Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Trusting God



Joseph and Mary were more than engaged.  The custom of their day recognized “betrothal” as more of a commitment, and even more binding, than engagement.  So when Joseph learned Mary was with child before they had been together as husband and wife, he faced a difficult situation.  Jewish custom would have allowed him to break off the arrangement, leaving Mary in disgrace.  He had decided to divorce her quietly, a decision with life-altering, long-term consequences for them both.  One wonders how Joseph reached his decision.  Did he make use of the problem solving process?  Did he identify all of his options, weigh the pros and cons of each one, and select the one that made the most sense?  Perhaps he even questioned the rationale of God’s plan. 

We know that Joseph was a righteous man and, in all likelihood, he spent time in prayer seeking an answer to his problem.  From the angel in his dream, he received God’s command to take Mary as his wife.  In the end, Joseph put all of his faith in God and did as he was commanded.  He did not worry about what the neighbors might think.  He may not have felt that it made perfect sense, however, he trusted God to be in control.  He believed in God to have the wisdom and power to fulfill the prophecy spoken of for so many years.  And on Christmas, the Holy Spirit blessed Joseph and Mary with His son, Jesus, the King of Kings, Immanuel, “God with us”.  

Prayer:  Oh, God, Help me to be more like Joseph.  I know I try to be in control and make rational decisions on my own too much, when what I need to do is put more trust in your counsel.  When I have tough decisions to make in life, remind me to rely upon you to be in control of the situation and to trust that you have the wisdom and power to guide me in righteous ways.  Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, to live among us.  Hear my prayer in His name, Amen.

Suzy Bruner

Monday, December 24, 2012

Prophesying the Birth



Over 700 years before the birth of Jesus, God gave Ahaz a sign by saying “a virgin would conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel”.  God showed us centuries before it happened that He already had a plan for the time when Jesus
would arrive.  God’s plan was carried out and we celebrate that event today.

Tonight many of us will be in church for Christmas Eve services.  Others will be traveling to be with family and friends.  Some will observe the evening at work or home alone.  Wherever we are or whatever we are doing, we should make sure that we recognize and celebrate that this is the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ.  We need
to focus on what this has meant for centuries of Christians throughout God’s world.  We should also remember that this event was only part of God’s plan and that He continues to carry out that plan into our eternity.

Let’s plan to reach out to God tonight.  Let’s have our last thought before we sleep
be a remembrance of the magnificent child’s birth and how that single event changed everything about our past, our present and our future.

Prayer:  God, we are grateful that you cared so much for us that you brought Jesus to earth to live among us, to teach us about you, and to then die for forgiveness of our sins.  Sometimes we don’t feel worthy of the enormity of your love, but we accept it and praise you for this and all your blessings, Amen.

Rod Smith

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Faithful



A few years ago, I received a Psalm desk calendar as a Christmas gift.  The next year, that calendar took me on a journey thru many Psalms, along which I learned that:

  • some psalms praise God for his faithfulness and his power,
  • some sing of God acting on behalf of His people,
  • some give us hope and encouragement in the love of God 
  • some lament (or cry out) over a tragedy or discomfort that is being experienced.


Psalm 77 begins with the psalmist crying out.  He seems to be overwhelmed by troubles and feel separated from God.  But, the psalm ends with him praising God for His faithfulness.  It is as if the psalmist experiences a change of heart, once he recalls the many wonders of God.

Have you ever felt distant from God, overwhelmed by trouble, or asked ‘where are you, God’?  If we are honest enough to admit it, we all have experienced such times in our lives.

Like the psalmist, we can be encouraged in difficult times – we can possibly even experience joy in pain and in suffering, if we take a moment to look back and recall the faithfulness of God.  He is worthy of our praise!

We might even find ourselves singing:

Great is Thy Faithfulness;
Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy Faithfulness,
Lord unto me.

Prayer:  O Faithful God, Thank you for your presence with me always.  Help me to see your faithfulness in all circumstances.  Thank you for hearing me when I cry out and when I praise.  You are worthy of praise, Amen.

Delyn Cronk

Saturday, December 22, 2012

The Gift



In the book of Acts, the writer (whom most Bible experts agree to be Luke, a
non-Jewish physician) tells the story of what happened after Jesus was taken up
into Heaven.  The first eleven verses, however, explain that Jesus gave instructions
to His apostles before He ascended into the sky.  Jesus told the men to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift that God had promised, that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5.)  Jesus goes on to tell His apostles that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8.)

