DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 12.11.20

Lovingthe Word “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm119:97) This emotional stanza in Psalm 119 bursts with passion for the Word of God. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm119:103). Previously, David’s 19th Psalm opened with praise for the “speech” and “knowledge” available in “the heavens” (Psalm19:1-6) and gave his most open praise for the “perfect” laws (Psalm19:7) of God that are “more to be desired...than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm19:10). The focus of this particular stanza (Psalm119:97-104) is on the practical effect that knowledge of the Word of God has had on the psalmist’s ability to give a powerful witness. •“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me” (v. 98). •“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation” (v. 99). •“I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts” (v. 100). The excitement that comes with the “love” and the “sweet” taste of God’s Word in a believer’s life producesan assurance that results in a readiness to “give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1Peter 3:15). Indeed, since it is clear that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (2Corinthians 10:4), we should be all the more committed (as is the psalmist) to refrain “from every evil way” (Psalm119:101), being sure that we do not depart from the “judgments” (v. 102), and that our understanding of the precepts ensures that we “hate every false way” (v. 104). HMM III The Reason for His Birth - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. �Luke 19:10 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/the-reason-for-his-birth/- Listen All around us are reminders that Christmas is here. Of course, we�ll be thinking a lot this month about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But why did Jesus come to this earth? Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem to save us from our sin. In fact, Jesus revealed the reason He came to this earth when he was talking to a man from Jericho named Zacchaeus. He was a tax collector, which means that he took advantageof people. Zacchaeus effectively ripped people off. He didn�t have a friend in the entire place. No one wanted anything to do with him. When Jesus showed up in Jericho one day, it was a big deal. Everyone wanted to get a look at Him. If that were happening today, everyone would be asking for a selfie. Theproblem was that Zacchaeus was too short to see above the crowd. So he climbed a tree to get a view of Jesus. Can you imagine Zacchaeus�s shock when Jesus stopped, looked up, made eye contact with him, and called him out by name? Jesus told him, �Quick, come down! I must be a guestin your home today� (Luke 19:5 NLT). Zacchaeus was overjoyed, and he welcomed Jesus into his house. But the people of the city criticized this saying, �He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner� (verse7 NLT). Exactly. After all, how can you reach a sinner if you don�t spend some time with him? Jesus said, �For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost� (verse 10NLT). That�s why He came: to seek and save lost people. That day, Zacchaeus walked into his home a sinner and walked out a saint. That�s what spending time with Jesus will do. Would You "Friend" the Apostle Paul? by Mike Pohlman May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me... 2Timothy 1:16-17 In the church today we need more people like Onesiphorus. He's one of those biblical characters that can be easily overlooked as we tend to focus on the "giants" of Scripture (i.e., Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, Paul, etc.). Consider, for example, what we learn of Onesiphorus in 2Timothy 1:15-18: You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searchedfor me earnestly and found me--may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!--and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. Three things in particular about Onesiphorus stand out: 1. When everyone else abandoned Paul, Onesiphorus went to him. Onesiphorus was not one to just "go along with the crowd." He risked ridicule, mockery and scorn to actually go against the prevailing tide of popular opinion regarding Paul. 2. Onesiphorus was not dissuaded by initial difficulties. So many of us have great idealism--until it gets hard. Then, we turn away. Not Onesiphorus. When he arrived in Rome and could not find Paul, the apostle commends Onesiphorus's perseverance:"when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me." Beautiful. What a friend! 3. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul. This is far greater than simply saying "Onesiphorus refreshed me." If that's all Paul had said we might wonder if Onesiphorus did it quietly--perhaps at night when no one could see. Did he sneak over to Paul'scell when no one was looking because he was embarrased by his association with Paul? Not this friend. Paul, with perhaps the same tears I have welling up in my eyes as I type, wrote that Onesiphorus "was not ashamed of my chains." Onesiphorus did not carewhat people uttered or murmered--he was proud of Paul's determination to suffer for the sake of Christ. What enabled Onesiphorus to act like this? What makes someone this counter-cultural, this counter-human? I can only conclude that Onesiphorus was so overwhelmed by his love for Jesus that he was now free from the approval of people; free from the fear ofscorn; free from the allure of the world; free from indifference. Onesiphorus, by the power of the Gospel, was free to love. Jesus Christ the Sin Bearer Matthew 26:26-27 The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think twice when they see one on a church. But unfortunately, familiarity with the symbol can actually get in the way of understanding what it truly means. So let’s stop to consider how Jesus becamethe bearer of sin. We begin with Scripture written long before Jesus was born. Genesis, the first book of the Bible, explains how man chose to disobey God. Because Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their descendants are all born under the curse of death, having inherited a sinful “flesh” nature. In Leviticus, God’s laws for the Jewish nation included observance of Yom Kippur, the day each year when the Israelites fasted, prayed, and sacrificed an animal to atone for sin. In essence, the goat would bear the wrongs done by the people and suffer thepenalty that divine justice required. Centuries later, Isaiah prophesied that a Savior would atone for transgression once and for all (Isa. 53:5, 8; Heb. 7:27). After another 700 years, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Messiah had come, though Hewas totally different from what the people expected—so much so, in fact, that they rejected Him and requested His crucifixion. In all, God gave 613 laws through Moses. But none of us can perfectly follow even the Ten Commandments. In fact, one reason He gave us these rules is to show us our need for a Savior (Ps.19:7; Gal. 3:24). Meditate on those commands (Ex. 20:1-17), asking God to speak to your heart. Direct Access “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1Timothy 2:5) This is one of the key verses of Scripture for several reasons. In the first place, in the midst of a pantheistic and polytheistic society governed by the kings and rulers for whom Paul had just exhorted believers to pray, it was important to reemphasize thatthere was only one Creator God—the One to whom even kings must give account and the only One to whom we can rightfully pray. Secondly, Christ Jesus, who was Himself “God...manifest in the flesh” and then “received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16), was nevertheless still “the manChrist Jesus.” He is still a man, even though His human body has been resurrected and glorified. Therefore, He can, indeed, “be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” and we can “come boldly” to His “throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and findgrace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Then, because He is both omnipotent God and perfect man, “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (v. 15), He is uniquely able to serve as the one and only “mediator between God and men.” Furthermore, as the only God-man, fully and eternallyboth God and man, He is the only one through whom we can reach God’s throne in prayer. “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” He said, “no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John14:6). No one else—man or woman, saint or priest, angel or demon— has direct access to God, for the Son is the one mediator between God and man. We can come to God, however, for “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1). “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews7:25). HMM The Thrill of Hope by Shawn McEvoy May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans15:13 "A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn." ~~ O Holy Night Does Christmas thrill you? Children get excited at the coming of the season, and often we might feel a bit of a charge through experiencing their amazement, but the chores we go through to provide that for them are often the very things that rob us from knowing the wonder for ourselves.Plan the party, trim the tree, max out the MasterCard, wrap, ship, take a trip. And that's assuming we aren't one of the multitudes who find themselves with a case of the Holiday Blues. So if Christ's coming into this world offers hope, and hope, as the song says, provides a thrill, how do we locate that experience amid the distraction and disillusionment of December? Well, that's the cool thing about Hope. Just as total darkness can't hold back the light of a tiny flame, so does even the smallest increment of Hope provide joy and purpose. Here are a few scriptures I've been mulling over on the subject: Faithis the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews11:1). Notice the parallel between "things hoped for" and "things not seen." Talk about a paradox; try applying "assurance" to something your five senses can't detect. It's a challenge. The plus side is that hope, through Christ, is available to you no matter whatyou see, hear, or feel. It's above your circumstances. "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance [brings about]proven character; and proven character [brings about] hope; and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured outwithin our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans5:3-5). Do you ever hear people say, "I don't want to get my hopes up" because they're afraid of being disappointed? What would you make of Paul's claim that "hope does not disappoint"? Might the disconnect have something to do with what we're hoping for or expecting? MaxLucado thinks so: "Hope is not what you'd expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming ending… Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no, it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependenceon a God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reaction."