Today’s Reading: John 1:14-18; Psalm 92

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

JESUS WAS FULL OF UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS.

Full of love for his creation, Jesus became one of the created. He did not just appear, he grew in the womb of a young woman who had a heart for God. Knowing her heart was fully devoted to Yahweh, Mary was chosen to be the first to greet the Messiah. She fed him, took care of him, and raised him. With the heart of a mother, she loved the One who was full of unfailing love. Out of faithfulness to God, she raised the One who was full of faithfulness.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9

John the Baptist played a very important role in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. The prophets had told God’s people that a Messiah was coming, but time had passed and their hearts were not ready for his arrival. Someone needed to get their attention with the message of repentance.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” — John 1:15-18

GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS CAME THROUGH JESUS.

Who prepared the way for you? Is there someone whose involvement in your life brought you to a place of readiness to receive Jesus? This week, I shared the story of our neighbors inviting us to church, and how my life was changed by the gift of church shoes. Today I would like to tell you about my first pastor and the impact he had on my life.

When we started attending the Nazarene church in Bloomington, Indiana, we met Pastor Mark and Lucy Barnes. They mentored my parents and discipled them in their new faith, and they generously loved both me and my sister. When my father received his call into ministry, Pastor Mark gave him his first ministry assignment. And when the Barnes family moved to Alabama to lead a different congregation, he invited our family to join them there. A year later we moved again when Pastor Mark was called to pastor in Rock Island, Illinois. My father served as his youth pastor for more than six years. Our families vacationed together and did life together.

So who was Pastor Mark to me? He was the patient pastor who let me come into his office to ask him questions when I didn’t understand what I was reading in the Bible. He was the friend who made me laugh, and whose smile told me how much I meant to him. Under his preaching, I gave my life to Jesus and never turned back. He was the one who baptized me, and he was a great example of what it meant to respond in obedience to God’s call. Decades later, when Scott and I attended our first District Superintendents’ gathering, he was there to hug me and tell me how proud he was of both of us.

In July of 2014, our family stopped by Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit the whole Barnes family. We shared a meal, played games, and laughed our way down memory lane. The next morning, we sat on their patio drinking coffee from Miss Lucy’s strawberry mugs — the same mugs I had enjoyed drinking hot cocoa from as a child. We had to make a trip to a walk-in medical clinic for Scott (his last time to go cliff jumping), and Pastor Mark sat in the waiting room with me. He was like a father to me and I never once questioned his love for me.

On July 24th, 2021, Reverend Mark Barnes quietly slipped away from this life and into the arms of Jesus. Over the next few months, I processed his role in my life and grieved my loss. I am eternally grateful for his investment in my life. I am thankful for the role he played in my journey of grace, and I miss him terribly. I wish I could have one more opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to me.

Who is your John the Baptist? Whose investment in your life prepared the way for Jesus to come in and do a transforming work in you? Can you look back and see how God used someone else to reveal Himself to you? Perhaps this would be a great day to thank them for the impact they have had on your life.

This week we will celebrate Christmas — a great opportunity to let the pastors and mentors in your life know how much you love and appreciate all they have done for the church, and for the impact they have had on your life. Let’s encourage our pastors and small group leaders this week and let them know their hard work is making a difference!

Lord, thank you for the love displayed when you made your home among your creation. Thank you for evidence of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love represented in the birth of Jesus Christ. I am grateful this morning for the many ways the love of God has been reflected through the love of others in my life. My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I begin this last week of Advent. May your love be reflected in my actions and through my words to those around me. Amen.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening. – Psalm 92:1-2

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-13; Psalm 16

Matthew started out his gospel story by listing out the paternal genealogy of Jesus, while Luke listed the maternal genealogy. In both, it was made clear that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He came from the family lineage of Solomon, son of King David. Matthew and Luke made known where Jesus came from, his earthly ancestry, but John made known that Jesus existed long before Abraham. He was there in the beginning when life was created.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave LIFE to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – John 1:1-5

