December 1
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” (John 11:25–26, ESV)
There comes a time in every person’s life when you will need to make a choice about what you believe to be true. These beliefs will come out in faith statements, statements about what you honestly believe about life. Some people make these faith statements when they are young. Many children have no problem conceiving of God, angels, heaven or hell. However, many other people hesitate making faith statements out of fear they could be wrong. They hold onto what they “know” or have been taught. They place their hope in what is provable, not what is right or true. Sadly, many don’t make real faith statements until they are dying. Then, they make faith statements out of fear or desperation, not out of true belief or trust in God. A true Christian is one who makes a trustworthy faith statement about God in Christ with no reservations. He or she does not speak out of fear or as a wish, but in full trust that God will hear and act on that belief.
In our scripture for today, Jesus asks Martha to make a faith statement. The moment was captured when Jesus said to her, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). To answer, Martha had to decide about what she believed to be true. The moment for a faith-choice came after her brother Lazarus’ death. Jesus came to be with Mary and Martha as they grieved for their brother, Lazarus. On that day, when confronted by death, Jesus wanted Martha to take a stand. He asked Martha what she believed about Him. He first claimed, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25). This teaching by Jesus explained His view of life and death. His words explained the possibility of both resurrection and eternal life. Before Jesus healed Lazarus, he put the question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). Sometimes, before God does a powerful work, there will be a moment when God will want you to take a stand, to show what you believe. Answering Jesus, Martha had to make a statement of faith. Was she going to believe in Jesus and resurrection and God's power over life and death? Or was she not?
Faith statements put into words what you believe. They force you to make a choice about faith and trust in God. The faith statement in the Apostle’s Creed states, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth…” To state these words out loud is a way to make a faith statement, a statement about what you believe. When Jesus came to Martha’s home, she was making all kinds of decisions about her brother’s death. What she didn’t know was that in that moment Jesus also wanted her to make a faith statement. Before Jesus would act, He needed to know if Martha really believed in resurrection. He needed to hear Martha say that she believed in Him. Sometimes, before God will do some special work or power in your life, God will want to hear from your lips if you truly believe in Him. God will desire your faith statement. By so doing, you will have to choose whether to believe or not. You will have to take a stand. Will you side with God and resurrection and Jesus and hope? Or will you trust in rationality, human reason, human presumptions, human understandings, and human traditions? Will you side with God?
People make faith statements all the time. Some make these statements based on human reason and human understandings. To say, “I believe the sun will come up tomorrow” is probably based not on God’s power to make the sun rise in the sky, but more so in a belief based on the scientific theories of gravity and planetary motion, physics or repetition. If Martha would have made a faith statement about Jesus based on scientific facts, she would have said that her brother could not come back to life; that science disproves how a person who is dead can breathe again. However, Martha instead made a statement of belief giving respect to Jesus. She didn’t put her hope in science, but in the Son of God. She responded to Jesus’ query with the statement, “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (John 11:27). A few moments later, Jesus healed her brother (John 11:44).
Sometimes, Jesus needs to hear from your lips what you believe to be true. God needs a faith statement from you. Are you going to believe in what you see with your eyes only? Are you placing your hope in scientific facts and judgments alone? Do you trust in divine power? What do you believe in this moment? What do you doubt? A very few select and special people are willing to put their faith in God. They are willing to go on record, to take a stand. They may believe in science and other things, but ultimately, they believe in Jesus. When push comes to shove, they stand on the side of God.
If God asked you today, “Do you believe?”, how might you respond? If Jesus asked you publicly if you believed, would you stand firm in your faith in Him? Would you say, “yes”, in order to be agreeable? Would you believe with your whole heart? If you were put on trial for your belief in Jesus, would your faith be evident? Sometimes, before God does any great work in your life, God will want to see where you stand. Jesus will want to hear a statement of your faith in Him.
In our scripture for today, Jesus asks Martha to make a faith statement. The moment was captured when Jesus said to her, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). To answer, Martha had to decide about what she believed to be true. The moment for a faith-choice came after her brother Lazarus’ death. Jesus came to be with Mary and Martha as they grieved for their brother, Lazarus. On that day, when confronted by death, Jesus wanted Martha to take a stand. He asked Martha what she believed about Him. He first claimed, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (John 11:25). This teaching by Jesus explained His view of life and death. His words explained the possibility of both resurrection and eternal life. Before Jesus healed Lazarus, he put the question to Martha, “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). Sometimes, before God does a powerful work, there will be a moment when God will want you to take a stand, to show what you believe. Answering Jesus, Martha had to make a statement of faith. Was she going to believe in Jesus and resurrection and God's power over life and death? Or was she not?
Faith statements put into words what you believe. They force you to make a choice about faith and trust in God. The faith statement in the Apostle’s Creed states, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth…” To state these words out loud is a way to make a faith statement, a statement about what you believe. When Jesus came to Martha’s home, she was making all kinds of decisions about her brother’s death. What she didn’t know was that in that moment Jesus also wanted her to make a faith statement. Before Jesus would act, He needed to know if Martha really believed in resurrection. He needed to hear Martha say that she believed in Him. Sometimes, before God will do some special work or power in your life, God will want to hear from your lips if you truly believe in Him. God will desire your faith statement. By so doing, you will have to choose whether to believe or not. You will have to take a stand. Will you side with God and resurrection and Jesus and hope? Or will you trust in rationality, human reason, human presumptions, human understandings, and human traditions? Will you side with God?
People make faith statements all the time. Some make these statements based on human reason and human understandings. To say, “I believe the sun will come up tomorrow” is probably based not on God’s power to make the sun rise in the sky, but more so in a belief based on the scientific theories of gravity and planetary motion, physics or repetition. If Martha would have made a faith statement about Jesus based on scientific facts, she would have said that her brother could not come back to life; that science disproves how a person who is dead can breathe again. However, Martha instead made a statement of belief giving respect to Jesus. She didn’t put her hope in science, but in the Son of God. She responded to Jesus’ query with the statement, “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God.” (John 11:27). A few moments later, Jesus healed her brother (John 11:44).
Sometimes, Jesus needs to hear from your lips what you believe to be true. God needs a faith statement from you. Are you going to believe in what you see with your eyes only? Are you placing your hope in scientific facts and judgments alone? Do you trust in divine power? What do you believe in this moment? What do you doubt? A very few select and special people are willing to put their faith in God. They are willing to go on record, to take a stand. They may believe in science and other things, but ultimately, they believe in Jesus. When push comes to shove, they stand on the side of God.
If God asked you today, “Do you believe?”, how might you respond? If Jesus asked you publicly if you believed, would you stand firm in your faith in Him? Would you say, “yes”, in order to be agreeable? Would you believe with your whole heart? If you were put on trial for your belief in Jesus, would your faith be evident? Sometimes, before God does any great work in your life, God will want to see where you stand. Jesus will want to hear a statement of your faith in Him.
December 4
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV84)
(1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV84)
In a discussion of how to live faithfully, the Apostle Paul explored in 1 Corinthians 10 how to do God's will. He attempted to teach the Corinthian Church how to best follow God’s will in making choices in life. Near the end of the discussion, Paul wrote the scripture above. He intended these words to help guide Christians when scripture is not specific about how to follow God. Paul wrote that “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God….”(1 Corinthians 10:31). With these words, Paul was hoping that when making decisions, the faithful in Corinth would decide each case by seeking first and foremost to do God’s will. If the choices you make are for God’s glory first, then whatever you do will most likely be right in the eyes of God. There are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part these words are helpful in determining right from wrong in your life.
Many years ago, Mary came to me seeking advice. She was haunted by something she did in her past and asked what she might do to work through it. When in her teens, Mary stole several hundred dollars from her grandmother over a few months. She knew if she stole it over a longer period, her grandmother might not notice. Mary was correct. She used the money to buy herself some new clothes and a prom dress. Ten years later, Mary was born again. She dedicated herself to God and was re-baptized in a Baptist Church. However, as she prayed, she felt God wanting her to atone for a few sins from her past. The one biggest thing holding her back from feeling right with God was the money she stole from her grandmother. Her grandmother had died a few years before her spiritual awakening. How could she make things right? She couldn’t just go to her grandmother and confess and pay back the money! Both grandparents were deceased. What was she to do?
There is no straightforward scripture in the Bible that tells how to make this sin right before God. However, Mary couldn’t just ignore what God was telling her to do. After some soul-searching, she came to see me. Over a month, we worked out a plan. Using the scripture above, we figured that Mary needed to atone for her sin with her grandmother by not simply confessing the sin. God wanted her to go one more step to make things right. After some prayer and a period of repentance, Mary and I found what she could do “for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Mary's grandmother often gave to a mission overseas. That mission cared for orphaned children. Mary decided to send a check to that mission for the exact amount of money she stole. In so doing, she felt that her repayment to her grandmother would go where God needed it most. Throughout this whole endeavor, Mary repented of her sin, confessed her sin to me, and repaid what she had stolen from her grandmother. Mary wasn’t being legalistic about her repentance. She just needed to make things right. And she did. Over the following weeks and months, I could tell that the weight of her past sin had ceased entirely. By making everything right “for the glory of God,” Mary found healing from her past mistake.
I am not suggesting by this true story that you should be legalistic in making things right or that you can pay back some money and be forgiven for you sins! No way! I’m just saying that when you come to a situation in your life where the right direction is unclear, sometimes it helps most just to do whatever will bring God the glory. Don’t make things right by ignoring your responsibilities. Don’t choose the path of least resistance. Don’t become legalistic in your spiritual endeavors. Do all for the glory of God!
When you worship, do you do it for God’s glory? When you celebrate Christmas, does God benefit most? Throughout your life, doing what is best for the glory of God may not always benefit you right away. The results might come later. You might not even see them until you face God on Judgment Day. Still, making choices for the glory of God holds great promise.
What can you do today for the glory of God? Is there something God wants done in your life for HIS benefit? How might God be blessed today by your work? Think on it.
Many years ago, Mary came to me seeking advice. She was haunted by something she did in her past and asked what she might do to work through it. When in her teens, Mary stole several hundred dollars from her grandmother over a few months. She knew if she stole it over a longer period, her grandmother might not notice. Mary was correct. She used the money to buy herself some new clothes and a prom dress. Ten years later, Mary was born again. She dedicated herself to God and was re-baptized in a Baptist Church. However, as she prayed, she felt God wanting her to atone for a few sins from her past. The one biggest thing holding her back from feeling right with God was the money she stole from her grandmother. Her grandmother had died a few years before her spiritual awakening. How could she make things right? She couldn’t just go to her grandmother and confess and pay back the money! Both grandparents were deceased. What was she to do?