[1] "Love… hopes all things…but now abide faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love" (1Corinthians 13:7,13). Ever wonder why faith, hope, and love are the greatest virtues, and apparently in that order? At Ease in Zion “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of thenations, to whom the house of Israel came!” (Amos 6:1) Zion (or Jerusalem) was the capital of Judah, the southern kingdom, and Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom, Israel. Despite the ungodliness rampant in both nations, as well as suffering due to drought and other judgments sent by God, the leadersin Zion and Samaria were still living in decadent luxury, and most people were following their example. The rustic prophet Amos was thus called by God to pronounce coming judgment on both nations and especially on their leaders. God’s nature and God’s principles do not change. “For I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). If God was angry with those of His ancient people who wereliving in affluent ease while indifferent to the sin in the nation and in their own lives, must this not be true also in modern “Christian” America? Have evangelical Christians today become “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2Timothy 3:4)? One should at least raise the question when their churches become cathedrals and their homes become showplaces, when their music stirs their feelings but not their souls, when they spend more time in “rest and recreation” than with the Lordand His Word, and when they begin to allow “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches [to] choke the word” so that they become “unfruitful” (Matthew13:22). God was longsuffering with Israel, but judgment finally came to them. Perhaps He has been calling to us in the earthquake and the hurricane, the drought and the flood, the famine and the pestilence, telling us that judgment is coming. Are we at ease in Zion,saying, “Soul,...take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19)? If so, may God stir us to repentance and rededication! HMM The Real Santa Claus by Sarah Phillips I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. - Romans1:16 NIV His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow. ~ "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1823) My dad used to take my sisters and me down to Miller & Rhodes for a visit with the "Real Santa Claus." The trip made for some of my favorite childhood memories. This Santa wasn't some ordinary mall Santa. The "Real Santa" arrived via reindeer-pulled sleighand -- you bet – slid down a chimney. His full, white beard was genuine, and his beautiful friend, the Snow Queen, glittered as she greeted each awe-struck child. But the real clincher occurred when, after waiting for hours in a sea of overexcited children, Santa called my siblings and me by name to join him on his big, comfy lap. Of course, come adulthood, I discovered the beloved "Real Santa" was actually a local man with a local legacy -- a kind-hearted, Christian grandfather who delighted in bringing joy to children like me. (And, if you're wondering, the friendly Snow Queen waswired so "Santa" could hear our names as we approached). I suppose we all have to step off the Polar Express at some point and accept that Santa is just a mythological figure. Or is he? As it turns out, there really was a Santa Claus. He went by the less marketable title Bishop Nicholas of Myra. While he never wore a red suit, smoked a pipe, or slid down chimneys, his story actually has a lot to do with the true meaning of Christmas. Stories of the Real St. Nick Researching the life of St. Nicholas presents a challenge – he seems destined to be obscured by legend, even in the history books. But even if the facts are a bit murky, there are some things we know with relative certainty. We first encounter Nicholas as a compassionate young man in 4th century Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Both of his parents had passed away, leaving the grief-stricken youth a substantial inheritance. Nicholas decided the money would go to charity. It wasn't long after this decision that he encountered a family in need. The father had lost his daughters' dowries, and in those days this meant the three women had no hope for marriage. As a last resort, the father decided to sell them into prostitution. When Nicholas heard of the family's plight, and the father's horrific solution, he did something very much in the spirit of Santa Claus: He secretly visited their home by night, throwing a bag of gold coins through the family's window. He repeated his covertact of charity three times, resulting in the marriages of all three sisters. During his third visit, the father discovered his identity and expressed deep gratitude for his kindness. St. Nicholas went on to assist many others, often anonymously. His generous and creative commitment to the needy gave rise to many unconfirmed legends and miracles over the centuries, but one fact is known for certain: his virtue resulted in his appointmentas