Category: Daily Devotions

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
Luke 1:50-52

Lord, Lift Us Up!

Daily Devotion – December 26, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 1:50-52


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A lot of people love the holidays. Houses shine at night with sparkling Christmas lights. Carols are blasting on radios. Families come together for presents, food, and laughs. It can be a wonderful time that we love and cherish.

However, I know some people who can’t stand this time of year. This time of year, brings out all sorts of problems. Some feel stress from business projects that must be completed before the new year. Others worry about purchasing just the right gift for their loved ones and feel empty when the present falls flat. There are still other people who don’t like the holidays because they remind them of the loved ones they have lost or don’t feel like they have anyone in their life who loves them.

I don’t know where you fall. Maybe you’re on one side or the other. Maybe you have a mix of emotions. But today’s Bible reading reminds us of a wonderful thing that the babe born in Bethlehem does for all of us this Christmas: he lifts us up!

Your heart might be heavy with emotions, and getting through these days might seem like an impossible task. But take care. God delivered on the promise of sending your Savior into this world to pick you up and carry you through those times of stress and strain. When you look into that manger this Christmas, see the Savior who loved you so much that he shouldered your guilt, shame, and sin and carried it with him to a cross so that darkness would be gone forever. Jesus still comes to us through his Word and lifts us up to get us through those dark times.

I pray this Christmas that you don’t get caught up with all the things that cause your heart to ache and that the news of the forgiveness of your Savior lifts you up and brings you peace.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, crush those thoughts of loneliness and stress and lift me up with your Word. Amen.

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Exodus 34:5,6

The Greatest Gift of All

Daily Devotion – December 25, 2024

Devotion based on Exodus 34:5,6


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So, did you get anything good for Christmas? What was there for you under the tree? I’m guessing that you can remember a Christmas present you received in the past that stands out in your memories more than others—that toy that you had been begging your parents for, that handcrafted project your child assembled just for you made with popsicle sticks, glue, and love; that dream destination vacation your spouse surprised you with that caught you off-guard. Whenever we think of those gifts, it warms our hearts.

Regardless of what presents you received this Christmas or those you treasure from the past, we celebrate the greatest gift of all—the birth of Jesus. He is God’s greatest gift to you! The birth of Jesus signifies to us that God Almighty became a man to bring to earth the mercy, love, and forgiveness of heaven!

Long before Jesus was born, God came before Moses, and that frightened him. After all, God is perfect, and Moses was anything but. Moses had his flaws and failures, just like you and me. When God came before Moses, Moses readily recognized that he didn’t deserve to be there with God because of his imperfections. Sinful man can’t stand before a holy God.

And so, that we might be able to approach God without fear and trembling, God sent his Son into this world to live the life of perfection that we never could so that he could shed his blood to cover us with the holiness of heaven. Because of Jesus, when God looks at you, he doesn’t see your sin. No, instead, he sees the perfection of his Son!

Whatever gifts you were given this Christmas, they pale in comparison to the gift of the Savior! We have a God who is compassionate and faithful! We have a God who is patient, abounding in love, and faithful to keep his promises! Merry Christmas!

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending me the greatest gift of all this Christmas—my Savior! Amen.

She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:7

Come and Meet the King!

Daily Devotion – December 24, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 2:7


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I have never met the President of the United States. I am guessing that you haven’t either. I have seen one of them in person. In fact, I was less than fifty feet from him! But I didn’t shake his hand or have any personal interaction with him. The President doesn’t know me. I don’t have his phone number. I don’t have any sort of access to him, and most likely I never will. He is guarded by the Secret Service. He meets with foreign dignitaries and ambassadors. He has an important job to do as Commander-in-Chief. And on top of that, he has friends and family of his own.

But Jesus is different. Jesus, the King of Creation, is not separated from mankind. He makes himself accessible to us. He comes to us through his Word and doesn’t just give us a gratuitous handshake. No! He touches our hearts. He knows your name. He knows all your worries, fears, and the problems that keep you awake at night. And amazingly, Jesus is never too busy meeting with “important” people. He is always there for you and me. We are his family.

You would think that someone as important as Jesus, as important as the King of Creation, would have been born in a city of prominence and have the finest accommodations for his birth. But Jesus is a different kind of king. He humbled himself and had a manger for his bed because his whole purpose for being born was to serve you and me. He took on flesh and gave up his life so that you and I could be his own.

As cool as it would be if we had the President’s phone number and could call him up for help with any problem, we have something better—Jesus, the King of all Creation!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for humbly serving and coming into my life. Strengthen me through your Word as I meet you every time I read it. May I walk with you every day until we meet face to face in heaven. Amen.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Luke 1:46-49

Great Expectations

Daily Devotion – December 23, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 1:46-49


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When I was younger, I played a lot of sports—football, basketball, baseball—you name it. And I remember dreaming that one day I would be able to make it to the pros: Throwing the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl! Hitting the buzzer beater in the Finals! Knocking the bottom of the ninth home run out of the park to win the World Series! Wouldn’t that be sweet?! Unfortunately for me, some people have done those things, but I never did.

