Month: December 2024

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Psalm 66:16-20

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Daily Devotion – December 13, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:16-20


See series: Devotions

Let me tell you what God has done for me. Twenty-one years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Today, I have been cancer-free for twenty years. Fifteen years ago, I was unable to have a child. Today, we have two incredible teenagers. Ten years ago, I almost lost my foot in a faulty elevator. Today, I am still standing. Five years ago, I considered changing vocations. Today, by the grace of God, I am where I am.

Think of a time when you received good news—an answer to an impossible problem. The sense of joy and relief you felt is close to what the psalmist who wrote today’s Bible passage felt. He was not just telling a story; he was testifying to God’s presence in his life. He cried out to God, full of need and full of trust. God answered, not because the psalmist was deserving but because God’s love and mercy are vast.

Think about your own relationship with God. Are you trying to keep anything in the dark from God? Is that putting distance between you and him? Cry out to God. Let go of what is holding you in the shadows and lean into him for mercy. God listens and answers every prayer in love.

Amid the frenzy, the festivities, and the lights, it’s easy to miss the miracle that began it all. How God, in love, reached down to a weary world in answer to our greatest need ever—a Savior from sin and sorrow. Jesus came to give us true light and life by giving his own life to set us free from darkness and death.

Take time this Advent season to tell others what great things God has done for you.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 322 vs 1)
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Amen.

I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats.
Psalm 66:13-15

O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

Daily Devotion – December 12, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:13-15


See series: Devotions

President Nixon’s aide, Chuck Colson, was a key player in the Watergate scandal. Because of his involvement, Colson faced prison time. During that dark time, a friend gave Colson the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. He began reading, and God’s Spirit began working in him.

One night, Colson cried out to God, confessed his sins, and promised to change his life. He pled guilty, and after serving time, Colson kept that promise. He founded Prison Fellowship, a global ministry that shares the gospel with prisoners and their families.

Colson’s conversion reflects the psalmist’s words. From the depth of his need, the psalmist promises to honor God’s faithfulness. When he was in trouble, God delivered. So, he vows to sacrifice a sizable thank offering to the Lord.

Christmas invites us to reflect on how, when we were in trouble, God delivered us. “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4,5).

Because Christ sacrificed himself for us, we joyfully submit ourselves to him. In the morning, we make appropriate and well-thought-out vows to live for him. We promise that whatever we do, we will do it all to his glory. In the evening, we humbly confess our sins, acknowledge our guilt, plead for his mercy, and rejoice in his forgiveness.

Let this Advent season be a time when you, like the psalmist, joyfully bring your sacrifices to God, your Savior. And come to worship him in his temple.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 324, vs 1)
O Jesus, let your Word be a lamp to light my way, to show me how to please you, to guide me every day. Amen.

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66:8-12

My Soul in Stillness Waits

Daily Devotion – December 11, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:8-12


See series: Devotions

When our kids were little, we had a song for special occasions. If one of them complained about something they were given, my wife and I would sing. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.” It drove them crazy, but it taught them an important lesson about our God.

The psalmist teaches us that God’s love may lead us into seasons of difficulty. Like a silversmith, God uses fiery trials to refine, not roast us. He is preparing our hearts to receive his blessings.

Life doesn’t always go as you plan. But isn’t that the real story of Christmas? How long did God’s people wait for the Messiah? Did Joseph plan to marry his betrothed? Did Mary plan to be the mother of Jesus? Did they plan to walk over seventy miles in the last month of Mary’s pregnancy to spend their honeymoon in Bethlehem? Did they plan to be in a barn when this child came into the world?

We celebrate a King who didn’t come as expected—wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. We worship a King that the world wasn’t looking for—crowned in thorns and nailed to a tree. But look what God did through him! We have a loving Savior who endured terrible things he didn’t deserve so we might receive his abundant blessings. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection, God turns sinners into saints.

You may not get what you want this Christmas but praise God anyway. In Christ, you get everything you need. Through every test and every burden, God refines your faith and strengthens you to persevere in the way that leads to eternal life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you that in giving me your Son as my Savior, you have given me everything I need. Amen.

Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.
Psalm 66:5-7

A Great and Mighty Wonder

Daily Devotion – December 10, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:5-7


See series: Devotions

Movies like It’s A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, and even Die Hard suggest that nothing goes together with Christmas like miracles and wonder.

Think of how many Christmas movies involve miracles: unexpected twists, people reunited, hearts softened, and wishes granted. These stories are meant to inspire and uplift. Yet even the most moving Christmas films miss the wonder of the real miracle of Christmas.

This Advent season, the psalmist invites us to “Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!” Christmas celebrates God stepping down into our broken world to live among us. He didn’t come to visit; he came to bring salvation.

Just as Christ delivered Israel by the parting of the Red Sea, Christ came on Christmas to deliver humanity by making a way where there was none. His sinless life and sacrificial death opened the way for us to reconciliation and life with God. Jesus is the way that leads from death to life for all who follow him in faith.

While Christmas movies may warm our hearts, their joy is fleeting, and their miracles soon fade. But God’s Christmas miracle has no end. Christ’s work fills our lives, giving us hope beyond this life, and peace beyond understanding.

Step back from the busyness and wonder anew. “Come and see” with fresh eyes and kneel before the real miracle— “an infant who veils his deity.”

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 349, vs 4)
Since all he comes to ransom, by all be he adored, the infant born in Bethlehem, the Savior and the Lord. Proclaim the Savior’s birth: “To God on high be glory and peace to all the earth.” Amen.

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
Psalm 66:1-4

Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord

Daily Devotion – December 9, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:1-4


See series: Devotions

Do you enjoy Christmas carols? What about those music stations that play Christmas songs twenty-four hours a day?

Christmas carols began as expressions of humble praise to God. But many of the songs we hear today are about red-nosed reindeer, snowmen, and sleigh rides. Sure, those songs can be fun, and there is nothing wrong with innocent fun. But they are empty of praise.

Real praise joyfully responds with humble adoration to God’s powerful work. At Christmas, we rejoice that God came to earth. Through his humble life, God demonstrates the awesome power of sacrificial love.

In giving us his Son, God was gifting us something we could never pay for and definitely do not deserve—forgiveness for all our sins, victory over our spiritual enemies, and eternal life.

Our God wants everyone to benefit from his gracious gift. So, keep singing those carols! Make his praise glorious! Sing with joy and enthusiasm! And if you can’t make music, listen with a heart tuned to praise that Christ came to earth. Let everyone know about the perfect gift we have been given—God with us! God for us!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 315, vs 4)
Savior, hear my welcome cry—loud hosannas lifted high! King of glory, enter in; cleanse my soul of every sin. Amen.

“Then suddenly the LORD you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
Malachi 3:1-4

A Time to Prepare

Daily Devotion – December 8, 2024

Devotion based on Malachi 3:1-4


See series: Devotions

Have you ever gotten soap in your eye or accidentally rubbed some sanitizer into a recent paper cut. That really stings, doesn’t it? Something like that causes discomfort. It is often bad enough to make us cry out in pain. It can be a very painful few seconds or even minutes. That’s why children don’t want dad or mom to clean out a recent cut or scrape.

Repentance works the same way. It is painful to admit sin. Admitting that we have sinned also brings discomfort. We don’t like to admit greed, apathy, lust, or hatred. Like the child with the skin cut, we try to hide our sin. We try to avoid the painful but necessary cleansing process.

Failing to clean out a wound allows it to fester. It can lead to infection, illness and even ultimately death. In that case, a little discomfort in getting cleaned up is a good thing. Similarly, sin that is not cleansed through repentance is dangerous for our souls. Repentance prevents sin from festering and infecting our faith. Sin that is not addressed can ultimately lead to unbelief and eternal death in hell.

The season of Advent is a time to prepare our souls for Jesus’ return. Use the time to humbly repent of your sins and let the gospel heal you. Like a launderer uses soap, let God’s Word do its important work of cleansing your soul in Christ. He alone purifies us from all sin. Put your faith in him.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, use your law and gospel to prepare my heart to meet you. Purify me from sin and wash me clean in your blood. Amen.

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.”
Jeremiah 33:14

A Fulfilled Promise Brings Hope

Daily Devotion – December 7, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 33:14


See series: Devotions

When a dog hears you say outside or walk, you better be taking that dog for a walk! Even if it’s something that only sounds like one of those words, he’s hearing you make a promise, “We’re going for a walk!”