John does not use the name Jesus until verse 17; instead, he refers to God’s Son as the Word. WIth great intentionality, John starts his story of the life of Jesus by making clear that Jesus was present before God separated the darkness from the light on the first day of creation (Genesis 1:1-3). But he was not just a spectator on that day, Jesus participated in creation. In fact, all life was created through Him because he is the One who gave life to everything that was created. We would not be here, we would not experience physical life, if it were not for Jesus — the Word. But we would also not experience a rebirth or a second gift of life if it were not for the One who both gave us life and gave his life for us.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:10-13

We experience new life in God when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we see the part we played in his death and believe that he rose from the dead, we accept that Jesus is the only pathway to life. We experience a new life because of the One who gave life to everything. His light shines into the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

JESUS, THE WORD, IS THE WAY TO LIFE.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

So why is this important for us to understand? What does the truth revealed in these verses mean to me today? Because, when I acknowledge that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world, I have a better grasp on his deity. I understand the following three truths:

Jesus is omniscient: He is all-knowing, which means he knows everything about me, everything going on in my life, and everything going on in the world that I am living in.

Jesus is omnipotent: He is more powerful than the darkness pressing in, than my biggest fears, and the obstacle that seems to be preventing me from moving forward.

Jesus is omnipresent: He is everywhere, which means I am never alone. Jesus is always with me, always aware of me, and always protecting me.

JESUS IS HERE. JESUS IS AWARE. JESUS IS ABLE.

When I live in this knowledge and recognize that he is the only way to the Father, it changes my perspective on my life. It gets my attention and draws my focus to the Light of the World — to the beautiful, magnificent Light of my World.

Jesus, we recognize you this morning as the Giver of Life. We thank you for each day you give us to experience life with our family and friends, and we praise you for the opportunity to experience new life through our relationship with you. You are the way to life, you are the truth that guides our life, and you are the source of life itself. We give you all the praise this morning as we recognize your gift of life and commit to keeping our eyes focused on you. Thank you for the joy we experience when we enter into a covenant relationship with you — our Creator and our Savior. Amen.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:9-11

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42

I love to get a new pair of running shoes. I added a pair of Hokas and a pair of On Cloud shoes to my collection this year and they are great! I cannot say I love how much I have to pay for the new shoes, but I love slipping them on and then taking a lap around the store to see if they are the right shoes for me. I love the mornings when I can slip on my running shoes and go for a short morning walk. It helps me feel alive to go out and enjoy the fresh morning air.

There are times when I choose to wear my running shoes all day. These are usually the days when I have a lot of distance to cover and I need a shoe that will help me get through the day’s events, like traveling through airports or running errands. And I must admit, there are days when I wish I could wear my running shoes all day, but unfortunately the required attire for my schedule will not allow it.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you find yourself on the go, running from this to that, in need of a good pair of running shoes? Does life have you so busy that you find yourself on your feet more than in your seat? It seems to me that most of us fill our schedules tightly enough that we miss the opportunity to just sit at the feet of Jesus and consider all of His blessings.

“When will you stop running?
When will you stop panting after other gods?
But you say, ‘Save your breath.
I’m in love with these foreign gods,
and I can’t stop loving them now!’” – Jeremiah 2:25

As Americans, we are guilty of running after all of the things our culture offers us. We find ourselves chasing after status and promotion; we are surrounded by messages that we need the newest technology or the most recent fashion. We never intend to chase after the things of the world, but it’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more — especially at Christmas time.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9

God, show me the ways in which I am chasing after the things of this world. Help me to rearrange my schedule to make you a priority each day. When I am tempted to work long and hard, may I hear your voice calling me to slow down and spend time with you. When I find myself wanting all of the things this world says I need in order to be happy, help me to be satisfied by all I am receiving from my relationship with you. May I chase after your heart every day without chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world. Amen.

COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-10

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person wears a lot of hats? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. These shoes allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

WE ARE MORE VISIBLE WHEN WE WEAR OUR PLATFORM SHOES.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and the need for intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble, causing others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each heart across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus but, when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I authentically lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life or by the carelessness of my words off the platform?

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling due to a conflict with another person or when I am steeped in self-pity.. How can I experience the JOY of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with mercy, I need to stop gossipping about those I am trying to lead to the throne of God.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshiping God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

SO HOW DO I LOOK IN MY PLATFORM SHOES?

Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself over the last week that will keep my siblings in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; the one who serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies. Our desire should be that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, I ask you to give me the words to speak — in group situations and when in a private conversation. When I speak, I want to speak the very words of God. When I serve, I want to do so with the strength you provide, so that in all things you will be praised. To God be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Christmas is a time of giving; it is a time for intentionally showing your love for someone through some kind of a gift. Think back to the Christmas gifts you have received over the years. Do you have a favorite gift – a gift that you will forever remember because of how the giver’s love was expressed through the giving? Can you think of a gift that forever changed your life?

One of my favorite gifts I have ever received was a pair of church shoes. I know, it doesn’t sound like that significant of a gift, but this gift perhaps changed my life more than any other physical gift I have ever received. In order to tell you about this gift, I have to tell you about two very special people.

There are people in this life that we cross paths with, and then there are people we meet and the trajectory of our life is forever changed. Ron and Donna Pate changed my life forever. They crossed a busy street in Bloomington, Indiana, knocked on our door, and invited our family to church. When my mother politely declined, Donna invited them over to their house for sweet tea and a game of cards. This invitation expressed a desire to get to know my parents. Again, she invited them to church, and they politely said no.

After many attempts, Donna changed her invitation to a request to take me and my sister to church with them. My mom made up a reason why that Sunday wouldn’t work…and the next Sunday…and the next Sunday. Then my mom used the excuse, “Sherry doesn’t have any church shoes.” Before the day was over there was a knock on the door. Donna stood there with a pair of church shoes. The next day, my sister and I went to church — I wore my new shoes.

I was young but I remember being really scared when she dropped me off at my class. I also remember LOVING church! We went back week after week and soon my parents started coming too. There at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, they accepted Christ as their Savior and were soon working with the youth group. My father left a job he loved and his doctoral program at Indiana University, and he accepted a call into full time ministry. In 2010, Pastor Larry Fortado retired after 33 years as a pastor. The friendship Ron and Donna offered changed our family forever!

There are two parts of this gift of church shoes that stand out to me. First of all, these shoes represent a life brought up in the church with godly parents. Because of the influence of my parents, I too accepted Christ as my Savior. From a young age, I loved God and would tell people I wanted to be a pastor’s wife when I grew up. Eventually I made a full commitment to Christ, experiencing sanctification. My relationship with God has continued to grow little by little each day of my life. I am now married to an incredible man who serves the God he loves, and we have three beautiful daughters who love Jesus! All three of our girls are pursuing God’s call on their life, along with their husbands, and we could not be more proud. The impact of the gift of my first church shoes continues generation after generation.

The second part of this gift of shoes is the first-hand knowledge that I have the potential to forever change someone’s life, just like Ron and Donna Pate forever changed mine. This part is about opportunity. Donna had an opportunity and she took it. I have opportunities in my life. What will I do with them?

Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Donna made a decision in her heart — she decided to cross the road, she decided to keep coming back, she decided our family was worth the cost of a pair of shoes. Donna was not rich but God supplied her with what she needed to obey Him. God provided the seed and Donna obediently planted it.

Two good things result from this ministry of giving: 1.) I received a new pair of shoes and the experience that would last a lifetime and 2.) I have a lens through which I can look at the opportunities around me. And in all things, God receives glory for everything He accomplishes through me in the lives of others. I thank God for this gift — the gift of church shoes — it is too wonderful for words!!!

On November 12, 2014, I attended the funeral for this precious woman who changed my life with an opportunity and a gift. That day, I stood with my parents and sister before the caskets of both Ron and Donna Pate as we said goodbye to a couple who made sure I knew I was loved by them and loved by God. Together we expressed our thankful hearts for the courage of a woman who dared cross a busy street to once again invite a young family to their church.

The gift of opportunity is extended to each of us today. What will we do with the opportunities God gives us before this day is over — before the year is over? What gift can we extend in love that will forever change someone’s life. Today is the day. What will you do with it?

Today’s Reading: Psalms 17, 30, 55, 61 & 93

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. – Psalm 55:1-2

O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips. – Psalm 17:1

In his distress, David often cried out to God for help. When he was troubled, his first response was to pray to the God He knew was both capable and willing to rescue him. If your heart is heavy this morning, I pray that these scriptures will remind you that we serve the God who saves. Over and over again He is there to be our shelter during moments of uncertainty or distress.