During this gift-giving season, no gift can compare to the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Scripture tells us that Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and advocate in His absence (John 14:16.)  In my Bible Dictionary, the word “comforter” is defined as a title for the Holy Spirit which means “to strengthen” or “to bolster.”  The same dictionary explains that as the advocate, the Holy Spirit provides power for world wide evangelism (Acts 1:8) and will abide with believers forever (John 14:16.)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Melinda Burk

Friday, December 21, 2012

Watchful Servants



Most often, when we invite guests into our homes, we spend hours preparing for their arrival; we clean behind every nook, we cook a lavish meal, and we set out our nicest china.  Upon their arrival time, we listen for the car door so we can greet them at the door, and offer them a warm welcome.

How much more we should prepare for Christ’s return!  God tells us to be watching for Him and ready to open the door for Him.  Because he will come at an unexpected hour, we must prepare as though He were coming tonight!  We must honor Him daily with what He has given to us, and as we do so in the seemingly smaller areas of our lives, HE will entrust us with even greater responsibility to glorify Him.

Are you ready for Christ’s return?  In what ways can you prepare for Him on a daily basis?  Do you honor Him in all things so He will entrust you with more?

Although, many are servants, few are watchful servants.  For those preparing and ready for His return, He promises a great reward.

Prayer:  Lord, Although I do not know when you will return, I am overjoyed for that day to come.  Help me to be a watchful servant, and to be ready to open my door for you.  Thank you for revealing yourself to me so that I may know you personally, and to one day sit at your table with you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shelby Hall

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Chariots of Fire, Dry Bones, and Advent



The Shepherds Take from the Sheep
        
          At first glance these proclamations by the strange prophet Ezekiel seem to be far removed from the theme of advent.  A closer look at the reading, and further in the chapter, reveals the fact that God is not only displeased with the shepherds currently leading the sheep of Israel, but that he will remove the current leadership and governing system, replace it with David, his lineage, and ultimately the Messiah.  Hence, a possible old testament reference to the coming of Christ. 

          Living in the time between the first and second advent of Christ, it is worthwhile to ask if the developed nations of the world, the current shepherds, have become like those of ancient Israel, and the third world people have become the new sheep.  Have we reached such a stage of extravagance that far too many sheep, including their natural resources, are required to “feed” the shepherds?  One obvious example is the ongoing deforestation of the tropical rainforest in South America.  This not only takes from the indigenous peoples’ resources, but upsets the natural balance of the fragile ecosystem.

          During the advent season, could it be possible that old dry bones Ezekiel has a message that remains relevant today?

Prayer:  God, remind us that Jesus came to redeem all of the world and that all should share in his bounty and blessing, Amen

Warren Davenport

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Future



Revelation verses at Christmas?  That was my first thought because I generally don’t think of scripture from the book of Revelation as Christmas scripture.  There is no mention of Joseph, Mary or the birth of Jesus.  So how is it that it’s included for an advent study?  It is because it’s a revelation of Jesus Christ and He is what Christmas is about.

These scriptures are about God communicating to his people a message; a message for promise of happiness, of spiritual blessings and of joy.  God, through John, gave us a grasp of the future, a future with grace and peace.  We also receive the glorious message that He is coming for us!

While we focus on the birth of Jesus during our countdown to Christmas, these scriptures give us a pause to focus on the meaning of Jesus and our future.  These scriptures give a great restatement of this person who we know both as a man and God.  In verse 8 God declares he is the Alpha and Omega; he is eternal from time past to the future.  While we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we should also rejoice in how we know the full story, including how marvelously the story ends for we who believe. 

Prayer:  God, we ask you to help us know that this brief time on earth is only the beginning of a great adventure you have prepared for us.  While we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we also remember to thank you for His death, resurrection and the promise that He will come again.  We are truly blessed by your presence in our lives today and your promise for our eternal tomorrows, Amen.

Rod Smith

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Live for the Future



This scripture in Luke helps to prepare us for the second coming of Christ and how important it is to recognize what is happening in the world, what to do, and what to believe.  Having faith and believing in Jesus is what fuels us for the roads we travel.  The decisions we make determine the direction of the road we travel.  The further from Jesus we are the more difficult the road, the closer we are the smoother the road. 

