritual birth, not a physical birth. This was quite contrary to anything that Nicodemus had learned or was accustomed to. This involved something that God could work in people’s lives, not something a person could do on their own. This was the biggest lesson that Nicodemus, you, or I can ever learn–to submit to God; to let God get a handle on your life, in order to have life everlasting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for the folks in our life who are in need of you, our Lord and Savior. Open their eyes to the truth of your saving grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 5 Devotion
“Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.” (John 2:23-25)
Many people came to say that they believe in Jesus, but Jesus knew what was in the hearts of people. Some would only give lip service on the subject of belief, but their hearts were not really in it.
Can we really trust Jesus with our whole life? Is there anything that holds you back? As you turn your life over to Him, He will show more of Himself to you, giving you more joy and purpose than you could ever imagine.
There will be times when you are uncertain of where He is leading you. You will see seasons of celebration, but you will also see injustice and be called to fight sin in the world. God wants to use you to make an impact on the world.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I trust you with my whole heart. Although I don’t always understand what is going on, keep me encouraged so that I can do your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: January 5, 9:00 a.m.
January 4 Devotion
“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:13-17)
The temple in Jerusalem was a holy place. Every inch of the building was built for the worship and glorification of God. The moneychangers and livestock salesmen set up right there in the temple courts. It was clear that this kind of a setting diverted people’s attention from God.
And there are many ways of diverting our attention from God, both in church and worship, and in our personal lives, if we focus on personal gain. The thing we need to do is to get back to our roots, to remember the cross of Christ and what He has done for us. When that happens, we understand our mission; our meaning and purpose.
Prayer: Dear Lord, there are many things in this world which can mislead us, but help us to know how futile and meaningless they are, so that we can get back in relationship with you, the true source of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 3 Devotion
What do you do when it seems like God is not listening to you or when it seems like he is not going to act? We read in John 2 of how, at first, it did not seem like Jesus was going to do anything about the fact that the wedding party had run out of wine, but the faith of His mother was truly revealed, as she knew that God would provide: “When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” (John 2:3-10)
Jesus did not perform this miracle to “show off.” There was a need, and He provided, prompted by the faith of His mother. She even told the servants around her to trust Jesus and follow all of His commands.
Can we trust Jesus, even when the future seems unsure? Jesus offers us far more than wine. Just as He covered the shame of the newlywed couple by creating wine, Jesus covers all of our sin and shame through His death on the cross. Now, we are not defined by our failures but by His work. That is the best miracle!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your many miracles, and especially for giving me a new life, redeemed and renewed because of your sacrifice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 2 Devotion
“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” (John 2:1-3)
In ancient Palestine, hospitality was a sacred duty. Failure to provide a guest would have been disgraceful. Failure to provide for your wedding guests would have been disastrous. No doubt, the bride and groom at this wedding would have been feeling ashamed for running out of wine and fear for what this would mean for their reputation.
Hospitality is crucial concerning our special events, but it is also important in our everyday lives. We can and should be hospitable when addressing one another in every situation. This involves extending warmth, kindness, generosity, love, and compassion. When we have the love of Christ, it is not hard to be hospitable. It can be part of who we are.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask that you help me to be as you are–open, honest, and concerned for everyone. You told us to “let your light shine before others,” so I pray that you will keep me mindful of this at all times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
January 1 Devotion
Happy New Year!
Something about the beginning of a new year can give us a sense of renewal, of starting over, of hope. I think about this scripture passage from Psalms at a time like this:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
It was meant for us to be in relationship with our Lord, our Creator. Therefore, we can seek Him every day to get things started right and depend on Him throughout the day. Let’s get the new year started right by making this commitment and having a heart after God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have revealed your love for us through your word and the ways in which you work in our lives. I pray that we can stay close to you, knowing that you are the one we can always depend on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 31 Devotion
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” (John 1:49-50)
Nathaniel is introduced to Jesus for the first time. Hearing that Jesus was from Nazareth, Nathaniel had some preconceived notions concerning Jesus. “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.” (John 1:46)
It is fair to say that Nathaniel had some doubts about Jesus and who He might be, but then he heard Jesus utter these words, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” (John 1:48)
Nathaniel figured that only God, through His omniscience, or the state of knowing everything, could know some things about a person even before He meets him face-to-face. This was a wake-up call for Nathaniel, but Jesus added something to it–the promise that many greater things were to come.
Let’s not limit ourselves when it comes to God’s promises. Believe in not just what is seen, but what is unseen; not just in what has happened, but things to come. There is a whole world of opportunity for us when we put our full trust in the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to remove any doubts from my heart and mind. Help me to walk in obedience to you, reaping the benefits of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 30 Devotion
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
What could it look like to emulate John and his message when you tell people about Jesus? Perhaps we could tell people, in our own way, of how, despite our sins, Jesus made it possible for us to connect with Him. We could tell our own story of how we feel unworthy, yet we heard about Jesus and how He can forgive us, and we responded.
We could also stress the importance of being humble, admitting that we need God, because we can’t correct our habits and behavior on our own. Our personal and unique testimony is one that may be effective enough to show others the need for a Savior. Our genuineness and relatability can go a long way toward delivering our message to people who need the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the words to say when telling others of how you have changed my life. I depend on you, because you deserve all of the credit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 29 Devotion
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John was wanting us to understand that the law, given through Moses, is good, because it helps to set a standard for us. However, because of our shortcomings, it is necessary to have grace and truth. This comes through Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful how much God understands us? He knows that even though we are going to fail now and then, His amazing grace comes to us and we are restored. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: Dear Lord, in our weakness, you make us strong. You are the one who compensates for all of our shortcomings, because you understand us so well. Thank you for understanding us and loving us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: December 29, 9:00 a.m.
December 28 Devotion
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Because of Jesus, we do not have to think of God as one who only looks down upon us and is not able to relate to us. He can relate to us in a very genuine way. He knows all of our feelings, because He felt them Himself. He knows all of our temptations, because He experienced them Himself. He wants to be our friend–one we can rely on through thick and thin, one whom we can bring our troubles to, and one we can confess to when we’ve done wrong. All of this and more is what we have in the Savior of the world, and we have the opportunity to choose Him as the one to guide and protect us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving us so much, and giving us the opportunity to live for you and to be with you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 27 Devotion
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:9-13)
The world was, and still is in need of a light in the darkness. People did not recognize who Jesus really was. People may say He was a good teacher, a charismatic leader, or just a good man. They may even go so far to say He was a prophet or a spiritually enlightened person, but Jesus was, and is much more than any of those answers. He is the Son of God who came to us so that we might believe in Him and have eternal life. To think He is anything less is to completely misunderstand who He is.
We have a huge advantage because now, through the word of God, we read of the recorded events of the life of Jesus and it is clearly spelled out how we should react to this good news. It’s there for you, me, and everyone; a free gift of salvation and eternal life. It’s there for us to receive, if only we humble ourselves and accept it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you search the hearts of all people, calling them to you. We pray for those who are without you. We pray that they realize how much they need you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 26 Devotion
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5)
In order for anyone to fully understand who Jesus is, the gospel of John is among the best, if not the best source for us to relate to. When John explains that “the Word was God,” and He was “in the beginning,” we begin to see the reality of Jesus. He made everything, and as we are presented with His life-giving and light-giving attributes, we are encouraged to see how much of a radical change Jesus makes for the world and each of us.
Prayer: I praise you and worship you, dear Lord, as the beginning, our Creator, and the one who leads us down a path to life and life eternal. All that is good comes from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 25 Devotion
Merry Christmas everyone,
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Christmas is here! We have good reason to rejoice, because the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is here with us. Our Lord is many things to many people. He has gone beyond my expectations, and because of that, I want to give back to Him any way I can. May the light of the Lord shine ever so brightly upon the earth!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise you for all of your good works. Your Kingdom is firmly established; a Kingdom that lasts forever. Amen.
Blessings and Merry Christmas
Christmas Eve Service: December 24, 7:00 p.m.
December 24 Devotion
“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:1-20)
The miracle of a birth (or any birth, for that matter) has taken place, but this one especially. When Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and everyone else who heard the exciting news being spread of the birth of this Savior, the whole world can be alerted and take notice of the vast significance of what had taken place. It is no wonder that we remember and celebrate this every year, an event and a person born of God who gives hope to a world which is very much in need. Whoever you are and whatever you are feeling right now regarding your current circumstances, take time to reflect on the greatest miracle and hope for all of us, and give thanks to our God, who loves us very much.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we give you thanks for coming into this world in the same manner as we have, experiencing life as we do, and giving us the opportunity to live with you forever. On this special night, our hearts are warmed by the Spirit of Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 23 Devotion
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
One of the most compelling events in Jesus’ ministry was in John 8, when the teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in the act of adultery. In order to try and trap Jesus, they asked what He thought they should do; after all, the law of Moses commanded them to stone the woman. Jesus told them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This really makes me think of how I should never look down at anyone and judge them, let alone consider myself better than the other person. The fact is that we are all guilty of sin of some type.
Advent ushers in the promise of justice. This is why Jesus came in the first place. Justice is inherently linked to mercy, and when we keep ourselves humble, we will go far in our walk with the Lord and our capacity to love unconditionally.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for straightening us out on the most important issues. You have proved your love for your creation, and that is what matters most. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 22 Devotion
“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant. Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name; indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has come to the aid of his child Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’” (Luke 1:46-55)
Somehow, Mary sees it clearly—a world of justice and mercy, where every wrong has been made right. She rejoices in a glorious future, but one that has, at the same time, already been secured. This is a gentle revolution, not some grand show of power. God chooses the margins of society, where God will be born in dire circumstances, in unsanitary conditions without a proper roof over her head. To a new dad, forced to scoop up his family and flee the country from a powerful and vengeful king. This is the world that God chose to enter at Christmas. Our world. So God could be the difference we didn’t know it needed. Thanks be to God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, our lives are full of surprises, and as those surprises come, help us to trust in you and lean on you for a support which is second to none. We know that we can depend on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: December 22, 9:00 a.m.