There is no straightforward scripture in the Bible that tells how to make this sin right before God. However, Mary couldn’t just ignore what God was telling her to do. After some soul-searching, she came to see me. Over a month, we worked out a plan. Using the scripture above, we figured that Mary needed to atone for her sin with her grandmother by not simply confessing the sin. God wanted her to go one more step to make things right. After some prayer and a period of repentance, Mary and I found what she could do “for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Mary's grandmother often gave to a mission overseas. That mission cared for orphaned children. Mary decided to send a check to that mission for the exact amount of money she stole. In so doing, she felt that her repayment to her grandmother would go where God needed it most. Throughout this whole endeavor, Mary repented of her sin, confessed her sin to me, and repaid what she had stolen from her grandmother. Mary wasn’t being legalistic about her repentance. She just needed to make things right. And she did. Over the following weeks and months, I could tell that the weight of her past sin had ceased entirely. By making everything right “for the glory of God,” Mary found healing from her past mistake.
I am not suggesting by this true story that you should be legalistic in making things right or that you can pay back some money and be forgiven for you sins! No way! I’m just saying that when you come to a situation in your life where the right direction is unclear, sometimes it helps most just to do whatever will bring God the glory. Don’t make things right by ignoring your responsibilities. Don’t choose the path of least resistance. Don’t become legalistic in your spiritual endeavors. Do all for the glory of God!
When you worship, do you do it for God’s glory? When you celebrate Christmas, does God benefit most? Throughout your life, doing what is best for the glory of God may not always benefit you right away. The results might come later. You might not even see them until you face God on Judgment Day. Still, making choices for the glory of God holds great promise.
What can you do today for the glory of God? Is there something God wants done in your life for HIS benefit? How might God be blessed today by your work? Think on it.
December 6
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT)
I don’t think many people really understand God’s love for them. I’ve seen people in worship who had tears that flowed non-stop at the thought of past mistakes. I’ve seen children who were afraid to be alone in the sanctuary, because of a fear of God’s power or judgment. While looking over the congregation, there have been those who hid in the back of the church, not wishing to be seen worshiping our Lord. I’ve seen people who refused communion, because they felt themselves forever unworthy of grace. Don’t let yourself ever get too far away from the loving arms of your God.
God is excited about having YOU in HIS fold. God desires to speak with you in prayer. Our God wants you to rejoice when in HIS sanctuary, feel blessed in HIS midst, to enjoy singing hymns, and to celebrate HIS presence in your life. When you are in a relationship with God, you should not always be found in with a scowl or a mean look, with angry thoughts and a jealous demeanor. If you are right with God, joy should be a part of your day. Spiritual happiness should be in your thoughts constantly. God’s grace should warm your heart. God’s voice should calm you, not cause fear.
Max Lucado wrote the following words: “God is for you. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you. God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there’s a tree in heaven, he’s carved your name in the bark” (P. 367, Grace for the Moment). Do you not realize how much God desires your presence in His day, your voice in a prayer, your place at His table?
Jeff was a child with disabilities. He couldn’t walk, run, or play in a “normal” fashion because of his physical limitations. For years, he watched from the stands while his big brother played baseball. He enjoyed the game and all the cheering. His mother knew that he greatly desired to play baseball like others his age.
After a few years of watching from the sidelines, Jeff was old enough to play on a special Little League for youth with disabilities. When he received his uniform, he couldn't wait to get home to put it on. When he raced out from his bedroom, fully suited up, he announced to his mother, "Mom, now I'm a real boy!" She didn’t have the heart to tell him again that he had always been a beautiful boy. She didn’t want to wreck his moment. He was so happy! (Charlene Mattson, “Focus on the Family”, April 1993, p. 13)
There are many Christians who think like Jeff. They somehow feel less than wonderful in the eyes of God. They might not think they are “good enough” for God. They may not think they are valuable to God’s plan. Their hearts usually are filled with remorse and regret. Their minds are often full of self-doubt, insecurity, or self-hatred. To be a true Christian, one must get past a negative view of one’s self. You must see yourself from God’s perspective. Before you accepted Christ, you may have made some big mistakes or been hard to live with. However, once you made a commitment to God and started living like it, God has rejoiced greatly in your change. You are precious to God. Your life is seriously important to our Lord. When you are right with God, there is no need for self-deprecation and self-loathing. Jesus died for you! Will you please respond with joy for that great gift?
I’ve been in worship services that sounded more like funerals than celebrations of loving joy. I’ve heard people in churches who were more adept at heaping criticism than imparting spiritual joy. You must be different. A love in Christ should shine upon your face, fill your heart, and make your soul leap for joy (remember how John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb at the news of Jesus’ impending birth? (Luke 1:41))!
This month take the time to let joy sink into that soul of yours. Let go of any negativity when in God’s presence. Allow yourself to feel God’s love and joy. God didn’t call you to be in His fold for you to be miserable all the time. When you make things right with God, there should be an ever-present joy in you. Don’t allow that beautiful, warm, heavenly joy to disappear from your days. Jesus’ life and death are worth more than that!
God is excited about having YOU in HIS fold. God desires to speak with you in prayer. Our God wants you to rejoice when in HIS sanctuary, feel blessed in HIS midst, to enjoy singing hymns, and to celebrate HIS presence in your life. When you are in a relationship with God, you should not always be found in with a scowl or a mean look, with angry thoughts and a jealous demeanor. If you are right with God, joy should be a part of your day. Spiritual happiness should be in your thoughts constantly. God’s grace should warm your heart. God’s voice should calm you, not cause fear.
Max Lucado wrote the following words: “God is for you. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you. God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there’s a tree in heaven, he’s carved your name in the bark” (P. 367, Grace for the Moment). Do you not realize how much God desires your presence in His day, your voice in a prayer, your place at His table?
Jeff was a child with disabilities. He couldn’t walk, run, or play in a “normal” fashion because of his physical limitations. For years, he watched from the stands while his big brother played baseball. He enjoyed the game and all the cheering. His mother knew that he greatly desired to play baseball like others his age.
After a few years of watching from the sidelines, Jeff was old enough to play on a special Little League for youth with disabilities. When he received his uniform, he couldn't wait to get home to put it on. When he raced out from his bedroom, fully suited up, he announced to his mother, "Mom, now I'm a real boy!" She didn’t have the heart to tell him again that he had always been a beautiful boy. She didn’t want to wreck his moment. He was so happy! (Charlene Mattson, “Focus on the Family”, April 1993, p. 13)
There are many Christians who think like Jeff. They somehow feel less than wonderful in the eyes of God. They might not think they are “good enough” for God. They may not think they are valuable to God’s plan. Their hearts usually are filled with remorse and regret. Their minds are often full of self-doubt, insecurity, or self-hatred. To be a true Christian, one must get past a negative view of one’s self. You must see yourself from God’s perspective. Before you accepted Christ, you may have made some big mistakes or been hard to live with. However, once you made a commitment to God and started living like it, God has rejoiced greatly in your change. You are precious to God. Your life is seriously important to our Lord. When you are right with God, there is no need for self-deprecation and self-loathing. Jesus died for you! Will you please respond with joy for that great gift?
I’ve been in worship services that sounded more like funerals than celebrations of loving joy. I’ve heard people in churches who were more adept at heaping criticism than imparting spiritual joy. You must be different. A love in Christ should shine upon your face, fill your heart, and make your soul leap for joy (remember how John the Baptist leaped in his mother’s womb at the news of Jesus’ impending birth? (Luke 1:41))!
This month take the time to let joy sink into that soul of yours. Let go of any negativity when in God’s presence. Allow yourself to feel God’s love and joy. God didn’t call you to be in His fold for you to be miserable all the time. When you make things right with God, there should be an ever-present joy in you. Don’t allow that beautiful, warm, heavenly joy to disappear from your days. Jesus’ life and death are worth more than that!
December 8
“Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”” (Genesis 24:26–27, NIV84)
When Abraham was getting old, he desired his son Isaac to be married. Abraham wanted to be sure that Isaac was settled down and had a family and future. In Genesis 24, Abraham explained a plan he had to secure a faithful wife for Isaac. He asked his servant not to seek a wife for his son out of the faithless Canaanites of the land (Genesis 24:3). Instead, the servant was to seek a wife for Isaac from among Abraham’s distant relatives (Genesis 24:4). By doing so, Abraham hoped that not only would Isaac have a suitable wife, he would have a wife who worshiped God.
Initially, the servant was not convinced he could complete the endeavor. He asked Abraham if a woman would even leave that land to travel back for Isaac (Genesis 24:5). Abraham explained to the servant that God had plans for Abraham’s sons, so God would want the search to succeed. With these words, the servant was persuaded. He promised to complete the arduous task, traveling to a distant land in search of an elusive wife and family (Genesis 24:9).
After a period of searching, the servant asked God for help. When in the general area of Abraham’s distant relatives, he happened upon a well. There, he asked God for a sign. He wanted God to influence the search by showing him a woman who would be helpful in giving water to the servant and the camels he had traveled upon (Genesis 24:14). Not long after, Rebekah did exactly that. Unselfishly, she offered to bring water for the traveler and his camels. The servant traveled to Rebekah’s home and there arranged for her to be brought to Isaac to be his wife. The scripture for today contain the servant’s words of praise and worship to God for helping him in this difficult task. He was awed by God’s “kindness and faithfulness” to Abraham (Genesis 24:26). He knew for certain that God’s faithfulness was also upon him. He knew without a doubt that “the Lord had led him on the journey” and helped him along the way to a perfect conclusion (Genesis 24:27).
I want to focus on two very important themes in the passage for today. First, the servant gave thanks in prayer and praise and worship for God’s help in his difficult task. He believed that God deserved praise for watching over the journey. Second, the servant gave notice that God “led” him in that journey. God watched over and arranged for the servant to meet and notice Rebekah. When the servant didn’t know what to do, he prayed, asking God for direction. In the end, the servant could look back and see clearly God’s guiding hand.
How often do you notice God’s guiding hand leading you to places you need to go? Are you even aware of the special moments when God takes a personal interest in putting you at the right place at the right time?
While a pastor in Milwaukee, I felt this need to visit an older gentleman in the congregation. He was rather quiet and subdued about his own person life but was warm and friendly in other ways. I had a feeling he harbored some kind of pain in his past that haunted him. That day, I had felt the need to visit him. While praying, I just felt like God was pushing me in his direction. I complied. I called and stopped over by his home. There, we talked for a few minutes about general happenings in the church, when I noticed him holding back tears. I had never seen this before, so I asked him what was wrong. Though wanting to hold back, he told me about a flashback he kept having from World War Two. He was stationed in Europe. One morning, he was ordered to visit an officer. On the way, he saw four of his best friends in a foxhole and stopped to chat with them for a few moments. He went on his way and saw the officer and received orders. On the way back to his station, he passed by his friends. Their foxhole had just been shelled and all were dead. They had been hit with an artillery shell and their body parts were scattered in the snow. As the man spoke, his tears came more and more frequently. Then, finally, he said, “It’s just not fair that I lived, and they died that day. Life is so mixed up sometimes. If I would have been there just five minutes later, I would have been killed with them and I would never have had my family. I sometimes wonder about that.”
