Devotions

So often in the Bible, the human condition looks grim. From “In the beginning…” Genesis 1:1, until “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21, God works miracle after miracle, even when all seems lost. For example, Adam and Eve, the first two humans created by God on earth chose to disobey their Creator to be their own god. Their act of disobedience, which God calls sin, set in motion the cascading and endless downward spiral that would infect every human being thereafter. While our sin nature has been a part of the human DNA since the beginning of time, our story is one of redemption and brings us to how God always makes a way where there seems to be no way.

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel (an unexpected messenger) was sent by God to the city of Galilee named Nazareth (an unexpected destination for an angel), to a virgin…[whose] name was Mary…Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:26-31).

Nothing about the story in the Book of Luke, resembles any sensible pathway to the redemption of humankind, but then, almost everything about God’s divine methods of interacting with humans makes little sense. An angel? A virgin giving birth? Jesus, the Son of God?

Perhaps you are going through a difficult situation where you do not see a way forward: a diagnosis, a failing relationship, maybe a family or financial crisis. One promise that is tested and proven reliable is that “throughout all generations, according to God’s power within us, to the glory of Jesus Christ He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20-21, paraphrasing mine). During the season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus, find comfort knowing that in the world of the “impossible,” we honor the One True and only God Who makes all things possible, to the glory of His Son, Jesus.

Friend, Merry Christmas!

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV.

“Tis the season to be jolly!” Really? Tis the season to shop for everyone on my Christmas list, bake cookies and cakes, cook the expected traditional recipes for family and friends, decorate the house, entertain guests, etc., etc., etc. If I may use a track and field metaphor, Christmas season resembles a sprinting drill; the shot rings out, and from a dead stop, one takes off running as fast as possible for a short distance and then, abruptly stops. Now, the shot was heard and the “sprint” continues for the next few weeks, until everything comes to a screeching halt on January 1, the start of the new year. Phew! Exhausted and with full stomachs, many of us start the cleanup, putting decorations back in boxes, returning them to their assigned places in storage for easy access in time for the next Christmas “sprint” only months away.

Sound familiar?

Well, catch your breath and think about this: Christians all over the world are entering into the second week of the Advent season. Customarily, as followers of Jesus Christ, advent season is the time to thoughtfully ponder what Christmas is all about. Each week leading up to Christmas Day, one aspect of the meaning of faith is highlighted. Week one the emphasis is on hope. What is the hope of the Christian? Our hope is rooted in the blood of Jesus, that provides access to God the Father. Without Jesus, we have no hope beyond life in this world, but in Jesus, we have the hope of eternal life (John 3:16).

Throughout week two, we thank God for His peace. Before Jesus, we were enemies and at war with God, but in Christ, God calls you and me “friend” (Romans 5:10-21).

December can be a time of stress and a distraction from all that is important. Will you carve out of your busy schedule a quiet time to sit with God and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas? The Ultimate Gift that is not dependent upon one’s busy schedule, mood, or circumstances is available to all, but “on one condition;” you must ask for it. Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Gift!

 

“You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3, New Living Translation.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

At this time of the year, people around the world begin contemplating their Gift List. Maybe like me, you keep a folder containing a list of names of family and special friends we want to remember with a token of our love. Most of the people on my list need nothing, but I enjoy taking the time to give intentional thought to each person who enriches my life every day. However, the gift needs to be more than just a “filler” so I can cross off a name on my list. I want the contents of the package to reflect the uniqueness of how I see them in my life. But I must say, sometimes I struggle with the “just for you” gift idea. What do you get the person who seemingly needs nothing and has everything? Although shopping is fun for the special people in my life, and as delightful as gift-sharing can be, I am relieved when the folder holding my completed gift list goes back in the file cabinet for another year.

Come with me on a short detour.