December 21 Devotion
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.” —Isaiah 9:1-3; 6
Today marks the shortest day of the year, and if we are not careful, it can have a negative effect on our outlook, but in the longest periods of darkness, we long for something positive to come our way. We welcome someone or something that represents good over evil and love over hate. The good news is that we have the answer right in front of us. It is no wonder that the message of Christmas is recognizing Jesus as the light of the world. He has given us the incentive to live, and to live abundantly. We know this because He changes our hearts, enabling us to have the love of God within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, although this time of year has longer periods of darkness outside, we have the bright lights of Christmas to lift our spirits. Thank you for supplying us with the greatest gift ever, and we ask that people would recognize and graciously accept this gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 20 Devotion
“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:21-27)
Paul describes how the various parts of the body need each other. In the same way, every human has something irreplaceable to offer one another, a special role in the body of Christ. We belong to God, and to one another. For in every person, we find the image of God. Let us pray that we will exemplify that image:
Dear Lord, during this Christmas, may we have hearts open to give and to receive our various gifts. May we be selfless in giving by caring for others, and with gracious thanks, may we accept the care from others when they see our needs. Lord, help us all to know that we belong to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 19 Devotion
“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5)
The prophet Isaiah made it known that a Savior would be in our midst who would make a radical change in the world, and that includes a big change within the people who would claim His name. A key word which would be drilled into the ears of the people was “repent.” Repent means for us to have a 180 degree change of mind and behavior, not through our own power, but by simply submitting ourselves to God, and putting away any doubts about how much we are loved by our Creator. The time has come for us to accept the love of God!
Prayer: Dear Lord, you accept us as we are. You are the one who works the miracle of change within each of us. We are not worthy, but your love overrules our shortcomings. Thank you for your mighty works, not just in the world, but in the hearts and lives of people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 18 Devotion
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23)
The “firstfruits of the Spirit” are the changes which have already taken place within. Without the Spirit, we would be no different than we were before, and simply exist by submitting to the desires of the flesh. But with the Spirit, we have put away the old and put on the new, making room for our Lord to direct and guide us.
Take the time during this Advent to reflect on some “ordinary” miracles which have taken place. This is much more noticeable to those who have chosen to follow Jesus. For example, just the sights and sounds of Christmas, the decorations, the music, the food, the giving, and the love are all great things to savor as we give praise to our Lord. And this is just the beginning: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) We have much going for us now, and much more to come, as the Lord continues to make our lives complete.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for coming into the world, dwelling among us, and making us whole, making us one with you. Because of what you have done for us, we look forward to today, tomorrow, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 17 Devotion
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
Can God change the condition of your heart and your whole outlook on life? We may want to have excuses for having hardened hearts. At one time or another, we may feel that we have been treated unfairly, or life in general has treated us unfair. Many of us can relate to that, at least to one degree or another.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We are called to have a change of heart, and the good news is, God is the one who can change it. This “new spirit” that Ezekiel refers to is God working within us. I do not want to be remembered as someone who was bitter, with a hardened heart. We can use our time wisely by knowing that there is much love to share with everyone. Love should be the ingredient which replaces all discontent.
Prayer: Dear Lord, whenever bitterness or discontent creeps in, I ask that you replace it with love. You have reminded me that life is too short to spend time unwisely, so I just ask that you keep my heart in the right place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 16 Devotion
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
The prophet Ezekiel is shown a vision of a valley of dry bones—the wake of devastation from war and famine and disease that his people knew too well. God (rather surprisingly) asks him, “Can these bones live?” Ezekiel sees only death and devastation before him. Utter hopelessness. But, at the breath of God, sinew and muscle and movement appear before Ezekiel’s eyes as the people are made whole. Life is restored to them. God says, “Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them” (Ezekiel 37:13, NIV). This is a vision of what God is in the business of doing. Restoration. It’s what Jesus came to begin at Christmas, and see through to the end at Easter and beyond. Advent compels us to see hope where there was none. Our hope is in Jesus, who delivers us and makes us whole.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you are the one who restores vitality into our lives. We can look forward to each day, making it count because of your life-giving support with a new outlook. Thank you for making this happen! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 15 Devotion
“Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day
they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. At that time I will gather you;
at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise
among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes
before your very eyes,” says the Lord.” (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
Sometimes reality gets in the way of experiencing the joy of the season. We may have broken hearts, broken bodies, and broken spirits. We realize the promises of God as foretold by the prophets, but the fulfillment of those promises seems so far away.
Take time to read and reflect on each verse of Zephaniah 3:14-20. Realize the significance of each verse, and know that God sees you and loves you. You have not been forgotten. God is in the work of restoring everything.
Prayer: Dear Lord, for all who are feeling burdened by the troubles of life, give them your comfort, peace, and strength. Lift their spirits today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: December 15, 9:00 a.m.
December 14 Devotion
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
If I were to narrow it down to just a couple of contributing factors to love, I would list patience and unselfishness as being the most important. If you and I can try our best to practice these virtues, we probably have a good handle on what God’s love is all about.
Having said that, we can still love somebody, but we don’t always “like” everything about them. What matters most is that we try to love them despite their shortcomings, but hey, we have our own, and we are still loved, certainly through the eyes of our Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for teaching me what love is all about. Help me during the times when I contend with those who might try and make life difficult. You told us that “love covers a multitude of sins,” (1 Peter 4:8) so move me in ways that overlook and compensate for any undesirable traits. With your help, I am sure that my heart will be in the right place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 13 Devotion
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:35-36)
When we think of someone who exemplified compassion, it was Jesus. He could not help but feel this way when He witnessed the condition of the people He encountered. As we think about how Jesus set out to change the world, the Advent song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” awakens us to the power of God through Jesus Christ. Especially the last verse, “O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind, bid envy, strife and quarrels cease, fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.”
Can the world move in that direction? It might seem impossible, but if you and I take on any semblance of the compassion Jesus had, this can be a positive force wherever we are, and something worth pursuing.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the times when you have shown compassion towards me, and empower me to do the same with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 12 Devotion
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
There is something different about the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Could it be what is often referred to as the “Christmas Spirit?” I have always hoped that this “Spirit” was something that lasted throughout the entire year!
We have been taught to have love and compassion. Perhaps if we incorporate this into our hearts and minds and put them into action, we are, without giving it much thought, doing the right thing, following through on the Lord’s commandments. It may seem more prevalent this time of year, and if that is true, it’s a good way to get started on a year-long mission.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that you teach us, helping us to see how we should live as people made in your image. You live in the hearts of all who believe, so keep us constantly aware of your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 11 Devotion
“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)
Love changes the world. Jesus led by example, just in the way He lived, by showing love and compassion. One way to spread some Christmas cheer this season is to pray about doing the same, and then acting upon it. This is summed up in The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace: where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
December 10 Devotion
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
During this season of Advent, take a little time for self-reflection, and keep it simple. Do we love God and love our neighbor as ourselves? These commands are what is required. Don’t over-analyze. When we strive to keep these commands, we are on the right track. When God made the first humans in the Garden of Eden, He said that it was good. (Genesis 1:31) The problem is, we try to add something to it, and try to earn God’s love, which can’t be done, because He loves us already. Or, we are not satisfied with God’s love, and seek satisfaction on our own. Today, tomorrow, and always, seek contentment with God on your side. You are loved, and nothing will change that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the love you have for me and the contentment and security I find in you. Nothing compares to the ways that you have provided for me. Therefore, I find myself at peace, all because of you. Amen.
December 9 Devotion
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
Jesus made it clear how much God loves us. In becoming human, he “became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Jesus showed God’s compassion for us, in word and deed. When He saw someone suffering, He wept with them and came to their aid. He talked with the excluded and marginalized and ate with the outcasts. There was no one whose illness or status rendered them unapproachable or untouchable. He introduced to us a perfect kind of love, which up to that point, not everyone was aware of.
Jesus came to walk in our shoes, feeling the same feelings, suffering, and loss as we do. This is all the more reason to believe in the one whom God sent.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you came down to earth, humbling yourself to think of me. You understand how I feel. Then you died to save me. I cannot repay you, but I want to feel and experience the joy you give me all the days of my life. I am truly thankful because your love and compassion toward your people is exceedingly great. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 8 Devotion
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us—to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:68-79)
This scripture passage is referred to as “Zechariah’s Song,” a song of hope and joy. Zechariah gave the due praises to our Lord.
What an opportunity we have during this season to sit in wonder and delight at what God has done and is still doing. The coming of Jesus is a fulfillment of a promise that the hungry will be fed, the hurting and suffering will find comfort and compassion, and justice will reign. The mighty reversal of the world has just begun, and during Advent, we are reminded to look for these promises being fulfilled, even if we only catch a glimpse. The promises that are still to come—we wait with anticipation of great things to happen because of God’s love for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, during this season of Advent, we take time to reflect upon your wonderful blessings, and most of all the blessing of your presence in this world. Amen.
We lost internet connection this morning on the first link to our worship service after about 40 minutes. Please refer to the alternate link for the remainder of the service.
Sunday Worship Service: December 8, 9:00 a.m.
Alternate (backup) link for December 8 Worship Service
December 7 Devotion
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:5)
As we face challenges and uncertainties, a good rule to live by is, “do what you can and leave the rest to God. Your job is to do what you can with the resources God has given you.”
When we “give it to God,” this helps us in a couple of different ways. It helps our restless souls to become settled, lowering the amount of stress we have. It also helps to keep us humble, knowing that we cannot solve all of our problems by ourselves. We have a much higher power to tap into, and in doing so, we do not become too proud and feel that we are indispensable. This does not discount the fact that we are valuable, and God certainly uses us in the ways we are gifted. Let’s take a little bit of time and think about those things we can control, and those things we can’t. By now we should know what to do with all of the things we can’t control, and that can certainly ease our hearts and minds.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me a heart to not only serve you, but to take my troubles to you in all of those times of need, and I do need you, dear Lord. I know that I can reach out to you, and I am truly thankful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 6 Devotion
“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:12-13)
We wait for answers to our questions and our struggles. The celebration of Advent is possible to not only those who feel confident in their blessings, but those who are troubled in soul who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.
Consider those who did not know what in the world was going on! At first, Mary did not know what to think when she knew she was carrying a child. Joseph did not know what would happen when he accepted Mary. The wise men did not know what they would find at the end of their journey, disobeying Herod. So, we keep good company with those who are learning to wait with hope.
What can we do in the midst of waiting for answers? Give hope by bringing love, compassion, or kindness to others who also wait. Know that your Creator made you in His image, and we all have been through trials and tribulations. Know that nothing can separate us from the love of God, and He always has a plan for you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have brought me this far, therefore I ask that my faith in you may increase, knowing that you will exceed my expectations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 5 Devotion
“Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:7-9)
Psalm 98 abounds with joy, celebrating that the Lord has come. The Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” is based on this psalm. Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics, and the incentive for writing it was because he wanted to use the psalms to reflect the joy that Christians know.
