Bethel Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
Thursday, December 5
Jesus Gives Us His Peace
John 14:27-29 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, "I am going away and I am coming back to you." If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
Martin Luther found a great deal of comfort in theses words of Holy Scripture. Luther knew that he had no deserved eternal life from a holy God. Therefore when the Savior announced, "Peace I leave with you," these words filled his heart with joy.
Many people today, unfortunately, do not share Luther's attitude toward sin. As far as the world is concerned, sin is only a "sickness" or a "weakness" in the human soul. Because the world does no view sin as a real problem, the world does no appreciate the Savior's announcement of real peace. Unless we first of all learn to confess, "Lord, I am by nature sinful and unclean; I also have sinned against you in thought, word and deed," the Savior's words will mean nothing to us.
But after God's law has shown us how poor and wretched and needy we really are, then the Savior's words of comfort bring great joy to our hearts. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." His peace is not another kind of temporary peace such as the world has to offer. It is a peace between God and us. It is a permanent peace, the peace of knowing that God will give us every blessing, for Jesus' sake. It is the peace which settled over the disciples once they realized that Jesus had risen from the grave. It is the peace which the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, brought to them and still brings to us through the gospel.
This peace, which is ours in Christ, is the cause of endless joy. Jesus has now returned to the throne of his Father's majesty on high. Jesus did humble himself - even to the extent of dying a shameful death on the cross. And he did it all for us. But now Jesus, having completed his work here on earth, sits in glory at the right hand of the Father. From his exalted position in heaven Jesus continues to assure us, "My peace I give you!" And he offers it to us again and again through his Word and Sacraments.
The peace of this world may be very attractive, but it is also very temporary. The peace which Jesus offers, on the other hand, though it appears much less attractive, even irrelevant, to the eyes of men, is real and eternal.
Grant us your peace, O Lord! Amen.
Friday, December 6
Praying God's Word Day-By-Day
No one is more pleasurable to be around than a person who has had her cup filled by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lord, as a member of the body of Christ, help me consider how I may spur others on toward love and good deeds. I will not give up meeting with others in Christ, as some are in the habit of doing, but I choose to encourage others - and all the more as I see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
I pray that I may also be active in sharing my faith, so that I will have a full understanding of every goo thing I have in Christ. Philemon 6 - " that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." Please help me to see that I cannot share something I don't have. I must possess faith to share it!
I have gained access by faith into this grace in which I now stand, and I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2 - "through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Saturday, December 7
Doing the Church's Business
John 2:16 - To those sold doves He said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father's house into a market!"
Jesus objected when, in the temple courtyard, merchants sold animals intended for sacrifice and when other concessionaires operated currency exchanges for profit. He objects today when people turn God's house into a marketplace and transact their business in it.
Yet the church is a place of business - the Lord's business. The young Jesus did his Father's business when He occupied Himself with God's Word in the temple (Luke 2:41-52). When He said at the temple cleansing that the house of God is "a house of prayer" (Matt 21:13), He stressed that it is for worship. We do our Father's business when we pray, proclaim the Word, partake in the sacraments, bring our offerings, and have fellowship with one another.
To us "church" is far more than a building. It is God's people who are redeemed by Jesus Christ, who serve Him on Sundays and weekdays, and profess Him before the world. Jesus made it the business of the church to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20).
The church's business is Gospel preaching and teaching, baptizing and celebrating Holy Communion, prayer and fellowship, ministry and mission. Are we doing this business also at a time when Christmas shopping so dominates the business world?
Prayer Suggestion: Ask your Lord to grant you zeal for His house and love for His Gospel.
Sunday, December 8
Not by Might
Zechariah 4:6 - This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, " Says the Lord of hosts.
God's Word came to His people at a critical time. They were despondent, disillusioned people who faced a daunting task. They had been exiled in Babylon for seventy years. During this time they and witnessed the strength of the most dominant military power in their world. They had watched Babylonian army marching off to conquer other nations. They had seen the wealth and splendor of the Babylonian king. When Babylon was in turn conquered by the Persians, the Israelites saw an even greater superpower emerging on the world stage. They lost heart when they compared their own weakness and captivity with the enormous strength and wealth of the superpower of their day.
As the Israelites returned to Jerusalem after seventy years in captivity, they found their city in ruins. Their magnificent temple had been destroyed. The city walls had been torn down. They had no resources to rebuild their splendid city. As these former refugees looked at the mammoth task before them, they realized their poverty and weakness, and they became greatly dismayed. Then came God's word! He promised that they would, indeed, rebuild their city. But, He told them, the rebuilding would not be accomplished by their own power and resources but by His Spirit. As long as they had God's Spirit, they had everything they needed.