I have had the opportunity to coach at the elementary school and high school level. And I have heard from some of my players the same kind of hopes and dreams that I had when I was their age. Over the years, I also heard from some of their parents that they had hopes their child would eventually make it to the pros. But none of them ever did.

Some parents have great expectations for their children. But sometimes, those expectations are greater than what is realistic.

Mary had high hopes for the child she was carrying but her expectations exceeded anything you or I or anyone else could ever do: She expected her child to save the world from death. That seems like a lot of pressure to put on a kid who hasn’t even taken his first steps yet, doesn’t it?

So, why did Mary have this hope? Because she knew that her child was unlike any other. Her Son was and is the Son of God who masked himself in flesh to do the impossible—to live the life of perfection we never could, to crawl out of his cradle and climb onto the cross, to defeat death, and rise so that you and I could live forever. And, thanks be to God, that’s exactly what he did!

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for sending me a Savior who could do what I never could. Amen.

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me.”
Luke 1:46-49

Praise Where Praise Is Due

Daily Devotion – December 22, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 1:46-49


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“She picked me because she knows I’m the best!” says the little girl to her classmates after being selected by the teacher for a particular task. As much as we recoil at the scene, it strikes uncomfortably close to home for us. We all want to believe that we’re the best and the brightest. And there is a part of us that wants others to think we are the best and brightest, too. Those of us who are Christians are even tempted to think that we are Christians because God thinks we’re better than others around us.

If anyone in the history of this world might have had a right to think she was something special, it was Jesus’ mother, Mary. She was chosen, after all, to give birth to the Savior of the world. So, you might have expected Mary to stick her nose in the air and say, “He picked me because he knows I’m the best!” But she didn’t. In her great song of praise, Mary says the opposite. God chose her not because she was better than everyone else but because “…of the humble state of his servant.” Mary knew she didn’t deserve this great honor any more than any of her fellow sinful human beings deserved it. Rather than pointing out her own greatness, Mary pointed out God’s greatness. She sang, “The Mighty One has done great things for me.”

May we, like Mary, resist the temptation to think too highly of ourselves. Let us instead direct our praise to the Mighty One who has done great things for us.

Prayer:
All glory to you, O Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. You have been mindful of my humble state. Yet you have done great things for me. Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Worry

Daily Devotion – December 21, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 4:6


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Don’t worry! That’s what God says in his Word for us today. But we wonder how we can put aside all our worry, every instant of our anxiety. There are so many dangers that surround us, so many things that stress us out, and so many people who are hurting, and some are very dear to us. Not to worry seems impossible.

It is impossible to stop worrying if our attention is riveted on the problems and predicaments of life. But a wonder of God’s love for us is that he teaches us how much greater he is than the worrisome circumstances we face daily. He assures us that he is in control of all things. He is the Almighty, all-knowing God who knows our every need and can fulfill all of them.

He took away our greatest worry; he freed us from the damnation we deserved as sinners. And he lavished his love on us by giving us life with him that will last forever. So, our heavenly Father, who loved us so much to send Jesus to be our Savior, promises to provide for our life and protect us from danger.

Thankful for his saving love, we can turn from our inclination to worry and turn to him with our concerns and burdens. We can confidently address him in prayer, knowing that he listens and will answer according to our best interests. Since God has secured our eternity through Jesus, we know that according to his love, he will care for us now and always.

So, indeed, there is no reason to worry and every reason to pray.

Prayer:
Teach me, Lord, not to worry. Remind me of your great love and power that I can trust in times of need. Accept my prayers through Jesus, my Savior, and help me according to your wisdom. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Real Joy Lasts

Daily Devotion – December 20, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4-7


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“There’s no place like home for the holidays!” That’s what one classic Christmas song says. Our fondest memories of Christmas likely take us back to being at home with family sitting around the Christmas tree, singing, laughing, and expressing joy in whatever way possible.

Do you know where the apostle Paul was when he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always”? He wasn’t in the comfort of his home or gathered with family and friends celebrating a holiday. He was in prison for sharing the good news about Jesus. That makes the joy he expresses more intriguing. How can one rejoice even when unjustly imprisoned? How can I rejoice even when I’m going through hard times, grieving, or whatever unpleasant thing is happening in my life?

You can still rejoice because real joy, rooted in Jesus, lasts. We possess this joy everywhere and all the time. Notice that today’s Bible passage says, “Rejoice in the Lord…” When our joy is in the Lord and not in our circumstances, joy lasts because Jesus and his promises will never change. We can rejoice anywhere and anytime because “the Lord is near.” He was with Paul in prison. He is with you whether you are near or far from family this Christmas, no matter what.