Bishop of Myra. Defender of the Faith Though less magical sounding, Nicholas' role as Bishop gives us even greater reason to associate this Saint with Christmas. That's because Nicholas' life unfolded during a pivotal era of Christendom. After years of terrible persecution, the rise of Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 A.D. brought legal acceptance of Christianity. Legend has it that Bishop Nicholas was among themany Christians who endured imprisonment and torture for the faith until Constantine freed him. EightRevivals “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm85:6) The number eight seems commonly to be associated in the Bible with a new beginning, new life, resurrection, or renewal; “seven” being the number of fullness and rest, with the seven-day week used ever since the week of creation. The Lord Jesus Himself was resurrected,never to die again, on the eighth day—that is, the first day—of the week. It is significant, therefore, that eight great spiritual revivals are described in the Old Testament—one each under Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah. It is even more significant, however, that each revival was centered aroundthe Word of God. The first, for example, was based on the giving of the law at Sinai. “And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient” (Exodus24:7). Then, much later when “Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD....And the word of Samuel came to all Israel,” eventually “all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD” (1Samuel 3:20; 4:1; 7:2). Analysis of all of the other revivals will reveal that they also were based on reception and acceptance of God’s Word. The last was under Nehemiah. “And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of theday; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God” (Nehemiah9:3). There were other ingredients in these revivals, but the Word of God was always the foundation, and there can be no true and lasting revival without it. This is why it is so important in our day, when the need for revival is so desperate, that we first get backto a serious study of the Holy Scriptures, believing and obeying as best we can all that is written therein. HMM Not What You Wanted? by Alex Crain "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?" - James 4:1 A holiday edition of the TV show "America's Funniest Home Videos" showed various children opening their presents on Christmas morning. Apparently, it's hard for many kids to see humor in getting an unwanted gift. Most of their reactions were, well… downrightchildish. When the ribbons and paper were torn off, one child pulled out a new pair of socks, threw her head back and erupted in an angry sob. A matching outfit given to another child produced a tantrum across the floor followed by stomping footsteps up the stairs.Other children glowered with frowns and snarls. One even screamed at the parent holding the video camera, then hurled the unwanted gift back in his face. Not exactly the funniest home videos. In contrast to all the immaturity and ingratitude came a bright ray of hope at the end of the montage as a little brown-haired girl in pink pajamas ecstatically jumped up and down with glee. She held in her hands a tiny chestnut and spun around to the cameraexclaiming, "A nut! A nut! I got a nut! I don't know what kind it is, but I got a nut!" James 4:1-6 says that sinful responses erupt from hearts that are controlled by overwhelming desires. They don't have to be sinful desires necessarily. The degree to which "harmless" desires become sinful is shown by whathappens when things don't turn out as you hoped or expected. Whether it is irritability, or an angry tantrum or a sulking frown; sinful responses show that something in the heart has replaced God. Notice verse 1 where James asks the question (paraphrasing), "Why are you so upset? What's the real problem in your heart?" And then he answers with divine wisdom, "I'll tell you what the matter is: it's your pleasures—your desires—that are waging war withinyou. And the result is sinful fights and quarrels." Certainly, there's nothing inherently sinful about simply having desires in life. God created us to have desires. There are many good things to desire in life: having adequate food, clothing and shelter, having a happy marriage, getting a promotion at work, buying a nice car. There is nothing wrong with these kinds of desires… nothing inherently wrong, that is. The problems come when, in our hearts, those desires turn into something else. The word translated as "lust" in verse 2 is actually "desire" with the added element of "strong craving." Epithumeo is not a word that necessarily means "lust" in the sexual sense. The idea conveyed in the original text is "you are controlled by desire." In other words, some desire—perhaps, even for a good thing—has gotten so wrapped around your heart, that it has become more important than God to you. The Names of Christ Philippians 2:5-11 The Bible ascribes many different names to Jesus, all of which provide great insight into His character and person. Here are some from John’s gospel that I find particularly revealing: The Good Shepherd (10:11) protects his sheep at all cost from predators. They know His voice and follow Him. The Door (vv. 7-9) is the only way to enter heaven. Whoever enters through the “gate” of Christ will be saved. The Vine (15:1-10) is the source of our spiritual life. When we stay intimately connected to Jesus, we bear fruit. If we do not remain in Him, we wither. The Bread of Life (6:25-35) the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts. Jesus feeds our souls with sustenance that never leaves us wanting for more. The Light of the World (9:5) shines His light through our countenance as a ministry and testimony to a dark world. The Way (14:6) to happiness, peace, joy, and eternal life is Jesus Christ. The Truth (14:6) of His revelation, as recorded in the New Testament, is the reason we can know as much as we do about God. The Life (14:6) Jesus imparts to believers is powerful, effective, and fruitful, not only in eternity but here on earth as well. In biblical times, Israelites would choose a baby’s name based on the child’s characteristics or a hope or prayer of the parent. The names given to Jesus tell a great deal about His ministry on earth 2,000 years ago. The scriptural names describing Him reveal who He was and is and will be for eternity. Faithful Stewards “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1Corinthians 4:2) God’s Word reminds us that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12), “for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). These and similar verses apply specifically to Christians and relate to rewards for faithful service, not to salvation. At this judgment, “the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1Corinthians 3:13). The test of our works is not one of quantity, but quality. As stewards of Christ we have been entrusted not only with various material possessions, but also with time, talents, and opportunities, as well as all the blessings of His glorious gospel. We are in fact “the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteriesof God” (1 Corinthians 4:1). “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?” asked the Lord. “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Luke12:42-43). But He also warned: “If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:12). The Greek word for “faithful” means essentially “believable.” Can our Christian profession be trusted? Are we true to our word? This is what will really count when the Lord comes “to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation22:12). The greatest reward, of course, will be simply to hear Him say: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew25:21). HMM What Christmas Can�t Do - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. �John 10:10 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/what-christmas-cant-do/- Listen As the Christmas season descends, we�re seeing countless commercials of things we�re supposed to buy. The implied promise is that if you give this, or if you receive that, then you�ll be happy. Certainly, there�s a rush of excitement in receiving a very special gift. Butfor the most part, you probably can�t remember what you got for Christmas last year, even though it seemed so important then. It reminds me of the husband and wife who went Christmas shopping at the mall. The husband wandered off, so his wife called him and asked where he was. �Remember that jewelry store we went to 10 years ago?� the husband asked. �You saw that beautiful diamond necklace, and I said that I couldn�t afford it then, but one daywhen I had a little more money, I would buy it for you.� �Yes, I remember,� his wife said, trying to catch her breath. �Well, I�m at the donut store next door to it.� Christmas, commercially at least, cannot live up to the promise, to the standards we�ve set in our minds. At best, Christmas is a promise of greater things to come. However,it�s not Christmas that will give us life; it�s Christ. Jesus said, �The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly� (John10:10 NKJV). I have found that the greatest moments of Christmas are not the ones we get psyched about. Rather, it�s those in-between moments. Like the moments when we�re with family�notonly our actual flesh-and-blood families but also the family of God. So slow down this season. Enjoy it and take it in. Jesus was born in Bethlehem to bring life in all its fullness. At Home in the Church - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. �Matthew 18:20 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/at-home-in-the-church/- Listen Have you ever been to a home where you didn�t really feel comfortable? You wanted to get out of that house as quickly as possible. Then there are other homes that feel sowarm and inviting, and you want to be there as long as you can. The apostle Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus that �Christ may dwell in [their] hearts through faith� (Ephesians 3:17 NKJV). Now, that seems like something odd to pray for people who are already Christians. When you become a believer, the Lord dwells in your heart. But the term Paul used herefor dwell means to �settle down and be at home� or �be comfortable.� So Paul was essentially saying, �My prayer is that Christ will be at home in your heart.� I think when Christ is really settled down and at home in your heart, then you�llbe at home in the church. Many times in the Bible, the words home and church are linked. David wrote, �I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever� (Psalm 23:6 NKJV), or literally, �I have a homein the house of the Lord forever.