There will be times when obeying God will lead you to impossible situations. If you look at your own skills, knowledge, and resources, you will become discouraged. However, when you become a Christian, God placed His Spirit within you. You now have the resources of heaven at your disposal. The success of your endeavors will not depend on the way you use your own resources but on how you obey the Spirit of God.
Monday, December 9
Names of God
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock; . . . my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" - Psalm 18:2
It is intriguing how many names there are for God. In today's Scripture verse, He is Jehovah Eli, My God. He also is Jehovah Ori, my light (Psalm 27:1); Jehovah Shalom, my peace (Judges 6:24); Jehovah Jireh, my provider (Genesis 22:14); Jehovah Machsi, my refuge (Psalm 91:9). And there are others. I suppose if I were asked which is my favorite name of God, it would be different from time to time, depending on the circumstances in my life. However, I think right now my favorite is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals.
"If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight . . . I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the Lord, am your healer." - Exodus 15:26
God can heal supernaturally and sometimes He heals incrementally - by using people. God has healed me by using good doctors and by bringing people into my life who have the wisdom to know how to treat illnesses in alternative ways. I believe the fact that I'm alive is a testimony of the fact that God does intercede and He does answer prayers. In my opinion, the greatest alternative treatment available is prayer.
So you can understand why my favorite name for God right now is Jehovah Rapha, my healer. Think about which name of God is your favorite, and thank Him for being all-sufficient.
Tuesday, December 10
A Prayer about God's Favor Resting on Us
"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." - Luke 2:13-14
Heavenly Father, I've got to sit in these words for a bit: "peace to those on whom his favor rests." It's all right there in this doxological declaration, this angelic proclamation, this gospel-filled affirmation - everything my heart longs for, more than I could have ever hoped for or imagined. I know with certainty that you are at peace with me - that I'm someone upon whom your favor permanently rests - all because of what you've done for us in Jesus.
Father, if unredeemed angels were in awe of such good news, how much more should I be staggered and astonished, humbled and grateful, liberated and transformed?
We invest so muchh of our lives looking for favor - wanting to be wanted, longing to be celebrated, and seeking to be acceptable. Personally, I've looked to people and work, to education and exercise, to money and things, even to spiritual disciplines and ministry to give me what you alone give us so freely and fully in the gospel.
And what a freeing paradox, Father: the more we come alive to the riches of the gospel, the less we obsess about our own lives. We don't end up thinking more of ourselves or less of ourselves. We just think of ourselves less often. How liberating!
Jesus, may this old host of angels drive us into a new worship of you this Advent season. It's only because you submitted to the fullness of God's disfavor for us that we can boast of having the fullness of God's favor resting on us. We praise, honor, and adore you. We dare not look at your cradle without gazing at your cross. We pray in your holy and loving name. Amen.
Wednesday, December 11
The Need For Reverence
God is greatly to be feared . . . and to be had in reverence.
Many persons who have been raised in our churches no longer think in terms of reverence, which seems to indicate that they doubt God's presence is there! Much of the blame must be placed on the growing acceptance of a worldly secularism that seems much more appealing than any real desire for the spiritual life that is pleasing to God. We secularize God; we secularize worship!
No great and spiritual minded men of God are going to come our of such churches, nor any great spiritual movement of believing prayer and revival. If God is to be honored and revered and truly worshiped, He may have to sweep us away and start somewhere else!
Let us confess that there is a necessity for true worship among us. If God is who He says He is and if we are the believing people of God we claim to be, we must worship Him! In my own assessment, for men and women to lose the awareness of God in our midst is a loss too terrible ever to be appraised!
Thursday, December 12
Streams in the Desert
If I am in distress, it is in the interest of your comfort, which is effective as it nerves you to endure the same sufferings as I suffered myself. Hence my hope for you is well-founded, since I know that as you share the sufferings you share the comfort also. - 2 Cor. 1:6-7
Are there not some in your circle to whom you naturally betake yourself in times of trial and sorrow? They always seem to speak the right word, to give the very counsel you are longing for; you do not realize, however, the cost which they had to pay ere they became so skillful in binding up the gaping wounds and drying tears. But if you were to investigate their past history you would find that they have suffered more than most. They have watched the slow untwisting of some silver cord on which the lamp of life hung. They have seen the golden bowl of joy dashed to their feet, and its contents split. They have stood by ebbing tides, and drooping gourds, and noon sunsets; but all this has been necessary to make them the nurses, the physicians, the priests or men. The boxes that come from foreign climes are clumsy enough; but they contain spices which scent the air with the fragrances of the Orient. So suffering is rough and hard to bear; but it hides beneath it discipline, education, possibilities, which not only leave us nobler, but perfect us to help others. Do not fret, or set your teeth, or wait doggedly for the suffering to pass; but get out of it all you can, both for yourself and for your service to your generation, according to the will of God.