It was survivor’s guilt. As we talked further, I mentioned to him that he was still living because God had moved him on to see the officer. I believed that God had a hand in his survival that day. God still had a hand in his life. During the next half hour, we talked about all the times from that day forward that he felt God’s hand in his life, leading him. When I left an hour and a half later, the man was smiling again. I never again saw a haunted look upon his face. Seeing God’s guiding hand in his life caused him to have praise not sadness, hope not fear, peace not chaos in his soul.
I believe with all my heart that every person will experience God’s guiding hand in life. I believe God leads us in ways we sometimes can even sense openly. The servant in today’s scripture had much praise and joy for the obvious guidance of God’s heavenly hand. I hope you also are filled with praise and joy for the times you can be certain that God arranged things for your benefit or safety or His purpose.
Initially, the servant was not convinced he could complete the endeavor. He asked Abraham if a woman would even leave that land to travel back for Isaac (Genesis 24:5). Abraham explained to the servant that God had plans for Abraham’s sons, so God would want the search to succeed. With these words, the servant was persuaded. He promised to complete the arduous task, traveling to a distant land in search of an elusive wife and family (Genesis 24:9).
After a period of searching, the servant asked God for help. When in the general area of Abraham’s distant relatives, he happened upon a well. There, he asked God for a sign. He wanted God to influence the search by showing him a woman who would be helpful in giving water to the servant and the camels he had traveled upon (Genesis 24:14). Not long after, Rebekah did exactly that. Unselfishly, she offered to bring water for the traveler and his camels. The servant traveled to Rebekah’s home and there arranged for her to be brought to Isaac to be his wife. The scripture for today contain the servant’s words of praise and worship to God for helping him in this difficult task. He was awed by God’s “kindness and faithfulness” to Abraham (Genesis 24:26). He knew for certain that God’s faithfulness was also upon him. He knew without a doubt that “the Lord had led him on the journey” and helped him along the way to a perfect conclusion (Genesis 24:27).
I want to focus on two very important themes in the passage for today. First, the servant gave thanks in prayer and praise and worship for God’s help in his difficult task. He believed that God deserved praise for watching over the journey. Second, the servant gave notice that God “led” him in that journey. God watched over and arranged for the servant to meet and notice Rebekah. When the servant didn’t know what to do, he prayed, asking God for direction. In the end, the servant could look back and see clearly God’s guiding hand.
How often do you notice God’s guiding hand leading you to places you need to go? Are you even aware of the special moments when God takes a personal interest in putting you at the right place at the right time?
While a pastor in Milwaukee, I felt this need to visit an older gentleman in the congregation. He was rather quiet and subdued about his own person life but was warm and friendly in other ways. I had a feeling he harbored some kind of pain in his past that haunted him. That day, I had felt the need to visit him. While praying, I just felt like God was pushing me in his direction. I complied. I called and stopped over by his home. There, we talked for a few minutes about general happenings in the church, when I noticed him holding back tears. I had never seen this before, so I asked him what was wrong. Though wanting to hold back, he told me about a flashback he kept having from World War Two. He was stationed in Europe. One morning, he was ordered to visit an officer. On the way, he saw four of his best friends in a foxhole and stopped to chat with them for a few moments. He went on his way and saw the officer and received orders. On the way back to his station, he passed by his friends. Their foxhole had just been shelled and all were dead. They had been hit with an artillery shell and their body parts were scattered in the snow. As the man spoke, his tears came more and more frequently. Then, finally, he said, “It’s just not fair that I lived, and they died that day. Life is so mixed up sometimes. If I would have been there just five minutes later, I would have been killed with them and I would never have had my family. I sometimes wonder about that.”
It was survivor’s guilt. As we talked further, I mentioned to him that he was still living because God had moved him on to see the officer. I believed that God had a hand in his survival that day. God still had a hand in his life. During the next half hour, we talked about all the times from that day forward that he felt God’s hand in his life, leading him. When I left an hour and a half later, the man was smiling again. I never again saw a haunted look upon his face. Seeing God’s guiding hand in his life caused him to have praise not sadness, hope not fear, peace not chaos in his soul.
I believe with all my heart that every person will experience God’s guiding hand in life. I believe God leads us in ways we sometimes can even sense openly. The servant in today’s scripture had much praise and joy for the obvious guidance of God’s heavenly hand. I hope you also are filled with praise and joy for the times you can be certain that God arranged things for your benefit or safety or His purpose.
December 9
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
Before you were born, is it possible that God knew you? Many scriptures say, “Yes!”. Is it possible that God had hopes and plans for your life? I believe this scripture teaches us that this also is true. According to the words above, God “prepared in advance” good works for you to do in your life. God sent Jesus into this world with a plan of salvation. Why can’t God also make a plan for your life? If you had to name the good works that God planned for you to do, could you name them? Have you discovered the unique good works God wished for you to accomplish in your life? Are you good at doing works of faith, or do you lag behind where God planned you to be?
Though in the two verses prior to the scripture for today (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Apostle Paul mentions clearly that God’s grace and your faith response are sufficient for salvation, today’s scripture adds to the picture. It clarifies that you were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). The good works don’t determine if you will be saved, for God’s grace does that. Good works, however, help to show the world that Jesus is important to you. So crucial are good works, that God “prepared” a few “in advance for us to do”. You are not created to sit idly in a pew. God had and has special plans for your life, accomplishments for you to achieve, certain mission work for you to excel. How well have you come through for God and HIS plans for your life?
Twenty-five years ago, a young family visited our church. They lived up the road not far from the church. They were friendly, though reserved. Not long after visiting, they joined our church and became very active in several groups. The daughter was in Sunday School and youth programs. The parents were active in Bible Studies, Adult Classes, and other groups in the church. They were a wonderful family to have in any church.
Two years after they joined, the husband was laid off. They had a rough time financially. After more than six months, unemployment ran out. The man got a job making half of what he had before, just to make ends meet. The wife cleaned homes to supplement their income. You could see they were struggling in that their clothes were worn, their vehicle was often broken down, and they moved to an apartment that was rent-subsidized.
Throughout their difficult time, one couple in the church took them under their wing. They saw to it that the daughter had enough clothes for school, that the family knew how to get financial aid and support, and helped out where they could. Before Christmas that year, the couple planned to fulfill a few more needs for the family. They had done a lot of homework and knew five things the family needed desperately. They reached out to a few good souls in the church and each pitched in to help. On Christmas Eve, I delivered those five things all wrapped up as presents, enough food for a good Christmas meal, and a little extra money from a group in the church that had special funds for such situations. I also added a few things of my own to the gifts, including a new Study Bible for the father.
After Christmas, the woman who had put everything together came to visit me. She thanked me for my part and then said something wonderful to me. I remember her face just lit up when she said, “I know God wants me to take care of that family. I’m to watch over them. I’m to make sure they have the necessities to get by. I was born for this!” When she said the last sentence, she laughed out loud. However, what she said was not hilarious. We both laughed at her words, because they were so downright joyful! That family gave this woman a wonderful purpose to her faith. It lit her up inside and out. She was so overjoyed to help.
What good works make you want to smile and laugh out loud? What good works done in the name of God make your heart feel warm and your soul feel right? The scripture for today is a reminder that you were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” God will put you in situations where you will shine. In certain moments, you will see your mission ever so clearly. Just make sure you are aware when those moments, planned by God, occur. Don’t let them pass you by! You were born for them!
Though in the two verses prior to the scripture for today (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Apostle Paul mentions clearly that God’s grace and your faith response are sufficient for salvation, today’s scripture adds to the picture. It clarifies that you were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). The good works don’t determine if you will be saved, for God’s grace does that. Good works, however, help to show the world that Jesus is important to you. So crucial are good works, that God “prepared” a few “in advance for us to do”. You are not created to sit idly in a pew. God had and has special plans for your life, accomplishments for you to achieve, certain mission work for you to excel. How well have you come through for God and HIS plans for your life?
Twenty-five years ago, a young family visited our church. They lived up the road not far from the church. They were friendly, though reserved. Not long after visiting, they joined our church and became very active in several groups. The daughter was in Sunday School and youth programs. The parents were active in Bible Studies, Adult Classes, and other groups in the church. They were a wonderful family to have in any church.
Two years after they joined, the husband was laid off. They had a rough time financially. After more than six months, unemployment ran out. The man got a job making half of what he had before, just to make ends meet. The wife cleaned homes to supplement their income. You could see they were struggling in that their clothes were worn, their vehicle was often broken down, and they moved to an apartment that was rent-subsidized.
Throughout their difficult time, one couple in the church took them under their wing. They saw to it that the daughter had enough clothes for school, that the family knew how to get financial aid and support, and helped out where they could. Before Christmas that year, the couple planned to fulfill a few more needs for the family. They had done a lot of homework and knew five things the family needed desperately. They reached out to a few good souls in the church and each pitched in to help. On Christmas Eve, I delivered those five things all wrapped up as presents, enough food for a good Christmas meal, and a little extra money from a group in the church that had special funds for such situations. I also added a few things of my own to the gifts, including a new Study Bible for the father.
After Christmas, the woman who had put everything together came to visit me. She thanked me for my part and then said something wonderful to me. I remember her face just lit up when she said, “I know God wants me to take care of that family. I’m to watch over them. I’m to make sure they have the necessities to get by. I was born for this!” When she said the last sentence, she laughed out loud. However, what she said was not hilarious. We both laughed at her words, because they were so downright joyful! That family gave this woman a wonderful purpose to her faith. It lit her up inside and out. She was so overjoyed to help.
What good works make you want to smile and laugh out loud? What good works done in the name of God make your heart feel warm and your soul feel right? The scripture for today is a reminder that you were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” God will put you in situations where you will shine. In certain moments, you will see your mission ever so clearly. Just make sure you are aware when those moments, planned by God, occur. Don’t let them pass you by! You were born for them!
December 12
“and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 3:24, ESV)
Recently, I was given a code to redeem at a web site. The code was supposed to grant me a free movie. When I received the code by email, I went to the web site and put in the special series of numbers and letters. Then, a screen appeared that told me I was successful and could now watch the movie. The code I was sent by the email had to be “redeemed” in order to work. The code itself was worthless, until it was redeemed at the web site of the vendor who provided the movie. Until the code was redeemed, I didn’t have access to the movie; I couldn’t enjoy the gift. Only with “redemption” could I enjoy the show.
The same type of exchange happens with spiritual redemption. According to the scripture above, a “redemption that is in Christ Jesus” was offered by God as a “gracious gift” (Romans 3:24). In order to receive the gift of grace, you need to be “redeemed” through Christ. The gift of grace won't work for you without the redeeming work of Christ. Once, you are redeemed by Christ, God’s grace may be accessed and enjoyed as a gift. In the same way that the code from my email was worthless until it is redeemed, God’s grace is inaccessible to you until you receive redemption in Christ Jesus. Jesus’ life and death made God’s grace available to you. His action gives you “special spiritual access” to receive God’s gift of grace!