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! – Psalm 61:1-4

What are you going through right now? What challenges is this season of life bringing? Are you struggling with a decision, hurting from a broken relationship, or conflicted on what action you are supposed to take next? God created you for a relationship, and he wants you to cry out to Him. He is listening to you seven days a week, 24 hours a day!

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings. – Psalm 17:6-8

Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5b

When we bring our deepest sorrow to the Lord, He responds in a way that soothes the heart. He can take our darkest hour and provide a rainbow; He can wipe away our tears and replace them with a joy that is unexplainable. He understands our sadness and loves us enough to lift us from the ashes and stand us back on our feet.

He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory. – Isaiah 61:2-3

Father God, we thank you for hearing our cries for help. Not only are you there to listen to our worship and to receive our confession, you are there to comfort us when the circumstances of life are weighing heavy. You invite us to pour out our hearts to you, and then you remind us that you are BIG! You are mightier than the waves crashing in on us; You are higher than the biggest mountains we must climb. Thank you for spreading your wings to create a plate of shelter and protection. Thank you for being the unshakable God who consistently steadies us when the ground around us feels unsafe. We love you! Amen.

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever! – Psalm 30:11-12

Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! – Psalm 93:2-4

Today’s Reading: Psalm 29, 46 & 95

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. — 1 Kings 19:11-13

HAVE YOU EVER LONGED TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD?

When Kari Jobe came out with her song “Speak to Me”, it resonated with my heart. There have been so many moments in my life when I longed to hear from God; there have been times when I prayed for a word from the Lord to get me through a situation or to lift my spirits. God is faithful and He speaks to us in so many ways — sometimes audibly and sometimes in a gentle whisper.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” — Psalm 29:3-9

Years ago, I heard the voice of God loudly say, “Stop!” I was driving home from church and all three of my girls were buckled into their car seats behind me. We were approaching one of the busiest intersections in town, and I stopped at the red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and applied pressure to the gas pedal. As I started to roll forward, I heard an audible voice tell me to stop. As I slammed on the brakes, a semi-truck came barreling through the intersection just inches from the nose of the van. I did not see it until it was right in front of me. I have no doubt that God spoke to me that day in order to save all four of our lives — it was not a gentle whisper, but a loud voice.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine.” — John 12:27-30

Most of the time, God speaks to us through other people or through His written word — the Bible. But there are times in our lives when God allows us to hear His voice in order to teach us or to strengthen our faith. There are times when He clearly instructs us, like He did for Moses on Mount Sinai:

Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, “I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look.

Then the Lord said to him, “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.” – Acts 7:30-34

I encourage you to spend this Christmas listening for the voice of God. Spend time in His word; find a quiet place to sit and wait on the Lord. Seek Him and He will be found — sometimes in a gentle whisper and at times in a loud voice; sometimes through a verse of scripture and at times through a preacher or friend who has been given a word for you. Give God your attention and listen for the voice of the Lord. Allow Him to fill your heart with joy as we begin another week of Advent.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! – Psalm 46:6

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today! – Psalm 95:6-7

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:8-20, Psalm 34

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:13-15

Peace on earth — This is a wish or a phrase we hear a lot around Christmas. There is a natural desire in this world for peace, yet so many people are looking for peace in all the wrong places. How can we experience this peace declared by the angels; how can we walk this path of peace mentioned in Luke 1? If peace on earth is for those with whom God is pleased, how can I become the object of God’s pleasure?

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6

WE EXPERIENCE PEACE WHEN WE SURRENDER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT.

It is at the moment of surrender that I experience this peace I am searching for. It is when I stop trying to control my circumstances or manipulate my outcomes that I go from struggling to surrendering. When I reach exhaustion from seeking peace in all the wrong places, I turn and find that God’s offer is still available. Life and peace can be woven through my story if only I can overcome my stubbornness and fully surrender my life to Jesus Christ.

But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil — for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good — for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. – Romans 2:5-11

WE EXPERIENCE PEACE WHEN WE CHOOSE TO DO THE GOOD FOR WHICH GOD CREATED US.

I cannot live for my own happiness and find peace; I cannot reject the truth found in scripture and experience the peace of God. This promise of peace is for those who turn from their sin, who are daily seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. Those who reject the gift of God’s righteousness are void of the perfect peace available to those who enter into a covenant relationship with God.