� I think a real barometer of your spiritual life is whether you have a desire to be in fellowship with other Christians. Jesus said, �For where two or three are gatheredtogether in My name, I am there in the midst of them� (Matthew 18:20 NKJV). Of course, Jesus is with you wherever you are because God is omnipresent. But He�s saying that He will manifest Himself in a special way when His people gather togetherfor prayer, worship, and Bible study. The closer you are to God, the closer you�ll be to God�s people. The farther away you are from God, the farther away you�ll be from God�s people. Don�t Let the Busyness of the Season Crowd Out What�s Most Important By Debbie McDaniel �But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.� Matthew 6:33 Just a few weeks before Christmas, maybe life seems kind of full and busy. Maybe you haven�t finished Christmas shopping yet. Or that special gift you�ve been looking for is officially out of stock, or costs too much money. Maybe the decorations never got fully done, or the lights are already burning out. Maybe the Christmas cards are still waiting to be mailed. And the to-do list is steadily growing day by day. Maybe life is feeling frazzled and time always seems too short�to finish it all. But truth says, maybe what we spend so much time focusing on, really isn�t the most important. Here�s what is: Spending time first with the God who made you, who loves you, and sent His Only Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world. In the story of Mary and Martha, Luke 10:38-42, times were busy. There was much to be done, and Martha was �distracted by it all.� Maybe, like me, you can relate. Yet in the midst of all the �busy,� Mary set herself right down at Jesus' feet. She seemed unaffected by all the pressing needs around her, she just longed to spend time with Him. So Martha didwhat many of us may have done, she complained. Yet Jesus reminded her that in all the hustle and bustle, stress, and preoccupation with other things, Mary had "chosen what is better, and it would not be taken away from her." So often in this time of year, the most important gets crowded out because of the urgent. It's a battle not to dwell there. Faith versus Reason 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 The first battle between faith and human reason took place in the garden of Eden. Spurred on by the lies of the serpent, Eve began to look at her situation from a purely logical perspective and decided she was being cheated by God out of something good.Her faith faltered as "reasonable" thoughts of self-interest filled her mind. I am not saying that the way of faith is never logical, but by operating only on the basis of reason, a conflict with the Lord is inevitable. The reason is that His instructions and actions don't always appear reasonable from a human perspective. Although Isaiah55:8-9 describes God's thoughts and ways as higher than man's, many people judge divine ideas to be lower than human intelligence. Paul emphasizes this when he points out that God's choices are illogical by the world's standards. His message of salvation seems foolish, and His messengers appear weak and unimpressive. In an age that thrives on recognition, admiration, and importance,a person who believes the Bible is considered a weakling in need of a religious crutch to cope with life. While this description is given in derision, it's actually quite accurate. Recognizing their helplessness, believers lean on Christ so He can raise them to stand with Him inrighteousness. That day in Eden, sin and self-importance entered the human heart. But all the worldly wisdom that fuels our pride is nullified by God. He is looking not for great and impressive people but for weak, humble servants who can boast only in Christ. TheSavior alone is their strength and wisdom. UntoHim That Is Able �Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence ofhis glory with exceeding joy.� (Jude 1:24) There are three wonderful doxologies in three New Testament epistles extolling the transcendent ability of God to accomplish and perfect our eternal salvation. One is our text above, assuring all who are �looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ untoeternal life� (Jude 1:21) that He is fully able to bring us joyfully into the presence of God in glory. Then, look at Ephesians 3:20: �Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.� Furthermore, His power is able to keep us forever. �Now to him that is of power to stablish you according tomy gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began� (Romans 16:25). Little wonder that the apostles exhort us to praise such a wonderful God and Savior! But in addition to the three doxologies, the Word of God contains many other testimonies to the omnipotent ability of the Lord on behalf of His people. �He is able to keepthat which I have committed unto him against that day� (2 Timothy 1:12). �He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeinghe ever liveth to make intercession for them� (Hebrews 7:25). �The Lord Jesus Christ:...shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto hisglorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself� (Philippians 3:20-21). With such a Savior and heavenly Father, we can join with Jude as he concludes his doxology: �To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen� (Jude1:25). HMM And She Was Sore Afraid By Laura MacCorkle The LORD is my light