The Perfect Gift
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)
At some point in life everyone has received that horrible gift that defies logic. Perhaps you have given such a gift to someone? But the question is: Why give a gift that is meaningless? Maybe it’s because we don’t really know the person very well, or maybe it’s just that we are giving the gift as an obligation? But true giving is more about the person and how much we care for them. And when we truly love someone, we will give gifts according to their desires and needs.
Unlike humanity, God knows the deepest desires and needs of every human being. Therefore, He only gives gifts to His children that are a perfect fit for their needs and desires. He is able to do this because He intimately understands the true need of the human heart.
That is why He gave The Perfect Gift, His Son Jesus Christ! The gift was all about the true needs of the recipient. And according to the need of His children, God gave a gift that would last forever.
So, during this holiday season seek to understand the true needs of the other person, and according to that need, give a perfect gift that will last!
It is only three days until Christmas and I have yet to go Christmas shopping for the “perfect” gifts. As I read this it challenged me to stop and ponder what a perfect gift that will last, would be for those I have yet to get something for. With the hustle and bustle of the season it’s so easy to get caught up in the thought, let’s just get this done and think yes, that will do and get something for the sake of saving time. Christ didn’t think that when He chose to come to earth to live then knowingly die for us all because He loved us so much, He truly gave the ultimate gift so this year let’s truly give a gift that will last and do it with a loving heart. Christ our redeemer died on The Cross, died for the sinner paid all his dues; Sprinkle your soul with the blood of the Lamb, “And I will pass, will pass over you.” He is the perfect gift. Share Him with someone and give your very best.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Luke 2:1-20
Your Harvest is Due
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10)
Have you ever said, “When God when?” He hears you and He will answer you in due season.
So many times I want things now! I want to see the fruit of my sowing now as I cry out to God, “I’ve been faithful to sow! I am your servant; hear my cries. When Lord? When will you come and heal? When will you increase my substance? When will you answer?” Just when.
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “All good things come to those who wait.” It is somewhat true. I’d like to add the words, “…on God while continuing to sow.” If you continue to sow the seeds God has given you to sow, you will reap a good harvest in due season. However, only He knows which season.
Your job is to keep plowing and sowing precious seed. Cultivate your crops. Weed. Spray some bug repellant so the locust don’t eat up your crops. Pray for rain, your season of harvest is coming!
The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. (Psalm 145:14-15)
Some seasons are short and some are forever long, but He knows your “due season” for a bountiful harvest. Don’t give up plowing! I know it gets hard and the sun is hot, but keep tending your fields! Harvest time is coming!
Father God, Lord of our harvest, give us strength for our season of plowing that we may reap a bountiful harvest in due season! In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
When I read this is made me think about the service we had yesterday in church. Our pastor reminded us that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real but if we would replace FEAR with FAITH, Father All In Thy Hands and trust Him that He is The Lord of our harvest, He will give us strength for our season of plowing in ways we never imagined. He is faithful.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 2 Corinthians 9:10-15
Another Side of Comfort
Hear the word of the Lord . . . (Jeremiah 7:2)
The theme for our adult camp was “Comfort My People.” Speaker after speaker spoke words of assurance. But the last speaker drastically changed the tone. He chose Jeremiah 7:1–11 and the topic “Wake Up from Slumber.” Without mincing words and yet with love, he challenged us to wake up and turn away from our sins.
“Don’t hide behind the grace of God and continue to live in secret sin,” he exhorted, like the prophet Jeremiah. “We boast, ‘I am a Christian; God loves me; I fear no evil,’ yet we do all kinds of evil.”
We knew he cared about us, yet we shifted uncomfortably in our seats and listened to our own Jeremiah declare, “God is loving, but He is also a consuming fire! (see Heb. 12:29). He will never condone sin!”
Jeremiah of old quizzed the people, “Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?” (7:9–10).
This speaker’s brand of “Comfort My People” was another side of God’s comfort. Like a bitter herb that heals malaria, his words were spiritually curative. When we hear hard words, instead of walking away, may we respond to their healing effect.
Heavenly Father, You love us too much to let us continue defying Your instructions. Your correction is never to harm us but only to heal us. You are the God of all comfort. Amen.
I must admit when I first read this my initial thought was to skip it and look for something to share that was a bit more “comfortable” for people to read, something not so harsh but The Holy Spirit kept tugging at me to share it today. Why? I don’t know but I do know His word will not return void but it will accomplish that which it was sent to do, so I must be obedient and share what The Lord wants someone to hear today. I pray this blesses someone today, pricks your sinful nature and causes you to turn from your wicked ways and follow Him with a whole, honest heart. What a beautifully written devotion.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 7:1-11
Good News!
Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! . . .(Nahum 1:15)
I recently read. World news bombards us from the Internet, television, radio, and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what’s wrong—crime, terrorism, war, and economic problems. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair—stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places.
The words of two men recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible brought great hope to people weary of conflict.
While describing God’s coming judgment on a ruthless and powerful nation, Nahum said, “Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace!” (Nah. 1:15). That news brought hope to all those oppressed by cruelty.
A similar phrase occurs in the book of Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation . . .” (Isa. 52:7).
Nahum and Isaiah’s prophetic words of hope found their ultimate fulfillment at the first Christmas when the angel told the shepherds, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).
The most important headline in our lives every day is the very best news ever spoken—Christ the Savior is born! Amen!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Nahum 1:7-15
The Gift of Encouragement
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36-37)
An old Merle Haggard song, “If We Make It Through December,” tells the story of a man laid off from his factory job with no money to buy Christmas gifts for his little girl. Although December is supposed to be a happy time of year, his life seems dark and cold.
Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way.
Joseph, a man from Cyprus, was among the early followers of Jesus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.” We meet him in Acts 4:36–37 when he sold a piece of property and donated the money to help other believers in need.
Later, we read that the disciples were afraid of Saul (Acts 9:26). “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles” (v. 27). Saul, later called Paul, had formerly been trying to kill the believers, but Barnabas defended him as a man transformed by Christ.
All around us are people longing to be encouraged. A timely word, a phone call, or a prayer can bolster their faith in Jesus.
The generosity and support of Barnabas demonstrate what it means to be a son or daughter of encouragement. That may be the greatest gift we can give to others this Christmas.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of encouragement. May we encourage others as they have encouraged us. Amen.
When I recently read this and I was reminded that discouragement is amplified during this time of year it makes me want to find all those who are discouraged and make it all better but obviously I can’t so I will do what I can, even if it means starting with those in my own life and those I come in contact with. It starts with one, it starts today. Encourage someone today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Acts 4:32-37, 9:26-27
The Fruits of Your Labor
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Corinthians 11:26-27)
When you are working to build or maintain a ministry, whether it be international, local, or contained in the confines of your home, it is almost inevitable that doubts in the form of a myriad of negative thoughts will plague you. As you face obstacles, bumps in the road, and even roadblocks, you may find yourself wondering if this vision or dream of yours is really from God. You may even find yourself questioning God, wondering if He knows what He’s doing or if He made the right decision in choosing you to do what it is He called you to do. After all, if you were meant to do this, wouldn’t it be easier? Wouldn’t more people support your efforts?
As we look at the above scripture, we must remember that what Paul is speaking of occurred not only when he was working in his calling, but also when he was working within the will of God. He was doing what God charged him with doing, what He called him to do, and still he was met with opposition after opposition and trouble upon trouble. What this scripture shows us is that doing the will of God does not exempt us from trials or obstacles. God does not promise us that the road to fulfilling our calling will be easy. What He does promise us is that He will be with us and that He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:6) He also promises us that our reward will be worth the trouble we face. (Galatians 6:9)
If you find yourself feeling discouraged and wanting to give up on your ministry or life’s calling, remember Paul’s sufferings and his impact on our faith despite it all. His words are still inspiring us today! See the fruits of your labor instead of concentrating on the thorns. If your ministry brings one single soul to Christ, isn’t that worth the trouble?
Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 31:6, Galatians 6:9
Our Savior
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:23-24)
I recently read. The only people on earth that I would voluntarily suffer for the way Jesus suffered for me are my husband and my children. The familial relationships that scripture uses to describe God’s relationship to us are important because it gives us a human lens with which to understand how deeply God regards and cares for us. We are the flesh of His flesh, bone of His bone. He loves us with the protective instinct of father and the intimacy and oneness of a spouse. This is why He suffered for us. This is why He took the beatings without fighting back, why He let Himself be mocked.
The incredible beauty of Jesus taking on our suffering is that it wasn’t just left at that. He didn’t take our suffering but still leave us as mortal, fallible people destined to die. He took our suffering AND healed the wounds inflicted on us by our own sin. He switched places with us completely. He who knew no sin became our sin so that we who had been born in sin could know everlasting, perfected life. He took our punishment AND healed us of all our pain, guilt and shame too.