Advent reveals the weary hearts who have long-awaited their Savior, but it also can be a kind of excited anticipation, the kind felt by kids on Christmas morning eager to peek under the tree. Which of these realities feels more true to you today? It’s possible to make room for both. Even if we feel our lives are in disarray, as God’s people, we recognize all of the goodness He brings, including a great hope for today and tomorrow.
Prayer: Dear Lord, in our human condition, we sometimes have mixed feelings during this season. Help us to remember that you are always there, extending your unfailing grace, a grace which is always true and redeeming. Come, Lord Jesus. In Your name, Amen.
December 4 Devotion
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Christmas is just a few weeks away, and the often-asked question is “are you ready for Christmas?” When we think about that, we might assess how far we have come along on gift shopping, meal planning, event planning, and so forth. But there can be a deeper meaning to this question.
Are our hearts in the right place? Have the events of the past year had a negative effect on you up to this point? Are you ready to celebrate this joyous season or maybe just go through the motions?
When Jesus said I am the way and the truth and the life, He was wanting us to get an idea of how we can experience true joy. It is not dependent on circumstances, but instead it is focusing on the love of our Lord. It is easy to focus on God’s love for us when everything is going our way, but not easy at all when we have had too many troubling issues to try and handle.
If your heart is troubled right now, take one day at a time, and one step at a time. With God on our side, we can gain strength and momentum. Regardless of whether we have a little or a lot going for us, we can still acknowledge the One who brings us joy. “let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalms 98:9) Seek refuge in the Lord; seek His peace.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that this life is far less than perfect, so I seek you today, asking for you to heal my heart and gain strength from you, my Lord and my God. Amen.
December 3 Devotion
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37)
Pilate may have been misguided, but Jesus wasn’t. Jesus was perfectly aware of His purpose, and He wants to leave no doubt in our minds concerning that purpose. He came to help us see that we can be forgiven of our sins and allows us to claim His goodness for all the world to see. He teaches us that we are loved, not for what we do, but for who we are. He made us in His image, and works on our hearts and minds every day, shaping us in to the people we were meant to be. We can depend on Jesus to fulfill all of His promises.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me each day to fully realize your love for me. Build my confidence in you, my Lord and Savior. Most of all, help me to establish love as a defining trait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 2 Devotion
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 27:24-25)
During this season of Advent, we realize an undeniable truth–storms will occur in our life. It’s not a matter of if, but when, and when we have a strong foundation through our faith in Jesus, this will be more than sufficient so that we can get through all of the chaos.
By coming to earth, Jesus came as our firm foundation–one of love, truth, compassion, and never-ending faithfulness. It is here where we can find rest from the storm and truths we can stand on.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as I think back of the biggest storms of my life, I know of your presence during those times. You were born into this world to give us hope, and with that hope you have given us comfort, strength, and peace. Thank you for standing with us, especially during the difficult times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
December 1 Devotion
“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’” (Jeremiah 33:14-16)
Biblical prophets speak the truth, and as this one sees the condition of the world, he proclaims, “the days are coming.” The days are coming when someone will come who will make all things right.
In our time, it still takes courage to stand up for the truth. The season of Advent promises that there is a light that overcomes the darkness. If we take time to observe the lights of Christmas, we see the contrast between the light and darkness of the world. It’s enough to give us hope, and it could even be enough to proclaim to the world (or at least a few people!) the reason it gives us hope. Ask God to guide you as you participate in this very special time of year.
Prayer: Dear Lord, may this Advent be a new beginning, as we learn to live by the light of your coming promises. Help us to proclaim your truth, your light, and your divine promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: December 1, 9:00 a.m.
November 30 Devotion
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)
We reach the end of the Book of Revelation, and it states a belief and a promise that we can cling to, looking forward to Jesus’ return. For those who believe in the name of Jesus, we wait with great anticipation for His return, but at this time of year, we also have the opportunity to relive the moments when Jesus was born into this world. In either case, we ask with determined hearts, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Prayer: Dear Lord, keep us encouraged as we await your return, and keep our hearts glad as we celebrate your birth into this world. Thank you for your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 29 Devotion
“He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” (Revelation 14:7)
The book of Revelation reinforces the belief that we all should have, that God, who created everything, will stand in judgement of all mankind. This should not be a concern for those who have given their hearts to Jesus Christ. Jesus has already prepared a place for those of the faith. Once again, a wonderful reassurance is stated for us: “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”(Revelation 14:13) When we give our hearts to God, our eternal destiny is rock solid.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have given me a true sense of security by letting me know that you will always be with me. I pray for those who may still be doubting or worrying about their future. Remind them that you have kept and will continue to keep your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 28 Devotion
“The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
It may be hard to imagine, but the time is coming when every inch of this planet will be illuminated by the glory of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 11:9 tells us, “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” The Lord reigns triumphantly over the world forever.
This will be quite a switch from what we know of the world today. It’s not that all of the world is bad, but there are too many people and places that are far from the kind of world the Lord intended. What a time it will be, once the kingdom of our Lord is established, right here on earth. In the meantime, we can continue to be prepared for the Lord’s return, giving praise to God, and living out our faith in all circumstances.
Prayer: Dear Lord, although we have disappointed you, through your mercy and grace we will see a time when this world will be different, just like you intended. I pray that we can set the example for the world to know that you are Lord for all mankind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 27 Devotion
“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17)
This world is filled with pain and suffering, and it will be especially true for those who who endure God’s judgment on the world and the persecution of the Antichrist during a period of tribulation. But in heaven there is no more pain, hunger, sorrow, or fear. God will wipe away any remnant of tears in our eyes from our difficulties here on earth.
Our God gives great comfort, not only during this forthcoming period of tribulation, but any time. It will take the initiative on our part to submit to the loving care of our Lord, but when we do, we will discover how much of a difference it can make. Make no mistake about it, God loves you and wants you to invite Him into your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have told us that in this world, we will have trouble. Thank you for being the one who has overcome the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 26 Devotion
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)
This is the theme of the Book of Revelation: God rules the earth and every individual in it. This is because of His holiness and perfect judgement. He knows the past, present, and future. No one is like Him, and He is worthy of our praise.
Given all of the attributes of our Lord, we can trust Him with our lives, helping to guide us now and into the future. His wisdom is unparalleled, and His love for us never ceases to exist. Let us leave no room for doubt as to whom we should worship!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I acknowledge you as Lord of my life and the One who is in charge of the entire world. I ask for you to solidify my faith and to never doubt you throughout the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 25 Devotion
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Jesus stands at the door of our hearts. He wants to come in, but it is up to each one of us to open our hearts to Him. This is not a faith that is forced upon us; it is of our own choosing. We have to take that initial step.
God sees each of us as people who are missing something. There is some kind of void in our life, and when we invite Jesus in, the void is filled. It may not seem like it at first, but give it time. God wants our lives to be full, vibrant, and meaningful. He can change us from having undesirable traits, all of which we can easily identify as sin, to a person who shows love toward God and love toward one another. For anyone who feels that something is missing in their life, turn to God and give Him a chance. This is the one way to find true peace within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for all of the folks who are missing out on you and the love you have for them. Move them towards a better way of life as they follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 24 Devotion
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 8, 17-18)
John sees the Lord Jesus clothed as the King, High Priest, Protector, Provider, and Judge of all mankind. The majestic, glorious appearance of the unveiled Christ so overwhelmed John that he fainted. When we stand in His presence at the judgment, we will not be able to say anything. We will see ourselves as He sees us, and we will be in absolute agreement with Him. Therefore, we must live our lives in reverence to Him and never forget that our Savior and Friend is also our Lord, Master, and Sovereign.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as I have put my faith in you, I know that you are Lord over all of us. I look forward to the day when I see you face-to-face. I pray for those who have not given their hearts to you, that their eyes may be opened to the truth, setting them forever free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: November 24, 9:00 a.m.
November 23 Devotion
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:1, 3)
Many ignore the Book of Revelation because they believe it is too difficult to understand, and let me make it clear that there is nothing to be fearful of for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Actually, there is a blessing for those who both read and heed it—making whatever adjustments are necessary to obey what God requires of us in His Word. Why is Revelation a special blessing? Because there is no other book that so exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. As we look into this book over the next several days, let us keep our eyes opened to the eternal truths which are revealed. It will give us an even greater hope.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I praise your most holy name, and I stand in awe of your goodness and grace, both of which have enabled me to have confidence in your promises. I give you the credit for all of that which is good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 22 Devotion
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude 1:3-4)
We often speak about the grace of God. Personally, I am very thankful for it. However, it is not right to abuse the gift of grace.
The apostle Paul had a well-rounded perspective on this. At one point, Paul was told by the Lord that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) This is very reassuring for any of us who struggle with sin, but in another context he says, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2)
The thing we have to realize is that yes, we are prone to sin, but it does not have to be our master. We can seek the Lord’s help and rely on the Holy Spirit in order to have victory more often than not. It helps to free us up and our lives will be much more productive.
Prayer: Dear Lord, keep me on the straight and narrow path. I trust in your powerful guiding hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 21 Devotion
“It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:3-4)
Our responsibility is to carry forth the word of God so that those of this generation and beyond not only hear the word, but respond to it. If we see family and friends come to faith in Jesus Christ, it can give us a great deal of satisfaction, knowing that we have seen the fruits of our labor.
But even when we don’t see those kind of results, we know that we have done our part in passing on the best news that is out there. We have sown the seeds of righteousness, and someday, somehow, those seeds will bear fruit. Our labor is not in vain.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the courage to spread your good news to a world which is in great need of hearing it. Give me a genuine concern for the future of those people whom I come into contact with. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 20 Devotion
“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:18-21)
When we are under the loving care of our Lord, it is possible to become averse to sin, to see it as something that we are much better off if we avoid it. This is what the Lord instills in us through the Holy Spirit; the ability to discern what is evil and the willingness to deal with it. Thank God for making us into the people we were meant to be!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for working on our hearts and minds, helping us to make the good and right choices. We love you because you first loved us, and we know that your love never fails. Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 19 Devotion
“And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)
In a clear, concise manner, John spells out the difference between those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and those who have not. This life he is talking about is described as eternal, or something that lasts forever. In other words, we know that we have a place in heaven, but there is more. This life we have through Jesus here and now is one in which we are forgiven of our sins and can seek to do good, particularly if we choose to draw close to God, walk with Him daily, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us.