Jerry was full of sorrow when he came to visit me. His heart was broken. During an intense part of his life, Jerry began to abuse alcohol. The more he drank, the freer he felt. The alcohol seemed to ease his frustrations and lower his inhibitions. He liked that when he drank enough, he felt free to do whatever he wanted to do and say whatever he wanted to say. One night, Jerry had just enough alcohol to lower his inhibitions. When properly buzzed, he began to flirt with a woman at the bar. He ended up having sex with her that night.
For weeks after the event, Jerry felt intense guilt. He stopped having sex with his wife. He spent less time with his two children. Jerry pulled away from family and friends. He began to drink more. Six months into this “guilt death spiral”, Jerry considered suicide. The desire to take his own life was the shock that forced him to see me.
After a few weeks of counseling, it was clear that Jerry’s guilt was consuming him. He needed to come clean with God and with those he loved. For Jerry, this seemed like such an insurmountable task, that at some level he preferred death by suicide over such a course correction. Despite his fears, he asked me how to start the process. I told him that it all begins with God’s grace. He asked me what that meant. I told him that with Jesus’ death on the cross, atonement for sinned occurred. To begin, he needed to confess his sin, repent, and ask for God’s grace. In so doing, he would receive forgiveness from God if he came with a humble heart. After a long talk about all this, Jerry said he was ready. We went to the altar of our church together. There, I helped him offer up his sin to God and ask for mercy and forgiveness. When we finished the prayer, he asked if that was it. Didn’t God want him to suffer more? I said that his confession and repentance gave him access to God’s grace. With a contrite heart, he would now be forgiven. He told me, “It’s too easy. It can’t be that easy.” I told him how Jesus redeemed his heart and soul and sin at the cross. The grace was a gift from God. On the other hand, forgiveness from his wife and family would be much more difficult.
Over the next month and through lots of tears and counseling, Jerry’s broken life was put back together. To this day, he has deep regrets about his mistake, but he always sets that aside. As he tells me, he was “redeemed by Christ on the cross”. Jesus gave Jerry access to God’s grace. Jerry used that access to find forgiveness and peace in his life.
Redemption for that code in my email was so easy. All it took was putting in the right code and voila! The free movie was mine to watch! Spiritual redemption and the grace of God were obtained at great cost by God through Jesus’ death on the cross. They are freely available to you when needed. But, do not forget that without the code, I could not get the movie. In the same way, without a relationship with Christ, you cannot attain redemption. Your access to God’s grace will be limited. True forgiveness and peace will be difficult or maybe even impossible to attain on your own. You can’t get the free movie without the code. As a Christian, you can’t get lasting peace in your life apart from God in Christ.
The same type of exchange happens with spiritual redemption. According to the scripture above, a “redemption that is in Christ Jesus” was offered by God as a “gracious gift” (Romans 3:24). In order to receive the gift of grace, you need to be “redeemed” through Christ. The gift of grace won't work for you without the redeeming work of Christ. Once, you are redeemed by Christ, God’s grace may be accessed and enjoyed as a gift. In the same way that the code from my email was worthless until it is redeemed, God’s grace is inaccessible to you until you receive redemption in Christ Jesus. Jesus’ life and death made God’s grace available to you. His action gives you “special spiritual access” to receive God’s gift of grace!
Jerry was full of sorrow when he came to visit me. His heart was broken. During an intense part of his life, Jerry began to abuse alcohol. The more he drank, the freer he felt. The alcohol seemed to ease his frustrations and lower his inhibitions. He liked that when he drank enough, he felt free to do whatever he wanted to do and say whatever he wanted to say. One night, Jerry had just enough alcohol to lower his inhibitions. When properly buzzed, he began to flirt with a woman at the bar. He ended up having sex with her that night.
For weeks after the event, Jerry felt intense guilt. He stopped having sex with his wife. He spent less time with his two children. Jerry pulled away from family and friends. He began to drink more. Six months into this “guilt death spiral”, Jerry considered suicide. The desire to take his own life was the shock that forced him to see me.
After a few weeks of counseling, it was clear that Jerry’s guilt was consuming him. He needed to come clean with God and with those he loved. For Jerry, this seemed like such an insurmountable task, that at some level he preferred death by suicide over such a course correction. Despite his fears, he asked me how to start the process. I told him that it all begins with God’s grace. He asked me what that meant. I told him that with Jesus’ death on the cross, atonement for sinned occurred. To begin, he needed to confess his sin, repent, and ask for God’s grace. In so doing, he would receive forgiveness from God if he came with a humble heart. After a long talk about all this, Jerry said he was ready. We went to the altar of our church together. There, I helped him offer up his sin to God and ask for mercy and forgiveness. When we finished the prayer, he asked if that was it. Didn’t God want him to suffer more? I said that his confession and repentance gave him access to God’s grace. With a contrite heart, he would now be forgiven. He told me, “It’s too easy. It can’t be that easy.” I told him how Jesus redeemed his heart and soul and sin at the cross. The grace was a gift from God. On the other hand, forgiveness from his wife and family would be much more difficult.
Over the next month and through lots of tears and counseling, Jerry’s broken life was put back together. To this day, he has deep regrets about his mistake, but he always sets that aside. As he tells me, he was “redeemed by Christ on the cross”. Jesus gave Jerry access to God’s grace. Jerry used that access to find forgiveness and peace in his life.
Redemption for that code in my email was so easy. All it took was putting in the right code and voila! The free movie was mine to watch! Spiritual redemption and the grace of God were obtained at great cost by God through Jesus’ death on the cross. They are freely available to you when needed. But, do not forget that without the code, I could not get the movie. In the same way, without a relationship with Christ, you cannot attain redemption. Your access to God’s grace will be limited. True forgiveness and peace will be difficult or maybe even impossible to attain on your own. You can’t get the free movie without the code. As a Christian, you can’t get lasting peace in your life apart from God in Christ.
December 15
“The lion has roared— so who isn’t frightened? The Sovereign Lord has spoken— so who can refuse to proclaim his message?”
(Amos 3:8, NLT)
(Amos 3:8, NLT)
This can be found on one of the Cleveland Zoological Society blogs: “…one of the ways animals communicate with each other is through a variety of sounds. On a visit to the Zoo you may hear many animals huffing, grunting, panting, and, for some big cats, roaring. Lions are very social for large carnivores, living in prides in the wild. Male lions will use their roar to scare off intruders and warn the pride of potential danger. It’s also a show of power among other males. Lion roars can be heard for up to 5 miles away. That means when the Zoo’s male lion, Doc, roars, everyone notices!” What is not quite made clear in this explanation is that with the roar, the lion is marking his territory. He is telling the other lions to stay away. He is claiming his resting place. You would be foolish to ignore the roar of a lion.
In the book of Amos, God is described as a lion who roared. In our scripture for today found in Amos 3:8, we are told that when a lion roars, “Who isn’t frightened?”. The roar of the lion is meant as a warning, something to be feared. When God “roars”, He is also to be feared and respected. When this happened in the days of Amos, God was marking HIS territory, Israel, from the other nations and gods. The Lord was telling all people that the people of Israel were HIS people, the nation was HIS special domain. At the same time, God was saying to the people of Israel and Judah that they better show respect to “the God who roars”. In the days of Amos, the people had fallen into sin. They ignored the worship of God to follow sinful ways. To those who had chosen sin over Him, God was roaring to let the people know that HE was in control of the land and that they were to respect Him.
When God “roared” in the days of Amos, the people of Israel should have taken clear notice. However, many did not. Amos remarked of the faithless priests and prophets who knew God had roared and said nothing that “The Sovereign Lord has spoken – so who can refuse to proclaim His message?” (Amos 3:8). Amos was shocked that respected spiritual people and leaders ignored God’s warnings against sin. He was deeply saddened that the spiritual leaders did not speak openly of God’s will. They knew what God wanted but were reluctant to explain God’s roaring.
In your lifetime, there may be multiple times when God “roars”. God may be telling others that you are part of His pride. He may be marking His territory, claiming you for one of His family. On the other hand, God might also “roar” when He wants you to listen and respect His leadership. God will roar in order to stop sin in your life or to warn you of a dangerous path you are on. Whenever God “roars”, you should listen and heed God’s meaning.
There is a story told in Africa of a roaring lion. The story begins by telling of a lion that was far away from all humans near a river crossing. The lion was king of that region. All other animals feared the lion. However, during a drought, the river dried up. Fewer and few animals came to feed at the river crossing. In response, the lion moved upriver farther and farther. Villages upriver began to hear a lion roar. Then, the roar came closer and closer. Several villagers decided that the lion would go back down the river when the rains came. They were wrong. Despite hearing the lion’s roar, they did not give the lion enough room. One night, the lion came and took them. People from that village forever learned that if you could hear the lion roar, you moved to a safer place. You did what was needed. You heeded the call.
In your life, watch for times when God “roars”. You may detect God’s voice shouting about a wrong, an abusive situation, a past sin, a need for you. God usually doesn’t need to roar. God may use a still small voice as in the case of Elijah (1 Kings 19). God may use the voice of a child, the sound of a trumpet, and many other things. However, when God is making a very important point, God may “roar” up a storm.
Not long after God roared in the days of Amos, foreign invaders destroyed much of Israel. God wanting things to be different, but the people did not heed God’s warnings. They ignored God’s roar.
In the book of Amos, God is described as a lion who roared. In our scripture for today found in Amos 3:8, we are told that when a lion roars, “Who isn’t frightened?”. The roar of the lion is meant as a warning, something to be feared. When God “roars”, He is also to be feared and respected. When this happened in the days of Amos, God was marking HIS territory, Israel, from the other nations and gods. The Lord was telling all people that the people of Israel were HIS people, the nation was HIS special domain. At the same time, God was saying to the people of Israel and Judah that they better show respect to “the God who roars”. In the days of Amos, the people had fallen into sin. They ignored the worship of God to follow sinful ways. To those who had chosen sin over Him, God was roaring to let the people know that HE was in control of the land and that they were to respect Him.
When God “roared” in the days of Amos, the people of Israel should have taken clear notice. However, many did not. Amos remarked of the faithless priests and prophets who knew God had roared and said nothing that “The Sovereign Lord has spoken – so who can refuse to proclaim His message?” (Amos 3:8). Amos was shocked that respected spiritual people and leaders ignored God’s warnings against sin. He was deeply saddened that the spiritual leaders did not speak openly of God’s will. They knew what God wanted but were reluctant to explain God’s roaring.
In your lifetime, there may be multiple times when God “roars”. God may be telling others that you are part of His pride. He may be marking His territory, claiming you for one of His family. On the other hand, God might also “roar” when He wants you to listen and respect His leadership. God will roar in order to stop sin in your life or to warn you of a dangerous path you are on. Whenever God “roars”, you should listen and heed God’s meaning.