and my salvation�whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life�of whom shall I be afraid? �For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock � I am still confidentof this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. - Psalm27:1,5,13-14 Sorry, there's no catchy intro for today's devotional. No special personal story to tease. No witty comments to keep you invested. Just some raw and unrefined honesty. And here it is: I am afraid. Yes, I am afraid. Perhaps it's a result of spending too much time watching cable news in the past week or so. Or maybe it's due to the fact that so many friends and family and acquaintances of mine are experiencing hard times right now as well: job loss,illnesses, marital failures, devastating sin issues, home foreclosures and on and on. I confess that I have found myself mired in the hopelessness and despair of it all. And I am sad and feel very small. Does anything really matter any more? Is my witness making a difference? Is God really in control of all of this? Does he care? And is theworld just going to crash and burn anyway? I know that this is where the enemy wants to keep me: stuck in my fear with emotions and dismal circumstances blurring my vision. He doesn't want me to remember that I have a lifeline�the hope for eternity that is found in God's Word. But ha! on the enemy. That's where I'm going right now, and I'm taking you with me. Let's take this fear, measure it against Truth and see what the Great I Am, the Alpha and the Omega and our Jehovah-jireh has to say: The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you (Psalm9:9-10). Yes, I will seek the One who is secure and offers me protection! He is my safe place. "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Psalm50:15). Yes, I will cry out to the Lord! Help me, my great Protector! You are worthy to be praised! God's Wisdom Revealed 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 After exposing the futility of worldly thinking in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul introduces Christians to the higher realm of godly wisdom.This kind of knowledge and understanding isn't available through human intelligence and reasoning; it comes strictly through divine revelation. Only those indwelt by God's Spirit have "the mind of Christ" (v. 16) and access to "the things freely given" tothem by God (v. 12). Without this supernatural insight, no one can accurately know the Lord or His ways. Many people say they believe in God yet may not have a correct understanding of Him because their perceptions are based on their own thoughts and ideas. It's easier to custom-designa god to fit our preferences than to make the required adjustments that worship of the one true God demands. Even believers need to guard against trying to fit God into their preconceived image of Him. The Bible is the only reliable source of divine revelation, but we must be careful to consider the Scriptures as a whole�it's critical that we don't just pick and choose the verses we want to believe. For example, by focusing only on passages that emphasizethe Lord's lovingkindness while excluding those that speak of His holiness and justice, we misunderstand His true nature. Let's seek to know the Lord in truth by considering the entire counsel of Scripture. Divine wisdom is available to every believer through the Holy Spirit, who searches the depths of God. May we never try to limit Him to fit our preferences. Instead, may He enlarge our minds to embrace His thoughts. A World of Books �And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, Isuppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.� (John 21:25) It is difficult to understand how it could be literally true that a complete biography of Christ�s works would be an earth-filling library. However, we must realize that His works did not end with His return to heaven. The events of His 33 years on Earth wereonly what �Jesus began both to do and teach� (Acts 1:1). When He prayed, it was not only for His 12 disciples, �but for them also which shall believe onme through their word� (John 17:20). When He sent the Holy Spirit, it was so that each believer could know that �Christ liveth in me� (Galatians2:20) and that by His Spirit, He could fulfill His promise: �Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world� (Matthew 28:20). He also promisedto �build my church� (Matthew 16:18) in which each believer becomes a member of �his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all� (Ephesians1:23). Thus, the life and work of every believing Christian is, in a very real sense, an extension of the life and work of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and an endless series of thrilling biographies could be written about them. In fact, the apostle Paul referredto his Christian converts as living books: �Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God;not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart� (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Each of our own lives, therefore, becomes one of �the books that should be written� about the �things which Jesus did.� How important it is that the deeds and words we record in our books are worthy of our divine Biographer! JDM From Heaven to Our Hearts - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org Jesus answered and said to him, �If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.