When will Jesus return?  No person on earth knows but we do know it will happen and it will be in the future.  The fig tree parable guarantees God’s words will come true just as the seasons come and go.  If we live as Jesus did and how he has taught us, then our lives are much more fulfilling and the road we travel leads to eternal life.  Live for the future so when you stand before the Son of Man all will be well and eternal life will be yours.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thanks for all our many blessings, be with us and help us to remain on the good road with the decisions we make.  Give us the ability to live our lives as your Son lived his so one day in the future when we are with him all will be well.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Dale Peters

Monday, December 17, 2012

Hope or Fear



The verses for this devotional can either be read with hope or fear.  I try to focus on the hope.  When someone asks me to list my hobbies, I could quite easily write "worrying" as one of them.  I don't like worrying about things, it just happens.  I know God has had my life planned since before I was born, but letting go is very hard.  He has a plan for us and only God knows that plan.  Only God knows when He will return and any who claim to know the day of His return are false prophets.  We must try to be a mirror of His love and compassion to others while we live out our lives on earth and trust Him in all that we do.  The Plan is in His hands and I am thankful every day for the blessings He gives.  We should not let our hearts be heavy with worry for the end, but live each day to glorify God and make sure when the time does come, we are spiritually prepared.

"When the world around us grows cold and chaotic, faith is the balm that soothes a fearful heart and the blanket that comforts an anxious mind."  --Unknown

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, We can feel your presence and need to have faith and trust in your plan.  Thank you for being the loving and forgiving God you are.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lea Henricks

Sunday, December 16, 2012

A Lesson from The Book of Psalms



In about 520 BC the Jews had returned from exile in Babylon.  God had been angry with his people and they had been in exile for 70 years, but now they were able to return to Jerusalem and the places near it.  However, after a few years, things were bad for them and they had not built God’s House (the temple) again.  They had to wonder, will God be angry with us forever?  The answer was no, but they must not turn again to folly. 

I have to wonder, is the Old Testament story of Psalm 85 a wake-up call for us?  Like the Jews some 26 centuries ago our country has turned many times from good times to bad and from war to peace.  Each time our people faced such challenges, they worked, fought and yes, prayed together to overcome the problem.  Each time our Christian Nation survived and prospered.

Now, at a time when our nation faces not only very serious financial and international security problems we find ourselves faced with a divided populace, much of whom have turned away from God.  This challenge will require a combined effort of Christians working and praying together to point the way for others to follow.

Prayer:  Turn us, O LORD, and lead us in the paths of righteousness.  In His name we pray, Amen.

Arch Brashears

Saturday, December 15, 2012

The One Before Jesus



Before Jesus was ever born, John the Baptist was sent as a messenger, preparing the people for when Jesus comes.  He preached repentance, "the forgiveness of your sins" and baptized the Judean people in the Jordan River.  His message was simple, "there will be one more powerful than I."  I am not worthy to untie his sandals.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit; I can only baptize you with water.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, We pray you forgive us of our sins and that you promise to meet us in this place of repentance and that everyone understands that a new life can begin with the liberating gift of forgiveness, Amen.

Marty Askins

Friday, December 14, 2012

John the Baptist: One of God’s Greatest Messengers



God sent John to witness and prepare the world for the Messiah, the Son of God.  John knew that this Messiah was coming and God had told him that he would know him by the spiritual light emanating from him, full of grace and truth.  (How thrilling that must have been for John to know that he would indeed SEE this man eventually in his lifetime and hear him speak!)

So, John went out to preach to anyone and everyone about this “true light” that was coming into the world.  John’s preaching about the coming of the Lord and his symbolic baptisms with water were his way of “paving the way” so that when this man he had not met yet did come, the people would be better prepared to accept his teachings and become children of God.

How fortunate for John, that while many of us struggle through life trying to figure out what our purpose is, he knew for certain that he was to convince people that this Messiah they would meet was the Son of God.  But: what an arduous and difficult task that had to be!  Naturally, he was questioned and scrutinized, and he must have appeared to be absolutely insane to say something like, a man of this world-but-not-of-this-world is going to come and heal you and bring you peace, and oh, and by the way – you won’t know him or recognize him.  How John trusted God!

The critics and skeptics were sent to question him, probably expecting him to proclaim himself the prophet, the Messiah, but he denied them this predictability.  Instead, he claimed to be “the voice of one calling in the wilderness” and to “make way for the Lord.”  The messenger has spoken.