Once I heard a song of sweetness, As it cleft the morning air, Sounding in its blest completeness, Like a tender, pleading prayer; And I sought to find the singer, Whence the wondrous song was borne, And I found a bird, sore wounded, Pinioned by a cruel thorn.
I have seen a soul in sadness, While its wings with pain were furled, Giving hope, and cheer and gladness That should bless a weeping world And I knew that life of sweetness, Was of pain and sorrow borne, And a stricken soul was singing, With its heart against a thorn.
Ye are told of One who loved you, Of a Savior crucified, Ye are told of nails that pinioned, And a spear that pierced His side; Ye are told of cruel scourging, Of a Savior Bearing scorn, And He died for your salvation, With His brow against a thorn.
Ye "are not above the Master." Will you breathe a sweet refrain? And His grace will be sufficient, When your heart is pierced with pain. Will you live to bless His loved ones, Tho' your life be bruised and torn, Like the bird that sang so sweetly, With its heart against a thorn?
Friday, December 13
Christian Service
Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? - Matthew 20:15
The Christian serves God our of pure delight because the grace (undeserved mercy) God has bestowed on us through his Son, Jesus Christ. God is saying to us: "If you want to work with me, don't start bargaining; don't start saying you are worth so much, or that you put in so much time for me, and, therefore, you deserve so much in heaven; for the kingdom of God doesn't rate on so much per hour.
I want people who are willing to follow me to the ends of the earth - to visit those who are sick mentally and physically, to clothe the naked physically and spiritually, to visit the imprisoned, and to give food and water to the hungry and thirsty - to do my will simply because they love me. Give me people who work their hearts out and expect nothing - and they will receive all the glories of the kingdom."
It's a good thing for us that the rewards of the kingdom are not decided by human beings, but by the love and mercy of our heavenly Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to give witness to your grace
and mercy to others. Keep us, by your Spirit, thankful in
your service. Amen.
Saturday, December 14
Luther's Small Catechism
Cont. with Third Article
Where is the holy Christian church to be found?
The holy Christian church is to be found where "the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are correctly administered" (Augsburg Confession VII 1). The Gospel and the sacraments are called the "marks of the church".
Isaiah 55:10-11 - For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth to the eater, so shall My word be that goes our from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
In what other senses is the the word church used?
The word church is also used to indicate A) the visible church of God; B) a denomination; C) a local congregation; and D) a house of worship.
Why does Scripture call local congregations "church"?
Local, visible gatherings around the means of grace are called churches because there believers are gathered around Word and sacrament.
Matthew 18:17 - If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
1 Cor. 1:2 - To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.
What is the visible church?
The visible church is the whole number of those who use the Word of God and profess the Christian faith, but among whom, bedside the true Christians, there are also unbelievers.
Are there then two churches, one visible and the other invisible?
There is only one church - all believer in Christ. The visible gathering is called church because of the believers gathered around the means of grace in an assembly in which there are also hypocrites
What do the Scriptures teach about our life in the church?
They teach that
A. we should seek always to be and remain members of the invisible church, Christ's body, by sincere faith in Christ, our Savior;
John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
2 Cor. 13:5 - Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.
B. we should be faithful to that visible church, or denomination, (A religious denomination is a church body or organization with a distinct name and a distinct body of doctrine.) which professes and teaches all of the Bible's doctrine purely and administers the sacraments according to Christ's institution;
John 8:31-32 - If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
1 Cor. 1:10 - I appeal you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
C. we should avoid false teachers, false churches, and all organizations that promote a religion that is contrary to God's Word.
Matt. 7:15-16 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.
Rom 16:17-18 - I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
2 Cor. 6:14 - Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Gal. 1:8 - Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
2 Tim. 4:3 - The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.
1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
D. we should maintain and extend God's church by telling others about Jesus Christ, by personal service, and by prayer and financial support.
John 20:21 - As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.
