.....discipleship

When Jesus told His closest followers, "Go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19, He wasn't just talking about the one-time event of Salvation; He was referring to the life-long process of "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded" Matthew 28:20. The process of discipleship actually begins prior to Salvation as we are taught the truth of the gospel message, and it continues as we are "conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. The need for discipleship is made clear as Jesus explains the parable of the soils.

The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop.Mark 4:14-20

Praise God for those who are sowing seed! The Word of God will never be received if there are not those willing to sow into the lives of others. However, receiving the word, or even initial growth, is not Salvation! Receiving, and being initially excited about the Word, can occur without conviction and certainly without a change of heart. Without proper nourishment and protection - without some form of discipleship - the received word will die and never produce fruit.

Discipleship prepares the soil and leads those who receive the Word to a true understanding of words like, "Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16. Discipleship then helps our roots go deep and provides water for sustained growth; it teaches how to recognize and eliminate the thorns which choke and kill; it provides the necessary nutrients to produce a bountiful crop.

We must commit to being discipled through reading God's Word, seeking Him in prayer, receiving biblical teaching, and being in fellowship with other believers. We must also search for other young plants who are beginning to grow, and disciple them as they "come to a knowledge of the truth" 1 Timothy 2:4.

A true relationship with the Living and Holy God is not a one-time event or prayer; it is a lifetime commitment. Let's reach up to our Heavenly Father and reach out to those He places in our path. Let's nurture and encourage at every opportunity. The world is searching, and the precious life-giving seed is being sown. But the planted seed will only produce fruit and live to bring Him glory and honor as each of us commits to a life of discipleship.

- steve troxel 

.....come

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world John 16:33

 

Ultimate victory is assured to everyone who believes in Christ. On the path to that ultimate victory, there are countless battles we must fight and hardships we must endure. 

Jesus was about to face unimaginable suffering as part of God’s plan of salvation. His disciples were about to face some harsh realities of their own after He left them. He warned them about what was to come not to discourage them, but to encourage them. He didn’t want them to be caught by surprise by the trials and tribulations that lay ahead. He assured them that their faith was strong enough to withstand what was coming. 

Because of their association with Jesus, the disciples would be banished from the synagogues, the places of Jewish worship. Jesus refers to “those who kill you” verse 2. The disciples had to get used to the reality that eventually they would pay the ultimate price for their discipleship.

And the people doing the banishing and killing? They would claim they were doing it in God’s name. But their opposition to Jesus was proof that they had never known God. Once again, Jesus comforts His disciples with a reminder of the Holy Spirit’s coming. 

The Holy Spirit would be the disciples’ most valuable ally. He would make people aware of their sin and their need to repent. He would direct their attention to God’s righteousness. He would give them a sense of God’s coming judgment. He would prepare people’s hearts for the gospel message. And for the disciples, He would be a source of truth, power, direction, and encouragement.

Jesus warned them that they would soon lose their courage and scatter, leaving Him alone. But their courage would return. After all, there was a world to be changed. Jesus’ words in John 16 apply to everyone who follows Him. Jesus gives fair warning. Battles await us. So do temptation and persecution. They’ll test us. They’ll sharpen us. They’ll humble us. They may cause us occasional doubt or anxiety.

But they can’t defeat us. The war is over. Jesus destroyed the power of sin with His sinless life. He destroyed the power of death with His resurrection. God has given us His Holy Spirit to go into battle with us. What do we have to fear?

.....vine

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing - John 15:5

 

Jesus wanted His disciples to know that even though He was leaving them, their connection would never be cut. The image He used is a vine and its branches. Jesus is the true vine. His followers are the branches.

You don’t have to be a master gardener to know that the branches of a vine can’t survive and thrive unless they’re connected to the vine. And we can’t survive and thrive spiritually unless we stay connected to Jesus. He gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to produce good fruit in our lives.

Not all fruit is good. Jesus made that clear in His confrontations with the Jewish religious leaders. These respected men appeared to live very fruitful lives. They worked hard to seem pious. They built their reputations on fulfilling the smallest details of the law. They guarded religious traditions and attacked anyone who challenged their authority.