Christ came to give us a joy that is deep and a joy that lasts because it’s not tied to the changing seasons or circumstances of life. Real joy is found in this: The Lord has taken away our punishment and he rejoices over us! He considers it a joy to be our Savior! Someday, we will truly be home for Christmas, and for eternity because the Lord will come again to bring us home at last!

Prayer:
Lord, even when the lights come down and the season is past, give me joy and peace that transcends all understanding and keeps my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Real Joy Comes from Above

Daily Devotion – December 19, 2024

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:17


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Are you happy right now? If it’s a quiet time of day and you are sitting down reading or listening to this devotion, perhaps it is a happier moment of the day. Or it’s possible that you’re stressed because of a load of work or sad because something disappointing has just happened, and you found this devotion looking for relief. Are you happy right now?

Here’s another question: Are you joyful? That’s a much different question. We might use the words “joy” and “happy” interchangeably, but there’s a difference. Happiness has to do with what’s happening in my life right now. When I asked if you were happy, you had to evaluate your present situation or circumstance—what’s happening right now.

Joy doesn’t come from what’s happening in life right now. No, it comes from what has already happened, and that won’t ever change. What happened is the Lord himself came to save you and me from sin when he died on the cross. What happened is he rose from the dead to conquer death. And I was connected to his cross and empty tomb; it happened when I was baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

It’s okay if you’re not happy right now. It’s okay if this Christmas season stirs up a variety of complicated emotions. You can still have joy because real joy comes from above, from God! This verse from Zephaniah lifts our eyes from what’s happening here and now and points us to the Mighty God who came to save us. He is with you and rejoices over you with singing because it brought him so much joy to save you. Happiness is a changing emotion based on what’s happening right here, right now. Joy is a gift that comes from your gracious God and Savior. Jesus came from heaven above to earth below to give you the joy of knowing you are loved by God now and forever.

Prayer:
Lord, may the joy of your presence and salvation always rise above what’s happening in my life. Amen.

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.
Zephaniah 3:14,15

Real Joy Is Given Because Sin Is Taken Away

Daily Devotion – December 18, 2024

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:14,15


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Nothing quite illustrates the joy of Christmas like a child waking up to discover a pile of presents under the tree. We picture the joy of Christmas coming through gifts given and received. We might not think of the joy there is when something is taken away, but it can happen. For the one who is suffering, think of the joy that comes when the pain is taken away. For the one carrying a heavy load, think of the joy when that burden is lifted. For the one accused and sentenced, think of the joy when the punishment is taken away.

The prophet Zephania described the joy given when something was taken away. God’s people in Zephaniah’s day had experienced the consequences of their sin of turning away from the Lord. God used enemy nations to punish and correct his people. However, the Lord had not abandoned his people. They would not experience the eternal punishment their sins deserved, and neither will we.

Our sins deserved God’s punishment, not just for time, but for eternity. The load of sin’s debt once crippled us, but real joy is given because Jesus has taken away the punishment we deserved. He took it away by taking it upon himself on the cross. Real joy is given because Christ has taken away your guilty verdict. Real joy is proclaimed because his tomb was found empty after he rose from the dead. This is proof that nothing stands between you and God. Jesus came to take away sin and death by his death and resurrection. Jesus will come again to take away pain and sorrow forever and will take us to experience the greatest joy we will ever know. Real joy is given because of all that Jesus has taken away!

Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart with songs of thanks and praise that you have taken away the punishment of sin and give the peace of forgiveness in Jesus. Amen.

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Luke 3:15,16

Real Joy Comes Through Humility

Daily Devotion – December 17, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 3:15,16


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Do you enjoy having attention on you? We like it when people recognize our achievements. It makes us feel good when people turn to us for help or answers because they think we’re knowledgeable.

In the time just prior to Jesus beginning his public ministry, many people’s eyes were on John the Baptist as he came to prepare the way for Jesus. They wondered if John was the Messiah, the Savior God had promised. If I were John, it may have puffed up my ego that people thought so highly of me. But when all the attention was on John, he humbly shifted the focus where it needed to be—on Jesus. The momentary ego boost that came from being mistaken for the Messiah would have quickly been extinguished by the reality that John couldn’t even save himself. Instead, real joy came through humility, which allowed John to look away from himself to see his Savior, Jesus.

The same is true for you and me. Real joy comes through humility that looks away from self, achievements, and failures to see the One who is greater—Jesus. There is real joy in recognizing that the burden of our salvation doesn’t rest on us. Real joy comes when you realize Jesus humbled himself to the point of death to cleanse you from sin and give you the joy of salvation.

Prayer:
Lord, grant me humility so that the attention of my heart may be fixed on Jesus, my Savior. Amen.