Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 11:12-26

Every year, the ministry of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center creates a theme to guide us — a biblical truth that stretches our faith or challenges our understanding of God. Our theme this year has been IMMEASURABLY MORE, inspired by Ephesians chapter 3. Over and over again, we have made the declaration of faith and gratitude that the apostle Paul made:

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, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

But what does immeasurably mean? If we take the word apart, we come up with the simple explanation of something that is not measurable — too great to be measured or too complex to be exactly known. Would you agree with me this morning that God’s greatness is too large to be measured — that God is too awesome to be known exactly? As we acknowledged how much we still have to learn about God, God revealed Himself to us over and over again. And we prayed this prayer over our team, the women and men we served, as well as the friends of the ministry:

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. – Ephesians 3:14-19

To understand the immeasurable love of God, to experience a love that is too great to fully understand — what a gift! As I look back at the many ways in which God has revealed Himself in 2025, I am undone. In my most challenging seasons, He gave me strength; in my moments of deep sorrow, He comforted me. He supplied my needs and provided His protection. He held me through life’s crushing disappointments and faithfully revealed His presence when I needed Him the most. I can stand in confidence that our God is good; I know from experience that the Lord is faithful!

As a ministry, we started 2025 with some lofty goals — the kind of goals that would require IMMEASURABLY MORE. We chose to pray bolder prayers as we displayed a stronger faith in what God is capable of doing. As we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, the Lord made it clear that He is not finished yet. We had the privilege of serving more women and families than we ever have in one year. We opened a third residential facility for the youngest moms and their little ones, we opened a campus satellite in Champaign (IL), and we used our mobile clinic to begin offering services in Logansport (IN). We had more opportunities to come alongside young families through our fatherhood program as well as our Curbside material assistance. And the list goes on — all for the glory of the God who can do IMMEASURABLY MORE!

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, for ever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

I have been forever impacted by these verses; I am not the same person I was a year ago. I can say with confidence that I believe God is able to do immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine, and my prayer life has become a reflection of my faith as I daily bring my needs before the Lord.

But not every prayer spoken has been answered; not every request has been granted. Can you relate? At times, something passes through the hands of God that breaks our heart or shakes our faith. We stand in confidence that God CAN do anything; we just aren’t sure that He WILL. Our circumstances leave us on shaky ground, and we have to learn how to trust God all over again. We have to DARE TO BELIEVE that God is still good and that He is listening to our prayers.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” – Mark 11:22-25

Jesus challenged his disciples to have faith in God; he challenged them to overcome their doubts and believe. “If you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” We have to do more than just pray, we have to BELIEVE FOR IT. We need to answer God’s call to be strong and courageous, even when the situation or task ahead is difficult.

Believing that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine requires faith. And sometimes faith takes courage. At times we have to dare to believe that God has something good ahead for us; we have to dare to believe that He loves us enough to answer our prayers and provide for our future.

I believe that God wants to daily strengthen our faith in 2026 — He wants to increase our hope. He will give us the faith we need to persevere, to endure patiently, to step into His presence with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. So as we close out one year and prepare to begin another, let’s fall on our knees before the Lord and ask Him for the courage we need to face all that is ahead. Let’s DARE TO BELIEVE that the God who can do IMMEASURABLY MORE than we can ask or imagine will answer our prayers and equip us with what we need.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Today’s Reading: Psalm 86

This morning I have spent time looking back over the last few years. I have read through my devotional thoughts and prayers, reminding myself of this journey of grace the Lord has had me on. Once more, I find myself in a place of surrender, closing out one year and looking ahead to the next. This intentional pause gives me the opportunity to learn from my experiences, finding closure while building on all that the Lord has taught me in this recent season.

Once again, I am asking the Lord to align my heart with His as I seek to do the following:
1. To finish what I started.
2. To give everything to the Lord before the year begins.
3. To ask the Lord to equip me with everything I need for this year ahead.
4. To build the house the Lord is calling me to build, doing so with the Lord’s help and provision.
5. To be available to do whatever the Lord wants to do through me.

2023 was a year to embrace the Lord’s call on my life to live light on my feet. We sold, gave away or tossed most of our belongings, placing the most sentimental items in a one stall garage for another day. We went from an apartment in Kansas to an apartment in Indiana, sharing space with our youngest daughter as she prepared for all the major life changes the year held for her.

