Your devotion for today
Giving away our blessings (Monday, February 6)
When we wrestle with God’s will for our lives and lose the battle, we can still enjoy the blessings of winning. God always gives us the victory when we give our lives to him.
Only recently, I fought God for many days over whether or not to attend a particular meeting. I wanted to stay home on Saturday morning rather than go to a men’s prayer breakfast at church. I kept telling the Lord that I was tired, I wanted to sleep in, I had other things to do, I needed time alone.
Plain and simple, I did not want to go. Each time I thought about not going, God’s spirit prodded me a little stronger and a slight bit sharper. Finally, I gave up and gave in. I decided to go. At that very moment, when I accepted God’s desire more than my own, I finally felt a sense of peace. The anxiety and restlessness dissipated.
I enjoyed both the breakfast and the Bible study which followed. Two hours seemed like 10 minutes. I realized all I would have missed: the fellowship, the learning, the interaction. This time was all meant for me, yet I almost gave it away. It made me ponder just how many times each day we give up God’s divine blessings for our own earthly desires.
Be glad (Sunday, February 5)
The beauty of each morning is not in the weather, a magnificent sunrise, what we have planned or where we might be going. The wonder of this day is found in our hearts and minds: what we are thinking and how we feel about the life that God has given us.
Even on those days that are dark and gloomy outside, or when the activities of the early hours rush at us from every direction, we can still be happy and peaceful inside. We can be grateful to God for the day ahead if we look to him rather than at the obstacles around us.
God will grant us the happiness and joy we desire at the beginning of each day if we trust him. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).
His peace transcends the physical circumstances of this world. It is infinite and lasting. What we must do is trust him completely instead of what we see with our eyes. We have to look far beyond earth if we want to be eternally glad.
Using what we have (Saturday, February 4)
Does our faith really have worth and meaning? Or is it worth-less than it should be? If our faith does not do all it should for us, then we are not using what we have. We need to take advantage of our gifts. If not, they will not make a bit of difference in our lives and we will become use-less in the kingdom.
What would we do, for example, if someone gave us an expensive new car with all of the luxuries and accessories we desire? Suppose we kept it in the garage and never used it? All the things this car could do for us would be wasted. All of the time, effort and money that went into the vehicle would mean nothing.
As believers in Christ, we waste what we own. We do not use the might of prayer, the miracle of healing and the strength of the Spirit. Nor do we get anything out of the faith and trust we possess. We let all of these possessions sit out in the garage of our lives. They gather dust and dirt when they can, in fact, take us anywhere God wants us to go. We remain idle, like the car that is life-less and parked day after day.
Eventually, the car will not start or move. The same can happen to us. We can forget what we have the power to do unless we use it every day.
Danger ahead (Friday, February 3)
Stopped by the Red Sea, the Hebrews could go no farther. They had reached the end of their journey. Their short-lived freedom seemed to be over.
The Egyptians pursued them, just like the troubles of this world attack us at times. The forces of destruction are relentless and constant; they try to capture and control us. They long to hold us in bondage like helpless slaves and force us to make bricks without straw.
But God has set the captives free. Just as he did some 3,000 years ago for the Hebrews, he does for us today. We have all been released from whatever tries to make us prisoners. People, situations, circumstances and illness threaten us daily on all sides. To no avail, however. God will not let us perish. He holds us in his promises and nothing can break through his Word.
He is our fortress and our strength, a very help in times of trouble. No matter what you are going through this day, remember that God parted the Red Sea. In spite of what looms ahead, he is in control.
Honor Him (Thursday, February 2)
There was but one Moses, one Joseph, one David, one Noah. No one else could have done what God chose for these individuals. We are each made for a specific purpose and reason. God created us for himself and to bring honor to him.
The greatest commitment we can make with our life is to give it back to God in service and ministry. We serve him best when we are ministering to others. Jesus is our example. He came to earth not only to grant us salvation, but also to show us how our lives are to be used. We are to point the way to eternal life by showing the world the things of heaven.
All that you do today matters. Your speech, your deeds, your actions, even your thoughts are important. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
What the Lord has put before you this hour is exactly what he wants you to accomplish. That is his will, specifically for you. No other person will be coming up from behind to pick up the pieces of what you leave undone. God is depending on you. Trust him. He will give you everything you need for his greater good and glory.
Trust without sight (Wednesday, February 1)
Blind faith is being able to move forward without being able to see. Trusting in God, no matter how situations appear, requires a faith that goes beyond sight or circumstance.
Moses walked in blind faith when he led the Hebrews out of Egypt. Joshua stepped out in blind faith when he fought the battle of Jericho. David came forward in blind faith when he challenged the giant Goliath. Joseph lived by blind faith for 14 years in a dark prison. Paul journeyed in blind faith to spread the Good News to the world.
All of these individuals believed in what they could not see at the moment. They dwelled in what they knew about the future. They trusted that God would be there with them and that he would triumph.
Faith can only be faith when there is spiritual knowledge of the power of God. It has nothing to do with physical reality, but everything to do with absolute reality – the constant presence and protection of God the father.
Still for Him (Tuesday, January 31)
God, keep me still. I read this line in a poem recently and was struck by its double meaning. It could be a plea for God to continue caring for us through all the years – that the Lord still watches over us no matter what we have gone through. But it could also be an appeal for God to keep us still or quiet. We could be praying that God would stop us from struggling away from his will and acting on our own. Perhaps we realize that we need to be calm and silent when we long to be active and involved.
Frequently throughout the day we are tempted to react to all sorts of incidents: someone makes a statement that hurts our feelings, a person pulls out in front of us in traffic, people act in ways that upset us or life is just not going our way. Whatever it is, we want justice. We want to make our personal thought and feelings known to the world.
Keep me still, God, should be our daily desire in all of our dealings. Before we become angry and frustrated, let us calm down long enough to let the Lord control our emotions. May we seek his stillness rather than our spite. We will never regret what he tells us to do. In contrast, we will most certainly pay for our pride.
Our way or his? The choice is ours. His will may be harder at first, yet easier in the long run. On the other hand, our way is simpler in the beginning but much more difficult in the end as we toil to clean up the mess we have made of things. God, keep me still for my own good and for yours.
Change for the better (Wednesday, January 25)
I want God to make me a better person and a stronger disciple. I want him to do what he needs to do in order for me to be more committed to him. Yet, at the same time, I don’t want it to hurt or be painful in any way. I want to change without having to change.
I know I need more patience, but I want it to happen. I would like to wake up one morning and be filled with tolerance and perseverance for any situation. I would no longer get mad at any one or anything. As much as I wish it, that will never happen. Being able to endure tough circumstances can come only by being tried over and over again. I must practice each day.
With change comes pain. At first, it will hurt. Gradually, over time I will get used to doing what does not come naturally to me. One trial after another will make me stronger, just like exercising my body day after day.
As we allow God to transform us, let us trust him to take care of us as well. He knows how much we can handle and he will never push us beyond our limits.
The test (Tuesday, January 24)
As soon as I wrote a devotion about picturing the face of Jesus on everyone, I should have known that I would be tested. It wasn’t long before I was on the road behind a car with out-of-state plates. The driver went 35 mph in a 55 mph zone. Then, when the speed limit went down to 25 mph in a school zone, he went 35 mph. The more I saw this person driving without any regard to the traffic signs, the angrier I became.
I wondered what this person looked like. Suddenly, I remembered the meditation I had written that morning – everyone’s countenance bearing the likeness of Jesus. I have to admit, I calmed down. But still I was a little angry at this driver. He could hurt someone, I told myself, perhaps trying to excuse or disguise how I really felt inside.