“They don’t know where to find peace.”
“They have no fear of God at all.” – Romans 3:17-18

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. – Romans 5:1-2

WE EXPERIENCE PEACE WHEN WE CHOOSE TO PLACE OUR TRUST IN GOD.

As we surround ourselves in the celebration of Christmas, may this be the year of total surrender. What are you holding onto that you need to release to God? What do you need to bring to the manger in order to experience the gift of peace available to you? What confession needs to be made, what relationship needs restored, what habit needs to be broken in order for you to experience all that God has for you? I would love to encourage you to fully surrender your life to Jesus and find the peace you have been seeking.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Lord, I surrender my life to you. I am done resisting and rebelling against your plan for my life. Please take this mess I have made and create in me a clean heart. Give me a faith that daily strengthens me, helping me to trust you every day. I choose to let go of everything and rest in your capable hands. Lord, empty me of everything that is self-seeking and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can overflow with confident hope and be filled with the joy and peace that come from you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 1

“Because of God’s tender mercy,
The morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
To give light to those who sit in darkness
And in the shadow of death,
And to guide us to the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

Can you feel the anticipation? Like the moment right before the sun peaks up over the horizon, there is an expectation of what is to come. The Light of the World is coming. Those sitting in the darkness will be led out of the shadow of death as the Light guides them to the path of peace.

These are the words of Zechariah following the birth of his son, John. After waiting for years to be a father, Zechariah is holding his newborn son. Prayers answered; expectations met. In this very special moment, Zechariah spoke a blessing over his precious baby boy while also prophesying the coming of the Messiah.

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.” – Luke 1:68-75

He guides us down the path of peace, away from the darkness, out from under the shadow of death. Our mighty Savior rescues us from our enemies so that we can serve Him without fear. He provides for our salvation in order that we can experience His perfect peace, filled with His holiness and righteousness forever. When anxiety presses in, we can ask Him for peace; when we are overwhelmed with the circumstances of life, we can rest in the certainty of His faithfulness.

Lord, thank you for your mercy displayed through the birth of your Son. Thank you for rescuing us from the bondage of our sin and the strongholds of our past in order that we might experience peace. Fill our hearts with expectation of what is ahead as you guide us on the path of peace. Amen.

In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. – Psalm 4:8

The Lord rules over the floodwaters.
The Lord reigns as king forever.
The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace. – Psalm 29:10-11

Today’s Reading: Psalm 25 & 26

O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you. – Psalm 25:1-5

I am so thankful this morning that I serve a God who sets a path before me, even when I am not sure where the road will take me. When we put our trust in the One who created us, allowing Him to use us for the purpose for which He created us, we can know that He will be with us every step of the way. And when we stray from the path He has planned for us, He is there to guide us back. He does not leave the journey unfinished and He does not leave us where He found us. If we will humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance, He will lead us back into a right relationship with Him. He will bring us back to a place of sweet peace and assurance as we surrender our lives to Him.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
For the honor of your name, O Lord,
forgive my many, many sins. – Psalm 25:6-11

This Psalm, written by King David, shows the repentant heart of a man who had strayed far from the path God had laid out before him. He had seen the generous provisions of God, yet reached beyond what was His to take what was someone else’s. This reaching caused him to get completely off balance with God and he quickly lost his way. One sin covered up another sin, which covered up another sin, until the multitude of bad decisions overwhelmed him. He found himself off course and cried out for God to rescue him from the mess he had made. “Lord, I give my life to you…point out the road for me to follow…forgive my many, many sins.”

The same grace displayed towards David is available for us today. Have you gotten off course? Have you lost your peace? Perhaps today is the day to pray Psalm 25 and allow your Creator to get you back where you need to be — back on the path He planned for you long ago. God is ready to give you a fresh start so that you can live the life He created you for, standing on the solid ground of a right relationship with the Lord. And if those around you try to point out the sins of your past, your God will declare you innocent. Put your trust in the Lord and do not waver from the path He has set out for you. Allow Him to restore your peace this Christmas as you fully surrender yourself to Jesus Christ.

Who are those who fear the Lord?
He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
Turn to me and have mercy,
for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
for I put my hope in you.
O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. – Psalm 25:12-22