Acts 1:8 - You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 8:1, 4 - And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles . . . Those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
1 Peter 2:9 - You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you our of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 3:15 - Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
Luke 10:2 - He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Gal. 6:6 - One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.
Sunday, December 14
The Word Is with God and Is God!
John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Al things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made.
John gives Jesus the title the Word because the Son speaks to us on behalf of the Father. John says that Jesus was with God but also was God. How can this be? The answer is that God has revealed to us that He exists as three distinct but united persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In John 1:14, we read these words, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John mentions both the Father and the Son who are united as one God, along with the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:19; John 1:32-33; 14:15-17, 25-26; 16:7-11).
The Father loved us to much that He sent His Son to be our Savior, the Son willingly took on human flesh and offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, and the Holy Spirit works through God's Word to give us faith in this Gospel!
Jesus, thank You for taking on human flesh in the womb of the virgin
Mary so that You could save me from my sins. Amen.
Monday, December 16
Thankful for Seasons
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
I grew up on the West Coast or the U.S. The possibility of snow for Christmas was so remote that my mom would point to fog in the early morning as evidence that the holidays were just around the corner.
My wife and I no live in the Midwest. There's a lot of snow when the yuletide season comes around. And I couldn't be happier with four distinct seasons. But I don't find that same reasons from many who have grown up in the Midwest. I find it amusing that they don't share my appreciation for the wonderful cycles of change God has built into nature for our good.
In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Solomon acknowledged the cycles of life. He observed a time to sow and to reap, to weep and to laugh, to mourn and to dance, to gain and to lose, to keep silent and to speak, to love and to hate.
Just as God determines the weather, He also controls the cycles in our lives: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heave" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Do we resist those seasons and complain about the "snowy" conditions on the horizon? Or do we trust God and thank Him for whatever He planned for us?
Whatever our situation is today, we can be thankful for God's seasons.
Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember - God has plans for you.
Tuesday, December 17
Praying God's Word Day By Day
No matter what kind of
rejection you may have suffered,
Praying the Scripture can by used
by God to bring you strength.
According to Your Word, blessed am I when me hate me, when they exclude me and insult me and reject my name as evil because of the Son of Man. I am to rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is my reward in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).
For at one time I too was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating others (Titus 3:3). I acknowledge the misery of living outside of You.
Lord, I want it to be said of me that my many sins have been forgiven - for I have loved much. The person who has been forgive little loves little (Luke 7:47).
Wednesday, December 18
Immanuel, Our Constant Hope
Read Haggai 2 and Psalm 62
"Behold, . . . they shall call His name Immanuel" (which means, God with us.) Matthew 1:23
The Lord tells His people to continue to rebuild the temple. They were discouraged, too busy looking to the past to see God's good gifts. Some had seen Solomon's temple and found that rebuilding it was overwhelming. Yet God calls them to keep working. He says to look ahead, promising to be with them. When the Last Day comes, when the earth is shaken, His people will find rest in Him.
God again calls His people to consider (Haggai 2:15, 18). Haggai reminds God's people that the promised Savior is to come. God "richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life." and beyond - salvation comes from Him alone.
Like the exiles, we get discouraged. We look to our past and find guilt and shame, rather than looking to Jesus on the cross. Earthly life shakes us, and we forget that God is our rock and fortress.
God assures that He is near His people. God uses the gift of church - His people together - to encourage. We hear God's Word preached rightly. We confess our sins and our pastor says, in Christ's stead, "Your are forgiven." Jesus invites, "Take eat . . . drink" (Matthew 26:26-27). We hope in Immanuel - God with us.
God, when I fail to trust You, forgive me.
In the name of Jesus, our Immanuel. Amen.
Thursday, December 19
The Problem of Answered Prayer
We hear a lot about what seems to be unanswered prayer. Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn't share with me the frustration that either God has not heard or hasn't responded to his or her prayers. We all want guidance, wisdom, and power from God. We want to know that He hears and cares and answers our petitions. So we cry out, "Lord, grant me the desires of my heart, show me what You want me to do, bless me and my loved ones, but please Lord, don't be silent!" Who hasn't had the experience of what appears to be unanswered prayer?
But one day while reading the responses to the questionnaire I had sent out asking people to send me a list of their biggest problems, I was startled by one person's response card. Printed out on the card were five words in bold letters. They were underlined with urgency and had an exclamation point at the end for emphasis : The problem of answered prayer!
I sat back in my chair and spent a long time thinking about this unusual expression of need. Not answered prayer but answered prayer! How could receiving an answer to our prayers be a problem?