There is a story told in Africa of a roaring lion. The story begins by telling of a lion that was far away from all humans near a river crossing. The lion was king of that region. All other animals feared the lion. However, during a drought, the river dried up. Fewer and few animals came to feed at the river crossing. In response, the lion moved upriver farther and farther. Villages upriver began to hear a lion roar. Then, the roar came closer and closer. Several villagers decided that the lion would go back down the river when the rains came. They were wrong. Despite hearing the lion’s roar, they did not give the lion enough room. One night, the lion came and took them. People from that village forever learned that if you could hear the lion roar, you moved to a safer place. You did what was needed. You heeded the call.
In your life, watch for times when God “roars”. You may detect God’s voice shouting about a wrong, an abusive situation, a past sin, a need for you. God usually doesn’t need to roar. God may use a still small voice as in the case of Elijah (1 Kings 19). God may use the voice of a child, the sound of a trumpet, and many other things. However, when God is making a very important point, God may “roar” up a storm.
Not long after God roared in the days of Amos, foreign invaders destroyed much of Israel. God wanting things to be different, but the people did not heed God’s warnings. They ignored God’s roar.
December 18
“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT)
A young man despised his home life. Jerry didn’t like his parents’ rules, their expectations, their choices. Approaching sixteen, his parents did not allow him to get a driver’s license. They feared he would crash the car, because the boy refused to follow directions on the road. When Jerry’s father took him practice driving in a parking lot, the young man almost hit a tree and a car in just ten minutes. When his father tried to correct his poor driving, the teen yelled at his father and refused to listen.
Later in that same school year, Jerry got into trouble at school. He was involved in several pranks against teachers and students including gluing a locker shut and throwing a smoke bomb into a women’s bathroom. He was suspended for yelling at a teacher during class. With more and more problems at home and school, Jerry’s parents decided to send him to a military school. There, his problems continued. However, as the punishments were handed down, Jerry was asked over and over by a counselor, “Do you ever feel guilt for the hurt you have caused? Will you ever take responsibility for your own choices and actions?” The boy always responded, “Hell, no!” or the equivalent.
After a series of petty crimes at the military school, Jerry was placed into a juvenile detention facility. There, he continued his downward spiral until one day when his world came crashing down. He thought it would be hilarious to scare his roommate, so he donned a hideous mask and woke the young man up in the middle of the night. His roommate was so shocked and afraid, he had a panic attack and then an asthma attack one after the other. His roommate almost died. Placed into a restricted area of the facility, Jerry realized for the first time in his life that he did not have one friend. His roommate had been kind, but Jerry destroyed that friendship with his egregious act. As he sat in silence night after night, Jerry began to play over and over in his mind what the counselor from the military academy had said: “Do you ever feel guilt for the hurt you have caused? Will you ever take responsibility for your own choices and actions?”
A week later, after meeting with the chaplain from the facility, Jerry gave his life to Christ. That night, he cried for a long time. For the first time in his life, Jerry thought that he should quit fighting everything and everyone. It never got him anywhere in his life anyway. He also began to understand that God loved him no matter what. This changed his view on life. Jerry began to regret his past sins. He began to make things right. If you met Jerry today, you’d never believe he was a problem child. He is a strong leader in the community, an elder in his church, and a successful businessman.
The old Puritans used to pray for ‘the gift of tears.’ They believed that if you never had a good cry about your sins, you didn’t understand your relationship with God. They felt that every soul needs to repent for past sins. It needs to own up to wrongs. When you confess your sins and ask for repentance, a faithful heart will always own up to the past. A good heart won’t be filled with regret for long. Instead, a good heart will confess the wrong, seek repentance, then make things right. To the Puritans, the tears of a person who is truly faithful will not be filled with sadness for long. With the faithful person, tears from sin will always be translated into the joy and love and hope in a God who forgives and loves and redeems. A “good cry” was one in which the person was committed to make things right. He or she was sorry for their sin and ready to live out the grace that comes with renewed commitment to God in Jesus Christ.
In the scripture chosen for today written above, Paul taught the Corinthians that faithful sorrow for one’s sin should “lead you away from sin and result in salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Just like Jerry’s tears when he realized his terrible choices in life, grief over past sin should drive you to seek forgiveness in Christ. You shouldn’t be so disgusted in your sin that you take up drinking alcohol or take dangerous risks. This is “worldly sorrow” spoken of in the scripture above. It “lacks repentance” and “results in spiritual death.” How you deal with your sins is incredibly important. Faithful tears drive you to God. Worldly selfish tears will drive you to regret and self-loathing and revenge.
Oswald Chambers understood well the need for the gift of tears and a contrite heart. He even questioned his readers if they “have forgotten to be sorry.” He believed that the best soul is one that shows remorse for wrongs, but then moves on to a stronger relationship with God through repentance and grace and forgiveness.
Do your tears after sin drive you to God or away from God? Are you filled with godly sorrow or worldly sorrow when you mess up your life? It is incredibly important how you handle sin in your life. Your response can send you down the road toward salvation or down the path of destruction.
Later in that same school year, Jerry got into trouble at school. He was involved in several pranks against teachers and students including gluing a locker shut and throwing a smoke bomb into a women’s bathroom. He was suspended for yelling at a teacher during class. With more and more problems at home and school, Jerry’s parents decided to send him to a military school. There, his problems continued. However, as the punishments were handed down, Jerry was asked over and over by a counselor, “Do you ever feel guilt for the hurt you have caused? Will you ever take responsibility for your own choices and actions?” The boy always responded, “Hell, no!” or the equivalent.
After a series of petty crimes at the military school, Jerry was placed into a juvenile detention facility. There, he continued his downward spiral until one day when his world came crashing down. He thought it would be hilarious to scare his roommate, so he donned a hideous mask and woke the young man up in the middle of the night. His roommate was so shocked and afraid, he had a panic attack and then an asthma attack one after the other. His roommate almost died. Placed into a restricted area of the facility, Jerry realized for the first time in his life that he did not have one friend. His roommate had been kind, but Jerry destroyed that friendship with his egregious act. As he sat in silence night after night, Jerry began to play over and over in his mind what the counselor from the military academy had said: “Do you ever feel guilt for the hurt you have caused? Will you ever take responsibility for your own choices and actions?”
A week later, after meeting with the chaplain from the facility, Jerry gave his life to Christ. That night, he cried for a long time. For the first time in his life, Jerry thought that he should quit fighting everything and everyone. It never got him anywhere in his life anyway. He also began to understand that God loved him no matter what. This changed his view on life. Jerry began to regret his past sins. He began to make things right. If you met Jerry today, you’d never believe he was a problem child. He is a strong leader in the community, an elder in his church, and a successful businessman.
The old Puritans used to pray for ‘the gift of tears.’ They believed that if you never had a good cry about your sins, you didn’t understand your relationship with God. They felt that every soul needs to repent for past sins. It needs to own up to wrongs. When you confess your sins and ask for repentance, a faithful heart will always own up to the past. A good heart won’t be filled with regret for long. Instead, a good heart will confess the wrong, seek repentance, then make things right. To the Puritans, the tears of a person who is truly faithful will not be filled with sadness for long. With the faithful person, tears from sin will always be translated into the joy and love and hope in a God who forgives and loves and redeems. A “good cry” was one in which the person was committed to make things right. He or she was sorry for their sin and ready to live out the grace that comes with renewed commitment to God in Jesus Christ.
In the scripture chosen for today written above, Paul taught the Corinthians that faithful sorrow for one’s sin should “lead you away from sin and result in salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Just like Jerry’s tears when he realized his terrible choices in life, grief over past sin should drive you to seek forgiveness in Christ. You shouldn’t be so disgusted in your sin that you take up drinking alcohol or take dangerous risks. This is “worldly sorrow” spoken of in the scripture above. It “lacks repentance” and “results in spiritual death.” How you deal with your sins is incredibly important. Faithful tears drive you to God. Worldly selfish tears will drive you to regret and self-loathing and revenge.
Oswald Chambers understood well the need for the gift of tears and a contrite heart. He even questioned his readers if they “have forgotten to be sorry.” He believed that the best soul is one that shows remorse for wrongs, but then moves on to a stronger relationship with God through repentance and grace and forgiveness.
Do your tears after sin drive you to God or away from God? Are you filled with godly sorrow or worldly sorrow when you mess up your life? It is incredibly important how you handle sin in your life. Your response can send you down the road toward salvation or down the path of destruction.
December 20
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15–17, NLT)
“What was I thinking?” That’s what entered my mind as I woke up the next morning. The night before, I had attended a Christmas party for State Police Officers, being a State Police Chaplain. While at the event, I was asked to join a few of the couples after the event at the hotel bar. I enjoyed talking with the officers and their wives and girlfriends, so I met up with them after dinner. There, I had a couple of drinks as we shared stories. Several of the couples opened up and shared their problems and issues, trials and hopes. It was a good night for ministering to others. However, my wife was not feeling well. She had left dinner looking ashen. I knew she was in our hotel room just a few hundred feet away, but I had completely forgotten about my wife’s pale complexion. I thought about her again as I entered the hotel room long past midnight and found her very sick with the flu. She had suffered for hours waiting for me to come back to the room, hoping I'd check on her. I was very upset with myself for completely neglecting her while doing my work. Even if I was doing God’s work, I should have checked on her much earlier. What was I thinking?
There will be times when you will lose track of time, make a mistake, say the wrong thing, or worse. Later you will ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” The question in itself is a self-examination in which you find yourself aware that you lost track of time or acted without good reason. The busier or more distracted you are, the more often you will find yourself doing something without thinking it through. Do this often enough and you are liable to mess up big time.
The scripture for today cautions the reader to “be careful how you live” (Ephesians 5:15). The purpose of the scripture is to teach you to take time to examine your life, your choices, and your plans. So often, people don’t take the time to stop and think. They react. They press on. They don’t look ahead. They don’t ask God for direction in prayer. They don’t take the time to reflect on their situation. They blindly make their choices or decisions without thinking, freewheeling through life. The scripture above even commands the faithful to never “act thoughtlessly”. When was the last time you reacted without thinking things through?
On a stretch of roadway in Southern Indiana, there used to be a cross next to the pavement. It might still be there. If you look closely, you might see evidence of charring embedded in the concrete near the cross. The site was the scene of an accident. There, a young woman died in a car crash. After the impact, her body was completely incinerated in a fire after her gasoline tank was ruptured.
I met with her brother. He told me about the hours before the accident. Despite not feeling well, Emily took medicine and went to a party. The medicine reacted with the alcohol she consumed. She drove home incoherent and hit someone head on. The angle of the other car and the speed at which Emily was driving caused the gas tank to rupture. A passenger in Emily’s car said she heard the Emily moan after the crash, but the car was already on fire and no one could reach her. The driver in the other car was taken by life-flight to the hospital and will probably never walk again. He too had been drinking. What caused this crash? People not thinking things through, acting thoughtlessly, not being wise to their situation, not considering the consequences of their actions. All have suffered from that moment on the highway where thoughtless living changed everything.