Jesus calls us to follow his example if we are going to follow him. When we made the decision to let him into our heart, we also made the decision to live like him. That involves loving all people just as he does, in spite of how they drive or act.
Keep in mind that our actions often speak louder than our words. Sometimes we don’t have to say anything, but our personal anger comes through in how we conduct ourselves. Let us make sure this day that we act and talk like Christ, remembering that he loves each person as much as he loves us.
Whom do you see? (Monday, January 23)
We need to be careful of how we look at those around us. Not from our perspective, but from what we see in them. How others appear to us affects what we think, or even believe, about their character.
In our part of the country, there is a popular television commercial that begs viewers to look at everyone like $100 bills. The purpose is to picture them wearing the face of Benjamin Franklin, who appears on the note. You can earn an easy $100 for every person who switches to your satellite television company. Quite an incentive in these harsh economic times.
Using the same metaphor, what if we imagined everyone with the face of Jesus? The people you see on the street, at the mall, in the grocery store and, as difficult as it might be, those at work. I suspect our attitude toward all people, friends and strangers alike, might be radically different. What we see – the likeness of Jesus – would dramatically transform our thinking and actions as well as theirs.
Years ago, I heard a preacher on the radio offer advice on what to do when we are tempted to become upset with someone. He said to picture the person as a child of four or five years old because it is always hard to be mad at an innocent girl or boy. The same holds true for us today: see everyone with the face of Jesus. I dare say it is impossible for us to be angry with him.
Seek the good (Sunday, January 22)
The headlines in any newspaper across the country reveal the very worst in the world. People commit all kinds of crimes, each one more shocking than the other. At times it may seem as though God has abandoned us and left us to our own devices. But he is with us daily. All we have to do is to look in the right places.
We need to go beyond the world that we have made and look at the world that God has made. The wonder of his creation is everywhere: in the changing of the seasons, in the magnificence of a forest, in the invisible wind, in the joyful sounds of children on a playground, in the care of a loving grandmother, in the fruits and vegetables that nourish our bodies, in the golden clouds of a sunrise. These prove God’s constant presence in the universe and in our lives.
We do not have to go very far to experience him. All we need to do is look at ourselves: the hands that move when we wish, the feet that can take us anywhere, the eyes that help us see both beauty and tragedy, the ears that hear the cries of others and the arms that can comfort the lost.
You and I are, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made. We are the miracles of life! This day may seem, at first glance, like another ordinary day – one more day of bad news everywhere we look. Let us take a peek behind the scenes, though, and glimpse the amazing splendor of God’s world where all things are made new.
In or out of control (Saturday, January 21)
Losing control can be a good thing, if done properly. Losing control of our emotions is never what we want, of course. But losing control of our need to be in control can be the best thing for us.
There have been many times when I have tried to take over for God – to show him or tell him what needs to be done. Even recently, I thought I should serve on a certain committee at church because of my experience and expertise. Yet, it was not to be even though I tried to convince God otherwise. I was up against his will and he had his plan.
I am slowly learning that seeking positions of control or authority are not what our lives are all about. Nor is it good for us to want to control other people and situations. We must realize that God wants us to give up control and allow him complete rule in everything.
God can only be “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” if we let him. Difficult days should not be the only time when we give up control to him. He must be in control all of the time if we really trust him to be our Father, Savior and Spirit.
Reformed (Friday, January 20)
Being conformed to God’s will allows us to be reformed in his image. You and I cannot be like him until we give in to him, and unless we accept his ways. Once we are able to be molded into what he wants, then we are reformed in all parts of our life.
Desire and discipline go hand in hand. One without the other will not work. First, there needs to be a desire to change. Second, there must be a requisite for change. The whole process is what shapes our will into his. This is how we become one with him; it also is the only way he can live in us.
But we often lack the control we require to be reformed. We want to change, yet we do not wish to go through the rigors of being restrained. We want a method that is painless and effortless. There are no easy fixes, though, for becoming more like Jesus. We will have to suffer for him.
In the end, when God is finished, we will be a new creature. We will be recreated and ready to do whatever he asks. All that we once were is vanished. In its place is a disciplined spirit. What began as a desire to please him is now a perfected heart to gratify him.
Lord (Thursday, January 19)
How we think of Jesus determines how we live each day. Do we see him as Savior? Do we view him as King? Or is he God’s beloved Son? He is all three. But first and foremost we must treat him as the Lord of our life.
We willingly and gladly serve him, no matter what he asks us to do. We know he knows us; he will not ask us to do anything that will bring us harm. We trust him without question and without doubt. We do not hesitate to obey him. We have faith that he will take care of us in all situations, protecting us and providing for us.
Paul said it is critical that we publically proclaim his lordship in our lives. “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Make it a point today to express aloud, even if it is to yourself as you are driving in your car or at home alone, that Jesus is Lord. Remind yourself who he is, and that you will serve him not out of obligation but out of dedication.
Standing steadfast (Wednesday, January 18)
We may not be able to comfort a loved one far away in the hospital, but God can. We may not be able to help a friend who has shut out everyone in his life, but God can. We may not be able to change a condition that is out of our control, but God can.
Our Lord can accomplish anything, even things we can only think about. His love and care can penetrate the largest obstacle and reach the most impossible. There are no boundaries – not distance, time, space or situation – for God. The Holy Spirit can be anywhere at any time in any form; it is not limited by the physical realities of this world.
In the face of all we will encounter this day, may we develop the faith in God’s ability to go beyond our earthly difficulties. We need to memorize the following verse, repeating it over and over again, until we begin to believe and know it is so: “[We] will have no fear of bad news; [our] heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7).
Welcome, Jesus (Tuesday, January 17)
Looking at the wrong things. All of us are guilty of noticing what is negative about people and situations. In a room full of good students, for example, a teacher usually will focus on the bad child. In a workplace filled with dedicated employees, the person who is critical and judgmental all of the time will attract most of the attention. Also, when we go to the store, we complain about what we could not find rather than being grateful for all of the items we can purchase. Our emotional instincts naturally draw us to focus on anything bothersome, disappointing or upsetting.
Those living in Jesus’ day were much the same as we are now. Ironically, the people in one certain town begged Jesus to stay away because they believed his presence would be harmful. Rather than welcoming him, they actually pleaded with him to leave. They blamed him for the deaths of a herd of pigs. You may recall that when Jesus entered the region of Gadarenes, he encountered two demon-possessed men. He sent the evil spirits into a herd of pigs who then ran off a cliff and into a lake.
Word quickly spread. Soon, wrote Matthew, “the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region” (Matthew 8:34). Never mind the two men who were completely cured. The villagers were worried their livelihoods would suffer just like the herdsmen who owned the swine. These people did not want their lives to change and they certainly did not want to suffer any sort of loss. Biblical commentator Adam Clarke explains, “They love[d] even their swine better than their salvation.”
What captures most of our attention these days? Is it what is positive (the two men who were healed) or the negative (the pigs that drowned)? Maybe we need to do a much better job of seeing all of the good in life rather than the bad. Stop being so pessimistic and start being more hopeful. Let’s really welcome Jesus into our lives and let him help us.
A living sanctuary (Monday, January 16)
What if our churches were truly places of refuge, sanctuary and assistance? Not just on Sunday or one other day during the week, but every day. People would know if they needed help, physically or spiritually, that all they had to do was come to the nearest church. There they would find neighbors, people just like them, who would listen and provide assistance.