The more I thought about this, the more I realized that frequently answers to prayer are more challenging than coping with what we consider unanswered prayer. In fact, many times what we call unanswered prayer is really the problem of answered prayer. There are times, I'm sure, that we concentrate so hard on asking for something that we are insensitive to the answer when it comes. And often answers to prayer are more than we bargained for. Or it comes in a different way than we expected. Then, there are times when the answer presents us with a challenge to become part of the answer.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning was on target with her arrow of truth about the problem of answered prayer.
God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we've prayed for in our face,
A gauntlet with a gift in it.
Its recognizing and accepting the gauntlet and opening it to discover the gift that is the problem of answered prayer.
Friday, December 20
A Promise for the Problem of Answered Prayer
When we pray in Jesus' name, we can have the liberating assurance that all of our prayers will be answered. That's the essence of the promise Jesus gave His disciples when they were together in the upper room on the night before the crucifixion. The promise is nestled in among some very crucial teachings. He had told them He would soon be leaving them. But He was coming bac. He would manifest Himself to them.
Jesus also made it clear that night that prayer would be the vital, enabling link between Him and them. And most important of all, He would be the instigator of their desire to pray;' the interpreter of the best way for those prayers to be answered for the ultimate good of all concerned; and the implementer of that answer in their lives. All of these dynamic elements are contained in Christ's awesome promise, "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14).
Now, Jesus didn't say, "If you ask for whatever you want, it will be done for you." But He did promise that He would answer all prayers prayed in His name.
To pray in Jesus' name is to pray for what is in keeping with His plan, purpose, and power. That is both comforting and challenging. When we pray in His name, we have the sovereign authority. Only what will accomplish His plan for us is granted. He is our compassionate, but all-knowing and all-loving prayer censor. As such, He answers our prayers with His all-wise yes, no, or later. Some prayers are answered with the blessing and guidance we've asked for. Others, which would not be best for us are refused. And other answers are delayed because the timing is not right or we are not ready.
Does that give you a tremendouse sense of relief? It does me! We can pray with freedom and joy knowing that the Master Strategist is sorting out our prayers and managing His answers for our growth and His glory in our lives. His granting what we seek, His denials, or His delays are all answers to our prayers. But from our point of view, accepting what He knows is best isn't always easy for us. That's the problem of answered prayer.
There are three kinds of answers to prayer which cause us difficulty; those we are reluctant to acknowledge, those we resist, and those we are timpted to refuse. Let's consider these in the light of Jesus' promise in John 14:13-14.
Saturday, December 21
Jesus in Calling
Psalm 63:2-5
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we live by faith, not by sight.
John 11:40 - Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears - through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My power and My glory.
Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My power and my glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles - and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory.
Sunday, December 22
A Shepherd's Tale: Hearing the Good News
Luke 2:8-14 - And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Amidst the sights and sounds of Christmas, is the Good News penetrating to your heart? For the next three devotion, remove yourself from the blur of preparations, return to the fields near Bethlehem, and listen to the tale of a shepherd:
"I am a shepherd from the hills of Bethlehem. I have come to tell you about the birth of the Christ Child. Behold, I have seen, and I believe. One evening we were resting by our campfire as we watched the sheep nibble the closely cropped grass of the hillside. Suddenly a great light appeared, and as we cringed in the shadows a radiant figure clothed in white stood before us and said, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10). And suddenly thousands of other figures clad in white appeared before our eyes and begun to sing a beautiful song. The words they sand were unforgettable: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men . . . ' (Luke 2:14). They were trying to prepare us for a visit to the Baby who was born in Bethlehem."
What an impact on the shepherd! How unexpected the angelic visit and the joyful news of Christ born in the city of David! Does not the shepherd's tale move us to joy and expectation in these days before Christmas? Does not the quiet of the hillside after the angels' visit give pause for a simple focus on the Babe in the manager, our Savior from sin? The shepherd's tale continues tomorrow.
Monday, December 23
A Shepherd's Tale: Hurrying to the Manger
Luke 2:15-16 - When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
The tale of the shepherd continues: "That was the most glorious thing I have ever seen. When the angels left the skies, darkness filled the air again. Almost immediately we all said, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened' (Luke 2:15). We went as fast as we could and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby just as the angel said we would. I don't think any of us thought much about what would happen to the sheep. We just wanted to hurry to Bethlehem. Preparation? We didn't have time to prepare. God spoke to us, and we wanted to move as fast as we could."