The scripture above recommends you do not live like a fool but be wise in your decisions. It encourages you to make the most of every opportunity in your life. The scripture demands that you not act thoughtlessly or foolishly, but instead “understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17). Instead of moving through your life without thinking, take time to discern what is the will of God in that moment. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Heed God's Spirit speaking to your soul. Give thought to what decisions you are making. Examine your motivations. Remain faithful throughout. It only takes a few thoughtless moments to wreck a beautiful life or hurt someone you love.
There will be times when you will lose track of time, make a mistake, say the wrong thing, or worse. Later you will ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” The question in itself is a self-examination in which you find yourself aware that you lost track of time or acted without good reason. The busier or more distracted you are, the more often you will find yourself doing something without thinking it through. Do this often enough and you are liable to mess up big time.
The scripture for today cautions the reader to “be careful how you live” (Ephesians 5:15). The purpose of the scripture is to teach you to take time to examine your life, your choices, and your plans. So often, people don’t take the time to stop and think. They react. They press on. They don’t look ahead. They don’t ask God for direction in prayer. They don’t take the time to reflect on their situation. They blindly make their choices or decisions without thinking, freewheeling through life. The scripture above even commands the faithful to never “act thoughtlessly”. When was the last time you reacted without thinking things through?
On a stretch of roadway in Southern Indiana, there used to be a cross next to the pavement. It might still be there. If you look closely, you might see evidence of charring embedded in the concrete near the cross. The site was the scene of an accident. There, a young woman died in a car crash. After the impact, her body was completely incinerated in a fire after her gasoline tank was ruptured.
I met with her brother. He told me about the hours before the accident. Despite not feeling well, Emily took medicine and went to a party. The medicine reacted with the alcohol she consumed. She drove home incoherent and hit someone head on. The angle of the other car and the speed at which Emily was driving caused the gas tank to rupture. A passenger in Emily’s car said she heard the Emily moan after the crash, but the car was already on fire and no one could reach her. The driver in the other car was taken by life-flight to the hospital and will probably never walk again. He too had been drinking. What caused this crash? People not thinking things through, acting thoughtlessly, not being wise to their situation, not considering the consequences of their actions. All have suffered from that moment on the highway where thoughtless living changed everything.
The scripture above recommends you do not live like a fool but be wise in your decisions. It encourages you to make the most of every opportunity in your life. The scripture demands that you not act thoughtlessly or foolishly, but instead “understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17). Instead of moving through your life without thinking, take time to discern what is the will of God in that moment. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Heed God's Spirit speaking to your soul. Give thought to what decisions you are making. Examine your motivations. Remain faithful throughout. It only takes a few thoughtless moments to wreck a beautiful life or hurt someone you love.
December 22
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” (Psalm 23:1, NIV84)
Sheep are not very intelligent. They can wander off. They might fall off a cliff or find themselves lost. Sheep do not have claws and teeth and defensive weapons. They are not particularly strong. They are too trusting. They are easy to take advantage of. They are easy to kill. If they are blessed, however, sheep do have a shepherd. The shepherd is the one who cares for them and watches over them. The shepherd should have the intelligence and skill to keep the sheep safe. When the Lord is your shepherd, you are kept safe by the one who watches with a keen eye. God can see what you cannot. God knows the predators who are out to get you. God knows what you need from birth to death. You need to stick close to the Divine Shepherd! Don’t wander off!
The scripture for today is from the famous 23rd Psalm. In this first verse of that psalm, the writer confirms that God is his shepherd. Because of this, he will “not be in want.” He will have his needs taken care of. It is often forgotten that David wrote this psalm. What we know of David from the Old Testament is that he was a son of Jesse and when young he took care of the sheep (1 Chronicles 17:7). David was a shepherd. Throughout David’s life, he served as a soldier, fought in battle, even became a king. However, at his heart, David remained a shepherd. He was a protector. He protected the sheep when young, and his men when old. When he ascribed to the Lord the job of shepherd, David did this with all kinds of respect. David knew that every one of us in life can use a protector, someone to watch over us. You need a Divine Shepherd. Aren’t you aware of that?
In Chicago, a young man stood at a station waiting for the elevated train. He was dressed in jeans and wore a heavy jacket. It was cold waiting on an elevated platform for the train in November! As he watched for the train to come down the tracks, he noticed a group of five join him on the platform. He knew them. They were bad news. They sidled up to him and struck up a conversation. It was dangerous for him to avoid them. They could start a fight or worse. As he contemplated his options, a voice called out a warning. The five turned to see a cop walking toward them. The five left the platform, melting into the streets below. The young man stood with a smile. The cop was a friend, a member of the young man’s church. The two struck up a conversation. They enjoyed each other’s company.
It was no coincidence that the cop ended up on that elevated train platform that morning. He is known for showing up at important moments. He watches out for a good number of people on his route. Knowing the area, he watches out for those who need him. He knows where the bad people congregate. This cop from Chicago is a shepherd. The young man, and many like him, are the ones he protects. Without his presence on that platform, the young man may have had a bad morning. Without his protection on the streets of the city, bad things happen to good people.
The second half of this verse above mentions that when God is your divine shepherd, you will not be in want. You won’t lack for anything you need. You may be sad because there are things you desire or wish or want, but you won’t be in need. God knows what you require without even a word. HE knows you. You talk together often in prayer. He feeds your soul with good thoughts, heals your hurts, and calms your fears. The Great Shepherd is aware of your situation. HE will never be too far away, if you just remain in the fold.
I have met souls who have chosen to wander away from the Divine Shepherd. I have known many of them. Some were lured away by promises or dreams, wealth or a pretty face. Some chose to wander off, because they thought they didn’t need a protector. I have seen what has become of many of those sheep in the world. Often, the wolves are watching. They wait to pounce. Wolves always go first for the sheep that are weak, alone, or hurting. They love the easy prey. Don’t you fall prey to the wolves of this world. Keep yourself in the company of the Divine Shepherd. There is no safer place to be!
What is the Divine Shepherd saying to you today? Is he calling you back, to stand closer to Him? Does He desire you to have more spiritual food? Are you thirsty for His water of life? They say that a sheep always knows the voice of the shepherd. How about you? Do you know God’s voice when you hear it? Do you follow His command?
The scripture for today is from the famous 23rd Psalm. In this first verse of that psalm, the writer confirms that God is his shepherd. Because of this, he will “not be in want.” He will have his needs taken care of. It is often forgotten that David wrote this psalm. What we know of David from the Old Testament is that he was a son of Jesse and when young he took care of the sheep (1 Chronicles 17:7). David was a shepherd. Throughout David’s life, he served as a soldier, fought in battle, even became a king. However, at his heart, David remained a shepherd. He was a protector. He protected the sheep when young, and his men when old. When he ascribed to the Lord the job of shepherd, David did this with all kinds of respect. David knew that every one of us in life can use a protector, someone to watch over us. You need a Divine Shepherd. Aren’t you aware of that?
In Chicago, a young man stood at a station waiting for the elevated train. He was dressed in jeans and wore a heavy jacket. It was cold waiting on an elevated platform for the train in November! As he watched for the train to come down the tracks, he noticed a group of five join him on the platform. He knew them. They were bad news. They sidled up to him and struck up a conversation. It was dangerous for him to avoid them. They could start a fight or worse. As he contemplated his options, a voice called out a warning. The five turned to see a cop walking toward them. The five left the platform, melting into the streets below. The young man stood with a smile. The cop was a friend, a member of the young man’s church. The two struck up a conversation. They enjoyed each other’s company.
It was no coincidence that the cop ended up on that elevated train platform that morning. He is known for showing up at important moments. He watches out for a good number of people on his route. Knowing the area, he watches out for those who need him. He knows where the bad people congregate. This cop from Chicago is a shepherd. The young man, and many like him, are the ones he protects. Without his presence on that platform, the young man may have had a bad morning. Without his protection on the streets of the city, bad things happen to good people.
The second half of this verse above mentions that when God is your divine shepherd, you will not be in want. You won’t lack for anything you need. You may be sad because there are things you desire or wish or want, but you won’t be in need. God knows what you require without even a word. HE knows you. You talk together often in prayer. He feeds your soul with good thoughts, heals your hurts, and calms your fears. The Great Shepherd is aware of your situation. HE will never be too far away, if you just remain in the fold.
I have met souls who have chosen to wander away from the Divine Shepherd. I have known many of them. Some were lured away by promises or dreams, wealth or a pretty face. Some chose to wander off, because they thought they didn’t need a protector. I have seen what has become of many of those sheep in the world. Often, the wolves are watching. They wait to pounce. Wolves always go first for the sheep that are weak, alone, or hurting. They love the easy prey. Don’t you fall prey to the wolves of this world. Keep yourself in the company of the Divine Shepherd. There is no safer place to be!
What is the Divine Shepherd saying to you today? Is he calling you back, to stand closer to Him? Does He desire you to have more spiritual food? Are you thirsty for His water of life? They say that a sheep always knows the voice of the shepherd. How about you? Do you know God’s voice when you hear it? Do you follow His command?
December 25
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
(Isaiah 7:14, NIV)
(Isaiah 7:14, NIV)
The above scripture has been spoken at countless Christmas programs, Christmas plays, and written down on Christmas décor and in Christmas cards. It is a quintessential statement of what God planned to do long before Bethlehem was ever known as a birthplace of a Messiah. The verse was assigned in the gospel of Matthew to speak of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:23). The words in Isaiah and Matthew remind most Christians of Advent Candles and Christmas decorations. However, the words of the verse above leads one to contemplate a different reality as well. According to this verse, the Messiah who is born to the virgin would be called “Immanuel”. This Hebrew word, Immanuel”, means “God with us.” In Jesus’ life and witness, we can see what it was like when God is with us. This verse declares for all time that one very special part of God desires to be with you!
Have you ever pondered what it means that God wants to be with you?
Several decades ago, I was at a Christmas gathering when a young woman named Terry commented to me, “My father can’t be with us this Christmas. He’s got to work today. I sure wish I could spend time with him.” She was shocked when I said, “Let’s go find him!” I knew where he worked. I had visited him there before, so I was honestly offering to stop by and wish him a Merry Christmas. Terry was shocked that I had offered, but I was adamant. “Let’s go” I told her, “Time is wasting”! We set off into the snowy night to find him at work.
Twenty minutes later, we found John in the break room alone. He was on his shift break. We jumped into the room and together said, “Merry Christmas!” I thought he was going to have a heart attack! He didn’t know anyone else was in the building! We had a wonderful fifteen minutes together telling stories and Christmas memories, then we prayed and bid our leave. As we left, the father had a smile on his face. The daughter smiled and shed tears all the way back to the party! She also confessed during the drive, “I bet Dad didn’t even know how much I wanted to be with him tonight.”
A few years later, I ran into Terry again. She gave me a big hug. I asked how her family was doing. Then, I asked how her father was doing, and she teared up. With tears dripping down her cheeks, she mentioned that her father had died that year. I offered my condolences. She, however, started smiling brightly. She said, “That Christmas we stopped in at his work is one of the best Christmas memories I have. Out of all the moments in my life, I so cherish that moment and the look on Dad’s face! Especially, now!”