The church may not be able to do everything. Yet, we have to begin doing a better job of serving our communities. We have to be there for more than weekly worship and maybe a bake sale or two. Our buildings can be beacons of hope for the needy. We have so much to offer, yet people may not realize what goes on behind our walls. We need to reach out in order to get the message out. People must hear the good news of salvation for the future and they also have to know we can help in other ways right now.
Thousands of individuals drive by my church every week. I wonder how many of them think about stopping for one reason or another. Maybe they are having a hard time at work, difficulties at home, problems in their marriage. Perhaps they just need some food to make it through the next few days until they get paid. It could be, too, that they need medical attention but have no money for treatment.
Some years ago, there was a motel chain that used the motto, “We’ll keep the light on for you.” These same words would be good for our churches to adopt as well.
Restoration (Sunday, January 15)
God is as far from sin as light is from the darkness. Sin is the very opposite of God. Essentially, sin is living in the absence of God. Though our Father is always with us, he is not present in our sin. We are completely and entirely on our own when we decide to go against him.
When Moses murdered the Egyptian, God was not present in the act but he was with Moses. The same is true of King David and his sin. Scripture contains one story after another about a devoted child of God who made a deliberate decision to disobey.
Even though we may sin, God still is able to accept us because of the blood of his son. Jesus made the atonement for each one of us on the cross. His sacrifice 2,000 years ago makes it possible today for God to accept us when we fall.
God desires that none of us would sin. But he knows we are weak and frail. He knows that sometimes we would follow our will instead of his. In his great grace and mercy, he made forgiveness possible. The fact that God sent his only son to restore our relationship with him proves how much we are worth. He loves us too much to be separated from us forever.
Perfecting our faith (Saturday, January 14)
We cannot afford to be confident or smug in knowing we are justified by faith. The reason is that, most of the time, our faith is not all it should be. We go through periods of doubt and fear, uncertainty and hesitation.
Thankfully, the level of our faith does not determine whether we are justified or not. Jesus said if we have faith the size of a mustard seed then we could move mountains; nothing will be impossible. Even a little bit of faith, no larger than a grain, makes us acceptable in his eyes. Still, we need to keep strengthening and developing our faith.
Each tiny step takes us a little closer to believing in him – to trusting him. It is a gradual process, much like climbing a mountain. St. Paul wrote that our suffering produces perseverance; perseverance leads to character; and character develops hope. He adds that God’s hope, not our own, does not disappoint.
Let us keep perfecting our faith as if it depends on being justified, but knowing all the while that it does not.
Casting your nets (Friday, January 13)
Has Jesus ever told you to put down your nets on the other side? Perhaps you have been looking and waiting for something to happen in your life. No matter how hard you tried, there was nothing. It is like Peter and his brothers who kept trying to catch fish all night and came back to shore with empty nets. They had nothing to show for their effort and time.
You might feel empty today, as if you have little to show despite what you have been doing. Maybe Jesus is telling you to put down your nets on the other side, just as he instructed Peter.
Jesus said, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
It could be that Jesus is telling you today to move over to the other side, to look in the opposite direction whether you need a new job, a healing, help for your finances or even hope for tomorrow. Stop looking at your empty nets and fish where Jesus says. If you do, your boat will be full to overflowing – so much so that it will begin to sink under the anointed blessing of your Savior and Master.
Watching or waiting? (Thursday, January 12)
Are you watching or waiting for Jesus Christ to return? There is a vast difference between these two actions. Waiting for Jesus means we are going about our day, business as usual, as we pass the time. Watching for Jesus implies a growing sense of expectation – a keenness and eagerness for his coming. We are excited for what we will see.
The late Adrian Rogers of Love Worth Finding Ministries once offered a brilliant example of the distinction between watching and waiting. One day in a small fishing village many people in the town were waiting for a particular boat to return from several days at sea. As the ship approached the harbor, the captain on board was looking through his binoculars at the wharf. He spotted many of the fishermen’s wives standing on the pier. “There’s Sam’s wife Elizabeth; there’s Bill’s wife Mary; there Jack’s wife Emma.” On and on he went, naming all of the women waiting for their husbands. There was one fisherman’s wife, though, who was not present.
When the boat docked, the wives rushed to their spouses and hugged them. The one lone fisherman walked by the joyful crowd, up the steep hill to his house. He walked in the door and his wife said cheerfully, “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve been waiting for you.” He looked at her and responded, “Yes, I know you’ve been waiting for me. But you weren’t watching for me like the other wives.”
Jesus told us to “keep watch, because [we] do not know on what day [our] Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). Whether we are ready will depend on one thing: if we are watching (in hopeful anticipation) rather than merely waiting.
He is all we need (Wednesday, January 11)
When our minds are troubled, usually the trouble is that we are thinking about ourselves. We look at most things from our perspective only. We need to realize the minute we turn our thoughts away from God and to ourselves, we lose the peace we so desperately need each day.
We all have days when our life seems to be falling apart – when everything is coming at us all at once. One difficulty after another attacks us. We are fine one moment. The next minute, the weight of the world is too much to bear. Each one of the little problems escalates into a crisis and we cannot untangle ourselves from overwhelming disaster.
The story of Mary and Martha reveals how quickly we can let a situation ravel out of control. Luke says that Martha was anxious and “distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” when Jesus came for dinner. She was on her own to decide what to make, gather and arrange all of the ingredients, clean and cook the many items, set the table and serve the food. Martha must have been completely frazzled when she finally exclaimed to Jesus, “Lord don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40). All the while, peaceful and serene, Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.”
Martha was concerned about everything but Jesus. Mary only about him. “You are worried and upset about many things,” Jesus said to Martha. “But few things are needed; indeed, only one.” Jesus is all we need in trying times. When we feel ready to explode, we must force ourselves to sit down at Jesus’ feet and listen quietly to what he says. Once we hear his gentle voice, nothing else on earth will seem more important.
What do I know? (Tuesday, January 10)
I am often very quick to evaluate a decision by someone and declare that the person is making the wrong choice. What is especially frustrating is even after I point out the obvious, the person still makes the incorrect decision (or so it seems to me).
Our daughter and her husband had to purchase another vehicle after their truck was stolen. My wife contacted her brother, who works for an automobile dealer, and he found a wonderful car. It had low mileage, new brakes, the inside was spotless and the engine checked out perfectly. Rather than taking our advice and buy the car, they went to a local used car lot and purchased an eight-cylinder, 10-year-old Cadillac with almost 80,000 miles. We were disappointed, but it was their decision.
If we truly believe what we say about our belief in God and in following the example of Jesus, we now need to spend our time praying for them and their “new” car rather than constantly telling them they made the wrong decision. We need to ask God to bless them instead of looking forward to when the car breaks down so we can declare, “I told you so.”
After all, what do I know? This Cadillac could last another 80,000 miles with no major problems while the vehicle we recommended could break down in less than a year. God is the only one who knows the outcome of any decision or situation. Maybe we can remember that the next time we offer our opinion. It is fine to give advice. Once a decision is made, though, let’s not be a sorry sport and walk away disgruntled and angry. Let us look to God for his blessing and approval, both upon the other person and us as well.
Put your heart into it (Monday, January 9)
Many things we do for the Lord we tend to do out of obedience or obligation. We feel a certain sense of duty to serve even when our heart is not in it. Sometimes we must force ourselves to follow through with our responsibilities. Most of the time, however, we need to think and pray before we act. We must align our aspirations with those of God.