What appeared to be fruit in their lives, however, was rotten. It wasn’t nourished by the true vine. Jesus said, “You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’” Matthew 15:7–8.

The religious leaders wanted people to think that they were close to God, but their hearts were disconnected from Him. Somewhere along the way, they became more concerned about looking like they were producing spiritual fruit than actually producing it.

What they didn’t realize is that we can’t grow spiritual fruit on our own. All we can do is stay connected to the true vine. “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me” verse 4. Spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, prayer, quiet times, and sharing our faith keep us connected to Jesus. If we make them part of our daily routine, we will see spiritual fruit grow.

An amazing thing happens when we start to bear spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” verses 1–2. God created us. He knows what we’re capable of producing. He can see the areas where we’re blossoming. And He can see the areas where growth and yield aren’t happening.

If we stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, God will help us cut away the unproductive areas of our lives, the things that keep us from producing even more fruit. God, the Master Gardener, will help us increase our spiritual yield. That, in turn, will draw us closer to Jesus. And the cycle continues.

- greg maurie

.....start

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; Behold, all things are become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Water. All Noah could see is water. 

You can relate. You've known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, anger at the disability in your body, fear of the uncertainty of a pandemic. And you've needed what Noah needed; you've needed hope. 

Sometimes, all we need is a little hope. That's all Noah needed, and that's what Noah received. This is how the Bible describes the moment: "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!" Genesis 8:11.  Hope is an olive leaf — evidence of dry land after a flood. 

Could you use some hope? Could you use a fresh start?  At some point in life, we all could!  And the oh-so-welcome news of Scripture is this: Our God is a God of fresh starts. He is the God who told a weary and discouraged people: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

But these streams are streams of grace and mercy and love, not the floods that have burdened your heart. So, dear friend, our prayer for you is that you will experience a flood of God's grace to drive away your despair, disappointment, discouragement, and grief.

- max lucado

.....shaken

Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands… Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. Psalm 112:1, 6-8

At times it feels as though the earth is shaking around us. Everything seems unstable and the uncertainty can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity. There is no novelty in the uncertain state of the world. Since Bible times, the people of God have often found themselves in difficult situations and many experienced the same fears and anxieties we feel. 

The psalmist in today’s scripture discovered how to respond to these situations and not be shaken. It all begins with a change in our attitude and focus. When we obsess on the worries, problems, and uncertainties around us, fear and anxiety are almost inevitable responses. However, when we change our focus to God, spend time in His Word, and draw closer to Him through prayer and worship, He calms our fear and replaces it with hope and peace. 

When we live free from fear, trusting the Lord and being steadfast in Him, we can give freely to those around us and be ready to serve God where needed. 

- crystal b

 

.....communication

Communication is a key part of any relationship. Without proper communication, a relationship will slowly drift apart and feel isolated. This is true of friends and married couples, and certainly true in our relationship with God.

Without communication, we begin to drift and will soon be unable to even recognize His voice. When faced with sudden burdens, we will feel alone. We may awkwardly call out to God but find our communication line has become noisy, filled with distractions. It's difficult to receive direction or comfort when we can't even hear or understand what God is saying.

To keep the communication lines clear, we must develop the habit of continually talking with God; "Pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17. We cannot limit prayer to those times of great need. David was in the habit of morning prayer; "In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before You and wait in expectation" Psalm 5:3. But we must also learn to talk with God throughout our day so we are prepared for those times of extra need.

Jesus never suffered from a breakdown in communication with His Father; "I and the Father are one" John 10:30. And yet, when faced with major decisions or burdens, Jesus still set aside special time to talk with God.

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles. Luke 6:12-13

There are always going to be times in our Christian walk when we urgently need dedicated time with God - times which involve "critical" or "crisis" situations. These times are greatly enhanced if we have already been walking in daily communion with the Father. Our "crisis" prayers will need to be more intense and require us to intimately know the One to whom we pray, require us to know His voice and understand His ultimate plan for our life, require a relationship!