2024 was a year to live out the level of obedience to which God had called us in 2023. We fell in love with the community of Carmel, making the most of our short season of living in this adorable town. We walked the Monon trail, tasted the local cuisine, and found our favorite coffee shops. Scott traveled a lot for Nazarene Bible College while Brooke and I planned for her June wedding.

By the time the honeymooners returned to the apartment in July, the last of our stuff was either loaded in our car or in the garage. For five months, we traveled from speaking engagement to speaking engagement (revivals, retreats, college presentations, and more). We were blessed to spend time in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Brunswick, Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, Georgia and Missouri. For five months, we enjoyed making new friends while intentionally taking time to rekindle lifelong friendships.

As one of the most interesting years of our married life drew to an end, we sensed the Lord calling us to something new. Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene invited Scott to be their new pastor, and the Lord made it clear that it was time to get off the road and set down roots. God’s timing is perfect and we were able to spend Christmas in our new home, surrounded by our three daughters and their husbands.

And now here I am sitting in the glow of our Christmas tree a year later. My cup is full and my heart is eager for all the Lord has ahead for us in 2026. From being light on our feet to grounding ourselves in a community of believers, I am grateful for the many ways in which God has shown up for us over our 35 year marriage. And I believe the Lord will continue to be faithful — to be good, merciful and loving. In light of this confidence, I place my life in His hands and trust Him with all that lies ahead.

I COMMIT ONCE AGAIN TO GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD AS I START A NEW CHAPTER OF MY LIFE.

I want to be as sold out to Jesus in 2026 as I have ever been. I want to experience more of what the Lord has for me as I hold onto less of what I want and more of what He wants. I ask the Lord to equip me once again for everything I will need — to give me wisdom, endurance, discernment, patience and more. I want to be available to do whatever the Lord wants to do through me. I want to be a conduit of his love and mercy in this hurting world.

Lord, thank you for bringing me to a place of total surrender once again. Thank you for the opportunity to pause and consider my readiness to be used by you in the lives of other people. I pray for a fresh passion for the lost, a restored energy for the work ahead, and a heart that genuinely reflects the heart of God.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER AS YOU TURN THE PAGE TO THE NEW YEAR?

This morning would be a great opportunity to give the Lord your biggest fears and greatest concerns regarding what lies ahead. Today is the day to pray for the Lord to increase your faith and help you to trust in Him through all of the unknowns. Let’s pray Psalm 86 together as we give this next chapter to the Lord. Let’s ask for answered prayer, protection, salvation, mercy, happiness, forgiveness, unfailing love, wisdom, purity of heart and redemption.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me…
For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
You alone are God.
Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death. – Psalm 86:1-13

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:28-33; Psalm 127

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” – Luke 14:28-30

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE FINISH WHAT WE STARTED?

I have been seeking the Lord all weekend, asking him to show me what He wants me to do and what He wants me to learn this year. I am a goal setter, so this is the time of the year when I really lean into my purpose and how it fits into God’s plan. Each year, I develop a long list of goals and spend time organizing my strategies for reaching those goals. My goals will range from weight loss to a reading list, from personal growth to professional development. Intentionality and time management will be two of my greatest resources, but it means nothing if I do not seek the Lord’s plans for 2026.

I have learned over the years that I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to goal setting. I have a tendency to set my goals too high or make my timeline too short. This passage in Luke has been a great reminder to me each year that I need to consider my resources — I need to count the cost. How I start this year will greatly affect how I finish.

“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” – Luke 14:31-33

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD BEFORE I START THIS NEXT LIFE CHAPTER.

Last summer, I was blessed to receive a 4-week sabbatical from Living Alternatives. It was wonderful! I spent so much time reading, daily going to the pool and catching up on projects at home. As I reread The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, the Lord brought me back to the words “clarity” and “alignment”. He gave me this lens through which to see some changes that needed to be made, at work and in my personal life.

As I look ahead to 2026, I am seeking the Lord for some clarity. Where would He like my focus to be and how does He want to use me this year? I am asking God to expose the areas of my heart that need sanctified and the habits of my life that need some attention. I am asking for the understanding I need while also trusting God when He holds back the light of clarity. I want the Spirit to clear away any attitudes and the tendencies that are getting in the way. I want my heart to be beautifully aligned with the heart of Jesus, daily reflecting His eternal purposes and plan.