A dear friend told me a few years ago that he gave his life to Jesus. He shared with me how he tries to do good things to earn his way into God’s good graces. Oh, my goodness, how I could relate! The first thirty-five years of my life, I wondered if I was good enough for God. What could I do to earn His favor? This led to another dilemma; what could I give God Who needs nothing? How do I show Him how much I love Him and am grateful for Jesus? In March of 1983, at my first Bible study, I learned that I was not and never would or could be good enough to win God’s favor or attention. Instead, I come to my Lord each day with open, empty hands, except for one thing…

In these days of gift giving, find comfort in knowing that our Self-reliant, Great and Almighty God, though He needs nothing from you or me, He does long for the one thing He will never take without our permission, because He is the Ultimate Gentleman. Friend, if you have not already, today, will you do what I did back in 1983? Will you give to God your heart?

One of my favorite hymns is Jesus Paid It All, written by Elvina M. Hall in 1865. I invite you to take a few minutes and listen carefully to the words of the beautiful rendition on YouTube and be blessed.

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful heart.” Psalm 51:17, God’s Word Translation.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

Every serious athlete knows that the backend of any sporting event will be more challenging than the frontend. Also, running a sprint versus running a marathon requires different approaches. A sprint is a shorter distance generally with a faster pace, while a marathon is longer with a bit slower pace; however, both race formats demand physical strength and a healthy mindset, through a process of rest and rejuvenation.

In my running days (a long time ago), I ran a five-mile race on the beach. At the time, I was new to the sport of running, so like many “newbies,” when the shot rang out, I took off running as fast as my legs would move. Other participants seemed quizzically to stay just far enough behind me, that I barely knew they were still in the race. I felt very good about my performance, until about mile four, when suddenly, the sand seemed to be sucking my feet into its’ depths. One by one, the other runners started passing me. None of the “self-pep-talk” coming from within could change the certain end of my losing story.

For most of us, I think we find ourselves greeting each morning of our lives with the mindset of tackling our “to do” lists as one “running a sprint.” We see the goal, hear the shot, and take off, forgetting one important factor; we need “Him who is able to keep us from stumbling…” Raw physical or mental strength and sheer determination are no match for the challenges of this world. Without Jesus, we are at the mercy of self-preservation, which inevitably bottoms out. Unlike the human condition, Jesus never requires being rejuvenated. His mood never fluctuates. He “presents [us] faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior…”

Today, will you invite Jesus to lead the way as you tackle the responsibilities that lay ahead? After the five-mile race I ran many years ago, I learned a little secret—the people who I thought were just slower than I, were utilizing a great method called, drafting. You see, with me running in front, my body diminished the wind force for the runners behind me, meaning they were not needing to work as hard. I pray you will allow Jesus to “draft the winds” for you, whether your day is a sprint or a marathon.

 

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25, NKJV

Previously published on Sweet Monday

November 2024 is a major election year in the United States. For many months, millions upon millions of dollars have been spent on media advertisements on behalf of various politicians vying for offices of power, including President, the highest office in the land. Promises, promises, and more promises about how and what each person claims he or she will do for the people if given the opportunity to serve. As most people have learned through experience, promises are much easier to make than to keep. Excuses and blame replace promises unkept. Still, this Constitutional Republic that Benjamin Franklin once wisely stated, “it is what we have if we can keep it.” Franklin made this statement over two hundred years ago, and the experiment, so far, has prevailed.

Every election cycle seems to grow more contentious. The year 2024 may prove to be the most vitriolic election since the inception of the Republic, certainly the most divisive in my lifetime. Friendships, even families have become broken to the point of isolating from each other. Social Media comments have wounded decades-long relationships so deeply that some people may never speak to one another again. Really? Seriously?

Friend, (and I do consider you my friend, though we may never have met) please know that God is the only One Whose “Every word is pure.” Even people who mean well will fail us. Politicians come and go; they will serve, some will fail, but all will die, along with you and me. I pray that in this election, when we cast our vote, we will remember that only God alone is eternal. Whatever transpires in this election, or any election, God, not by human ballot rather by His Sovereignty, is still on His throne.

For further understanding, please read Job 38 through 39.

 

“Psychic office closed due to unforeseen circumstances.” Presumably following a storm, the preceding sign was posted on the door of a local Psychic. Of course, the irony is not lost if one were to believe in such means of “communication.” According to several websites, including the AARP, over $2 billion dollars are spent each year by individuals seeking psychic services; this statistic begs the question, what is driving this industry to becoming so lucrative? Is it anxiety, or simple curiosity? Since the practice is not new, clearly the end profit justifies the means. In other words, if people are willing to pay money for something perceived as truth, even if the results are ill-gotten, someone will always be available to entice a victim for profit’s sake, even though by charlatan promises.