Terry’s father had no idea how much his daughter missed him that Christmas long ago. Today, she misses him so very much. She would love to spend another Christmas with him! And Terry is not alone. Many people will miss someone this Christmas. They long to spend just a little more time together. As you consider these last few sentences, remember that God too longs to spend time with faithful souls. Even the Savior’s name includes this desire. Immanuel means “God with us!” God wants to be with us. God longs to spend time with you!
Take some time this Christmas to spend time with God. Say some words in prayer. Listen for God’s response. Enjoy some quiet moments considering how your life has been blessed because of a wonderful birth in Bethlehem long ago. With Jesus, God was with our world in a unique and powerful way. With God’s Spirit in your life, God is able to visit with you even in this very minute. Will you take some time to enjoy being “with” God? How is God with you right now?
If you want to feel God’s presence even more, spend some time with someone who is lonely, needs love, is hurting, or needs Jesus tonight. God will be with you throughout. He may be urging you to say something or may desire that you just listen for a while! It might be the best moment of your life; you never know!
Don’t have a happy Christmas; have a blessed Christmas! These are way better when God is with you!
Have you ever pondered what it means that God wants to be with you?
Several decades ago, I was at a Christmas gathering when a young woman named Terry commented to me, “My father can’t be with us this Christmas. He’s got to work today. I sure wish I could spend time with him.” She was shocked when I said, “Let’s go find him!” I knew where he worked. I had visited him there before, so I was honestly offering to stop by and wish him a Merry Christmas. Terry was shocked that I had offered, but I was adamant. “Let’s go” I told her, “Time is wasting”! We set off into the snowy night to find him at work.
Twenty minutes later, we found John in the break room alone. He was on his shift break. We jumped into the room and together said, “Merry Christmas!” I thought he was going to have a heart attack! He didn’t know anyone else was in the building! We had a wonderful fifteen minutes together telling stories and Christmas memories, then we prayed and bid our leave. As we left, the father had a smile on his face. The daughter smiled and shed tears all the way back to the party! She also confessed during the drive, “I bet Dad didn’t even know how much I wanted to be with him tonight.”
A few years later, I ran into Terry again. She gave me a big hug. I asked how her family was doing. Then, I asked how her father was doing, and she teared up. With tears dripping down her cheeks, she mentioned that her father had died that year. I offered my condolences. She, however, started smiling brightly. She said, “That Christmas we stopped in at his work is one of the best Christmas memories I have. Out of all the moments in my life, I so cherish that moment and the look on Dad’s face! Especially, now!”
Terry’s father had no idea how much his daughter missed him that Christmas long ago. Today, she misses him so very much. She would love to spend another Christmas with him! And Terry is not alone. Many people will miss someone this Christmas. They long to spend just a little more time together. As you consider these last few sentences, remember that God too longs to spend time with faithful souls. Even the Savior’s name includes this desire. Immanuel means “God with us!” God wants to be with us. God longs to spend time with you!
Take some time this Christmas to spend time with God. Say some words in prayer. Listen for God’s response. Enjoy some quiet moments considering how your life has been blessed because of a wonderful birth in Bethlehem long ago. With Jesus, God was with our world in a unique and powerful way. With God’s Spirit in your life, God is able to visit with you even in this very minute. Will you take some time to enjoy being “with” God? How is God with you right now?
If you want to feel God’s presence even more, spend some time with someone who is lonely, needs love, is hurting, or needs Jesus tonight. God will be with you throughout. He may be urging you to say something or may desire that you just listen for a while! It might be the best moment of your life; you never know!
Don’t have a happy Christmas; have a blessed Christmas! These are way better when God is with you!
December 29
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44, ESV)
When English words have several meanings, it may be difficult to understand which meaning applies to a verse in the Bible. In the above scripture, John wrote that the Heavenly Father “draws” people to Jesus. This does NOT mean that God the Father is drawing pictures of a person that HE wants to come to Jesus. Instead, it means that the person is being drawn toward Jesus. This meaning of “draw” should be understood as a pulling or tugging. When God the Father wants a person to come to Jesus, HE will enable that person to be drawn by Jesus’ life, words, or mission. When this happens, a person will be open to God’s will or purpose in the moment.
When I think of the meaning of how God “draws in” a person toward Jesus, I considered the magnet. A magnet attracts certain metals due to its mechanical properties. When a magnet is magnetized, the atoms will line up and a magnetic field will develop. That magnetic field will attract certain metal objects around it, if they come close enough. The closer this metal gets to the magnet, the more it is “drawn” toward the magnet. The metal is attracted by magnetism and pulled in more and more until the two are held together by the magnetic field. In the same way, a person might be attracted to the life of Jesus. God might influence a person to be drawn in closer to Jesus. While there, the person may find the gospel message to be irresistibly wonderful and a saving grace. When this happens, the person will stay tight with Jesus like a metal stays attached to the metal. Magnetic fields drive certain metals together tightly. God’s Spirit can bond tightly a soul with Jesus.
Are you drawn to Jesus? It might be that God wants you to keep close to Him. Jesus mentioned in the scripture for today that “no one can come to him unless the Father who sent Jesus draws him” (John 6:44). If you are drawn to be closer to Jesus, it is often caused by God’s influence over your heart. God knows you need Jesus. Knowing your heart, God wants you and Jesus to be close. The gospel that was perfected by Jesus’ life is something that attracts you. Something about Jesus attracts your attention. If you hold on tightly to Jesus in your life, Jesus will “raise you up on the last day” (John 6:44b). Even in death, nothing can break that spiritual that forms tightly when a person is drawn to Jesus.
After a worship service, I noticed a young man near the altar. His family was in the greeting line, but he was wandering around at the front of the church. I approached the ten-year-old and asked him why he came to the front of the church. He responded that he always liked the nativity scene on the altar that was placed there every advent and Christmas season. He liked to go and visit the scene. He enjoyed seeing where the animals were placed and how the angel looked. He was drawn to that scene. I knew his enjoyment of the nativity scene went more deeply than how the scene was arranged. There was something about the nativity that attracted the boy, something about the birth of Jesus that meant something to him. He was drawn to the Christmas story like a steel is drawn to a magnet. The nativity scene held his gaze, brought forth a mysterious special hope in his heart. It did not surprise me that a few years later, he became very interested in youth group leadership. God was telling me from the moment he was drawn to the nativity scene that this boy was destined to a close relationship with Jesus.
I have seen people drawn to God through music, through art, via scripture or a gospel story. I’ve witnessed people come closer to God through a prayer or a death, a moment of spiritual importance or a time of difficulty. Many things can draw a person to God in Christ. I’m betting you were drawn to Jesus because of some special act of God. Do you remember what it was that brought you closer to Jesus? What pulls you toward prayer or time with God today?
When I think of the meaning of how God “draws in” a person toward Jesus, I considered the magnet. A magnet attracts certain metals due to its mechanical properties. When a magnet is magnetized, the atoms will line up and a magnetic field will develop. That magnetic field will attract certain metal objects around it, if they come close enough. The closer this metal gets to the magnet, the more it is “drawn” toward the magnet. The metal is attracted by magnetism and pulled in more and more until the two are held together by the magnetic field. In the same way, a person might be attracted to the life of Jesus. God might influence a person to be drawn in closer to Jesus. While there, the person may find the gospel message to be irresistibly wonderful and a saving grace. When this happens, the person will stay tight with Jesus like a metal stays attached to the metal. Magnetic fields drive certain metals together tightly. God’s Spirit can bond tightly a soul with Jesus.
Are you drawn to Jesus? It might be that God wants you to keep close to Him. Jesus mentioned in the scripture for today that “no one can come to him unless the Father who sent Jesus draws him” (John 6:44). If you are drawn to be closer to Jesus, it is often caused by God’s influence over your heart. God knows you need Jesus. Knowing your heart, God wants you and Jesus to be close. The gospel that was perfected by Jesus’ life is something that attracts you. Something about Jesus attracts your attention. If you hold on tightly to Jesus in your life, Jesus will “raise you up on the last day” (John 6:44b). Even in death, nothing can break that spiritual that forms tightly when a person is drawn to Jesus.
After a worship service, I noticed a young man near the altar. His family was in the greeting line, but he was wandering around at the front of the church. I approached the ten-year-old and asked him why he came to the front of the church. He responded that he always liked the nativity scene on the altar that was placed there every advent and Christmas season. He liked to go and visit the scene. He enjoyed seeing where the animals were placed and how the angel looked. He was drawn to that scene. I knew his enjoyment of the nativity scene went more deeply than how the scene was arranged. There was something about the nativity that attracted the boy, something about the birth of Jesus that meant something to him. He was drawn to the Christmas story like a steel is drawn to a magnet. The nativity scene held his gaze, brought forth a mysterious special hope in his heart. It did not surprise me that a few years later, he became very interested in youth group leadership. God was telling me from the moment he was drawn to the nativity scene that this boy was destined to a close relationship with Jesus.
I have seen people drawn to God through music, through art, via scripture or a gospel story. I’ve witnessed people come closer to God through a prayer or a death, a moment of spiritual importance or a time of difficulty. Many things can draw a person to God in Christ. I’m betting you were drawn to Jesus because of some special act of God. Do you remember what it was that brought you closer to Jesus? What pulls you toward prayer or time with God today?
December 30
““O Israel,” says the Lord, “if you wanted to return to me, you could. You could throw away your detestable idols and stray away no more.” (Jeremiah 4:1, NLT)
Johnny had a problem with pornography. He could not get enough of it. When he was gone on vacation, he would hide some in his truck. Instead of making love to his wife, he would take time to fool around with his pornographic videos or magazines. It was affecting his marriage. He had stashes of magazines hidden in several places in his house. He had a hidden hard drive on his computer on which were several dozen illicit movies. He had two subscriptions to pornographic web sites, subscriptions he hid from his wife. Over the years, Johnny had used pornography so much that he no longer found joy in his wife’s arms. She didn’t look as good as his pornography. She wasn’t as sensual as his hidden stash of favorite magazines.
After visiting a Cursillo weekend sponsored by his church, Johnny realized he had a problem with pornography. He decided before the weekend was over to stop this sinful habit which had taken over his life. The next Saturday, he burned his pornographic magazines in his wood stove. He deleted his hard drive. He tossed the videos. He cancelled both subscriptions to porn sites. Feeling freer but slightly uneasy about this big step, he decided to keep a few of his pornographic materials just in case. These proved to be his undoing. After months free from his bad habit, Johnny and his wife got into a fight. He was so upset with her that he no longer wanted to have sex with her. He got out the pornographic materials he had kept hidden and began to view them daily. Within a few months, he was back to hiding magazines and subscribing to porn sites.