Search for the Lord and for his strength;
continually seek him. – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you. – Psalm 86:11

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I ASK THE LORD TO EQUIP ME WITH EVERYTHING I NEED FOR THE YEAR AHEAD — COURAGE, ENDURANCE, PERSEVERANCE, WISDOM, STRENGTH AND ESPECIALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I BUILD THE HOUSE THE LORD IS CALLING ME TO BUILD, AND THAT I DO SO WITH THE LORD’S HELP.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good. – Psalm 127:1

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:8-10

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2

THIS YEAR IS ABOUT BEING AVAILABLE TO DO WHATEVER GOD WANTS TO DO THROUGH ME.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

Thank you so much for joining me each morning in 2025 as we have read the scriptures together and sought the Lord’s understanding. I am looking forward to starting back at the beginning on Thursday. I invite you to join me for another 2-year journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 29; Psalm 37

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

This is the third year in a row for me to ask myself this honest question. Now that I have the context of what God has done with my availability over the last two years (and the ways in which He has stretched me), I sit in a place of authentically asking the Lord to show me the ways in which I have not fully placed my trust in Him.

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:11

The Israelites were entering into a season marked with unfamiliarity. They were being escorted by their enemies into a foreign land because they had sinned against the Lord. They were being punished for their rebellion, yet the Lord spoke words of hope over them, giving them reason to believe that there were better days ahead. God revealed His heart of love for His people in this message.

GOD WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES. WHEN THEY PRAYED, HE WOULD LISTEN. WHEN THEY SOUGHT HIM, HE WOULD BE FOUND.

Let’s take time to consider all of the blessings we have experienced in 2025. Look back at the wonderful opportunities the Lord had given you, some of which were unexpected and very life-giving; some of which were painful and hard to recover from. Consider the places you have been, the challenges you have faced, and the people the Lord has surrounded you with this year.

Rather than avoiding the pain of 2025, take a moment to reflect on the hard times. We started this year with some loved ones who are no longer here to end the year with us. There have been some disappointments and some heartache along the way. Perhaps in some ways we are not where we thought we would be when we set our goals for the year. So, if life can look so different today than we thought it would look as we dreamed about the year ahead, how does that affect our perspective on setting goals for next year?

DO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN THE NEW YEAR? AS WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT IS BEHIND US, DO WE TRUST HIM WITH WHAT IS AHEAD?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

What great advice the writer of Proverbs has for us. Perhaps the key to trusting God is to seek Him in all that we do. Perhaps the moments we regret trusting the Lord have more to do with letting ourselves down because we were pursuing what we wanted instead of what God desires for our lives.

But what if I ask the Lord to shape the desires of my heart so that He can lead me down the path He has chosen for me? What if I stop making decisions based on my best guess or my limited understanding, and instead depend on the wisdom of God to provide me with direction and focus?

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you. – Psalm 37:3-5

Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:3,9

I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST THE HEART OF GOD AND ALLOW HIM TO WORK OUT HIS PLANS FOR MY LIFE.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. – Psalm 33:11

Lord, we are leaning in and listening for your still small voice. We ask that you guide our thoughts and shape our desires for the year ahead. We trust you to write your plan in our hearts and then lead us through every decision ahead. May we desire only what you desire, and may our plans be guided by your Spirit. We will give you the glory for every success and every blessing in 2026! And may our reaction to the challenges and disappointments life may bring this next year also bring you glory. Amen.

And my prayer for you, friends, is that you will find God as you seek Him in the coming days. May you sense His fierce love for you, and may you find confidence in the truth that He is listening to you. I pray that the Lord will guide the desires of your heart so that they align with His. May He give you closure on some of your biggest disappointments, and may He heal your wounds and give you hope for all that He has ahead for you.

May he grant your heart’s desires
and make all your plans succeed. – Psalm 20:4

“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 55, Psalm 25

We are quickly approaching one of my favorite days of the year — New Years Day! My love for this holiday has nothing to do with staying up late, watching the ball drop in New York City, or attending a party with my friends and family. No, I love this holiday because it represents a new beginning.

A new year gives me the opportunity to reflect back on the last year, pondering the highs and lows of the last twelve months. I take note of what the Lord has taught me and how I have grown in my faith. I grieve the losses and mourn the mistakes, then I place them in the Lord’s hands and ask Him to continue to mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good. – Psalm 25:4-7

I am so grateful that we serve a God who is full of grace — a God who is good and who loves us enough to forgive us when we come to Him with a truly repentant heart. He knows everything about us, even those thoughts that are too dark to share with our closest friend. He knows where we struggle and He knows how hard we are trying. And God, in mercy and love, gives us another new beginning.

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS NEW BEGINNING THE LORD IS GIVING US?