"When we reached Bethelhem, none of us knew what to to or say. We entered quietly and saw the man and the woman and the manger cradling the little Babe. I fumbled for words. I shuffled my feet. Finally, I knelt awkwardly at the manger and gave thanks in my heart for the wonderful Child, the Savior."
How would you describe the unfolding story of your Christmas celebration this year? Dazzled by the angelic glory or overexposed to Christmas glitter? Deeply moved by the Messianic message or exhausted ny hectic preparations? Hurrying expectantly to the manger or continually sidetracked by baking and shopping and decorating and partying?
Hear the shepherd's tale. God has come to our world in Christ. This Savior went to the cross to pay for our sins. He lives and will return again. We enter His presence again this Christmas, and His love forgives us, quiets us, and fills us with joy and thanksgiving.
Tuesday, December 24
A Shepherd's Tale: Sharing the Savior's Birth
Luke 2:17-20 - When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The take of the shepherd concludes: "I rose and pressed the hands of Mary and Joseph in my own. I felt like a helpless child in the presence of this Child who I knew was the true Son of God. I left the stable a different person. My friends and I scarcely spoke a word to each other for quite a while. But we shared the same thoughts. We realized that we had seen a great sight and that we had experienced true joy. Then, all of a sudden, we began to talk at the same time. Gradually our words began to fit together into one story, a story of peace, of joy, of love, of the birth of the Son of God."
"We told this story to everyone we met along the way - the local carpenter, the man who sold fresh fish, the beggar on a doorstep, the rich noble with the gold ring and the long robes. Why don't you rejoice with me, my friend, and help me spread the Good News?"
What an agenda for our Christmas celebration! We hear again the angel tidings. We journey with the shepherds to the manager. Transformed by the Christ, we arise to share the Good News with our family and friends, our neighbors, our co-workers. Like the shepherds, we speak only because God has spoken to us in Christ and through His Word empowers us to share with others. And the telling further strengthens us to share more of the Good News.
Thank you, shepherd, for your tale of Christmas tidings. We will help you spread the message.
Wednesday, December 25
The Perfect Gift
2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
At times we hear about the perfect gift for someone who has everything. But what about the perfect gift for someone who has nothing and needs everything? That's what God gave me at Christmas.
When God put his Son into the manager, he gave me everything. I needed forgiveness. He gave me his Son from heaven to wash away my sins with his precious blood. I needed peace with God. He gave me the Price of Peace, who brought back a blessed relationship with the Father. I needed power against sin. He gave me the mighty Lord, who defeated Satan in the wilderness and even more so on the cross. How can the devil keep sin's handcuffs on me when Christ is the key that unlocks them? I needed comfort in life's sorrows. He gave me the living Savior, who wipes away my tears. I needed assurance at the time of death. He gave me the risen Jesus, who has already conquered death, no just for himself but for me. I had nothing, but with the gift of the Savior, God gave me everything I needed. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Why does he lavish such a gift on me? Again the word indescribable fits. How do I explain the love that moved God to send his Son into the manager? What language shall I borrow to praise him for such a gift to me, his enemy? In his great love, God gave everything he had so that I might have everything I need. Thanks be to God for his indescribable love!
Thank you for giving me just what I needed
in the Savior. Help me praise your love
forever. Amen.
Thursday, December 26
Celebrate Christmas Every Day
Luke 2:16 - So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manager.
Thrilled with their first successful flight in December 1903, the Wright brothers sent a telegram to their sister. "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas," it read. Their sister took it to the local newspaper. "That's nice," said the editor after glancing at the message. "The boys will be home for Christmas." Hopefully my Christmas celebration isn't missing the real news.
Shepherds came to kneel at Jesus' manager bed. People who held one of the more menial jobs in life hurried to worship the newborn Savior. That's comfort for me. By bringing the shepherds, God's reminding me that whatever my station in life, I have a Savior. From the moment of his birth, Jesus was ready to receive all sinners. That baby was born to save me.
Mary and Joseph were there at Jesus' manager bed. From the little Scripture records about these two, I learn something important about faith. They didn't hesitate but took God at his word, even when his words seemed impossible. God help me to do the same, especially with his promise of salvation.
Jesus was there in the manager bed. Never before or again will the world see a baby like him. Only he was from all eternity. Only his birth was foretold centuries berfore. Only he was virgin born. Only at his birth did angels sing. Only he was born to die for his fellowman. Only he deserves my worship.