When a sin has had considerable control over your life, you may grow comfortable with its presence. You might feel awkward or ashamed or uneasy removing the sin from your life. In the days of Jeremiah, the people of Israel were in the same situation. More and more people in the holy land were keeping idols to other gods. The people continued to worship our God in the Temple and at home, but they also kept the idols as well. They had idols for fertility, idols to watch over the harvest, and idols for other aspects of life. These idols prevented the people of Israel from putting their complete trust in God. God wanted them removed. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God issued the command… “if you want to return to me, you could.” All the people had to do was “throw away their detestable idols and stray no more” (Jeremiah 4:1). The people couldn’t stray, couldn’t waver, in their purification. They had to reject those other gods and idols. They had to return to God for good. They could not doubt this decision. They could not stray back to old sinful ways, or their relationship with God would never last.
There are an almost infinite number of things that can become an idol in your life. For people like Johnny in the story above, pornography had become an idol. Others have pined after alcohol, drugs, sexual pursuits and positions of power. Some have chosen to worship another person. Some hold on to a relic of their past. Many worship a wrongful idea or hold on to a sinful thought. Whatever comes between you and God becomes your idol. Idols do not belong in your life. Like in the days of Jeremiah, God wants you to steer clear of all idols. You can’t worship any material thing or thought or fantasy. God needs to be first in your life. The idols must be cast aside.
Don’t forget what Johnny did wrong. He kept a few of his pornographic materials hidden when he knew they should be purged. These idols called out for Johnny to return to his old ways, his hidden sins. When Johnny’s marriage had troubles, Johnny returned to bad habits and his old sin.
The scripture for today contains a warning. Through Jeremiah, God warned the people not to stray back to sin. God wanted the people to return to Him with all their heart and soul and mind and strength. He didn’t want them to hold on to any relic of the past that would prove too great a temptation. God didn’t want His people to stray away again. God wants you to remain close… always.
Is there some “thing” that beckons you to sin? Is there an old sin that is tempting you? What idol of your past still wants control of your mind? Get rid of those sinful ways. Cast off those idols. Recommit to God with all your heart and soul. Steer clear of temptations. And when you mess up, remember from the scripture for today that “you could return” to God. His arms are waiting. His commitment to you is unwavering.
After visiting a Cursillo weekend sponsored by his church, Johnny realized he had a problem with pornography. He decided before the weekend was over to stop this sinful habit which had taken over his life. The next Saturday, he burned his pornographic magazines in his wood stove. He deleted his hard drive. He tossed the videos. He cancelled both subscriptions to porn sites. Feeling freer but slightly uneasy about this big step, he decided to keep a few of his pornographic materials just in case. These proved to be his undoing. After months free from his bad habit, Johnny and his wife got into a fight. He was so upset with her that he no longer wanted to have sex with her. He got out the pornographic materials he had kept hidden and began to view them daily. Within a few months, he was back to hiding magazines and subscribing to porn sites.
When a sin has had considerable control over your life, you may grow comfortable with its presence. You might feel awkward or ashamed or uneasy removing the sin from your life. In the days of Jeremiah, the people of Israel were in the same situation. More and more people in the holy land were keeping idols to other gods. The people continued to worship our God in the Temple and at home, but they also kept the idols as well. They had idols for fertility, idols to watch over the harvest, and idols for other aspects of life. These idols prevented the people of Israel from putting their complete trust in God. God wanted them removed. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God issued the command… “if you want to return to me, you could.” All the people had to do was “throw away their detestable idols and stray no more” (Jeremiah 4:1). The people couldn’t stray, couldn’t waver, in their purification. They had to reject those other gods and idols. They had to return to God for good. They could not doubt this decision. They could not stray back to old sinful ways, or their relationship with God would never last.
There are an almost infinite number of things that can become an idol in your life. For people like Johnny in the story above, pornography had become an idol. Others have pined after alcohol, drugs, sexual pursuits and positions of power. Some have chosen to worship another person. Some hold on to a relic of their past. Many worship a wrongful idea or hold on to a sinful thought. Whatever comes between you and God becomes your idol. Idols do not belong in your life. Like in the days of Jeremiah, God wants you to steer clear of all idols. You can’t worship any material thing or thought or fantasy. God needs to be first in your life. The idols must be cast aside.
Don’t forget what Johnny did wrong. He kept a few of his pornographic materials hidden when he knew they should be purged. These idols called out for Johnny to return to his old ways, his hidden sins. When Johnny’s marriage had troubles, Johnny returned to bad habits and his old sin.
The scripture for today contains a warning. Through Jeremiah, God warned the people not to stray back to sin. God wanted the people to return to Him with all their heart and soul and mind and strength. He didn’t want them to hold on to any relic of the past that would prove too great a temptation. God didn’t want His people to stray away again. God wants you to remain close… always.
Is there some “thing” that beckons you to sin? Is there an old sin that is tempting you? What idol of your past still wants control of your mind? Get rid of those sinful ways. Cast off those idols. Recommit to God with all your heart and soul. Steer clear of temptations. And when you mess up, remember from the scripture for today that “you could return” to God. His arms are waiting. His commitment to you is unwavering.
December 31
“For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 52:12, NRSV)
Two marines sat at a guard post in Iraq. They were surrounded by heavy metal walls and hundreds of pounds in sandbags. Still, their position was precarious. The enemy had been using hit and run tactics to charge the defenses. They had been mortared several times in the past two months. As the men sat behind their machine gun, one turned to the other and said, “I’ve got this feeling that things have been too quiet. Something is up. I think a surprise attack is brewing. Even the locals sense the winds changing. You ready for this?”
“I’m ready,” said his fellow marine.
“Let’s keep our eyes open a little more tonight. I got a feeling something is coming.”
“I know what you mean,” responded the other marine.
After a moment of silence, the marine not manning the gun put his arm on the gunner’s shoulder and said, “Hey, don’t let it get to you. I’ve got your back.”
Smiling, but never taking his eye off the field of fire, the gunner replied, “You know I’ve got yours, too.”
It is especially comforting when you know that someone has your back, is watching out for you, will be there when you need help. Those two marines in their guard post knew they could count on each other when fighting broke out. It gave them a great level of confidence and security knowing they were not alone in the battle. With someone at their back, they had support.
In medieval times, when knights were in a sword fight, they often fought back to back. They knew that with each other’s back protected, they could go into the fight face-first. It gave a knight courage to know that he didn’t have to watch everything all around him. He only had to concentrate his sight and his fight on the front. The other knight protected his vulnerable back.
In spiritual battles, it is comforting to know when God “has your back.” With God watching your vulnerable back, you can concentrate your efforts on the task before you. You can fight spiritual evil head on. At important points, God will often give you a spiritual ally to watch your back. That person will prayerfully guard your vulnerabilities while you do God’s work. Like a soldier or knight finds great comfort in another fighter at his back, you will always find great comfort when God, or someone God sent, has your back.
In the scripture for today from the book of Isaiah, we are told some very crucial information about the period after the exile. After the crushing defeat by Babylon in the sixth-century BC, many of the citizens of Jerusalem were carted off to be slaves in the Babylonian empire. There, many continued to pray to God for rescue. They longed for the day when they could return from exile to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. They longed to rebuild Judah and Jerusalem, to rededicate themselves to God, and to begin a new chapter in their faith journey. When Persia defeated Babylon in war during the late sixth-century BC, the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland. Many feared this news was too good to be true. However, words of prophecy came to the people; God was involved in their freedom. They should return to their homeland to rebuild. They should not be in fear. Isaiah told them that they “should not return in flight”, as if fleeing from Babylon. Why? Because the Lord was to “go before them”. The God of Israel would be their “rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12). God would have their backs.
There may come a time when you might be fearful to take on a new challenge in your life. You might find it difficult to face the day when you come home from the hospital, are sent to a war zone, have to face a spiritual enemy, or feel threatened. In those times, it is important to reach out to God. You need to ask God to be your “rear guard”. You will need God to watch your back. Don’t be so busy or hard-headed to fail to ask God for protection. Don’t be so over-confident that you don’t seek God’s strength in prayer. In your most crucial moments in life, you need God at your back and on your side.
When was the last time was that you asked for God’s protection? Do you tend to go off on spiritual, moral, or worldly battles all on your own? Do you forget to seek God’s guidance and strength? Have you let someone sent by God watch your back? God’s powerful hand can do amazing things. God’s protection can be the very thing you need to face a problem head on.
“I’m ready,” said his fellow marine.
“Let’s keep our eyes open a little more tonight. I got a feeling something is coming.”
“I know what you mean,” responded the other marine.
After a moment of silence, the marine not manning the gun put his arm on the gunner’s shoulder and said, “Hey, don’t let it get to you. I’ve got your back.”
Smiling, but never taking his eye off the field of fire, the gunner replied, “You know I’ve got yours, too.”
It is especially comforting when you know that someone has your back, is watching out for you, will be there when you need help. Those two marines in their guard post knew they could count on each other when fighting broke out. It gave them a great level of confidence and security knowing they were not alone in the battle. With someone at their back, they had support.
In medieval times, when knights were in a sword fight, they often fought back to back. They knew that with each other’s back protected, they could go into the fight face-first. It gave a knight courage to know that he didn’t have to watch everything all around him. He only had to concentrate his sight and his fight on the front. The other knight protected his vulnerable back.
In spiritual battles, it is comforting to know when God “has your back.” With God watching your vulnerable back, you can concentrate your efforts on the task before you. You can fight spiritual evil head on. At important points, God will often give you a spiritual ally to watch your back. That person will prayerfully guard your vulnerabilities while you do God’s work. Like a soldier or knight finds great comfort in another fighter at his back, you will always find great comfort when God, or someone God sent, has your back.
In the scripture for today from the book of Isaiah, we are told some very crucial information about the period after the exile. After the crushing defeat by Babylon in the sixth-century BC, many of the citizens of Jerusalem were carted off to be slaves in the Babylonian empire. There, many continued to pray to God for rescue. They longed for the day when they could return from exile to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem. They longed to rebuild Judah and Jerusalem, to rededicate themselves to God, and to begin a new chapter in their faith journey. When Persia defeated Babylon in war during the late sixth-century BC, the Jewish exiles were allowed to return to their homeland. Many feared this news was too good to be true. However, words of prophecy came to the people; God was involved in their freedom. They should return to their homeland to rebuild. They should not be in fear. Isaiah told them that they “should not return in flight”, as if fleeing from Babylon. Why? Because the Lord was to “go before them”. The God of Israel would be their “rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12). God would have their backs.
There may come a time when you might be fearful to take on a new challenge in your life. You might find it difficult to face the day when you come home from the hospital, are sent to a war zone, have to face a spiritual enemy, or feel threatened. In those times, it is important to reach out to God. You need to ask God to be your “rear guard”. You will need God to watch your back. Don’t be so busy or hard-headed to fail to ask God for protection. Don’t be so over-confident that you don’t seek God’s strength in prayer. In your most crucial moments in life, you need God at your back and on your side.
When was the last time was that you asked for God’s protection? Do you tend to go off on spiritual, moral, or worldly battles all on your own? Do you forget to seek God’s guidance and strength? Have you let someone sent by God watch your back? God’s powerful hand can do amazing things. God’s protection can be the very thing you need to face a problem head on.