God says he will give us the desires of our heart. He does not mean he will grant us anything we want or crave. His intent is for us to bring our heart in line with his. When our will is the same as his, we are able to receive everything we ask. We even receive what we need without asking.
The children who live behind us are always playing in the backyard. They run through sprinklers and jump on their trampoline. All the while, they yell, shout, laugh and scream. They are enjoying themselves. I am sure they do not have to make themselves have fun; it is something that comes naturally to them because they are children.
We are children of God. We need to do what comes naturally to us: serving our Father with glad and eager hearts. No matter what he asks us to do today, let us do it from the very center of our being. Let us put our heart and soul into enjoying his will for us.
Not a coincidence (Sunday, January 8)
How many times have certain persons come to mind and, then, suddenly we see them at the store? Or we receive an unexpected phone call or email? Perhaps we are deep in prayer when God places a name in our mind. Much later, we find out that this individual was going through some difficulty at exactly the same time we were praying.
To the world, these are coincidences – oddities that happen by chance. Nothing more than serendipity. But what are the odds of such things occurring hundreds or thousands of time in a lifetime? More than a million to one, I suppose.
I believe there are reasons and purposes for why we recall people for no reason at all. It is all about God’s design for us and them. When someone thinks about us or we think about someone, we instantly remember our concern and compassion for that person. We ask the Holy Spirit to take care of and protect those whom we love.
Our love for others is stronger than any other emotion or power in the world. Yes, we can show our love in material ways. But the greater love is that which lives on the spiritual level, the kind of love that keeps us together even when we are apart. Love is the invisible tie that binds us to one another. So it is natural, and right, that we will be drawn to think about each other from time to time out of love.
Live by the Spirit (Saturday, January 7)
The Holy Spirit remains a mystery to us. We cannot put form or shape to it as we try to do with Jesus or the Father. Yet, in spite of what we think or can even imagine, we are moved by the Holy Spirit countless times each day.
The Spirit comes to us through sublime inflections and enunciations, exhorting us with words directly from the Lord himself. More often than not, we dismiss these promptings, ignoring whatever is without substance or reason. Our earthly limitations prevent us from believing what we cannot express or explain. But God’s divine ways never will seem sensible to us as long as we are living as human beings.
Driving by a hospital one day, on my way to the store, I suddenly remembered a man who had been admitted. He was a member of our church and was not doing well. I continued on and told myself I would visit him another day when I had more time. Now I know why the Holy Spirit was stirring me to stop. Bill died a few days later.
The apostle Paul told the Galatians (5:16) to live by the Spirit so they would not be led by the desires of the flesh. The flesh seeks worldly actions that make sense, while the Spirit seeks God’s will for a heavenly purpose. I wish I would have been living by the Spirit the day I passed the hospital. I would have fulfilled God’s will and seen my old friend Bill one more time.
Not alone (Friday, January 6)
In the quiet stillness within the darkness of night, we have a chance to be closer to God than at any other time. There are no distractions to keep us from reaching out to him: no phones, no television, no appointments or activities. Just us and our Lord. He is there in the solitude, surrounding us with his love and care.
I imagine his presence to be much like that of someone who sits by our bedside throughout the night, making sure we are safe and secure. We always feel more comfortable when we know there is someone keeping watch over us.
Though it was not the same as God’s presence, I used to spend nights with my father in the hospital before he died. I would arrive around 1 or 2 a.m. and stay until the morning light came again. My father slept soundly realizing he was not alone despite the emptiness of the night.
God is with us no matter how long the night seems. The minutes go by slowly and the hours drag on. But God is there. We may not be able to see him physically. We can, however, feel him as we speak in silent prayer. He draws close to us through the Spirit, giving us a peace and comfort that assures us we are not alone.
Taking control (Thursday, January 5)
To be like Christ means that our heart and mind must be going in the same direction. For us to make any progress, to keep moving forward in our lives, the two differing natures of our self must be in complete agreement. We cannot think about going one way when we really feel like going in another.
I might realize in my head that I need to lose weight, but nothing will happen until I put my heart into making the effort to change. I need to be passionate about becoming thinner and healthier. Then, with my knowledge and emotions so aligned, I can face any obstacle that threatens to hold me back.
In each case, God will give me what I need to be successful. “You did not choose me,” Jesus said, “but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16). On my own, I cannot control myself. But with the Lord’s help, I can defeat even my strongest feelings.
Paradise (Wednesday, January 4)
What vision do you have for yourself? The way you and I see ourselves at this moment can determine, in large measure, how we live today. Do you feel tired, worn out, defeated, anxious? Or do you feel happy, excited, full of life and energy? Your vision will set your mood, and your mood defines your vision.
Scripture tells us that, “My [God’s] people perish for lack of knowledge.” Some interpretations use the word vision instead of knowledge. Either way, the statement is true. We will perish (spiritually, mentally and physically) if we do not have the proper knowledge of God or if we do not envision the wonderful future he has for us.
We will spend eternity with Our Lord in paradise. Think for a moment of living in joy and peace, praising God forever. There will be no pain, no suffering, no disappointment, no worry, no poverty, no problems and no disease. Our lives will be made perfect in him and for him.
As I look toward that day, I can gain renewed strength for this day. Today may not be all I might want it to be. But I can still live right now knowing the very best is yet to come and that it will last forever!
To worry or not (Tuesday, January 3)
For most of us, we are guilty of always worrying about or planning for tomorrow. While we are going through one day, we are already dwelling on the next. We think about the meeting we have to attend, the shopping we need to do and the many things we want to complete.
Much of the time, we are not where we are. Physically, we may be living in Monday, but our minds have moved on to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Not only are we missing many important details of our journey today. We also are using up ourselves on things that have not happened yet.
“Do not worry about tomorrow,” Jesus said, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” We spend and expend too much of our time and energy on the future. We have more than enough to deal with today, and yet we add the troubles of tomorrow. So, too, we have enough strength for this day and we use much of it worrying about the next 24 hours.
Let us not wear ourselves out or down by trying to take care of situations before they occur. Remember, God has prepared us for what he has asked us to do. He is confident about tomorrow and we should be as well.
We confound the world (Monday, January 2)
God uses us in impossible situations to prove his power to the world. Moses took the Israelites out of bondage even after he killed an Egyptian. Peter became the rock of the early church despite denying Christ three times. Paul was the first great missionary in the face of previous persecutions against the Church. No matter where we think we have failed, God wants to use these circumstances. He wants to show the world that he is still in control.
Only by using a broken and contrite heart can God make his point. When we have been defeated by the world, we have a different outlook on life. We, more than anyone else, realize that most of what occurs around us each day is out of our hands. We learn to trust God and have faith that he is protecting us from harm. We reach the realization that only God can change our circumstances. It is at that point when God suddenly steps in to prove his might and power. He shows the world that what was rejected by man is most treasured and valued in the Kingdom.
Despite our shattered past or our damaged reputation, God wants to complete the good work he has begun in us. We can either follow his path toward glory or continue to let the world use us. God is waiting for us to decide.
I will in 2012 (Sunday, January 1, 2012)
On the evening of Jesus’s last night on earth, Peter wondered why he could not continue to go with Jesus, even though he was unsure what was ahead. “Lord, why can’t I follow you now,” Peter asked. “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37). Scripture says that Jesus answered Peter with a question: “Will you really lay down your life for me?” (John 13:38). We all know what happened next.