Will it simply be a day to sleep in and then start taking down the Christmas decorations, or will it be an intentional day of prayer and following the Lord’s directions? Are we willing to put ourselves in a place of submission to the Lord’s ways and plans? Are we available to be used by Him in new ways over the next 52 weeks? Do we trust God enough to give Him our 2026, wherever that leads us?

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” – Isaiah 55:6-7

NEW BEGINNINGS COME AFTER WE HAVE TURNED TO THE LORD IN REPENTANCE.

Looking back on this last season of life, I have some regrets. There have been some attitudes that did not reflect the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and there have been some actions that came from a place of panic instead of prayer. Lord, have mercy on me, and forgive me of my sins. Give me a new chance to recognize your lordship and submit to your ways, letting go of my unhealthy thoughts and habits.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

NEW BEGINNINGS ALLOW GOD TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES.

“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

It is the desire of my heart to receive all that the Lord wants to do in my life this year. I want to soak up the rain and the snow; I want the words of the Lord to wash over me so that I am saturated with the nourishment that comes from the study of His holy scriptures. Strengthen me through every word and achieve your perfect purpose in me, Lord!

NEW BEGINNINGS REPRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE THE LORD, RECEIVE JOY, AND FIND HOPE.

“You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.” – Isaiah 55:12-13

Lord, I give you this new beginning. Write your plan upon the canvas of my life. Direct my thoughts and chart my course, as I surrender both my past and my future into your loving hands. May your words continue to shape my heart and mind each morning as I receive the gift of a new beginning from you, Abba Father. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 81, 82 & 143

I heard an unknown voice say:
“I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
if you would only listen to me, Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not worship any god other than me.” – Psalm 81:5b-9

Father God, we recognize this morning that you have rescued us over and over again. Not only did you send your Son to walk this earth, knowing how your creation would treat it’s Creator, you continue to show mercy to this sinful world today. We called out to you and you rescued us; you answered our cries, responding to our needs and providing according to your wisdom and love.

I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10

OPEN WIDE YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT.

This verse beautifully describes the heart of God. He wants to pour out His blessings on our lives; He desires to be generous with us. But we must cooperate with the Gift Giver; we must be open to all that God wants to do for us, in us and through us. We must quiet the chaos of life and find undistracted moments to listen for the voice of the Lord speaking to us.

“But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
If my people would only listen to me,
if Israel would only follow my ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:11-16

I WILL SATISFY YOU WITH HONEY FROM THE ROCK.

For most of my life, it has been a prayer of mine that my heart would mirror the desires of the Lord. I have repeatedly asked God to take away anything my heart desires that does not reflect what He desires for me and for those I love. I long to be satisfied with the honey provided by the Rock of Ages; I desire to be aligned with the heart of Jesus. I want my prayers for my own life to be unselfish, surrendered to all that God wants; I want my prayers for others to be directed by the thoughts of God.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4

These first two psalms we have looked at today were written by a musician named Asaph. Asaph was a Levite appointed by King David to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4-5). Asaph’s calling was to attend to the needs of others, to praise the Lord enthusiastically, to lead God’s people in the expression of gratitude, and to lead the nation of Israel in the approval and admiration of the Lord.

I believe that Asaph’s calling matched the desire of his heart. I am convinced that worshiping God came naturally to the chief of temple worship — to the man appointed as the worship leader. Asaph wrote poetry and song lyrics, like King David, and the Israelites continued to use his words when they praised the Lord, just as we do today (2 Chronicles 29:30). He passed on his talents and his heart for worship to his descendents. They, too, became temple musicians and were known as the sons of Asaph (Ezra 2:41 & 3:10, Nehemiah 7:44).

OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART AND I WILL FILL IT.

I am so thankful that God did not leave us in the condition we were in when we surrendered our life to Him. God’s love for us is expressed in His willingness to fill us with His righteousness so that we can be made right with him, reflecting the righteousness of God through our actions and attitudes. God’s mercy is evidenced through the opportunities that He gives us, allowing us to be used by Him in the lives of others — the weak and the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed, the weak and the needy.

Lord, open our hearts and fill us with all that you desire. May our lives be a beautiful reflection of your unfailing love and great kindness. As we end one year and prepare for a new beginning, we ask that you would guide our lives. Give us direction each morning as we rest in your presence and soak in your words. May we be satisfied with the sweet honey you provide, and may we trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 68

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. – Luke 2:8

They were shepherds doing what shepherds do. It was their job to keep their eye on the flocks, protecting them from thieves and wild animals or simply from wandering away and getting lost. Perhaps the night already felt special because there was a star over Bethlehem that was lighting up the field. It’s possible there was not anything obviously special about these herdsmen, yet their proximity to the birth of Jesus allowed them to experience a night the world would never forget!