Curiosity about what the future holds is a trait common to human nature. As followers of Jesus Christ, God has given His Word that highlights the past and illuminates the future. God does not use tomfoolery as His means to guide and prepare us for something as important as to inflict or benefit our eternal consequences. And the cost for such wonderful knowledge has already been paid by the blood of His Son, Jesus. The result is ridiculously simple for anyone who wants what Jesus offers, though it cost Him His life on a cross. Jesus’ resurrection from the grave after three days sealed God’s promise, so that the future for anyone who believes in Jesus is secure and final. God has never and will never tell you, “…office closed due to unforeseen circumstances.” Our faithful, loving, and omniscient God is available 24/7/365, since the beginning of creation, until the end of the age. You will never get a busy signal or need to leave a voicemail. In fact, God is calling you! Are you ready to answer the call?

 

“Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:9, NKJV.

Several days before hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast, weather experts watched and calculated in horror the size and severity of the monster storm. Only two weeks prior, hurricane Helene had taken its toll in almost the exact same location, exacerbating the potential flying debris from the rapidly gaining winds of Milton. Many residents heeded the pleas to evacuate, but some people decided to ride it out.

A young woman who remained in her house later recounted the experience she had, when the water around her home began to rise. Her friend lived only four blocks away, and she thought she could make it. As she ventured toward her friend’s house, the water around her knees rose suddenly to her waist. Before she could turn around and go back home, the water covered her chest and swirled, encircling her body causing her to lose balance. Fearing at this point that she could no longer stay above the water and losing all control of the situation, the woman cried out. “HELP! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!” Within seconds, a man dashed from his home nearby and wading through the deep water he grabbed the woman and pulled her to safety, saying “Get in the house!”

The Bible warns of a “monster storm” coming our way that is like no other storm this world has experienced, not even as in the days of Noah. Just as people need not be meteorologist experts to heed the warnings about catastrophic weather conditions, one need not be a Bible scholar to pay attention to God’s warning of “The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age” (Matt. 24). Like the young woman who chose to ride out the storm and was rescued by her neighbor, Jesus wants to rescue all who are willing to cry out for help; He is willing; the question is are you?

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV).

 

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be…Therefore you also be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:37 & 44, NKJV.

Previously published on Sweet Monday

Imagine you awaken one morning and discover you have no internet, no phone service, no water or food, in fact, you suddenly realize that these things that are missing are the least of your worries. Your home is destroyed; neighborhoods are decimated; you are alone in surroundings unrecognizable. This is the reality for the people who managed to survive Hurricane Helene just days ago.

Getting caught up in the day-to-day issues of politics, work, and family seems so normal to most of us. Yes, we read and hear about various wars taking place around the world, but when we lay our heads down at night, few, if any of us worry we may not live to see the morning. Lately, with the unrest in Europe and the Middle East, when I turn the light off at bedtime, I am keenly aware of something for which I have otherwise taken for granted most of my life—quiet! No bombs exploding, no running to a shelter, no wondering if I will endure another day. And yet, many souls around the world ask themselves these very questions and wonder about survival, theirs and the people they love.

Friend, we have a God who hears every cry for help, even when no one else hears. You and I will never know when or how the Lord met the cries of those who perish from this earth, either by natural disaster, or war, or sickness, but I do trust the One Who promises, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

When the lights go out and the future looks uncertain, I pray you can face any circumstance with courage, and the knowledge that the Creator of the light, the One who is “the Light,” Jesus Christ will rescue you either from your circumstances, or through them.

Father, God of all creation, be with those around the world, especially citizens, friends, and family right here at home who are suffering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Help the search and rescue teams find the missing and injured. Jesus, You are the Author of hope! Give courage to the victims and strength to the faint-hearted. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

 

“O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry,” Psalm 88:1-2, NKJV.

Previously published on Sweet Monday