All of this helps to keep our motives pure and our consciences clear. After all, as God’s people, we take joy in the blessings we have received, and despite any troubles we encounter, we can take heart, because Jesus has overcome the world, and we can do the same!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the life I have right now and the life that lasts forever. You made it so that if we just humble ourselves before you, you will come into our hearts and be with us, now and forever. Thank you for being here with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 18 Devotion
“This is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5)
If there is anything that is life changing, it is when we make a decision for Christ. Making this decision is the first and perhaps the most important act of obedience to God. This is because our total outlook can change and we don’t have to be tied down to the sins of the past. This gives us the incentive to say “no” to the world and “yes” to God.
I thank God for welcoming me into his fold. As John points out, “his commands are not burdensome.” I can testify to that. The world has nothing to offer in comparison to living for Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I cannot repay you for all the good you have done for me, but I can boldy proclaim your eternal truths. I pray that I will always honor your name. Amen.
November 17 Devotion
“God is love” (1 John 4:8,16)
John says that God is love, because if we truly know God through the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have a pretty good idea of what love is all about. This is the kind of love which is unconditional and never fails. God demonstrated this type of love toward us, and we return the favor by not only loving God, but loving each other in the same manner. The world may not understand this, but if we are setting a good example, others may want to find out more about our God who exemplifies love. This will be a real life-changer for everyone who needs the Lord.
“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” (1 John 4:12)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit, which tells us to love one another. Help others to see how great a love you have for them, and for them to respond accordingly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: November 17, 9:00 a.m.
November 16 Devotion
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
John reminds us of the one who is in charge–the Lord our God. However, the one who is also powerful, the antichrist, as we are told, “is already in the world.” (1 John 4:3)
This leaves us with the better and wise choice (Jesus), and the one who gives us the final victory. We may have to remind ourselves of this quite often, because there is too much bad news out there, as well as discouraging news which may occur in our personal lives.
I can’t give you a more deliverable truth other than the times when I have personally felt that Christ is much more powerful than the alternative. The answers to prayer, the protection from harm, and acknowledgement of the one who truly strengthens me–that’s what I have to offer people in terms of knowing who is greater. I’m going to stick with the one who has truly been faithful to me, and I’m sure many of you–Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know of not only your greatness, but your love and faithfulness, which never fails. May the whole world become increasingly aware of your awesome presence and greatness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 15 Devotion
“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.” (1 John 3:19-22)
God knows our hearts, and if we have given our lives and hearts to Him, we will surely be aware of our actions and motives. Our Spirit-guided conscience can tell us if we are on the wrong path, and it will convict us to the point where we know that we need help to get us back on track.
This is what separates us from the world– having a desire for God’s word. If we study scripture and meditate on it, we are left without a doubt concerning what is right vs. what is wrong. Each day has its own set of challenges and opportunities, and if we just allow the Spirit of God to guide us, we are likely to accomplish His will.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to walk in your ways each day. Help me to get each day started right by acknowledging you and giving you praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 14 Devotion
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18)
We celebrated Veterans Day just a few days ago, and as always, we seek to give some well-deserved recognition for those who fought for our freedom. I would also include the families and spouses of those who served and faced the uncertainties of the time their veteran spent serving, not knowing what today or tomorrow might bring, especially in a time of war. Selfless service in the military involves making sacrifices, even up to the point where you might have to lay down your life for a fellow soldier.
But this even goes way beyond the military. God is seeking those who, seeing how much His only Son made such a huge sacrifice, we, in turn, should be willing to make some sacrifices, large or small. All we have to do is to look around us and see people in need. This is how we serve God, through the giving of our time and resources.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be aware of the needs of people, willing to do what we can to serve them. We honor you when we serve others, so I pray that our hearts will always be in the right place. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 13 Devotion
“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” (1 John 3:13-15)
God can change our hearts, and the one change that stands out the most is the love we have for each other. Without God in our lives, there is a definite void to fill, and the problem with this void is that sometimes it is filled with hate instead of love.
But thanks be to God–when we accept His grace and mercy, this changes everything. We can put away any ill feelings we have and replace them with love. God works on our hearts and tells us how good it is to love one another. With that knowledge, we can’t go wrong!
Prayer: Dear Lord, teach us and remind us daily of how important it is to love one another. You have changed the lives of many, and our prayer is that the lives of many more will be changed, thanks to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 12 Devotion
“If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.” (1 John 2:29)
When we make a decision for Christ, it ought to be sincere and life-changing. We may not feel as though we have made a 180 degree turn in our character and values, but it really depends on the individual. Some changes in who we are in character and Spirit are immediate with some folks, and with others it may be quite gradual (such as with me, either that or I am just a slow learner!) Whatever the case and whoever you are, just know that when Jesus is part of your life, look for the Holy Spirit to guide you. It will guide you into knowing the right thing to do, recognizing and condemning sin for what it is, and finding joy through the life that the Lord has given you. You will feel the need to move forward in your walk with God instead of backward. You are special in the eyes of God and you can look forward to each day with a great amount of hope.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am thankful for being born again. I am quite aware of the changes, fast or slow, that you have made in me. I pray for those who are missing out to acknowledge you and that they may be part of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 11 Devotion
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Our Creator has not only made this world, but we are all here as a part of this creation. But why is it that we should not love the world? Hasn’t God given us much in this life to be thankful for? Of course He has!
The thing that John is getting at in this scripture passage is pointing out the evil in the world and the necessity to avoid it. Unfortunately, too much of the evil which exists is way too prevalent, and we should not be taken in by those who promote it.
God’s intention for His creation was quite different from what we see in our world, except when we are around those who think and act quite differently and want to please God. For those who have put their faith in Christ, we are asked to be aware of all of the deceptions. Instead, we can clothe ourselves with the full armor of God, incorporating wisdom and the love of God in everything we do.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we know how much you love your creation, including all of the people. We also know how we have been disobedient and how much this has disappointed you. Help us to be faithful to you, to love you, and to love others every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 10 Devotion
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.” (1 John 2:9-11)
When Jesus told us to love God and to love our neighbor, He wasn’t giving us the option to leave out the “love our neighbor” part, or to only love some of our neighbors! The reason for this is because God doesn’t just love some of us, but all of us. He wants all of us to be with Him, and it is sad to see those who reject Him and remain hard-hearted. So, in an effort to be like Jesus, we should not be harboring hate in our hearts toward anyone.
Give yourself a chance to look within. See for yourself how much more peaceful it is to love instead of hate. Love is the right choice to make.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to search my heart and to not allow animosity toward anyone. You have shown how much you love even those who oppose you, so move me to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: November 10, 9:00 a.m.
November 9 Devotion
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5-6)
Confessing Jesus as our Lord and Savior is the most important step we can take in our lives. How do we know, without a doubt, that we have done this? If our concept of love is aligned with much the same way God loves us, we are on the right track. But that is not all.
Living like Jesus did is to consider the love and compassion He had for not only those people we read about in scripture, but for the many who were not mentioned. At the end of the gospel of John, he says, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) I am sure that is true, and it reinforces the feeling that we can’t possibly copy what Jesus did in every respect. What we can do is to take to heart all of what Jesus stood for, and do our best to live it each day.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for setting the example for us. Although I will never be near the servant that you were, give me a heart to serve you each day in the best ways I can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 8 Devotion
“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7)
Once in a while it doesn’t hurt to take a look at ourselves to make sure that we are walking in the light of the Lord as opposed to walking in darkness. I’m not talking about perfection, but keeping ourselves focused on the cross of Christ, being thankful for all that He has done for us, and striving to do as much good as we can.
If we find that we are walking in darkness, God, in His grace and mercy, still makes Himself available to us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) He knows of our weaknesses, and when we humble ourselves before Him in confession and repentance, we are truly forgiven and free.
Prayer: Dear Lord, in your word you have made known the difference between walking in your ways and sheer disobedience. Because I am weak, help me to draw closer to you so that I will not drift away from the good teachings you have provided for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 7 Devotion
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Peter is reminding us of the attitude that many people can take regarding their skepticism about the Lord’s return. Just because it hasn’t happened yet is no reason to believe that it won’t! We have been told time and again that nobody knows when this is going to happen, and we should all be ready, whenever this occurs.
God loves His creation, and the timing for everything to occur is in His hands. He wants to give everyone the chance to repent and believe in His name, and if you haven’t done so, surrender your heart to the Lord. He will remove your doubts and fears and give you a much needed peace within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we ask that you continue to work in the hearts and minds of those who still need you. Use us as a witness to your lovingkindness, showing them the way to life everlasting. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 6 Devotion
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” (2 Peter 2:1-2)
We should try our best to be aware of false teachings and thoroughly aware of the truth. If we walk with the Lord daily, we have a much better chance of not being led astray by false teachings.
If we look around us, we might see those who have been misled by some conniving, deceptive people and the sad part is that they have no idea how wrong these people are.
What is the job of those who stick to the truth? To not only live the truth in our own lives, but to make the truth known to others, speaking the truth in love. We can all proclaim, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to never be misled by those who teach falsehoods, but help me to claim the truth which is so evident and so good for us to follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 5 Devotion
Peter is stressing the importance of clinging to our faith and growing in character and Spirit. He explains how easy it could be to fall away from our faith and showing no signs of having the fruits of the Spirit. Therefore, it is helpful when we read or hear from someone else about our faith, so that we can double down on our convictions, and yes, they heard it from Peter, (and so do we) “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.” (2 Peter 1:12)
Honestly, I have to remind myself every day of my faith, because it is so easy to ignore it and live more like one who disregards faith in Christ altogether, but I don’t want that to happen. I know how much of a good God we have and how much He loves us, so it would be foolish to think otherwise. By the grace of God, we are here and we serve a living God!
Prayer: Dear Lord, living for you is not always easy, but when I consider the alternative, I know that I am making the right choice when I stay close to you. Help me to guard my heart each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 4 Devotion
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8)
We are encouraged to live out our faith in a very positive way. When we apply the teachings in the word of God, we begin to mature in the faith and find that we are making an impact on others through our words and actions. With God’s help, we can increase in strong, virtuous traits which are honoring and glorifying God, and we can exemplify love in our hearts the same way God loves us.
Prayer: Teach me your ways, Dear Lord, helping my light to shine before others, so that you may always be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 3 Devotion
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
We are certainly blessed with all of God’s goodness. He has given us His creation, His holy word, and His love. We look forward to the future because of the great hope in store for us, and the chance to grow in character and Spirit. For example, if we look back at maybe 5 or 10 years ago, and determine that a few things have changed in our attitudes and actions, then we should know that God is very much at work in our lives. He is always making us more into the person we were meant to be. It’s great to know that our Creator has done and continues to do so much for us!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that you do for us. I can truly appreciate the advantages in living for you, and I treasure the day I gave my heart to you, and the knowledge that I will be with you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: November 3, 9:00 a.m.