During the past year, we have often acted like Peter. Can we possibly count the number of times we have vowed to follow Jesus anywhere, pledging with our whole heart that “I will lay down my life for you.” Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, we have disowned him. We have walked away, kept silent and even renounced him.
Maybe the reason was out of fear, personal safety, loss of reputation or being rejected by others. Whatever we have done, and no matter how often, Jesus has forgiven us. Now, it is time to move on – to forget about our former days and think about nothing but the future.
As we begin a new year in our Lord and Savior, let us promise to serve him in spite of the difficulty, the suffering, the pain and the sacrifice. May we say “I will lay down my life for you” and truly mean it, just as Jesus did for us.
Changing (Saturday, December 31)
The rebellious nature of the human condition is hard to understand. More difficult to comprehend is how to stop it. St. Paul wrestled with this issue as he attempted to resolve the vast difference between his desire and God’s will. “I do not understand what I do,” he wrote. “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. . . . For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:15, 19).
So it is with us. We keep on doing those things we do not want to do. At times, it seems as though we are powerless to change in spite of how hard we try. The truth is that we cannot change ourselves. Only God can alter our spirit.
We have to let go of everything that holds us captive to our own will. Until we do so, we will remain in bondage to sin and wrongdoing. We will never stop doing what we hate to do unless we replace the evil in our hearts with the complete love of God.
Renewed knowledge (Friday, December 30)
Christmas never ends. Nor does Easter. The birth and death of our Lord and Savior are present each day of our lives as constant reminders of the expanse of our own lives. Like Jesus, we are born to serve God and we will one day return to our heavenly place.
Our time on earth is measured by the spiritual values of love, dedication, commitment and persistence. What we do for the Lord is all that will matter on the day when we stand before him. God will see the true nature of our hearts as we changed through the years. He will judge us by his heavenly standards, not by those of man.
God will not be influenced by what has happened to us at the hands of our fellow human beings – even our own. His one and only concern is how much we have trusted and believed in him. Our faith and works will tell him all he needs to know.
Though our sins throughout all of life will be “like scarlet,” Isaiah 1:18 also reminds us that “they shall be as white as snow.” In his eyes, we will be pure and spotless. Our iniquities will be gone. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). May this renewed knowledge give us new confidence and hope today as we live for him.
An old year (Thursday, December 29)
Going from one year to another is not hard. In a couple of days, we will watch the remaining minutes tick away. At the stroke of midnight, a new year will begin. We will have 365 days in front of us – another 12 months full of hope and possibilities.
The transition from one year to the next will not be marked by any great event in the cosmos or by an unnatural occurrence here on earth. The only way we will know that one year has ended is by our calculations and celebrations. We will watch the second hand on our clocks and see, with our own eyes, the new year begin.
What we are observing, of course, is a new start. All of our old failures and disappointments are gone. They passed away in the ending of this past year. Now we have another chance to overcome the past and to do things right.
But let us not deceive ourselves into thinking we can become perfect. We will make mistakes, just as we have these past 52 weeks. What can be different, though, is how we deal with our shortcomings – the way we react when we fall short of the mark. May we spend this year looking more to heaven. It is there that we will find both our hope and our future.
The divine plan (Wednesday, December 28)
The essence of Christmas is found in spiritual transformation. Through the savior’s birth, our lives are made new – reformed and reborn – regardless of what we see with our earthly vision. The heavenly message, the very word of God, is proclaimed to all who will listen. Only those that are willing to believe what they hear, rather than what they see, will understand and be comforted.
Reflecting on my life – on what has brought me to this particular time and place – I realize I have been both a victim and a victor. I have fallen victim to the world’s problems and tribulations, yet I have experienced victory through God’s power and strength. Despite many hardships, I know my life is much more than an accident. Each of my days has been carefully planned by a loving Creator. He designed and ordered my years even before I was born.
So it was with Jesus as well. Before his birth in Bethlehem, God prepared each detail of our Savior’s life. Old Testament prophesies told and retold for centuries, many times over, about the coming of the Messiah. The Book of Matthew also recounts precisely the 42 generations from the time of Abraham to the holy birth. That Jesus was born at a certain time and place was no coincidence. All had been divinely structured even before the universe began.
We are alive today, living in this place, because of God’s will. He has a unique purpose for each one of us, just as he did for his only begotten son. As we celebrate the gift of the Christ child this season, let us recognize the new life we have through him. Not only do we have purpose and meaning through his birth, but we also witness the fulfillment of God’s perfect plan in our lives today.
Our song of hope (Tuesday, December 27)
One of the most beautiful passages of scripture is Mary’s song in Luke 1:46-55. Here, Mary gives thanks to the Lord for all he has done in her life, especially for the wondrous birth of Jesus that is about to take place. “The mighty one has done great things for me,” she confesses, “Holy is his name.”
At this season of the year, we need to think about these same words. Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us as well. In spite of our many sins, our thoughtless actions and our unkind words, we have been blessed. We have been given much more than we truly deserve.
Out of love and mercy, God has selected us to be his humble servants. He has touched us in a special way, for his purpose, and he will not let us fall. Just as he did with Mary, he will do great things for us because we have been chosen by him.
The unexpected (Monday, December 26)
In the birth of Jesus, we find the unexpected. There are no huge gatherings, no royal proclamations and no grand festivals. Instead, we find humble shepherds who are suddenly startled by a host of angels. The men are terrified by the sight of these strange apparitions in the night sky, but they are profoundly comforted by the simple message. They did as they were told and went to see this savior who had been born.
What do we expect to find as we come to the manger this Christmas? Are we shocked or confused by what we see? Are we like the shepherds who, at first, do not understand the significance of what has occurred? The point that truly matters is whether we are willing to believe what we are told, even though the truth defies all we know and have experienced about life itself.
We are shepherds (Sunday, December 25)
On the night of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds were the first to know. God sent an angel to them to announce that a savior had been born. Suddenly, they left the fields and hurried off to see this baby in a manger. These common men at once understood the message and began spreading the word throughout the countryside.
Sadly, too many people today still do not comprehend what occurred more than 2,000 years ago. The story of the virgin birth remains a myth – nothing more than a tale to create a peaceful and pleasant backdrop for the Christmas season. In most cases, the truth and essence of this heavenly miracle is obscured, overshadowed, by the rush of holiday shopping.
We can only ponder what might have happened if the shepherds were too busy or concerned over their flocks. Who would have told the world what happened? In the same way, you and I have to ask ourselves if we have become too caught up in the busy-ness of Christmas. Perhaps we have failed to tell others the message of the birth.
The men in the fields on that eventful night in Bethlehem have long since left this world. Now we must be the shepherds who spread the word. We have to let people know that the savior’s birth is more than a story. The gospels, each in their own way, record the reality and facts for us today. Let us, as contemporary watchmen and followers, declare the divine message so that all who hear are amazed, just as those living long ago.
He is our hope (Saturday, December 24)
How incredible that the hope of the universe was given to the world in the form of a child born in Bethlehem. God chose the sublime rather than the obvious to announce the birth of a savior.
In this single act, we see the gentleness and compassion of our father. Jesus became flesh so that we might see both the beauty and the frailty of our very lives. We can only imagine the wonder and awe felt by the shepherds and, months later, the three wise men who had traveled hundreds of miles. What must they have thought as they beheld this tiny child?
As we reflect on their experience, we need think about how we might have reacted. We must ponder the meaning of what we see in front of us. The image is much more than a baby in a manger. In this small child, we must recognize our own salvation and be willing to praise God for what we do not totally understand.