When Jesus approached John the next day, he knew from his holy aura that this was “the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.”  Let us all, as we wander through this “wilderness,” continue to remember to “pave the way” for our brothers and sisters.  Let us all continue to place our complete trust in God.  Let us know, as John did, that God has a plan for us and a clock for us to serve our purpose! 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you as you pour out your spirit on us.  John wanted everyone to know this “true light.”  Let us press on too, to help others to know this light.  Thank you for adopting us into your kingdom, Amen.

Valenne Neel & Debra Neel

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Look to Jerusalem



The prophet Isaiah in this book proclaims the restoration of Israel with the center being the great City of Jerusalem.  The City shall be glorified and recognized throughout the World as the most Holy Place of God’s chosen people.  God’s people are to keep the faith and continue to proclaim the Lord’s greatness and his promises
to all that will believe in him.

Prayer:  Great God, Continue to bless us as we strive to follow your most Holy Word.  Be with all that need your strength and guidance and show them the way to have peace within their lives.  In thy Son’s precious name we ask, Amen.

Bill Cope

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Preparing the Way



This scripture is telling us about John the Baptist – who was a courageous forerunner of Jesus.  John lived a simple life in the desert of Judea.  Certainly he was not a man of self-indulgence as he didn’t care about his clothes or what he ate.  My Dad would have called him, “rough around the edges.”  John only cared about telling the people who came to hear him to repent – to confess their sins – to make major changes in their lives.  Then he would baptize them with the water of forgiveness in the Jordan River.

John also told the people that there would be someone who would come after him and would be even more powerful.  It would be someone who would also baptize but it would be with the holy spirit.  John is referring to Jesus.  John tells the people the kingdom of heaven is near.  Jesus tells us all about the Kingdom of God.  John the Baptist prepared the way for our Lord.

During this Christmas season, let us prepare our hearts as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Let us prepare to make some changes in our lives that would be pleasing to our Lord.

Prayer:  Father in Heaven, Thank you for the birth of Jesus, His lessons, His life and His love for us.  Thank you for those who prepare the way for us, Amen.

Cynthia Corley

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Strength and Faith



Matthew 4 begins sometime after Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.  He was led into the desert and had no food for 40 days and nights.  He was tempted by the devil, but thru his faith and strength He resisted.

We are all tempted during our lives and we should think of this scripture and pray for strength and faith to do what is pleasing to the Lord.

Matthew 28 -- The disciples went to a hill in Galilee and met Jesus.  Some still doubted him, and I believe we Christians still have some doubts at times during our lives.  When we do, think about these verses where He said He would be with us ALWAYS.  Pray for more faith because He will be with us.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us if we at times have doubts and give us strength to resist temptation.  Thank you for sending Your Son, Amen.
 
Gene & Jane Aldridge

Monday, December 10, 2012

John’s Beginning



In today’s reading, Zechariah a priest advanced in age is burning incense in the Temple of the Lord.  An angel appears to him, this was a first and he was afraid.
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah, your prayer has been heard.  Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”

Then Gabriel, yes, the same angel that later appears to Mary, explains in verse 17, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”  Wow!  After wanting a child all the years now finally, Can you imagine the excitement?  Zechariah asks how can it be because I’m old and my wife, Elizabeth, is old?  Then Gabriel reminds Zechariah, I stand in the presence of the God and have been sent to tell you the good news.  Then Gabriel explains to Zechariah, you will not be able to speak until the son is born because you did not believe Gabriel.

He was born and they called him John.  Zechariah could talk again.  He grew up and prepared a world for Jesus.

Prayer:  Dear Father, Help us to hear, believe, and share the good news of Jesus, not just the season of Advent, but everyday all year long.

Anonymous

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Praise and Thanksgiving



Psalm 138 is a glorious song of praise to the Lord, and very practical for us to consider:
  •          First:   the Psalmist begins with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord
  •          Second:  When we call on the Lord, he answers us
  •          Third:   he addresses the work of the Lord among the nations
  •          Fourth:  he speaks of the Lord‘s purpose for us

At this time of year, the changing of the seasons always helps me remember the glorious things that God has in store for us!  I have always loved nature and marvel
at the beautiful landscapes that are before us.  This is the time to Praise God and give thanksgiving to him!
 
The Psalmist tells us that when we ask of God, he will answer us, giving us strength of soul!  Many people think we are insignificant, that God has more important things at hand, but God has a purpose and a plan for each of us.  We need to discover what that plan is and remain steadfast.  If we stray, he will reach out his hand and deliver us.  As long as we do not abandon him, and remember he will never forsake us, he will use us for his purpose.  How comforting is that!