November 2 Devotion
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Peter warns of a stark reality. Our enemy, the devil is real. We are not suffering from paranoia when we realize this, but instead we are wise to be on our guard against the dark powers of this world which can greatly deceive us.
What can we do to prevent and defend against this enemy? We can claim the word of God. I could give you numerous examples, but one of my favorites is 2 Samuel 22:3, “My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me.”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again–it’s not a sign of weakness to depend on the Lord. It makes us stronger. It gives us the courage to face each day, knowing that when we choose God, we choose life everlasting.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your word and the powerful message it sends to us. Help me to always remember that it is all I need to defend against the deeds of darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
November 1 Devotion
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
It was not meant for us to be consumed with stress, worry, anxiety, or any other ways that we can come up with in describing some negative thoughts. In a simple yet practical statement made by Peter, he is telling us to “give it to God” when we are troubled. But how often do we actually do this, or do we put it off until we reach the point where we realize that we need some relief from the stress we are feeling?
Some amount of stress is inevitable, but we can keep it at a manageable level when we give our cares to God. He wants us to live productive lives, filled with the joy of the Spirit. Giving our cares to God is the way it was meant to be.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know of the peace within that you give me. I just ask that whenever I am confronted with troubles, help me to think of you first, because I know how much you care for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 31 Devotion
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:7-9)
Peter speaks as though the end times are near. At first glance, it would be easy to say that his prediction was inaccurate, but keep in mind that God looks at time in a very different manner than we do. A few thousand years could be like one day. For all we know, we could be in the last phase of human existence until Jesus returns, but the length of that existence remains unknown to us.
While we know that the Lord is coming back, we ought to look at each day and consider the possibility that Jesus could come back this very day. With that in mind, we consider what our priorities are. On a daily basis, we ought to be observing the greatest commandments, to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39) If we prioritize these commands, we will indeed be ready for Jesus’ return!
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have made it clear as to how I should live, so help me to put aside so much of the foolishness which the world promotes, but instead let love be the ruling factor in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 30 Devotion
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)
What gives us hope? Is it through our prayers and study of scripture which gives us some clear insight into the one true God? Or is it an experience we have had in seeing changed lives in others, or ourselves because of Christ? Or has God intervened at the right time and told us to choose love instead of hate? Whatever it is, we can be prepared to share this with others, because they will want to see what gives us hope, and perhaps they can relate to our story.
At the same time, we need to know that there are those who oppose our faith and may not only reject, but ridicule us. In response, gentleness and respect is the order of the day. Do not worry about “winning them over;” that is up to God. We have done what we can, perhaps planting a seed in someone’s life. God will take care of the rest.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the hope you have given me. Help me to share my story with gentleness and respect, and to let you work on the hearts of those who need you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 29 Devotion
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
We are urged to be Christlike in everything we do. When we look at Jesus’ life, we would never see Him repaying evil for evil, and He always showed compassion toward those who were in need. He set the perfect example for us, so that we might be able to say and do the things He did more often.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if everyone were like this? I know it would be hard to imagine, given the state of our world, but the good thing is, we can make an individual choice to be more Christlike, and when we strive to be that way, chances are we will feel much better concerning our faith and our personal lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for setting the example for us in the way we should live. Forgive us for the times we’ve failed, but we rejoice over the times when we have relied on your Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. Thank you for allowing us to know that when we follow you, we know it’s the right choice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 28 Devotion
Referring to Jesus and the suffering He endured, Peter says this:
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)
Jesus did much of the opposite many of us would do when we are attacked verbally or physically, but He did this for a very specific and good reason. He was willing to pay the price for our sins, once and for all, so that we could, through His righteousness and atonement, live forever in His kingdom. This is the nature of the great God we have, who desires that all who put their faith in Him could be saved. I would say that if Jesus is willing to do this for us, we would be foolish to reject this offer. I think you’ll be glad you did!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for what you have done for me. I cannot repay you, but I can strive to live for you and all that you stand for all the days of my life. That is the least I can do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 27 Devotion
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
How blessed we are to be chosen people! This is not confined to one group or one nation, but to anyone who accepts the lovingkindness of the one true God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. How different it would be if we had not accepted the fact that God chose us.
It is true that although we have been chosen by God, we had the opportunity to reject Him, so it ends up being left to our own free will. We know of our need for the Lord to rule in our hearts and in our lives. We can truly thank God every day for this free gift of salvation!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for seeking me and giving me the willingness to accept the greatest gift anyone can receive–the gift of salvation and eternal life. I pray that I can truly live out my faith every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: October 27, 9:00 a.m.
October 26 Devotion
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Peter addresses the need for putting away the old self and putting on the new. This would apply to all Christians, but in this case, particularly to those who are new in the faith, so that they would hold fast to the tenets of Christianity and not be taken in by a deceitful world.
At first, going against the grain of how the world operates may seem difficult. It might seem too easy to conform to the standards of many who exhibit undesirable traits and are not of the faith, but the more we draw close to God and remain consistent in doing so, the more we are apt to find the joy of our salvation and our new way of life. The Lord helps us to see His goodness as we develop more in the desire to serve Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I see your goodness and righteousness, and although I fall so short of your glory, I want to draw closer to you each day. Thank you for helping me to choose a better way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 25 Devotion
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:22-23)
Peter is telling us that our faith ought to be unshakable, not deterred by the deceitfulness of the world. Our faith tells us that we should prioritize our love for one another, the kind of a love which does not go away. We may have differences and disagreements, but it’s okay to agree to disagree. What matters most is what lies at the heart of our faith-Jesus. The foundation of our faith is strong enough to overcome any obstacles.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I know how much you love me, and I just ask that my love for you and others will never fade. You have overcome the world, and we have victory in our lives because of you. I am truly grateful! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 24 Devotion
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
What a blessing it is to have the Lord Jesus Christ in my life, but sometimes I need to be reminded of its great importance, because worldly cares have a tendency to discourage and get me off track. As a child of God, I should be striving to live according to God’s precepts. If I compare what I have now to my life before Christ, I start to realize how foolish it is to ignore the things God is teaching me. God’s word will tell me what is best; therefore, I should not ignore it or neglect it. It is best to keep our hearts and minds centered on Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for the times when I get lackadaisical and do not take your teachings seriously. When I step back and realize what I’m doing or failing to do, I feel a sense of remorse. Grant that I will be able to always walk in your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 23 Devotion
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Without actually seeing Him, at times it may seem difficult to believe in God and His promises, but deep down we have this core belief, that we were created in God’s image and He gives us a meaning and purpose in this life and the life to come.
I have to consider how much God has worked in my life to this point, and I can look with wonder as to what lies ahead. Yes, there are times of distress and uncertainty, but those times are only temporary. This I do know for sure–I can put my faith and trust in the One who is here for us–today, tomorrow, and forever.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for looking out for us. Help me to grow in my faith to the point where I never have to worry about the present time or any time in the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 22 Devotion
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)
Many of Jesus’ parables deal with welcoming back people into His fold, forgiving their sins and helping them to get their lives back together. It stands to reason that if we know of anyone who has strayed from the faith, or does not yet know the love of Christ, we should do what we can to welcome them back. This is rewarding to all who are involved.
Our eternal destiny is something that should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is in everyone’s vital interest to invite Jesus into their lives, putting Him first and having the assurance that God’s love lasts forever and His Kingdom stands forever. The truth of the Gospel of Christ has the power to set anyone free.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for those who are missing out because they don’t know you or have strayed from you. Help them to know of your unfailing love and the greatness of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 21 Devotion
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:13-16)
We seem to have a very large list of reasons to pray. For one thing, we can give praise for so many of the wonderful things God has done for us. We can count our blessings in many ways. Then we can think of those who are in need, including the sick, the poor, (including the poor in Spirit) and those who need God’s forgiveness. We can also pray for our nation and for all who lead us.
That’s just scratching the surface. We know of much that is going on in our everyday lives, and we can be aware of all who are in need of prayer. And don’t forget the power of prayer–it can often exceed our expectations.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for not only listening to my prayers, but responding to them according to your will and with your perfect sense of timing. I have confidence in you as my Lord and Savior! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 20 Devotion
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8)
Our Creator made a wonderful world. Despite our troubles, we have much going for us, thanks be to God. Yet we know that one day, Jesus will return. We don’t know when that day will occur; it’s a futile effort to try and figure that out! The key issue for us is to be ready, but what does it mean to be ready? It is to treat every day as if this is the day Jesus returns. We should be drawing close to God, close to our families, close to all that we love, and to be sharing the love of Christ in the ways we are gifted with, which includes all whom we come into contact with. It might be something as simple as saying “hello” to anyone, which might actually be a bright spot in their day. It might be going out of our way to help someone in need. It might be saying a prayer for someone who is ill or is feeling down.
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Living out our faith can be intentional, and when we do that, we are always ready for Jesus’ return.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to guard my heart, always ready and willing to do what is right in your eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: October 20, 9:00 a.m.
Alternate (backup) link for October 20 Worship Service
October 19 Devotion
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17)
At times, we think about sin as what we do in violation of God’s law. However, Scripture is clear that we sin against Him whenever we do not do His will—which includes knowing the right thing to do and not doing it. Partial obedience is disobedience. Therefore, when God motivates us to serve Him in some way, we should never ignore it. We should obey Him, knowing that He will certainly bless our obedience. I just know that when I ignore or put off something that needs to be done, I am wrong, but when I follow through on meeting the needs of my fellow man, I end up feeling blessed.
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me a heart to serve you, not just when it’s convenient, but whenever there is a need. You always supply my needs, and I want to give back to you in all the ways that I can. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 18 Devotion
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
I find great comfort in this promise, because when I draw near to God, I am moving in a positive direction. He is here to guide me in times of stress and trouble. I am able to get a glimpse of things from God’s perspective, knowing that there is always a way to cope with any problem. We are not left alone feeling hopeless when we come to God with our problems. When making important decisions, it is also good when I draw near to God. He helps me to think rationally and to not act in haste.
Of course, the devil would like nothing more than if I just sulk about my problems or give up completely. I know that is not the thing to do, so yes, whenever I resist the devil, he most certainly flees!