The light of the world (Friday, December 23)
Perhaps the reason why Christmas seems one of the most beautiful times of the year is because we take time to appreciate what God has given us. In spite of the shopping, decorating, baking and traveling we pause, ever so briefly, to celebrate being alive.
The birth of a child reminds us of the simple gift of life. No matter what we may be experiencing, Christmas focuses our attention on people. Friends and family become more important than all of the richest gifts under the tree. What shines most in our hearts is the treasure of memories we unwrap over and over in our minds. With each passing year, the remembrances are sweeter and more fragrant. They fill our life with meaning and purpose.
A tiny babe lying in a manger is the perfect symbol of Christmas. There, among the rustic surroundings, our attention is drawn to life itself. He is the light of the world that took away the darkness both now and forever, and his light shines through us to give us eternal and everlasting life.
Following our star (Thursday, December 22)
After seeing the heavenly star in the east, the wise men began a journey that lasted months and covered more than a thousand miles. They traveled from Persia to Jerusalem just to see this special child that had been born.
How far are we willing to go today to follow the light that points the way to our salvation? Often we lack the patience and strength to last a few days, not to mention several months or even a year. We are tempted to give up too soon, to lose hope because we are tired or weary. You and I easily lose sight of the real reason for our journey.
We are headed to see our king – to honor, adore, praise and worship him. Before we reach that holy and eternal place, we must cross many hardships through storms, deserts and seas. On the way we also will encounter those who would rob of us of our purpose and goodness. If we are serious, we will continue on no matter what we have to endure.
We may be tired, weak and worn, but what matters is to reach the holy city. Once we behold his face and see him with our own eyes, all the past trials and tribulations will suddenly disappear. Then, at last, we can say our journey is finished.
Mary and Joseph (Wednesday, December 21)
Mary was ecstatic to be chosen by God. She, among all the women in the world, would give birth to the Christ child. The first chapter of Luke captures her awe and wonder over what was about to happen: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. . . . From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is his name.”
Joseph, however, did not share her joy. Not in the least. Matthew 1 says that, “Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace. He had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
Mary praised God; Joseph wanted a divorce. Mary was proud; Joseph was ashamed. Mary was honored; Joseph was dishonored. She trusted the Lord; he did not. After an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, he finally did what the Lord commanded. He took Mary home to be his wife.
We will never know, of course, what might have occurred if an angel would have met Joseph before he learned the news about Mary. The point is that he was not willing, on his own, to trust God and continue to be “faithful to the law.” Where will we find ourselves this Christmas? Are we willing to believe what happened long ago or are we, too, waiting for an angel to appear? May we use our faith this season much more than our sight. Then, at last, we will be able to see and appreciate this heavenly miracle for ourselves.
A tiny light (Tuesday, December 20)
One by one, the Christmas lights are going up on our street. House after house is beginning to glow in the night. Some have colored lights strung out across gutters while others have brightly colored snowmen, reindeer, elves and Santas. Each yard and lawn takes on a magical beauty as tiny bulbs, some no larger than a drop of rain, transform an ordinary landscape into something extraordinary.
So it is with the birth of Jesus. A small child was born to change the world – to bring light and life to everyone throughout the centuries. An ordinary birth became an extraordinary event because it was the Son of God who suddenly appeared in flesh.
Each time we see a colorful display in our community or at the mall, let us remember the silent night when our Savior appeared. Suddenly, out of the darkness, a star burst forth in the East and a multitude of angels sang praises to the King. The shepherds were stirred from their slumber in the fields and rushed to spread the good news to the rest of the world.
You and I have witnessed this great occasion as well. We know the story and have seen the difference Jesus has made in our own lives. Let us tell it everywhere we go this season. One little birth made all the difference in the world and for all eternity. May his light shine through us as we share the meaning of what happened in the manger so long ago. He came then to save us now. One little light changed everything.
Focus on the victory (Monday, December 19)
Forgetting the past means letting go of the painful moments, yet remembering how God has brought us through these great difficulties. It is easy to recall how we have been hurt by situations in life. Our minds vividly replay the scenes as though we are watching a movie about our lives. Each word and every detail appear in minute clarity, reminding us of previous wounds. Unfortunately, we never stay long enough to see how the past ends: how God has brought us through safely. He has made sure we were not harmed, no matter what the circumstance.
Somehow we always ignore the fact that God protects us through each storm. He has been with us in the past and he will be with us in the future. What lies before us now is no different than what we have been through in the past. But our hope for tomorrow must rest solely in God – in his mantle of love and protection. This divine assurance is what we possess through our faith and belief in him. It is our birthright and it is what separates us from the rest of world. God has made a blood covenant with us. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us.
The Old Testament is full of examples when God’s people forgot about his powerful presence; they thought he had abandoned them. They did not remember what he had done in the past and so they had no hope for the future. Let us not make the same mistakes. Let us forget the pains of the past, and concentrate on how we have been victorious through God. In the end, the victory over trials and tribulations is all that will matter, not our brief time of suffering.
Using his time wisely (Sunday, December 18)
In lives that are already too full and busy, we always try to do more. We want to accomplish one more task at work before we leave for the day, we want to run another errand before we head home and we want to finish one more thing around the house before we sit down in the evening. In all our activity and running around, we have little time for God. We may take a few minutes in the morning to think about him, but then we set out day on our own. It is almost as if we have left God behind in our rush to make the most of our day.
What we often forget is that our lives should be spent following God, not having him follow us. Somehow, we think God chases after us, taking care of all the problems and difficulties we encounter along the way. He is always with us, but he is there to guide and direct our path.
If we are sincere about our faith, and in wanting to grow closer to the Lord, we must let him direct our steps. We need to give up control of our lives in order to gain control of our time. As we allow God to show the way each day, we are able to slow down and enjoy the time he has given us. God gives us this day to use for his glory and service. He does not give us this day for us to see how much we can accomplish on our own. Each minute and hour belongs to him. How we use this time depends on how much we are willing to trust him.
The big picture (Saturday, December 17)
How often has God showed us and told us about his love. If we were to count all the Lord has done in our lives, whether we are young or old, we would need countless volumes. Multiply our blessings by the billions of people he has created and cared for since Adam and Eve. What written document could contain such greatness!
Though we should know better, our thoughts still wander throughout the universe whenever we run into trouble or have to endure something unpleasant. At heart, we are creatures of disbelief. Like the so-called doubting apostle Thomas, we lose our faith at the drop of a hat.
God has already told us, “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). These are the Lord’s living words to you and me today. They were spoken to our brother Jeremiah, but they are for us as well.
The Lord’s design is for good – not disaster – to give us a fantastic future and hope. This is the big picture – how everything will wind up in the end. The unfortunate aspect is we always get hung up on the small things we stumble over along the way.
Live in the spirit (Friday, December 16)
How do you look to other people? Do they see who you are in the kingdom of heaven or do you seem like everyone else in the world? You and I should appear different than others. Not only in our appearance, but also in how we act, what we say and where we go. In every facet of our life we should shine and gleam like precious jewels, reflecting the wondrous glory of our divine Father.
There are sisters and brothers in the Church who always seem to be happy and full of joy. One woman in our congregation smiles constantly. She is excited to talk with everyone at anyplace or anytime. I have never heard her complain or grumble. She loves to tell what God is doing in her life. On the other hand, there is another woman who is a dedicated Christian as well. She is efficient and prompt at what she does, but usually gives the impression she is overworked, too busy and that life is a chore. She is quick to speak her mind on everything and does not take “no” for an answer from anyone.