� �John 14:23 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/from-heaven-to-our-hearts/- Listen One of the songs we hear at this time of year is �There�s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.� But maybe the idea of being home for Christmas doesn�t always give you awarm feeling deep inside, or maybe it�s not even a possibility to travel home this year. Home, for me, was sort of a blank when I was growing up. I never really had what you would call a home. We lived in houses, we lived in apartments, and we lived in hotelrooms. Sometimes, we stayed in other people�s houses. Because my mother was running around living her crazy life, I never had anything even resembling a home. It got a whole lot better when Christ came into my life. And then I met Cathe, and we built a home with our two sons. It wasn�t a fancy home. In fact, we had furniture fromthe Salvation Army that was coming apart. But it was a loving home, and it was the first time in my life that I understood what home meant. And I actually wanted to be home. I think deep down inside, we all long for home. Jesus went from a heavenly home to a barn filled with animals. All so we could have a home in Heaven. We romanticize the story of His birth in Bethlehem, yet it really wasa very cold, damp, unsanitary place for a baby to be born. But that is exactly where the Lord came to us: in a humble manger. He was born so that we could be born again. Jesus said, �If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our homewith him� (John 14:23 NKJV). He left His home in Heaven to make a home in our hearts. When the Church Prays - by Greg Laurie � www.harvest.org I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. �Matthew 18:19 https://harvest.org/resources/devotion/when-the-church-prays/- Listen Maybe you�ve heard the adage �the family that prays together, stays together.� But did you know there�s actual data to support that? Researchers found that when a family takes time to pray every day, their family relationships tend to be stronger. I think it�s good to pray with your family and to pray over meals. It�s good to stop and have a word of prayer together and to encourage all your family members to do so. There�s also power in corporate prayer when we unite as the church. Yes, it�s good to pray by yourself, but it�s even better to pray with someone else. Jesus said, �If twoof you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.� (Matthew 18:19 NLT). It matters when we pray together for something. In the Book of Acts, we find the story of Peter, whom King Herod arrested for preaching the gospel. Verse 5 of chapter 12tells us, �But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him� (NLT). We see from this verse that they prayed together (�the church prayed�), and they prayed persistently (�prayed very earnestly�). And the next thing we know: Peter was free. The chapter opens rather ominously. We read that Herod is in power, and Peter is in prison. But by the time the chapter closes, we see that Herod is dead and Peter is outof prison. That�s the difference prayer can make. It�s great when you can come to church and say, �I�ve got a burden today, and I�d really appreciate it if you would take a momentto pray for me.� The church should be a loving place for hurting people, a safe place for sad people, and a place for unsaved people to be saved. Thanking God for What Didn�t Happen By Debbie McDaniel �He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, �My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.� Psalms 91:1-2 Sometimes we need to thank God for all the things that didn�t happen, for what He�s stopped that we never even knew about. We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it�s there at times, or even wonder if God�s left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations in life. But His protection is real. He sees what we can't see. He knows what we may not know.And if we belong to Him, we can trust, He's with us, every step, going before us, and covering our back too. Yet in a world of dark, He often gets blamed for a lot of stuff that swirls around us. "Why would God let that happen? Why didn't He do something different? Why did God cause that to happen?" But the truth is we often have no idea how much He has protected us from, how He's continually working on our behalf, even behind the scenes where we can't see. Following after us. Chasing us. To bring great blessing, and to show us the way. He promises to take us by the hand, He reminds us not to fear, and assures us He will help us. We�re never left on our own to try to figure everything out, we�re not left to fight our battles in our own strength. That pathway is filled with potholes of worry and burdens. It�ll trip you up, it�ll wear you out. Conviction for the Believer Romans 1:24-25, Psalms 23 Recently I spoke to a heartbroken woman. Her father was dying, and he was cold toward his family and God. He desired no contact and refused to discuss any spiritual matter. But God is able to reach anyone�even someone hostile to the faith. Consider the apostle Paul�s conversion! Yet Scripture also teaches that the Lord eventually gives people over to the hardness of their own hearts. There may come a point when He no longer draws them by revealing their need for a Savior. VISIT: PROPHECY WATCHER WEEKLY NEWS: HTTP://PROPHECY-WATCHER-WEEKLY-NEWS.BLOGSPOT.COM