When a child hears the hint or suggestion of doing something or going somewhere exciting, don’t they react with similar enthusiasm? What a thrill when a child hears a parent announce, “Pack a bag. We are leaving for grandma and grandpa’s house tomorrow!” Oh my, what excitement. From a child’s perspective, they just can’t wait!

Sadly, there are times when promises made become promises broken. Someone did not keep their word. The let-down is huge. The disappointment is real. When that begins to happen too often, we question if the promise is real. We stop believing.

Not so with our Lord. “The days are coming…,” he promised. Although the wait seemed long to God’s people of the Old Testament, God’s promises remained with them. God had made and fulfilled many promises to his people.

Those fulfilled promises were preludes to a greater promise—or as Jeremiah called it in today’s Bible passage, “the good promise.” All God’s promises gave people hope in God’s greater promise yet to be fulfilled. This promise was so good that God repeated it over and over to his people throughout history. People believed in it. Why? Because God was the promise-maker. The Lord always keeps his promises!

The season of Advent before Christmas is so exciting—Christ is coming! It means God kept his “good promise” that he made to us! God’s fulfilled promises give us the certain hope—that when God makes a promise, he will always keep it!

Prayer:
God of fulfilled promises, make good of your promise to return to me. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:13

He Comes to Make Us Blameless and Holy

Daily Devotion – December 6, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:13


See series: Devotions

“Do you think of yourself as more of a sinner or a saint?” This was the question that the pastor asked his Bible Study group. The response was unanimous. Everyone agreed they thought of themselves as more sinner than saint.

Maybe it was the power of group dynamics talking. No one wanted to be seen as prideful. Or perhaps it was simply the truth. As we conduct our lives on this earth, we realize that there are many ways to stumble along the path of following our God in faith. Experience tells us, “I am a sinner.”

Of course, the Bible tells us that both are true. We are sinners—because we are weak and possess a sinful flesh that always wants to follow its own path. And we are saints—completely forgiven, washed clean by the precious blood of Christ.

The sinner part we seem to accept more easily. But in today’s Bible passage, the apostle Paul calls us to believe the other truth as well. You are a saint!

How can this be? Don’t look to yourself for the proof. Honest reflection would only leave you feeling even more like a sinner.

Instead, trust God’s promises in the Bible. In his Word, God shows you how sinners become saints. The Savior came to a world of sin and overcame it. Jesus met sin at the cross where your sin became his, and his holiness became yours. Through faith, God has changed your heart to know the love of Christ and the promise of eternal life.

Many days, we will struggle to believe it. How can this sinner be a saint? Go to the Word. There, God strengthens your heart. There, God will again convince you of the truth. Through the blood of Jesus, you are blameless and holy.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking on my sin and giving me your holiness. Help me to believe that I am washed clean, a saint. Strengthen me to live as one. Amen.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

He Comes to Grow Us in Love

Daily Devotion – December 5, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12


See series: Devotions

There is universal agreement that the world needs more love. Politicians proclaim that we need to show more love to each other. Law enforcement is dismayed by the lack of love in their communities. Families struggle where there is a lack of love.

If we all agree that the world needs more love, why isn’t there?

There’s nothing wrong with the concept. Showing genuine love to others and receiving it from others is always a blessing.

The problem lies in the execution. We don’t carry out what we proclaim. The entertainer who walks off the stage with an “I love you” doesn’t even know your name. And if you showed up at her house to get an autograph, likely the response would be less than an embrace and a dinner invitation.

More seriously, we all struggle to do what’s needed—more love. Because what is fighting us constantly in showing more love is a sinful nature that inherently will always put itself first.

But there is one who came in perfect love. Only love could cause the purity and perfection of God to clothe himself with flesh. Jesus humbled himself so that he could move from the manger to the cross and to the tomb. Every step that he took on this frail planet was taken in love.

And it is his love that inspires our love. Since God loved us, we have the motive and the example to show God’s love to others in how we speak and act.

More love? Absolutely. We all need it. And Christians have the best reason and the best way to show it. Point to the perfect love of Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me always see and appreciate your sacrificial love in being my Savior. And then strengthen me to show and share that love in my life. Amen.