Our Heavenly Father desires to light our path by giving daily guidance. Let's develop the habit of continual prayer so we will follow His leading and walk each step in praise. Let's KNOW Him during the trivial and mundane portion of our day so we will be prepared to know Him during the urgent. Let's prioritize our life to ensure we have a free and clear line of communication.

- steve troxel

.....way

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

 

If you had to define Christianity using only one Bible verse, John 14:6 would be a pretty good choice. In two sentences, Jesus gives us the core belief of Christianity, the distinctive feature that sets it apart from all other religions and belief systems.

Our culture encourages us to be spiritually open-minded. To accept all religious teachings as equally valid. To embrace the idea that all paths lead to God. And that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as your faith is sincere.

But Jesus’ words in John 14:6 don’t give us those options. He is the way. There is no other path to God or Heaven except through Him. He is the truth. Any philosophy or scripture that doesn’t agree with His words and teachings cannot be true. He is the life. There is no way to live forever except through Him.

If that seems narrow-minded, consider this: God sacrificed what was most precious to Him—His Son—because it was the only way to pay the price for our sins. Jesus left His exalted place in Heaven to dwell among us and do what we couldn’t do: live a sinless life. God the Son allowed Himself to be mocked, beaten, and crucified. Even though He was innocent, He took God’s punishment for the sins of the world. He died in our place. He conquered death through His resurrection. He carried out God’s plan of salvation so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.

If there’s another path to God or Heaven (or if there’s another belief system that gives eternal life), that means God’s plan, the sacrifice of His Son, and Jesus’ suffering and death were unnecessary. If you believe Jesus didn’t have to die for you to be saved, you haven’t put your trust in Him.

Jesus reminds His followers that if we love Him, we will show it by obeying His commands. Relationship experts tell us there are many ways to express love to someone. But when that someone is Jesus, there’s just one: Do what He says. That includes turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, loving your neighbor, loving your enemy, caring for the needy, and prioritizing what’s important to Him. Keep making changes to your life so that it aligns with His.

The news of Jesus’ impending departure surely had a chilling effect on His disciples. No doubt they experienced some anxiety as they tried to imagine life without Him. But he wanted them to know He wasn’t leaving them empty-handed. The Holy Spirit was coming, and He would change their lives in ways they couldn’t imagine.

The Holy Spirit lives inside all believers: 

• He guides us in our daily decision-making. 
• He helps us discern God’s truth. 
• He convicts us to confess and repent when we do wrong. 
• He reminds us of Jesus’ words. 
• He helps us understand Scripture. 
• He helps shape our prayers. 
• He nurtures spiritual fruit in our lives.
• He shows us how to be Jesus’ disciples. 

- adapted from gregory's

.....on

 ..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." Exodus 14:15

Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's pursuing army was the Red Sea, after ten plagues God had inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt.

They thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea.

They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" Ex. 14:11-12

God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life.   It may be a work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving."  The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving."

"But Lord, the Red Sea is before me."   "Keep moving."   When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it.   No one will get glory except God.

There is great healing when we look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ.  This is when our own Red Sea become parted.   But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving."

.....open

My son penned this devotion, 

"The pastor talked about how meaningful it is to take your time when building a relationship with God". 

Building a relationship with God is a process that requires patience and intentionality. In the Bible, God often calls believers to take time and be still in His presence. For example, in Psalm 46:10, God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of quiet moments to reflect on God's character and to allow His presence to shape and guide us. Just as any deep relationship takes time to develop, so too does our connection with God, which is built through regular moments of prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word.

The Bible also encourages believers to trust God's timing in this journey of spiritual growth. In Isaiah 40:31, it says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity is not rushed; instead, it is a gradual process that requires patience and trust in God’s perfect timing. 

Just as a plant grows slowly over time, so does our relationship with God. In Philippians 1:6, Paul reassures believers, saying, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This means that God is continually working in our hearts, even when we may not see immediate results.