THEIR PROXIMITY GAVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. – Luke 2:9

Imagine with me how magnificent it must have been to be surrounded by the glory of the Lord. How amazing would it have been to actually see an angel of the Lord in all his beauty. Yet the shepherds were afraid. This was new. This was unexpected. This was terrifying. They were responding in the same way that many others in scripture responded when they saw an angel for the first time. Perhaps this is why so many of the angel messages in the Bible start with a message of comfort — “Do not be afraid.”

THEIR EXPERIENCE BROUGHT FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:10-12

I love it when someone approaches me asking the question — Do you want to hear some good news? I find myself immediately answering with a resounding “yes”, anticipating just how good this news might be. Many life-giving moments have started with the preface — I have great news for you!

THEIR ANTICIPATION WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CLEAR WAY TO ENCOUNTER THE PROMISED MESSIAH.

I love the clarity with which the angels delivered the message to the shepherds. The shepherds were given everything they needed to know. What happened? The Messiah had been born. When did this happen? Today. Where was he born? In Bethlehem, known as the hometown of David, just as the prophets had foretold. How would they know who he was? You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds were told everything they needed to know in order to experience the presence of the long-awaited Messiah — the one who would become the Savior of the World.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:13-14

Let’s stop and picture this moment. Close your eyes and try to visualize a great company of angels. Imagine the sky being filled with the heavenly host. Can you hear the rush of angels’ wings? Can you feel the air swirling around you? Can you hear the magnificence of the angel voices worshiping the Almighty God? It seems to me like a moment I would not wish away, but hope would last forever.

David spoke of a great army of angels bringing good news, an army that caused the enemy armies to scatter and flee (Psalm 68). In his vision, Daniel saw millions of angels ministering to the Ancient One and many millions attending to Him as He sat on the throne to judge (Daniel 7). Angels came to attend to Jesus after he had been tempted in the desert (Matthew 4), and an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers after King Hezekiah laid out before the Lord a threatening letter he had received from his enemies (2 Kings 19).

But on the night that Jesus was born, the angels came with a message. They were there to make sure these shepherds heard the good news about Jesus. They came rejoicing over the birth of God’s Son, praising God and celebrating this moment that held such great significance. Just as the shepherds were watching over their flocks, the angels were watching over the Lamb of God.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

THEIR EXCITEMENT LED THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE THE CHRIST CHILD HAD BEEN BORN.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. – Luke 2:16-20

Jesus, we celebrate your wondrous birth. Our hearts are exploding with gratitude for your willingness to come near so that you could make a way for us to experience salvation. Like Mary, we want to take time to treasure all these things and ponder them in our hearts. As we anticipate spending time with our loved ones today, we thank you for the opportunity to spend time in your presence this morning. Thank you for a love so amazing that you became Immanuel — God with us. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3

In this next passage, we see Joseph doing his best to prepare for the birth of Jesus. It would have been great if they could have been in their own home when Mary went into labor; it would have been great if she could have rested on the days leading up to the delivery. But God had a plan and a purpose that was beyond their understanding. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf. – Micah 5:2

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, THE SON OF GOD WILL COME FROM YOU.

Like everyone else, Joseph was obligated to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Caesar had decreed it and so Joseph complied. Because he was from the line of David, he and Mary needed to go to Bethlehem to register. We often picture the two of them traveling alone, but both of their families were from the line of David so it makes sense that they would have traveled with a group of family members. It would have been a difficult journey, especially for a pregnant woman, and it makes sense that it would not have been safe to travel alone.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:4-5

You will remember from the genealogy of Jesus that Joseph was a descendant of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth (Matthew 1:5). Naomi was from Bethlehem and returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, after her husband and sons died. After Boaz married Ruth and they had a son (Obed), the people of Bethlehem rejoiced.

Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” – Ruth 4:11

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, YOUR STORY CONTINUES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

We see Bethlehem again in the story of David. The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. After considering all of Jesse’s boys, God made it clear to Samuel that it was David he was calling to lead His people.