Prayer:  Dear God, we give you thanksgiving for the many blessings you have bestowed on us.  We know you have a plan for us, we know you hear us and strengthen our souls.  Thank you for your steadfast love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Becky Minson

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Zephaniah



When I started reading the seldom read scripture of Zephaniah and studying about the prophet, I became aware that he was directing his words, not so much at the common people, but more towards the upper class, the royalty and those that surrounded them.  These were the people who were putting God aside and devoting themselves to amassing fortunes of earthly things, fine homes, silver and gold, high living and immoral activities.  Sounds very much like our world today.  Zephaniah prophesies the coming of the Day of the Lord.  And tells these people that God will destroy their cities, their homes, their fortunes and themselves.  However, he ends with explaining what will happen to those who have heeded God’s call and humbled themselves to obey His commandments.  These will be spared and will be given honor and praise.  They will be God’s children and He will be their God.

Christians today have the same promise if we but accept God and His Son, Jesus.  Not only can we live a life of peace knowing that whatever happens, we are loved by Him, but also have the promise of life everlasting in His Kingdom.

Prayer:  Most Holy God, we pray that your way will be accepted by the people of this earth and we do not get caught up in the act of amassing fortunes here on earth and allow our hearts to turn against You.

Charles Boyd

Friday, December 7, 2012

The Curtain



If you were a Jew, living in Old Testament times, you were required to make sacrifices for your sins.  But even after making a sacrifice, you still weren’t allowed past the curtain in the tabernacle or temple, into the Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place. This is because God dwelt in the Holy of Holies and whoever entered was entering into the very presence of God.  The curtain shielded a most holy God from sinful man.  Only the High Priest was allowed to enter, and only once a year, after very special preparation.

But Jesus Christ changed all that.  When he gave his life for us on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  (This curtain was 60 feet high, 30 feet wide and 4 inches thick!)  Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now enter into God’s presence.  And not only that, but God has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who puts His laws in our hearts and writes them on our minds.  God is here.
He offers hope.  And we can come to him freely!

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son and your Holy Spirit.  Help us to come to you freely and often with hearts of gratitude, trusting in you completely.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  Amen.

Julie Darling

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Real Deal



After reading today’s scripture I get a renewed sense of several attributes of our God.  I believe the reading reminds us that God is caring, compassionate, all mighty, all powerful and the source of life and hope.  Early in the passage there are words of reassurance and comfort.  It describes times of “passing through rivers” and “walking through fires,” and we are reminded that God will be with us.  Next, the verses remind us of who God is.  It’s as if we needed to check the credentials of the One who was providing these assurances.  Verses 10-13 reaffirm that He is the one and only God.  Next, and just in case we might still have doubts, the passage provides a reminder of His power in verses 16-17 when the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea is cited.  The last few verses of this reading seem to show the hope and promise that God represents as we picture Him as “water in the desert.”  In the 21 verses that make up today’s reading, I believe we are given words of assurance and hope.  God will be with us always, and no matter how lost or lonely we may feel at times, He can be like water in the desert to us, offering hope and life.  Also included in this passage are words that provide a clear confirmation of who God is.  The one and only Lord, creator, and savior.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You are the one and only God.  Maker of all things, Lord of our Lord.  Help us each day to put our faith and trust in you, and to remember that you are always with us, Amen.

Jeff Henricks

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Jesus as King



The first question Pilate asks Jesus when he summoned him was, “are you the king of the Jews?”  Jesus answers this question with a question.  “Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me?”  Pilate’s reply reveals his pride and why he made such a bad governor.  “Am I a Jew?  How do you expect me to know anything about Jewish affairs?”  Pilate refused to learn about the very people he was governing.  No one can govern a people if he makes no attempt to understand them and to enter into their thoughts and minds. 

Jesus goes on to say that he is a King but his kingdom is not of this world.  How wonderful it is to know Jesus as our Lord and King.  He knows our everyday struggles, problems, concerns and joys because he became human and lived among us.  Jesus is also an infinite spirit and as such, knows our thoughts and minds and is always with us.  Though, he is King of the Universe, Jesus is totally accessible to us.  How many of you have ever met or talked to a King, or in our case, the president?  Even dignitaries must go through red tape and protocol to meet with the President.  Yet, Jesus is always available and welcomes our talks.