Taking it slow in building a relationship with God also means being intentional about drawing near to Him. In James 4:8, we are encouraged to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This suggests that while God is always present, a meaningful relationship with Him requires our active participation and commitment. 

We are invited to seek Him, not in a hurried or transactional way, but with a desire to genuinely know Him more deeply. Over time, as we grow in trust and understanding, we begin to experience the fullness of His love and purpose in our lives, demonstrating that a slow, steady approach allows for richer and more lasting spiritual transformation.

- w.tito mwakibinga, jr

.....odd

Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, seemed to have a life of close calls. For starters, Robert was the only one of four brothers to survive beyond the teenage years. Then, when Robert was about 20, he fell between a moving train and the station platform. A fast-thinking stranger seized Robert by the coat collar and pulled him back to the platform, saving his life.

Robert quickly recognized the good Samaritan as the famous actor Edwin T. Booth. If that name sounds familiar it’s because Edwin’s infamous brother, John Wilkes Booth, assassinated Robert Lincoln’s father one year later. He was not at the Ford Theater when his father was shot, but was present at his bedside when he died. Later, Robert carved out his own political career and was rewarded with the Secretary of War post under President James Garfield.

In 1881, only four months into his new position, Garfield invited Robert to join him on a trip to New Jersey. Before either man could step onto the train, Garfield was gunned down. A few years later Robert Lincoln was in Buffalo, New York, by invitation of President William McKinley. While at a speaking engagement, McKinley was shot twice by an assassin. Robert did not see the shooting but was in the room and heard the gunshots. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.

Knowing he seemed to be bad luck for his presidential pals, Robert turned down just about every presidential invitation that came his way, saying, “ … there is a certain fatality about presidential functions when I am present.” He made one exception, and he did attend the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in 1922. President Warren G. Harding and former President William Howard Taft survived the occasion.

Few people have witnessed so many history-making events. But the Bible speaks of one or two. Joshua, who was appointed to leadership after Moses, saw astonishing events unfold during his lifetime. He led the children of Israel into the Promised Land and witnessed, many times over, the amazing fulfillment of God’s promises. Let’s take time to review these events and have our own faith strengthened.

And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof Joshua 23:14

- doug batchelor

.....call

 

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5.

Jesus calls to every wanderer, “My son, give me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26.... The youth cannot be happy without the love of Jesus. He is waiting with pitying tenderness to hear the confessions of the wayward, and to accept their penitence. He watches for some return of gratitude from us, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved child. The great God teaches us to call Him Father. He would have us understand how earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over us in all our trials and temptations....

The young should be constantly growing in grace, and in a knowledge of the truth. The Creator of all things, with whom are all the treasures of wisdom, has promised to be the guide of their youth. He who has conquered in their behalf all the powers of evil asks for their homage. There can be no higher knowledge than the knowledge of Him whom to know aright is life and peace; no purer, deeper affection than the love of our Saviour....

There are temptations on every hand to ensnare the feet of the unwary. Ungodly, corrupt youth exert a strong influence to lead others into forbidden paths. These are among the most successful agents of Satan.... The lovers of the world will often approach under a garb of friendship, and attempt to introduce its customs and practices. Let every true soldier stand ready to resist these allurements....

Satan attacks us at our weak points; but we need not be overcome. The assault may be severe and protracted, but God has promised help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.... The precepts and promises of God's word will arm you with divine power to resist the enemy.... Satan will be baffled and defeated when he finds the heart preoccupied with the truth of God. We need also to be often found at the throne of grace. Earnest, persevering prayer, uniting our human weakness to Omnipotence, will give us the victory. The Signs of the Times, January 19, 1882.

.....own

The next time you want to make an excuse for not going to the gym, consider Ester van den Hoven of Loma Linda, California. She’s 93 and goes to an exercise class that lasts for 60 minutes three times a week! Explaining her longevity to the “Thrillist” website, Ester said, “Be optimistic, be outgoing, try to live a stressless life and laugh easily. Oh, and stay away from the sugar.”