Personalities aside, one of these two women suffers from numerous physical problems, any one of which is serious in itself. Can you guess which one? Ironically, it is the first. In spite of her failing and feeble health, she has a strong and vibrant outlook on life. Often, such is the case. People who seem to have a reason to bemoan their situation do not. The secret lies in what Paul wrote in one of his many letters. “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).
Living by the spirit lifts us above the physical realities of our earthly plane. We may still feel pain, fatigue and weariness, but we consciously choose to dwell in the heavenly realm where there is infinite delight and bliss. Our gladness in the light and life of Jesus Christ enables us to transcend what we feel and think in the flesh.
Peace to you (Thursday, December 15)
We hardly know the true meaning of the word peace anymore. All around us there is unrest. You and I experience strife and conflict at work, in organizations, on the streets, among nations, between races, even in our homes and churches. No one is immune from the turbulence of life. People everywhere seem uneasy over one thing or another.
One popular dictionary defines the word peace as “a state of tranquility or quiet.” Another says peace is “a situation in which there is no war between countries or groups.” A third explains peace is “a situation in which there is no war or fighting.” No matter what our concept of peace is, all of us would agree that it denotes a state of calmness or serenity.
Still, there is another type of peace, one that we rarely consider. That is, peace as a verb – something active – rather than a noun. The original word comes from the Latin term pacisci, which means literally to “make a bargain or agreement.” In this context, Jesus’ words take on new import. When he says “my peace I give to you,” he means that he is making a covenant between us and him.
In the same manner, the heavenly proclamation to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth reaffirms what God is doing for us. We are being given a divine gift from on high. “Glory to God in the highest,” sing the angels, “and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). According to Matthew Henry’s commentary, “Peace is . . . for all that good which flows to us from Christ's taking our nature upon him.”
This is not the peace of the world, but the streaming and constant peace of the kingdom – that which is between us and our Savior. Despite where we are right now or what we are doing, we are able to experience his sinless and flawless peace.
Being faithful (Wednesday, December 14)
We know that all things work together for good to those who love and serve God. Yet, Satan has a way of twisting things around and using these words against us. “Look at what happened to you,” he says cunningly. “You have done all these wonderful things for him. Now that you need him, where is he? Why did he let you down if he really wants what is best for you?”
If we are not careful, we might buy the clever rhetoric and overlook the fallacy. Satan’s argument seems to make sense, except for one thing: what we are going through at the moment is not the end of the story. There is much more for us to live and experience. The good that God is bringing out of evil may not show up for many months or years down the road. We have to be patient. We need to trust what God says, no matter how long we must wait.
For if we believe God for just a little while, and then give up, we do not have the faith we need to see the outcome. Going halfway in our faith will not get us anywhere. In fact, it may even make us worse and more upset.
We either trust wholly in God or not at all. How long we wait should not matter. Time is irrelevant when it comes to the ways of God. We can be sure that, in the end, he will reward those who have been faithful and punish those who have not. In order to be among the faithful, though, we have to have faith.
Making the choice (Tuesday, December 13)
The physical problems of life can be extremely tiresome. Far more difficult, and more dangerous, are the emotional struggles. Worry, anxiety and nervousness have tremendous power over the body. Fear over what may never happen can cripple even the healthiest and strongest individual.
God’s own words remind us repeatedly not to fret. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life” (Matthew 6:25). “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life” (Matthew 6:27). Need we hear more?
We talk a lot about obeying God. We want to do those things that please him and serve him best. But we are never much good at following what he tells us not to do. If the God of the universe tells us not to worry or be upset, there is a reason. Perhaps, most of all, he is protecting us from ourselves – from our propensity to worry ourselves to death over nothing.
Each time we worry or become anxious, we waste time and wear ourselves down. Whatever you are fussing about right now, ignore it. Don’t go down that path. Stop right where you are and think of how people might look at us with our suitcase full our angst and anxiety. “If you really believed in God,” I can hear others say somewhat ironically, “you wouldn’t worry so much.” Which one is stronger in us today? Is it our faith in the known (God) or our fear of the unknown (the world)? Faith and worry do not go together. Instead, they challenge one another and force us to choose.
Our heart and his (Monday, December 12)
Whatever we do for the Lord, we need to do it with passion and conviction. We must act and believe as though nothing matters more than fulfilling God’s will. Everything we have must go into everything we do for him.
The young choir director at our church always puts his heart, soul and body into leading the choir each Sunday. To look at him, you would think he is directing a choir of thousands rather than just 20 persons. His body moves fervently from side to side while his arms seem like they are actually blending the notes from the myriad of voices in thin air. He is a delight to watch because he truly delights in what he is doing.
Psalm 37:4 reminds us of the essence of life: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Nothing pleases God more than when we want to please him. When we find our happiness in his will, then we will have everything we need. We will possess the desires of our heart because our heart and his are one in the same.
Be amazed (Sunday, December 11)
Could anyone living 2,000 years ago imagine what was about to happen at a dark manger in tiny Bethlehem? Who knew that the world was about to be turned upside down by the birth of a boy?
The only witnesses were his parents, Mary and Joseph, some shepherds and a few animals. But a heavenly host of angels appeared and worshiped the newborn child. A star in the East proclaimed the great news. All this while the entire town slept, unaware of the life-changing event that shook the universe.
This year, too, many people all around us will be oblivious to what is going on. They will not know why the trees are decorated or why they are giving gifts to one another. In their ignorance, they will not understand why we are celebrating and why we are crying.
There still is a need to tell the story of Christmas. Not the tale found in children’s books, but the real and true one. It is the account that Matthew and Luke gave us long ago. The message remains as new and bright as the night when it occurred. Let us remember and, once again, be amazed.
Release your anger (Saturday, December 10)
When something goes wrong in our lives, we instantly open the floodgates of the past and allow everything else to rush in. In an instant, we are swept away by our own emotions. We lose control and allow ourselves to become victims in a torrent of negative feelings.
Our minds are like a powerful computer. All it takes is one small thing to go wrong right now and, suddenly, we pull up all of the other related incidents that have hurt us. The effect is like that of a snowball careening out of control down a hill; it grows bigger and larger with each turn. The tiny ball becomes a boulder as it quickly rolls downward.
If you are like me, perhaps there is someone or something that keeps disturbing you. With the single mention or thought of a particular person or place, you immediately think of all the pain you experienced in the past: how you were humiliated, judged, rejected, embarrassed, demeaned and degraded. Each previous event in this particular episode of your life becomes larger than all of the parts and incidents put together. In no time at all, a molehill becomes a mountain that you created.
The only way we can forget the past is to forgive the person. Paul said to, “Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 AMP).
It may be hard to forgive, but it has to be easier than getting angry over and over and over again. You can’t change the past, but you can change yourself.
Listen up (Friday, December 9)
Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho, but it was God who brought the victory. God told Joshua what to do each step of the way. He would fight the battle for Joshua. All Joshua had to do was listen to the Lord.
God’s instructions were clear and simple: “March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."
How often do you and I make things more difficult? We come up with all kinds of machinations and schemes when we are up against a problem or predicament. We plan our strategy, carefully calculating every move and countermove. We believe we are prepared to overcome the enemy when, in fact, the only thing we have done is to convince ourselves we are mightier than we think.
God has the answer and the victory in all circumstances. He will fight the battle for us if we are willing to listen to his commands. What he tells us to do may seem silly or ridiculous, but there is a reason. The only thing we need to understand is that it makes perfect sense to God. All we have to do is listen and obey.
