The One Before Jesus

Mark 1:1-8

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

John the Baptist: One of God’s Greatest Messengers

John 1:6-34

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

Look to Jerusalem

Isaiah 62

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

Preparing the Way

Matthew 3:1-12

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

Strength and Faith

Matthew 4:1-6; 

Matthew 28:18-20

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

John’s Beginning

Luke 1:5-25, 57-80

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

Praise and Thanksgiving

Psalm 138

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