It might not surprise you that Ester has embraced the Bible’s teachings about caring for the body as a temple of God’s Spirit. In fact, there are so many health-conscious Christians in and around Loma Linda that National Geographic magazine dubbed the town America’s only “Blue Zone,” where people often live to 100 years old—seven to 10 years on average longer than most Americans.

Instead of adopting a “YOLO” (“You Only Live Once”) approach to health that suggests, among other things, “you can sleep when you’re dead,” fixing one’s thoughts on living to glorify God can give you more happy years on earth, more chances to make memories, and to experience all the good things that life has to offer.

Christ was interested in the health of people when He was on this earth. The Bible says that the Savior not only taught the gospel, but He also personally touched people’s physical lives. “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people” Matthew 4:23.

Maybe Ester van den Hoven is on the right track—and maybe, just maybe, we should all follow in her footsteps! Take a close look at your lifestyle and see where you might be able to do better in caring for the “temple” God has given you.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:19

1 Corinthians 3:16; John 10:10; 3 John 2

.....longest

An Anglican vicar from Lancashire, England, has delivered a 28-hour, 45-minute sermon, breaking the world record for the longest unscripted speech. Chris Sterry, 46, began his marathon sermon June 29, 2001. He was not allowed to repeat himself, talk nonsense, or to pause for more than 10 seconds, but was permitted a 15-minute break every eight hours.

Two referees who worked four-hour shifts were on hand to make sure rules were followed. A former lecturer on the Old Testament, Sterry “talked his way into the Guinness Book of Records” when he took the first four books of the Bible as the text of his sermon. 

Before he began preaching, he stated, “As a former lecturer on the Old Testament I am looking forward to unlimited opportunity to talk about one of my great enthusiasms.”

Sterry’s sermon was broadcast live every 15 minutes on CNN throughout June 30. He says he undertook the challenge as a fund-raising effort for his church. There were more than 100 people in church when he broke the record. If it looked like he was about to drop off, people in the congregation would encourage him to keep going. News reports do not indicate whether any of his parishioners also lasted the entire distance!

The Sermon on the Mount was Jesus’ most famous and longest recorded sermon in the Gospels. Given when Christ appointed the twelve disciples, it was like an inaugural address that tells us about how the kingdom of heaven was to operate. 

The “sermon” was given from a mountain. Just as Moses proclaimed God’s law from Mount Sinai, Jesus’ proclamation from the “mount of blessing” affirmed the same law. What is recorded in the Gospels is probably an abbreviation of the greatest sermon ever given.

When is the last time you prayerfully read through Christ’s Sermon on the Mount? Why not take time to read Matthew 5:1 to 8:1, or the shorter version found in Luke 6:17-49. And it won’t take you 28 hours and 45 minutes!

"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying," Matthew 5:2

- doug batchelor

.....off

After the birth of Jesus, Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?" Matthew 2:2. When King Herod heard about this, he became greatly disturbed. Herod had been appointed King of the Jews by the Roman government, but he was only partially Jewish and not well accepted by the people.

King Herod knew of the Jewish scriptures and how the people were waiting for the Messiah; "The government will be on His shoulders" Isaiah 9:6. He heard the words of the prophet which told where the new ruler would be born; "Out of you {Bethlehem} will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel" Micah 5:2. Herod viewed the news of this new ruler as a great threat. How would this affect his right to be king? Would he lose power? prestige? control? ...comfort!? The potential harm was unbearable, so Herod decided to take action.

"He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under."Matthew 2:16

Many people today are not much different than Herod. Even when they recognize Jesus and clearly see their need, they fear losing the ability to direct their own path. They may not actually take steps to destroy Christ, but the thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, they've been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true "success" is only found in Christ, and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.

Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It's foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their "right to rule" will never really know Him, and certainly never experience His peace.

Jesus will give Himself to "whoever believes in Him" John 3:13. But in return, He asks for our total devotion: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" Mark 12:30. We give Him proper worship - the worship He deserves - only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; "He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:30.