You are forgiven! (Thursday, December 8)
We are justified by our faith, says St. Paul in his letter to the Romans. He makes clear the power of our belief: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Nothing can remove this grace, except for our own foolish thoughts.
Our past is full of snares and traps that convict us to guilt and shame. We all have things we regret. Maybe we said the wrong thing and the words still linger in our ears. Perhaps we acted poorly, in anger, and the scene remains like a haunting image in our mind’s eye. It could be the sin was something much worse.
We might grieve over the past all we want. The truth is we are powerless to make any changes now. What has been done is done. We can, however, move on with our lives because of Christ’s death. Paul explains that, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him” (Romans 5:9).
Our ugly past may trouble us at times, causing great anxiety in our hearts. The reality is that we have been reconciled by God through Jesus Christ. We do not need to continue rehearsing past events, not even for one second. Let the world think what it wants. Christ died for us and we are completely forgiven because of our faith in him.
Our love for him (Wednesday, December 7)
How can we begin to fathom the greatness of God? He is more powerful than all the forces in the universe, let alone those here on earth. He is larger than anything we can imagine and he is everywhere at all times, whether past, present or future. He is the beginning of all life and the creator of all things. It is because of him that the planets go in their daily courses around the sun and it is because of him that we exist.
You and I are but a whisper, a tiny breath of life for a short time here on earth. Yet, in spite of our smallness and our sinfulness, God loves us more than anything. We are his pride and joy, his children in whom he finds purpose and meaning. We are made in his likeness and his image. Above all, we are his. We belong to him and he remains with us all of our days.
May we praise and honor him throughout this day. As we feel the sun on our faces, let us thank him. As we see people at the store, let us thank him. As we work in the garden, let us thank him. As we see children at play, let us thank him.
Let everything we do and say today prove our love for him.
Feeling empty (Tuesday, December 6)
The Christmas season can give us some of the greatest feelings all year. The sparkling lights, decorated trees and bright carols transform our ordinary world into an extraordinary landscape full of happiness and cheer. All of us have fond memories of our family all gathered together to celebrate life, especially our future life with the savior and king.
If we are not careful, though, this holiday can leave us empty and weak. We try to do so many things that we actually run out of steam. We might even regret Christmas because of the many obligations, responsibilities and errands. By the time everything is all said and done, we might feel like the huge inflatable Santas in front yards everywhere; they are nothing more than a pile of vinyl on the grass when the air pump is not running.
Without God and his energy, we too can feel deflated. We go through the motions of Christmas without much true joy in our hearts. Throughout Advent, let us rely on his power to keep us going and to keep us headed in the right direction. Each thing we do should lead us closer to the manger on Christmas morning.
At this special time, we cannot afford to lose our strength or spirit and wander all over the place. Let us do what is really important in God’s eyes and leave the rest for another period. May we always follow the star of hope and spread the love of the season rather than the weariness of the world.
Changing (Monday, December 5)
The rebellious nature of the human condition is hard to understand. More difficult to comprehend is how to stop it. St. Paul wrestled with this issue as he attempted to resolve the vast difference between his desire and God’s will. “I do not understand what I do,” he wrote. “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. . . . For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:15, 19).
So it is with us. We keep on doing those things we do not want to do. At times, it seems as though we are powerless to change in spite of how hard we try. The truth is that we cannot change ourselves. Only God can alter our spirit.
We have to let go of everything that holds us captive to our own will. Until we do so, we will remain in bondage to sin and wrongdoing. We will never stop doing what we hate to do unless we replace the evil in our hearts with the complete love of God.
He is able (Sunday, December 4)
Sometimes we use worldly excuses to disguise our lack of faith. Rather than stepping out in faith, we step back in fear. When faced with a new challenge, it is easy to break things down and explain our opposition.
We may be against trying something different, whether in our individual lives or in our church, because we do not see how it will work. We can usually come up with many reasons to support how we feel. What we have to realize, more than anything else, is that God can do the impossible.
The story of feeding the multitudes with only two fish and five loaves is a case in point. The disciples wanted to send the people away. Then, when Jesus told them to provide for everyone, they said it was impossible. They argued that providing for so many people would take at least eight months of a man’s wages. We do not have that kind of money, they reminded Jesus. Plus, there was no place nearby to buy so much food.
Jesus showed them that God the Father was far greater than anything they thought or knew. What is blessed from above will always succeed, even in spite of our doubt and logic. We can rationalize all we want, but the truth is that God is not limited by our simple reason or reasons. He is able to do what we cannot because he is God.
Sacrificial freedom (Saturday, December 3)
The greatest example of sacrifice was shown by Christ. He gave up everything for us, not once but three times. The first sacrifice was leaving a perfect life in heaven. The second sacrifice was taking on the sins of everyone. The third sacrifice was surrendering his human life.
When we remember Christ, we most often recall what he gave us rather than what he gave up for us. We prefer to picture the triumphant and victorious Jesus in his resurrected body as opposed to the beaten and bloody corpse on the cross. But the former would not have been possible without the latter. As the Son of God, Christ had to sacrifice all for the sake of salvation – ours, not his.
We cannot imagine how he suffered. Relinquishing his throne in heaven is beyond our grasp. Accepting the blackness of the world staggers our imagination. Being beaten to death shocks us with the deepest horror. We can make believe how we might feel, though we will never know how it felt to abandon the perfect for the imperfect, the sinless for the sinful.
We have much for which to be grateful. Whenever we are tempted to complain or grumble about our circumstances, let us remember the sacrificial freedom that we have through Christ. He suffered to keep us from worry or regret. He freely gave up his life so we could have life and have it abundantly.
Wait and see (Friday, December 2)
Are you tired right now? Maybe you are worn out or run down, waiting for something better to happen in your life. You might be losing hope about your situation, wondering if it will ever get better, if you will ever find a job, if your problems will ever go away, if your life will ever be normal again.
Yes, you will get better. Yes, you will find a job. Yes, your problems will go away. Yes, your life will be normal again. Just keep reminding yourself, over and over and over, that “God is getting ready to move in my life.” Repeat the phrase when you get up in the morning, when you drive to the store, when you walk out to get the mail, when you sit down to eat each meal. Soon you will begin to anticipate the good that is about to happen.
Remember what the apostle James wrote in his epistle: “Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:10-11).
God knows what you are going through. He is “full of compassion and mercy” and he will honor your patience. The more you persevere, the greater his blessing. He will certainly turn your suffering into great joy as he did with Job and all of the other prophets who trusted him. Your persistence will pay off. Just wait and see. God never makes promises he can’t keep.
Why fight alone? (Thursday, December 1)
The first act of Jesus after his baptism by John was going into the desert for 40 days. Alone and without food or water, Jesus was attacked. Three times Satan came against him, each time with a greater temptation and challenge. First came bread. Second was being rescued by angels from the pinnacle of a temple. Third were all the kingdoms of the world.
Jesus withstood each assault, not because of his power as the Son of God. Rather, it was through the power of his trust and faith in God. He relied on the protection of the Holy Spirit which he had just received. He used the Word of His Father to dispel Satan: “Man shall not live on bread alone. . . . Do not put the Lord your God to the test. . . . Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”
We cannot war against evil on our own and expect to win. We are mere flesh and blood. We are no match for the powers of darkness. But we do have the ability to defeat Satan all of the time by using the living Word of God. We only have to speak the Lord’s name or repeat his commands and the devil must flee.
There is really no battle at all when we use the authority we have been given. We first get into trouble the second we try to fight alone. Yet, we will still try, won’t we?