Better yet, drawing near to God always gives me peace within. It might be kind of hard to explain, but I just know that it gives me a calming effect regardless of my circumstances. In times of joy and celebration or in times of trouble, drawing near to God keeps me focused on the incredible love He has for you and me.
Prayer: Dear Lord, my heart is glad because you are with me. I can bring everything to you in prayer, and with your wisdom, you always move me in the right direction. Thank you for being Lord of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 17 Devotion
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3)
Selfishness takes away our willingness to serve God and serve others. Romans 12:3 says, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” We are all precious in God’s sight, and we should take care of ourselves, but there comes a time when we also care about others.
In 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul explains how a child tends to think vs. how we ought to be thinking as adults, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” So now, as committed Christians, we understand that we cannot always get our own way. We understand that our motives should be pure. We know that we can be more like Jesus. Don’t worry; God is patient, and He will see you through as you grow in Spirit and character.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you know my strengths and weaknesses. I am asking for your help in keeping my weaknesses to a minimum, and to help me think of meeting the needs of others more often. Thank you, because I am glad that I can always depend on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 16 Devotion
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18)
James compares worldly wisdom vs. wisdom from God. He labels worldly wisdom as selfish, and also “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15) If you are looking at “getting ahead” in the world and see no viable alternative, I suppose this kind of wisdom could work, but this should only apply to the crowd of non-believers.
If we know God and walk in faith with Him daily, we are likely to take a different look at wisdom. We don’t have to step on other people’s toes in order to get ahead, and we are not apt to boast of our accomplishments, unless we give credit to God for giving us the abilities we have. We can be looked upon as faithful and trustworthy. That kind of wisdom should be much more desirable to attain.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as I meditate on your word, help me to see how I may apply your teachings to my everyday life. I want to represent you in the best possible light, giving you all the honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 15 Devotion
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:7-10)
James speaks of the existence of both good and evil. It is amazing how there can be such a contrast in our words and actions if we do not have the love and Spirit of God within. James mentions the tongue as an example, which can utter words of praise and thanks on the one hand, and on the other hand, offer some out-of-control disparaging remarks to those we have differences with.
This brings to mind the teaching of Jesus when He talked about loving your enemies. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) We don’t have to like everything about everyone, but we can still love them in the same way that Jesus loves all of us. Give everyone their due respect, as we are made in the image of God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, move my heart to love everyone despite our differences. Help me to see past those things I dislike in some people, and to see the potential for good in all of us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 14 Devotion
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)
James holds a strong conviction concerning works (or deeds) accompanied by faith. Deeds will naturally follow our faith as we put our faith into action.
If I try to put myself in the place of someone in need, I am not sure what I would think of someone who only wished me well but didn’t offer any assistance. Perhaps I could extend that person some grace and/or not judge them. Again, it would be hard to put myself in their place and to know exactly what I would think.
On the other hand, if I were the one who just wished somebody well and walked away, I might end up feeling kind of guilty for not doing anything to offer a helping hand. Still, there are times when there is really nothing I can do physically to help; that is a reality.
The thing that James is trying to get across is that faith brings a person to salvation, and works bring that person to faithfulness. True faith and righteous works go hand in hand.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to follow your heart. I ask that you always give me the willingness to do whatever I can to help those in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 13 Devotion
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)
It is so easy to judge by appearance. The problem is, we do not know what is in a person’s heart unless we really get to know them. It’s possible that a person’s undesirable lot in life was not a product of their own making, but just a victim of circumstances.
When it comes to our faith, we should also give everyone a chance. Everyone has a chance to serve in God’s kingdom, so we should not hinder that opportunity. Everyone has the potential to rise above their circumstances, to know that they have a God who loves them, and from this point on, they can take one day at a time. Actually, that way of thinking works out pretty good for all of us!
Prayer: Dear Lord, let us not be quick to judge, but to love everyone in the same way that you love us. All of us are precious in your sight! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: October 13, 9:00 a.m.
October 12 Devotion
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:26-27)
James helps to explain the meaning of religion in the way it was meant to be defined. It’s not a matter of going through the motions; that’s the easy way. It’s more of a matter of obeying God, doing what He says. One of the ways, as James points out, is controlling our speech, because if we are inconsiderate and sometimes downright rude toward others, this in no way exemplifies a believer in Christ.
Then he narrows our beliefs and actions down to this–to look out after those who are less fortunate than we are, and to not be taken in by the sinful and deceitful ways of the world. This is what I like about the book of James; it is very clear, short, and to the point.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask for your help in keeping a genuine faith, to have not only a knowledge of your love and salvation, but to live out my faith each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 11 Devotion
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (James 1:22-25)
We are asked to take up a new way of life in Christ. Obviously, this involves much more than simply reading and listening to the word of God. If we believe God’s word and take it seriously, we will begin to put it into practice. Once we do that, we realize how things have changed for us. We put away selfishness and put a higher priority on helping others. We recognize sin for what it is and do all that we can to avoid it. We recognize the grace and goodness of God and how much it has impacted our lives. We find it easy to give praise to our Lord and Savior!
Prayer: Dear Lord, you supply our needs and give us your priceless, timeless teachings. Help me to not take this for granted and to be more than willing to walk in obedience to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 10 Devotion
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:19-21)
What a great treasure it is to have the word of God and the Spirit of God to guide us. James tells us how wise it is to not let anger get the best of us. We are made in God’s image, and it pleases God when we seek to have His peace rule within our hearts. Let’s ask God to help us every day:
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to always see things from your perspective. I ask that the Holy Spirit would rule my thoughts, words, and actions, because I know that having your peace within helps me to cope with life in the way I should. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 9 Devotion
“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:16-18)
We are asked to recognize the difference between the goodness of God and the works of darkness, to just be alert, knowing there is much out there to try and deceive us. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14, “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” That is definitely true. Some of our media and advertising promote some things as normal, but for those who know the heart of God and what it says in His word, it seems as though the world is trying to lead us down the wrong path.
The key issue for us is to remain close to God, thriving on His teachings, staying in contact through prayer, and finding common ground and fellowship with believers sharing the same Spirit. This can help us immensely as we seek to do what is right.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to always recognize the foolishness which is out there so often. I know that your way is one in which I can experience life to its fullest, which is the way it was meant to be from the beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 8 Devotion
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)
Putting our faith in God is the right thing to do, but our faith must be genuine. If we believe in the saving grace of our Lord, we should not doubt His word. We should not test God, but we can expect good things from our Lord, and if we don’t get our way about everything, no big deal! There’s probably a reason for that.
We can and will get wisdom from God, but it is quite different from the wisdom of this world. God’s wisdom gives us humility, and allows us to not demand or worry about status or material wealth. All that we have comes from God, and we can be forever grateful.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that I have. Your goodness has exceeded my expectations. I just ask that you keep me humble, sincere, and level-headed as I follow you each day, and keep my heart full of joy! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 7 Devotion
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
I cannot say that it is much fun when going through trials and troubles of any sort, but usually what happens is that I can learn from that experience and grow a little wiser and stronger as a result. So, maybe there’s a reason for the tough times after all!
God is looking out for us, and He’s making us into the person we were meant to be. God is the source of all that is good, and He helps to keep it simple. I am reminded to just “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39) If I narrow it down to this teaching, which does happen to be the first and second greatest commandments, I am at peace with God, with myself, and everyone else.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I do not always see the end result when troubles occur, but I am very thankful that I can come to you as a source of refuge, and thank you for the blessings of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 6 Devotion
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
We all need encouragement, and in this passage from Hebrews, a prayer is offered up for us, asking for God’s providence, so that we are spiritually equipped to glorify God in all that we do.
We can do each other a favor and always be in prayer for each other. As we get to know each other’s needs, we pray to God for those needs to be supplied. It is good to know that not only God is looking for us, but we are looking out for each other. There are times when we need that double dose of support!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the heart to pray for each other. We need you, O God, and we need each other. It is good to know of all the love and support we have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: October 6, 9:00 a.m.
October 5 Devotion
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
We should always be consciously aware of the presence of God in our lives, and to note how much of a difference it has made for us. Therefore, I want to remind myself of this each day. The good things that God has brought us far outweighs the negative factors in our life. Too many times we are presented with “gloom and doom” talk. While I can’t deny the tragic and potentially tragic events of our world, we have the opportunity to lighten things up quite a bit when we share the joy we have in knowing Jesus. This is essential because if we want others to be drawn to our faith, we can shine a very positive light on how we live and the joy that the Lord brings to us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, direct my thoughts, words, and actions. Let them be honoring to you, telling others how much you love them, extending an open invitation to be part of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 4 Devotion
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Hebrews 12:28)
When I think of how good God is, especially in comparison to the dark forces of this world, I can forever be thankful for knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. He has opened my eyes to the truth and helped me to see beyond my troubles, because those troubles are only temporary. The things that are permanent consist of the love God has for us and how He has given us a totally new outlook on life. We have been given the ability to love one another as God loves us. This is something that the world cannot take away. I will never regret my decision to accept the Lord.
While I know that changes in this life are inevitable, I am comforted by the fact that God doesn’t change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) We can claim that promise!
Prayer: Dear Lord, you put strength and stability in our lives. I praise you because your kingdom is forever, and knowing how true that is always gives me great joy and comfort. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 3 Devotion
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:14-15)
We are responsible to show the grace of God to everyone we meet, ridding ourselves of unforgiveness, letting go of our feelings of resentment, laying down our “right” to get even, and allowing God to deal with the person who has hurt us. We must choose forgiveness. We don’t want to lead anyone away from God or build a wall of bitterness and regret between our hearts and the Lord. We must always choose to show His mercy to others so we can truly be His representatives in the world.
Prayer: Dear Lord, show me your ways. Allow me to cast aside any anger or bitterness. Instead, let love rule in my heart and may it always be evident to others, so that your most holy name will be honored. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 2 Devotion
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1–3)
When I think of all that Jesus went through in order to save me, I have no room to complain about much of anything! But here we are, saved by the grace of God. This gives us every reason to be encouraged.
Ephesians 3:7 tells us, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” God’s saving grace tells you and me that we can use all that we are gifted with to give glory to God. Each of us can think of our uniqueness, and thank God for that. We all have our own story; our own way of exemplifying Christ, ways in which we promote God’s goodness. We can get started today!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your saving grace. Use me today and every day, to live for you and to let my light shine before all, so that others can see your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
October 1 Devotion
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
It takes courage to step out in faith. This is because faith involves not only something that we long for, but we do not see the future. We do not know how our prayers will be answered, or how long it will take for them to be answered. We are not looking for a fortune-teller to predict the future for us. We put our faith in God, who has a long history of keeping His promises.