As we begin this new year, let's ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God's plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King - the Savior and Lord! Let's trust and worship Him with all our heart, and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let's decide once and for all to relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off the throne.

- steve troxel

.....season

Although many of our beloved traditions came to America only a couple of centuries ago, other countries have celebrated Christmas in a similar manner for a lot longer. And of course, the history of Christmas dates back to that quiet night in a smelly stable, more than 2000 years ago, when our Savior came to this world to bring us hope and salvation. 

Even in a world where many still reject Jesus as Savior, the word "Christmas" brings honor to the one whose name is uttered. It is hard to say, "Merry Christmas" to someone without saying "Christ". It's hard to sing "Silent Night" without giving reference to the events of that 'Holy Night'. And the star atop the tree still announces the birth of Christ so long ago. 

So, the reason for this beloved season and all the joy it brings is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ!

This Season, as you go about in the "hustle and bustle" of the holiday, make sure your focus stays on the real reason for the celebration, giving honor to the birthday Joy-giver. Let the words "Merry CHRISTmas" ring true to all those you wish it to!

- adapted from charles innes 

.....race

“For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” Hebrews 3:14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

We all will leave a legacy of sorts. It will be a positive one or a negative one. But eventually our lives will come to an end, and we will leave a legacy. People might say some nice things about us at our funerals, but afterward, the truth will come out.

We don’t know how much time God will give to each one of us. We may live long, productive lives. And maybe we will be able to look back eventually and say that we finished well, our lives may be cut relatively short. We might not live quite that long. That is why we want to make sure that every day counts.

On more than one occasion, the Bible likens the Christian life to running a race. Writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul said, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24. And the writer of Hebrews urges us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us”.

The objective in the Christian life is not only to start our race well but also to cross the finish line. We must finish this race. The Bible warns us of failing to do that. Again, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. . . . For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ”.

It doesn’t matter whether we’ve been in first place for nine laps in a ten-lap race. We have to cross the finish line. That is why Paul also said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified” 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Paul, addressing the elders of Ephesus prior to his departure, spoke of his impending imprisonment. He told them, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” Acts 20:24. That was Paul’s goal. He wanted to finish his race.

In the race of life, we’re not competing with each other. I’m not running against you. And you’re not running against me. Our goal is not to outrun each other, our goal is to stay in our lane and finish the race that God has set before us.

- greg laurie

.....unopened

Did you see it? You may have missed it...but it was there. Don't feel bad; most people overlook this one, but there is still time. Today, before the new year gets here, before all the decorations are put away, before all the other gifts are set aside, open it!

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."Romans 6:23

The gift of God. Why do so many people miss His gift? One reason might be the rather ordinary wrapping; "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" Isaiah 53:2. 

And you can't get less majestic than the way He was born; "He made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" Philippians 2:7. Yes, such a great gift in such common wrapping could easily be missed. But perhaps there is something else, something in the very makeup of our nature which keeps us from opening His gift.

A prince does not have a problem accepting a gift meant for a prince. And a common person does not have a problem accepting a gift which is common. But a common person can be quite uncomfortable accepting a gift meant for a prince. We know what’s inside the gift - eternal life! A gift meant for a prince. And deep down we know we are so very common, so unworthy! This gift is too great, too much above what we feel we deserve. This gift makes us feel uncomfortable: "If we accept the gift, will we then feel a debt? How could we ever repay such a debt? Maybe it's best to ignore it and just leave it wrapped under the tree."

I suppose we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves. This is a natural reaction to such a gift. Ever since the gift was first made available, people have felt unworthy and refused to open or even give it much notice. They would rather try to somehow work and feel deserving; "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9. The gift cannot be earned, and working does not make us more deserving.

Jesus Christ came in ordinary wrapping. He died for the forgiveness of our sin. Why? So we could be given the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life! Let's not let another day go by without receiving His gift. Sure we might feel uncomfortable. 

Sure we might feel a debt we can never repay. 

But His gift is given in love and is worth it all. Let's honestly examine what is keeping us away. Let's humbly recognize our need; and in the quiet of our heart, let's be sure to receive the last unopened gift.