Prayer:  Our Father, how blessed we are to have a King who has lived among us, who knows our thoughts, who loves us and who welcomes our presence.  Thank you for being our King, Amen.

Ron Corley 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

A Perfect Kind of Love


                      
Paul wrote this passage to encourage his readers to accept Gods reconciliation and love.  Even with all of our knowledge, we only have one decision that matters, which we choose continually - to allow God to remake us "without blemish" or hold onto our rebellious imperfect selves.  All of history tells us we cannot fix ourselves, but we keep hoping results will be different next time.  Paul urges us to put our hope in the perfect LOVE that is Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, You know me and my blemishes - thank you for loving me anyway. I am only complete because of your unconditional love and I am thankful, Amen.

Dana Askins

Monday, December 3, 2012

Baptism of Jesus



The focus of Matthew 3 is on John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus.

Jesus was not baptized for repentance for sin because Jesus never sinned.  To fulfill all righteousness means to accomplish God’s mission.  Jesus saw his baptism as advancing God’s work.  Jesus was baptized because:

  1. He was confessing sin on behalf of the nation, as Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses, and Daniel had done.
  2. He was showing support for what John was doing.
  3. He was inaugurating his public ministry.
  4. He was identifying with the penitent people of God.

Jesus, the perfect man, didn’t need baptism for sin, but he accepted baptism in obedient service to the Father, and God showed his approval.

The Father made it known that he was “well pleased” with his son.  It is a successful life when it is lived to please God.  It was Jesus’ purpose, and it ought to be ours as well.  As Christians, we have been baptized into Christ.  We did not let anything “prevent” us from being baptized.  It is God’s command, and we revered him in keeping it.  When we did so, he washed away our sins.  It pleased the Father to take away our sins and receive us into his house by his grace.

Prayer:  Gracious and all wise Heavenly Father, Thank you for having John baptize Jesus.  This reminds me that baptism is about my relationship with you and not about who baptizes whom.  Thank you for Jesus’ example of living only to please you and accomplish your will.  Please fill my heart with that same resolve and empower it by that same spirit.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Cecilia Richey

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Rejoice - Reverence - Response



Reading Psalm 95, verses 1-5 are words and thoughts which often come into my heart and mind when I look at nature.  Driving through the Tetons, watching the ocean, clouds in a blue sky, the waving of grain touching a Panhandle sky with nothing else in sight.  These all fill me with joy and awe while I experience blessings of nature God created just for our enjoyment.  What a great and glorious God we have!

Reading verses 6-7 remind me to be thankful and show reverence to the God who has given us so very much of Himself.  I remember a moment in time when my in-laws, Wilma and Joe Herndon, mentioned to me they had seen a beautiful, bright, rainbow in the sky and were overwhelmed with reverence of our creation and Creator.  They found a place to stop on the side of the road and together sang the Doxology.  They felt God needed to be adored and they responded.

Concluding with verses 8-11 we read something a bit different.  We are reminded not to harden our hearts.  In other words, listen and obey.  For me personally, I can rejoice in His majesty and I can be reverent in the limited knowledge my mind and heart can hold of God and I can listen.  HOWEVER, obey often makes me want to put the brakes on.  I have to first mull it over, to consider if it’s a good thing for me, if it is doable.  I believe for me, this is what “not to harden our hearts” that God is speaking to us about.  My human nature says, “wait…do I want to do this, is it something I can do and why.”  Am I the only one who does this?  Then these thoughts occur to me in this season of Advent…what if Mary said, “Are you kidding me? No, I can’t do this. Find someone else.”  Or, if Joseph had said, “Let me mull over this for awhile, God.”

Our Lord is a great God, God above all gods and the greatness of His creation is not just to make us feel good.  Isn’t it in living in a right relationship with that creation, through obeying our Creator, that we find the fullest life and the most joy?  I must not harden or ignore what God asks of me.  I must obey and walk with Him.  This is life in fullness.  My humanness still wants to say…”But.”  Please be patient.  God is not through with me yet!

Prayer:  God, We need balance.  It is easy to take from You the beauty of Your creation, to receive the love You have shown through the gift of Your son and accept Your forgiveness.  It is a comfort to know You walk with us but it’s often hard to respect Your word enough to obey the things You ask of us.  Balance our thinking, God.  Help us not only rejoice, revere, and respond but also to respect Your words.

Sharon Herndon