It’s important as we start the Christmas season that we understand why Christmas is worth celebrating. We have to first understand what took place at the cross. We first have to realize that we are sinners and then we have to realize that Jesus took our sin, suffered for it, healed us and adopted us into a family of eternal glory and incredible love. We aren’t just celebrating the birth of a little Jewish boy a few thousand years ago. We are celebrating the beginning of our own rescue mission. We are celebrating the birth of our Savior. But there’s no point in celebrating a Savior if we don’t need saving. So we have to remind ourselves how desperately lost we were before Jesus. We have to understand what we deserved. And we have to be floored and overwhelmed that we will never receive one drop of that cup of judgment because it was entirely poured out on the head of a man whose birth we will celebrate in a few weeks. He took your wounds, Christian. He took the ones you deserved and then He healed the ones you inflicted and received from yourself and other sinners just like you. He took it.
I hope that over the next few weeks, as you open presents, look at lights, eat Christmas cookies and listen to Christmas music, that last phrase hovers over all your sweet joy, pouring deep meaning into why we have all these little celebrations and joys at all: “By His wounds you have been healed.”
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 2:23-24
Reflect The Light
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
The first Christmas “light-up” ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by “the glory of the Lord [that] shone around” (Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their field. And it was followed by an unexpected rendition of “Glory to God in the Highest” by an angelic choir (v. 14).
The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see if what the angels said was true (v. 15). After they had confirmed it, they could not keep to themselves what they had heard and seen. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (v. 17).
Many of us have heard the Christmas story often. This Christmas, why not share the good news with others that Christ—“the light of the world”—has come (John 8:12).
Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others. Amen.
I recently read this and I wanted to share it because I pray this Holiday season we show others the true meaning of Christmas and what it’s truly about, Christ our Savior. May we reflect the light of His presence and goodness to others in what we say and do.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is John 8:12-20
In Times of Controversy
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Even amidst our Christian lives, arguments, disagreements, and tension-filled conflict will come; but when it does, here are five Biblical principles to consider before we ever open our lips:
Listen. Be silent in your mind as well as in your mouth. “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27-28).
Be teachable. Are you in the wrong? If so, how can you respond in humility, grace, and repentance? If you genuinely desire to grow in Christ-likeness, then remember that God uses iron to sharpen iron, and frequently, there will be sparks (Proverbs 27:17).
Think. Take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). We are in a spiritual struggle against an enemy who seeks to divide us. Don’t let your thoughts grow vengeful, spiteful, or believe lies about others. Be disciplined in your thought life.
Seek unity. We are one body with many parts. If this is true (which today’s text says it is), that means each believer’s mission is the same. Think about it, is the eye’s mission different than the heart’s? In its function—what it does—yes. In its mission—why it does it—no. Remember, we are one, a unified whole. Seek unity between yourself and your brothers and sisters because we’re playing for the same team.
Model love over winning an argument. Always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), because love seeks unity over division and peace over strife (See especially 1 Corinthians 13:1-7). Sometimes though, people are simply wrong, misled, or in sin. When this is the case, don’t shrink from the truth, but don’t use it as a weapon to wound either. Love reconciles; pride dominates.
Our lives will not be free of controversy until Jesus returns. Until then, let’s remember his words, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Amen.
When I read this I felt it was important to share. What wise council when we find ourselves in a controversial situation. Listen, Be Teachable, Think, Seek Unity and Model Love over winning an argument. Wow!! Look to The Word for guidance and direction. It has all you will ever need for clear direction in any situation. May we Show The Love of Christ today, even to those who don’t show it back in return. Let us be different so we can make a difference today. You never know who’s life you will impact for the Kingdom by showing love amidst controversy.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ephesians 4:15-16 – 5
He is Faithful
The psalmists often talked to themselves in the Psalms. The author of Psalm 116 is no exception. In verse 7 he writes, “Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.” Reminding himself of God’s kindness and faithfulness in the past is a practical comfort and help to him in the present. We see “conversations” like this frequently in the Psalms. In Psalm 103:1 David tells himself, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” And in Psalm 62:5 he affirms, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”
When I recently read this it reminded me of Gods faithfulness and how we must never forget what God has done for us in the past to uplift and encourage us in the present. Life can cause us to forget what God has done in the past and we allow ourselves to get discouraged but we must remember faithful He has been faithful He will be. God is always faithful, always powerful and always in charge.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 116:5-9