- steve troxel

.....move

In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of this gift.

The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our own; "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways" Isaiah 55:8. How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty area reserved for the animals? But God had a purpose!

These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! "For by Him all things were created" Colossians 1:16. Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.

As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility, and we are now called to follow; "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5.

But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us...and love us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God. We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." 1 John 4:9

God clearly saw our sinful condition, yet He loved us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move over 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us now to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.

If you hear His call today, please respond! It's a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged...but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully understand. Let's boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember, He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move. 

- steve troxel

.....know

The presence of God is a wonderful gift which is available to every believer. No longer is His presence confined to a specific location or available to only a few; "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" Matthew 28:20. 

But the gift of His presence requires discipline in order to be received and maintained. We don't earn this gift; it truly is a gift! But we live in such a noisy and hectic world that we often simply miss His blessing unless we are willing to actively order our time and priorities...and this takes effort!

We are all given the same 24 hours in every day. Yet most of us generally try to put far too much into this precious time. We become frustrated with the constant busyness, but when given the opportunity we add even more to our schedule. Each of our activities may be good, but the result is often a frantic pace void of the true blessings from God. 

As our activity level increases, it becomes more and more difficult to hear God and nearly impossible to ponder the meaning of His truth. The result is that the contentment of walking in His presence is often missed. For this reason, God gives us a gentle reminder - actually, He gives us a firm command.

"Be still, and know that I am God."Psalm 46:10

There are many things in life which are good - many good people and good activities that require, or at least desire, our time. While God definitely calls us to serve and minister to one another, we must understand that constant busyness hinders our ability to hear God. To maintain effective communication with God and nurture a sense of His peace, we must make time, and put forth the "effort," to simply stop and rest in His strength.

Perhaps the writer of this Psalm knew we needed a great assurance and trust in God in order to be still; he begins with: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging" Psalm 46:1-3. God will always be at our side as a source of strength. We need not fear being still!

We must never forget that what our Heavenly Father desires more than anything else is for us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength Mark 12:30, or what Jesus says is most important: "...only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" Luke 10:42.

As we see our pace beginning to increase, let's draw near to God by quietly worshipping Him and giving thanks for the awesome gift of His Son. Let's protect our schedule such that we have time for God's very best. 

Let's receive and enjoy His true blessings as we make time every day to simply be still and know.

- steve troxel 

.....forgiveness

It's hard to believe there are only a few more days until Christmas. Yes, as the song says: "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" It really is wonderful! We are flooded with Christmas music, Christmas lights, and lots of Christmas "activities." And although the season contains many distractions which attempt to pull us away, we generally make time to gather with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. 

But many will find this time of year to be very painful. The memories of past hurt, which may remain hidden throughout the year, are now driven to the surface. Many are required to face someone who caused them pain, or face the memory of a past Christmas which brings the person, and pain, back into view.

Obviously, this is not the turmoil which God intends for our life...especially not as we celebrate the birth of His Son.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

We cannot properly celebrate the birth of Jesus without reflecting on why He was born. Through His life He offered us a message of eternal hope, and through His death on the cross He offered us the complete forgiveness of sin. With this single act of unbelievable love, Jesus removed the sin which would otherwise keep us eternally separated from our Heavenly Father. This is the manner in which we are to love and forgive others.

Jesus told a parable about a servant who had an enormous debt canceled: "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go" Matthew 18:26-27. But when the servant went away, he refused to cancel the relatively minor debt a fellow servant owed him; "Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt" Matthew 18:30.

Jesus used this parable to show that unless we completely forgive others from deep within our heart, we have somehow failed to understand the forgiveness we have already received; "Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" Matthew 18:33. Any sin which others may commit against us is small when viewed in light of the many sins we have committed against God! We have been completely forgiven of sooooo much!!

During this most wonderful time of the year, let's reflect on the awesome gift we have been given through our Savior. Then, let's give to others as we have already received. Let's love and give the gift of true forgiveness.

- steve troxel