God, help me celebrate
Christmas every day. Amen.
Friday, December 27
Unity and Peace
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:1-12
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. — Ephesians 4:3
Many countries in West Africa have been dealing with armed conflict in recent years. Even so, peace is deeply rooted in our traditions. In the past, each community had an official conciliator, the blacksmith. He was believed to be a mediator between the world of the living and the spirit world—and also between people themselves. If the blacksmith intervened in a conflict, the hostilities would stop.
Paul urges us as followers of Christ to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” As Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” When we strive to live together in peace, the Spirit brings unity, but each of us can promote unity or destroy it. The unity of the church and of society must be preserved by the bond of peace. In Christ we have found peace with God; he came to save us even though we were his enemies (Romans 5:8-11). Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and he invites us to make peace in his name.
The people around us will not always be nice, fair, or do what is right. But even then, our role is to bring peace. We do this in our families, our churches, and wherever we spend our workdays. In this way we can help to make our world a place that reflects more of the values of God’s kingdom.
In what ways can you make peace in complicated relationships?
Prince of Peace, thank you for bringing us peace with God. Help us to bring peace to the people around us. Amen.
Saturday, December 28
The Happiness of Forgiveness
Scripture Reading — Psalm 32:1-7
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. — Psalm 32:1
Many people are plagued with guilt. They live as prisoners of sin, without peace in their souls. As a result, many people have sought refuge in false solutions, and their attempts to appease their feelings of guilt have failed miserably.
Some people try to escape this overwhelming feeling by going on adventures. Others try to numb themselves with alcohol or drugs, creating even deeper pain. Some try to calm their anguish with self-help philosophies and mystical experiences. But no ritual or exercise can alleviate a guilty conscience.
Only the blood of Jesus can blot out our sins and free us from the guilt of our wrongdoing. Only Jesus can break the bars of our prison and break our chains. Only Jesus can offer us true forgiveness and eternal happiness. Seeking forgiveness from another source is like trying to find water in a dried-up well.
The psalmist learned similarly that while he kept silent (not seeking God’s forgiveness), his “bones wasted away” and his “strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Only when he opened his heart to God and acknowledged his sin did he find healing for the affliction of his soul. For he found that God “forgave the guilt of [his] sin.”
Hallelujah!
Because of your mercies, O Lord, we are not consumed.
Your forgiveness cancels the power of guilt and sin.
We praise you, Lord, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, December 29
The Incarnation Continues
Scripture Reading — John 20:19-23
You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.— 1 Corinthians 12:27
Since he ascended to heaven, Jesus Christ is no longer with us on earth in the flesh. But the incarnation continues. Jesus is still human, and in his human body he is in heaven. But that’s not all. Jesus is still living and active here on the earth in human form, because the church is his body on earth. (The church is not a building but is made up of all of us humans who believe in him.)
The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary so that Jesus was conceived in her womb. The same Spirit filled Jesus at his baptism. The same Spirit was poured out on Jesus’ disciples on Pentecost. And the same Spirit lives in us, the church, to this day.
Jesus breathed the Spirit onto his disciples, saying, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” The church is sent, like Jesus, to announce and embody the kingdom of God.
So the church speaks the truth in love—the truth about sin, judgment, and forgiveness. But that’s not all. The church also comes alongside people: to suffer with those who suffer, to weep with those who weep, to rejoice with those who rejoice, to visit those who are sick or in prison, to feed those who are hungry.
When the church is faithful to its calling, Jesus himself becomes visible in our humanity. So the incarnation continues on earth until Jesus returns.
Jesus, fill the church with your Spirit so that together we will
reflect the kingdom of God. And may all praise be to you,
with the Father and the Spirit. Amen!
Monday, December 30
God of All Ages, Whose Almighty Hand’
Scripture Reading — Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1
As we draw close to the end of another year, we look ahead to the coming year. And as we look ahead, we trust that God will be with us.
Psalm 46 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength.” In this psalm God is also referred to as an “ever-present help” and a “fortress.” This imagery communicates strength and confidence.
Over the past couple of years we have faced a lot of uncertainty. Yet there is one thing we know as we prepare for a new year—that God is always our strength and confidence. It is in God and God alone that we find our safety and security.
In “God of All Ages, Whose Almighty Hand” we sing of trusting in God the Almighty. “Thy love divine hath led us in the past . . ./ be thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay;/ thy Word our law, thy paths our chosen way.”