The author of Hebrews goes on to tell the story of many of the people in biblical history who maintained their faith. The thing that is remarkable is what we are told in vs. 13, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
The bottom line is that faith goes beyond what we might experience in our lifetime. Regardless of whether we see some answered prayer, we know that God’s sense of timing is not what ours is, and our prayers are answered whenever the time is right. That’s the wisdom of our Lord; He knows what is best for everyone.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I put my faith and trust in you. My prayers continue, and with your perfect sense of timing, you will answer my prayers according to your perfect will. I know this because you, O sovereign God, have a kingdom which lasts forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 30 Devotion
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:22-23)
Our faith in God through knowing Jesus gives us the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and we are ready to face the future unafraid and with the utmost confidence.
We are granted a new life in Christ, and it is our job to honor the Lord, showing that we have a whole new perspective and have changed in our words, attitudes, and actions. Considering that we are made in God’s image, we should reflect the glory of God. Our new life is here, and we can be ready to move forward in a very positive way.
Prayer: Dear Lord, although there are times when I find myself falling short, I know that the way of life you want for me is best. I pray that I may consistently walk in obedience, honoring you in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 29 Devotion
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)
In His infinite wisdom, God has provided a way of salvation through His son Jesus Christ. Jesus sacrificed once for all who are willing to put their faith in Him.
It’s that simple, but sometimes we are still in doubt, wondering if we are “good enough” to have a place in God’s kingdom, but that
should not be the question, because none of us are “good enough.” It is the power of Christ which saves us, and because God loves us so much, He made it so that we would not have to try to do the impossible, in other words, to work for our salvation. Again, Jesus did it all for us!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am unworthy, but I am also very thankful because you saved me. Help me to help others to understand the depths of your love for your creation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: September 29, 9:00 a.m.
September 28 Devotion
Referring to the holy and blameless nature of Jesus, the author of Hebrews says, “Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” (Hebrews 7:26-27)
Jesus is the high priest who we can rely on. We do not have to look to other priests, as in Old Testament times, who were not like Jesus at all. Now we have the Savior of the world, and nothing can separate us from the love He has for us. He wants us to move on with our lives, and because of His sacrifice, all we need to do is confess our sins, repent, and claim His forgiveness, and it will be granted. There is no one but our true God who could come up with such a divine and wonderful plan. As far as I’m concerned, this plan is nothing short of excellent!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for dwelling among us and making the great sacrifice so many years ago. You are the one who makes such a big difference in my life and the lives of many others, and we give you all of the praise! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 27 Devotion
“By this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12)
It’s great to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Nobody who receives this free gift can argue with that. The author of Hebrews is telling us that there comes a time when you go above and beyond the basics of God’s word, and you can give yourself a chance to mature in the faith. This is not only beneficial, but necessary because the troubles of this world will not cease, and we need to put on the full “armor” of God in order to combat against it. Let’s look at ways to grow and learn in character and spirit.
Spiritual maturity comes not merely by hearing God’s Word, but by putting it into practice. As we obey God and He transforms our character into the likeness of His own, our spiritual discernment grows stronger. We think more like He does. We hear Him more clearly, we increasingly obey the promptings of His Spirit, and we are progressively more able to make decisions that honor Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to move forward in my faith more than ever. Teach me your ways, O God, and help me to find rest and refuge at all times, through knowing you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 26 Devotion
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)
It might be easy to perceive God as someone who looks down on us, finds fault and punishes us for everything we do wrong, but that is only perception, and not a reality. God is so much more to us.
Rest assured, we have a God who understands us through and through. Too often, it seems, we find ourselves falling short of God’s glory because the weakness of our human nature causes us to sin, but as we approach the throne of grace, you can be assured of God’s forgiveness and we are given the opportunity to move on, learning from our past mistakes and sins. We have a God who cares about every aspect of our lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for being a God of grace and mercy, for understanding us, and giving us a chance to make the most of this gift of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 25 Devotion
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
The word of God has a way of giving us a direct message, telling us whether or not we are on the right path. For the believer in Christ, it can and should be taken seriously. It compels us to change our hearts and minds when we know that we’ve done wrong. For the nonbeliever, consider what it says. I think you will find some truth in it.
I am thankful for the word of God because of this. It helps me to make any “course corrections” as necessary. When my actions and motives are less than pure, God’s word has a way of pointing that out to me. I am also thankful for the joy it puts in my heart, because it supplies such a great amount of wisdom for me to follow. It’s just a great source for us to experience the abundant life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, your word is meaningful and powerful. Thank you for pointing out your truth to me at all times, helping me to stay on the path which leads to life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 24 Devotion
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3:12-14)
One way that we can pray for each other is that we all keep ourselves focused on the cross of Christ, and despite the enticements of the world, we should all keep the faith. In addition to that, the way that life sometimes treats us unfairly has the potential to sour our relationship with God, possibly to the point of turning away from our faith completely. We don’t want that to happen. Therefore, we should encourage each other and pray for each other continually, and let each other know that you are praying for them. We need the Lord, and what a difference it is when we keep the faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to encourage them as much as possible, and to let them know they are in my prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 23 Devotion
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18)
We have a God who relates to us in every way. Jesus knows what it feels like to be tempted. He understands our weaknesses, pains, insecurities, and fears, and He wants to help us break free from them and from the unforgiveness we feel towards ourselves. We can never say to Him, “You don’t know what it’s like to be me,” because He does. In fact, we know less of the pain of temptation than He does because He never gave in to it.
This had been planned from the beginning. The infinite wisdom of God put a plan in place to have His only Son born into this world at the right time and in the right place. And at the proper time, He gave Himself up for us on the cross so that we can have our sins forgiven. Only the one true God could come up with a plan like this, and He continues to work in our lives to this day!
Prayer: Dear Lord, your amazing story speaks for itself. I am convinced that your love and faithfulness will never end, because your holy and blameless character has endured through the generations. Thank you for all that you mean to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 22 Devotion
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)
God made Himself known through Jesus, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. He was the one perfect human being, and through Him, all things were made. Jesus did it all for us, and when we ask Him into our lives, we too become heirs of the Kingdom of God.
This is the message for all to hear and receive–God loves you and wants to be in your life, giving you guidance and most of all giving you His love. This offer of salvation and eternal life is free with no strings attached for those who seek the Lord. We just have to willingly and joyfully accept it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for those who are searching, looking for answers. Help them to know that you are the answer, and to know that you are right within their grasp. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: September 22, 9:00 a.m.
September 21 Devotion
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.” (Philemon 4)
In his letter to Philemon, Paul remembers the love and faithfulness of his fellow worker. Philemon’s Christian life was a continual cause for thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed. It is good to know when any of our brothers and sisters in Christ exemplify love and faithfulness.
This is the goal in our discipleship process, having one person at a time to not only profess a faith in Christ but to live it in their daily lives, in the church as well as elsewhere. The more we exemplify our faith and love, the better witness we are to those who may be outside of the faith but are observing our lifestyle. Can they see the love of Jesus in each of us? If so, this could be a huge factor in getting them to realize and accept what our faith is all about. May God guide all of us as we live out our faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be a good example of a complete life of faith. Help others to see the truth behind your message of love for your creation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 20 Devotion
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7)
We can truly appreciate the way that God transforms our lives. He can change a negative, hardened heart into one that looks forward to each day with love as the driving factor in all that we do. This can only be achieved through the healing and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit.
I can say this from the perspective of an undeserving soul, but by the grace of God, He gave me a new beginning and has blessed me with much. In an attitude of thankfulness, I intend to give God the honor and glory!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I cannot repay you for all the good things you have done for me, but I want to thank you for the blessings of this life and the promise of eternal life. You have put an undeniable joy in my heart and I want to share that joy with the world! Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 19 Devotion
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)
When we come to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we get a whole new attitude. Our rebelliousness has diminished and we realize the futility of the actions of our old life. We get knowledge of the goodness that God provides and appreciate every aspect of it.
This is the way it was meant to be, to live according to God’s precepts. This is beneficial, not just for us, but for our personal witness of God’s saving grace, which invites the world to see how powerfully the Lord works in our lives.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the wonderful changes you have made within. Help me to be a powerful witness of your saving grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 18 Devotion
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Paul made this remark toward the end of his life. He felt that he gave a wholehearted effort toward doing all he could in serving the Lord and being an effective witness for Him. Based on the effort he put forth, he could look back with a great deal of satisfaction.
The Lord gives us meaning and purpose way beyond what the world might offer. We are here for a reason: “To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39) But He not only granted us this life, but the promise of the life to come, if only we put our trust in Him: “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) He has made our lives complete!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that you have done for us and continue to do. I have faith in you and trust you each day, knowing you are always watching over me. I know how much you love me and have given me the heart to love others. I look forward to today, tomorrow, and forever, because of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 17 Devotion
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:3-5)
I cannot help but think that this is exactly what is going on in today’s world. People are doing as they please, filling their sinful desires, and they don’t really give it a second thought. Paul warns us about this and Jesus also spoke about it. These events in our world can be troubling and discouraging.
I know this does not include everybody. There are plenty of us who believe in the goodness that is within God’s teachings and we really strive to adhere to it. This does not make us any better than anyone else, but it sure gives us much more fulfillment and peace within when we learn to observe God’s teachings and not change it to our own liking.
Without judging those who think differently, let’s pray for stability in our world, including a hard look at our values. We can’t let this go on, and the least we can do is pray about it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, if I am confused or judgmental, let me know, but I am seeing a world, or at least parts of it that has gotten out of control. Help me to be someone who leads people to a better way, your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 16 Devotion
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
As the inspired word of God, the Bible gives us so much to rely on, whether it is seeking answers, seeking the truth, or just looking for additional ways to give praise and thanks to our Creator for this life He has granted us.
From Genesis to Revelation, we are given the big picture in terms of Jesus Christ, of how He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Some parts of scripture are easy to understand, while some parts require additional study in order to see how it all fits in. You can study scripture for a lifetime and end up barely scratching the surface of all that it has to say to you! That’s how rich it is in content.