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:13a

In the same village where David was anointed king, the King of David was born.
In the same place where the youngest son of Jesse was considered the least of his brothers, the baby Jesus was born in the least likely way.
In the same town where Boaz exercised his right as the family redeemer and married Ruth, our Redeemer was born so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
In the city known as the House of Bread, the Bread of Life arrived so that we would never hunger again.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:6-7

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, A STAR IS SHINING BRIGHTLY ABOVE YOU.

With all of the tribe of Judah making their way to Bethlehem, it makes sense that things were a little crowded by the time they arrived. Most likely they had family in Bethlehem and were outside in the area of the home where the animals bedded down for the night because the house was already full. If this were the case, I can just imagine the excitement among the relatives that Mary’s baby was choosing that night to arrive. Or perhaps they were all asleep when Jesus entered into the world.

There is so much we do not know about the night Jesus was born. It’s easy to make reasonable assumptions — Mary rode on a donkey, Jesus was born in a stable, there were animals surrounding them, they were alone until the shepherds arrived. Maybe our nativity scene is missing some of the pieces, or maybe that’s exactly how it took place. What we know with confidence is that Jesus was the Son of God, and he came to this earth exactly as planned yet nothing like expected.

As we read the Christmas story today, our hearts will once again focus on the beauty of the birth of Christ. From the moment the angel appeared to Mary, to the moment the angels appeared to the shepherds, God was working out His plan of salvation on our behalf. And God is still at work in our lives today, showing up in unexpected ways and in His perfect timing. Today let’s join the angels in singing:

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14

Today’s Reading: John 1:28-34; Luke 1:39-45; Psalm 144

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” – Luke 1:39-45

Even while in his mother’s womb, John’s heart was responding to the presence of Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth declared that her unborn baby was jumping for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God, and he was given the privilege of introducing the Lamb of God to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought too much of himself but he knew he was also one who needed a Savior, and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “Jesus is my cousin! God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

It seems to me that John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:32-34

The language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” and the language God used when He said “This is my dearly loved Son” is the same language used in Isaiah 42:1: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Just as God had a plan for John the Baptist, who remained humble in carrying out God’s will for his life, we should also remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He calls us to, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him — the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sake that Jesus was born; it was for our sins that Jesus died. And so we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires — for His glory and not ours.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hand for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
For they are like a breath of air;
Their days are like a passing shadow. – Psalm 144:1-4

Father, thank you for the gift of your Son.
Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28; Psalm 67

This was John’s testimony… — John 1:19

Each of us has a story. All of us are on a journey of grace — each uniquely loved by God and equipped by God to be used in the lives of others. John the Baptist’s story was one of confronting sin in the church and in the lives of individuals. He called others to repentance, pleading with them to clear the way for the Lord’s coming. Remove the obstacles and tear down the barriers; Jesus is coming. This is the mission God had called him to and he did it with both passion and boldness.

CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE LORD.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” — John 1:19-20

It is almost as if John was saying — I know what you are trying to do, so let me save us both time and give you the answer you are fishing for. I am not who you think I am, who you want to make me, or who you fear me to be.

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” — John 1:21-23

John stuck with the obvious. I am the man standing in the wilderness who was shouting ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming’ when you walked up and interrupted me. It is as simple as that. I am a man with a message. Don’t try to read between the lines. I am who I say I am. Don’t try to make me who I am not.

The religious leaders responded suspiciously. After all, if John wasn’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, why was he baptizing?

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. — John 1:26-28

John’s message to the church at that time could be applied to the church today — You are so distracted that you are missing the presence of God. You are so worried about what I am doing that you aren’t paying attention to what God is doing. Do not focus on the preshow and miss the main event. I am who I say I am and I do what God tells me to do. It’s not about me; it’s about the One coming after me. He is worthy and I am unworthy.

REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS AND LOOK FOR JESUS TODAY.

My prayer this morning is that I will recognize the Lord’s presence in the crowd. I want to see Him in the person standing beside me; I want to sense Him in the words of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to hear Him and be heard; I want to know Him and be known. I don’t want to be so distracted by the chaos of Christmas that I miss an opportunity to worship Jesus — the One who was born to a virgin in a manger and the One who will come again. Prepare the way for the Lord!

Father God, thank you for your love displayed through the birth of your Son. May my heart and mind be focused on the true meaning of Christmas this week. Lord, show me the fallen trees, rocks and debris in my life that need cleared away in order to be fully available to your presence. May I never look to others for my significance, but focus on who you have created me to be and what you are calling me to do, regardless of the opinions of others. Give me a voice of influence to spread your message to others. Amen.

May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you. – Psalm 67:2-3