As we continue into the new year, we ask God to continue to lead us as he has led us in the past. God is the faithful God who continues to watch over his people. This is why the psalmist can say with such confidence that the Lord is “our refuge and strength.”
We do not know what we will face in the year 2022. One thing we do know for certain: God has been faithful, and in his faithfulness we will find our strength for the year to come.
Dear God, thank you for being our place of refuge,
no matter what we face. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Tuesday, December 31
‘As With Gladness Men of Old’
Scripture Reading — Matthew 2:1-12
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” — Matthew 2:2
The visit of the Magi is celebrated on January 6 (Epiphany). But the story of the Magi visiting the child Jesus connects with the Christmas story as well. “As with Gladness Men of Old” tells the story of the Magi responding to their discovery of “the guiding star” that indicated a king had been born.
When the Magi saw this star in the heavens, they set out in search of the newborn king. Each stanza of the song encourages the singer to respond in a similar way. With the Magi, who eagerly follow the light to find the newborn king, to bow before him in worship, and to offer “gifts most rare,” we are encouraged to see his splendor, seek his mercy, and bring our “costliest treasures” to “our heavenly King.” We rejoice at the birth of Jesus as the King of kings, and we are called to respond.
We are encouraged to live our lives as an offering to the Lord and King, who has made our salvation possible. The song points us to the promises of Revelation 21-22 describing the full life we will have with God in the new heaven and new earth. Then we will no longer need “created light,” because Jesus, the light of the world, will be our light. There we can forever live with the Lord and “sing alleluias to our King!”
Thank you, Lord, for the Magi’s response of faith:
setting out with joy to find the newborn King.
May we also, with joy and gladness, live our lives for you
each day and forever. Amen.
Saturday, November 30
The Unchanging Christ: The Same Yesterday
The Unchanging Christ: The Same Yesterday
All of my life I have heard the plea for a relevant “new Christ for a new age.”
The truth is Jesus Christ is God’s final word to men in all ages. He is relevant for every age. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
The same Jesus sits today “on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Heb. 1:3). He is the same person as He was when here on the earth.
When we read the words, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday” we are carried back to the long ages before He became flesh. I can point to a date, time, and place when I was born. However, Jesus did not begin to live when He was born in the flesh of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He simply changed His robes.
The apostle Paul tells us Jesus was in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, divested Himself of His garments of glory that had been His from all eternity and clothed Himself in the garments of a common household slave in the flesh and was obedient unto death. He was God-man. He was fully God and fully human (Phil. 2:5-8).
The absolutely essential fact is He was the same in past eternity; He changes not.
I search for an absolute in an age of change; He changes not, and I therefore have security.
He came from the Father and He returned to the Father. He dwelt in the ageless past in the bosom of His eternal Father. The apostle John tells us, “in the beginning was the Word.” When everything else had a beginning He already existed and He had no beginning. His beginning had no beginning. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men” (John 1:1-4).
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday . . .” His eternal existence is declared in these words, “in the beginning was the Word.” He is no vacillating whim of the age. “The Word was with God,” a distinct personality of the true and perfect deity because “the Word was God.” His personal relationship with the Father is unchangeable. He “was in the beginning with God,” and because of His resurrection and ascension, He still is in the presence of the Father in a perfect relationship.
Moreover, His understanding of man never needs to change. No one knows me like the one who made me. “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” “In Him is life.”
Where would you turn for a relevant Christ that is not found in the historic Christ? Would you, like the modern self-made cults, turn to your own making, or to some new age “enlightenment”?
God in Christ has already become one of us in order to demonstrate His love for us, and to show us what God is really like. God came and revealed Himself to sinful and disobedient rebellious men.
I don’t need a greater “light.” I only need to respond to the One true and all supreme Lord of all creation. Why should I turn to some lesser “light”? All other spiritual lights are only creepy shadows of the one who masquerades as “the angel of light,” Satan himself.
We don’t have to look afar to discover what evil lurks within the heart of man. God has fully revealed Himself (Heb. 1:1-3), and man in his stubborn rebellion cries for something greater and better like selfish, pampered, narcissistic children whining for something new.
God has spoken. He has not changed and He will not. He is the same as He was yesterday, and I find stability for my soul and eternal peace with God. Because He is the same I have eternal security of a right relationship with Him, not of my self-making, or choosing, but in His all-sufficient wisdom and grace.
Because He is the same yesterday, I know that what He has said will still remain true for you and me today. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
That great truth will not change, because our Savior changes not. His word and eternal promises remain the same throughout all eternity. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Thank God.