Even if we can’t get a total grasp on everything in the word of God, let’s make use of what we can, because the things God has to say to us in His word give us what we need as we live out our faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your most Holy Word. Help me to always give the proper response to your teachings and apply them to my life. Knowing you and the great wisdom you have is powerful and priceless! Thank you, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 15 Devotion
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
It is not inconceivable to envision a world that’s gone mad! We do not seem to be far off of this path right now. We can and should pray for things to turn around. There is hope for our present time, and it is right for all of us who claim the name of Jesus to pray for this present time and to be God’s representatives, because we are the ones who can help everyone to see that the love of God covers a multitude of sins, and when others turn to Jesus, that is the best thing that can happen to them. We don’t know what the immediate future holds, but as we exert our faith and influence, it won’t hurt a bit, and Lord willing, it can help!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be the voice of calm and reason in a world of despair. Give us hope and all of those around us the hope they need in a risen Savior who has truly overcome the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: September 15, 9:00 a.m.
September 14 Devotion
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:22-24)
I have discovered that if we are truly obedient to the Lord and strive to follow in His steps each day, it makes life a lot simpler. We get rid of the foolishness which consumes our precious time. Instead of being quick to judge people, we allow the love in our hearts to prevail in our relationships. I have to believe this is the way God intended for us to live; anything else falls short and causes unnecessary stress. We don’t need that!
Prayer: Dear Lord, allow me to live as you lived–free from sin and love for all people. I know this is what serves everyone, including you, in the most effective way, so remind me often of the advantages of the way of life that you have provided. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 13 Devotion
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
While we don’t earn our way to heaven, it is good when we strive to honor God in all that we do, and look towards gaining some maturity in our faith, setting the example for all to know and see. This includes remaining humble and confessing our sins when we falter.
The word of God is our reliable source, and it reveals the truth and helps us to “weed out” other teachings which run quite contrary to our beliefs. As we utilize God’s wisdom, we begin to see quite clearly how much everyone needs the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for the lost and seeking, in hopes that they may see the need for a Savior, for the benefit of your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 12 Devotion
“Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless,
he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13)
As Paul reminds Timothy of the grace of our Lord, he relates this statement concerning how God remains constant. He will not change, and His love for us will never change. Our God remains faithful to us. This is something to keep in mind when we feel that life has been unfair. It’s probable that we are not the only ones who feel that they have been treated unfairly. While feeling the effects of injustice and unfairness may hurt us, we can still find peace and solace in our relationship with God. Then we will find strength to face another day. Our challenges continue, but we have the support of an Almighty God to sustain us!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being here for me. You are my strength and you are the one who sees me through good times and hard times. I am so glad to have you in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 11 Devotion
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
For the gospel of our Lord to spread, it is necessary to remember the great things He has done for us. We joyfully accept the grace that has been extended to us, and now, as part of making disciples, we should carry on the message of the gospel. If we miss out on doing that, we risk having an entire generation of people who do not know the good news of Jesus Christ, and what a tragedy that would be.
But God’s grace continues. Starting now, help others to know the truth of the gospel, and encourage them to invite others to church and to be a part of the faith community. The possibilities are endless. Changed lives are something to celebrate. Everyone needs the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to accept the grace which has been freely given, and prompt us to encourage others to do the same. We know that the world needs you, so help us to boldly claim your name. Amen.
September 10 Devotion
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)
The saving grace of our Lord is quite evident. When we hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to it, His power and grace take over. Our eyes are opened to our sins, and we see the need to change our way of life in which we please God and in reality, we are doing ourselves a favor. That is because we are no longer slaves to sin, but free to live according to God’s precepts, which are all good. In the past, we may have gone along with the crowd in their thinking, but now we see the foolishness in following those who have no regard for a wholesome, virtuous, and honest life. Thanks be to God for opening our eyes to the truth!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for helping me to see the truth of your teachings and for helping me to change my way of life. Help me to help others to understand the impact you make on our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 9 Devotion
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When we ask the Lord into our life, the Holy Spirit empowers us. It gives us a boost unlike anything else and enables us to go beyond our comfort zone.
This “power” that Paul speaks of gives us strength and resilience to face challenges and to not back down. We have a fight on our hands against the powers of this world, which would like to bring us down to their standards, and if we do, that would be a mistake on our part. Fortunately, we have God on our side and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we do not have to yield to temptation. We have victory through Christ.
The Spirit also gives us the love of God within, a love which goes way beyond love as defined by the world. It is easy to love those who love us, but we discover that we can even love our enemies. Perhaps another way to define that is “those who don’t love us,” or “the unlovable.” Why would we want to love those people? Because it shows them how much God loves them and wants them to join with Him in the kingdom of God. What a joyous time that will be! With God, the possibilities for some good changes are limitless.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have shown how much you love me not only because you have forgiven my sins, but you continue to reveal your Almighty power and love in ways that I have not imagined. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 8 Devotion
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
Paul basically raised Timothy in the faith. In the process, he urged Timothy to reject all kinds of evil. The evils he spoke of would run very contrary to his faith. Timothy was to accept a higher calling, having a Christlike attitude combined with actions which would complement his attitude.
We should also take on a similar higher calling, shunning evil at every opportunity and putting on the mind of Christ. Seeking righteousness is the first order of business. This will help us to have the reputation of being a good witness for Christ, enabling others to see how fruitful our lives can be when we make a decision for Christ. Then the message of the Gospel will spread even more effectively, creating a revival in the faith in our communities. This is so much of what the world needs.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the righteousness that you instill in the hearts and minds of believers. Help us to be bold witnesses for our faith, so that the world knows of a living God who wants to be with us forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: September 8, 9:00 a.m.
September 7 Devotion
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
The love of money, not money itself, is the root of all evil. If we have much but still want more, particularly for ourselves, we could become obsessed with the wrong desire. If we have little and feel that having more will solve all of our problems, we are putting too much value on money itself.
Being content by counting our blessings has its advantages. We do not have to always be in want. God accepts us as we are; our economic status is not a factor. We are blessed and we are loved. Isn’t that what really matters?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that I have, not in terms of possessions, but in knowing how much you love me and want me to thrive as one of your children. It is a great honor to be part of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 6 Devotion
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
If we are not careful, it is easy to be misled by those who would want to deceive us. Some would lead us to believe there is a better way of life and salvation than putting our faith in Jesus. Some would call us foolish for believing in God, but we know better. We know who is “the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
We also know that life in Christ has no guarantee of being easy. We are not exempt from hardships. However, we have the satisfaction of knowing the truth and knowing God, whose wisdom far exceeds that of any human. Knowing God gives us the inner peace and strength which is needed to cope in a world which tries to confuse us. We can place our confidence in the One who meets all of our needs!
Prayer: Dear Lord, I worship you and you alone. I pray for those who have been misled and confused, so that their eyes may be opened to the truth and a secure place for eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 5 Devotion
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Yes, we need to pray for everyone, including those who are in authority. Our hope and prayers are that our leaders should make those wise, godly decisions, which is so very important. Those decisions will affect all of us. The goal here is for everyone to live in ways which are pleasing to God and ultimately beneficial for us. This would fulfill the request made in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Our faith is not that complicated. It’s just putting forth a commitment to our Lord, and striving to live in the ways God intended for all of us, which, in turn, gives us a perfect peace within.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I truly appreciate this gift of life. I do not want to take it for granted, but to value each day as a gift from you, and another opportunity to love you and to love my neighbor. Grant me the ability to not only observe your teachings, but to carry them out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 4 Devotion
“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 1:14)
Paul described himself as the “worst of sinners” prior to his conversion to Christ, but he ended up being a strong witness for the Lord and a grateful recipient of God’s grace. God had a plan for Paul all along, and when the time was right, Paul was convinced of his need for the Lord.
We all have our own story of what it was like prior to knowing Jesus. Our stories can range from feeling like Paul felt, to just having a void in your life that needed to be filled. In my case, I needed to know life had meaning and purpose, and there were enough good things to look forward to, and I realized that God was behind all of the good things. I didn’t know exactly what those plans were, but I ended up not being afraid of the future when I put my trust in the Lord.
Even though life is short, God gives us the incentive to make the most of each day, whether at work, rest, or play. (hopefully a combination of these!) We have the additional bonus of going from being conformed to the world to being transformed through the love of God. Our transformation into being more like Jesus makes it all worthwhile.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you have given me the ability to look forward to each day, not because everything is perfect and going my way, but because I have the opportunity to live a life of love in the same way you did for us. Let each of us never forget the sacrifice you made for us and for it to move us on your righteous path each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 3 Devotion
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
As Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples for the transformation of the world, Paul reminds us that the emphasis on our task is love, God’s love expressed to people in the same way Jesus would. In addition to this, reminding ourselves of how blessed we are, because we are the recipients of God’s grace. We are in good standing with our God because He has forgiven our sins, and for that we are forever thankful. And let us never forget the significance of our faith–the difference it has made for you and me and the promises for the future, and we can have full confidence in knowing that those promises will be kept.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us a purpose and so much to look forward to. Help us to remain strong in our faith, knowing that you are always there to guide us with your strong, steady hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
September 2 Devotion
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
In his final instructions to the church at Thessalonica, Paul commends the faith they have possessed and gives them hope for the future. He just asks that their hearts would always be in the right place, and in order to do that, they should (1) always display God’s love and (2) always have the ability to persevere in all circumstances.
This is a winning formula for us, as well. When God’s love remains within, we cannot go wrong in our relationships with anybody, including believers and nonbelievers. Our reputation can remain strong if we exemplify love in the true sense of the word.
If we persevere as a strong person of faith, it is because we have relied on the proper source to help carry us through. If we just see how Jesus persevered through so much, it can give us the incentive to carry on despite our troubles.
This journey of faith we are on is challenging, but with the Lord’s help, we will have victory in Jesus!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being here with me. You have supplied my needs, and I am confident of your continual love, support, and guidance, now and in the future. Praise your most holy name! Amen.
September 1 Devotion
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17)
We are urged to stand firm in our faith. This world has too many things to distract and discourage us. We need a strong foundation, and if we are consistent and loyal in prayer, worship, and being open to learning and growing in faith and character, we stand a good chance of overcoming all of the obstacles to our faith.
God loves you and wants you to remain close to Him. We can find peace in those moments of solitude as we come before the Lord, praising Him and making our requests made known. It is good to have the Lord to lean on in good times and hard times. We were meant to be in relationship with Him, because then we will surely be guided in the right direction.
Prayer: Dear Lord, what a joy it is to have you in my life. I depend on you, and I am not ashamed to say it, because you have walked with me every step of the way and continue to do so. Thank you for being the Lord of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday Worship Service: September 1, 9:00 a.m.
YouTube Video Worth Watching