Today’s Reading: John 2:13 – 3:4

“All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” – John 2:19-20

This was the conversation that occurred between Jesus and the Jewish leaders when he chased the money-changers and vendors out of the Temple in Jerusalem. God’s people were traveling from all over the land to come and worship at the Temple. It was almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration and the Temple would have been crowded with people who were coming to celebrate how God had freed His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13).

Booths had been set up throughout the Temple to exchange money and to sell animals to sacrifice. They were charging high rates and making a profit instead of creating space for God’s people to come and authentically worship Him. Passion for God’s house consumed Jesus and he took action to make a change.

“Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:16b

The Jewish leaders demanded an explanation from Jesus; they wanted him to perform a miraculous sign to prove his authority. When he offered them one, their unbelief caused them to miss out on an opportunity. They were focused on the physical place of worship and lost the opportunity to believe in the One they should be worshiping.

ALL THEY HAD TO DO WAS CHOOSE TO BELIEVE, BUT THEY CHOSE UNBELIEF INSTEAD.

There were many who chose to keep their eyes on Jesus that week and they witnessed many miraculous signs because of their willingness to believe. They put their trust in Jesus and began a new walk of faith. But Jesus did not put his trust in the crowds, nor should we put our trust in people. He understood the weaknesses of our human nature (2:24-25).

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” – Jeremiah 17:9

Later, one of the Jewish leaders came after dark to speak with Jesus. Nicodemus had seen the miraculous signs Jesus was performing among the people and knew that Jesus was sent by God, but he still had questions.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” – John 3:3-4

Jesus was speaking of spiritual rebirth but Nicodemus, like the other Jewish leaders, was stuck in the physical or literal explanation. Nicodemus lacked an understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and he lacked the faith he needed to take Jesus at his word.

What am I struggling to believe at this time in my life? Is there a truth that God wants me to learn but that I am resisting? Is there an area of my life that Jesus is trying to clear, or has my worship become for my own benefit instead of for God’s glory?

Lord Jesus, I give you permission to get my attention. Clear away the excess in my life and bring my focus back to you. Consume me with a passion for my Father’s house. I believe that you are who you said you are and that you will do what you said you would do. I do not want to miss a moment with you because of my lack of faith so I choose to take you at your word and respond in obedience to your call. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 2:1-12

John records seven miracles in his account of Jesus’ life referring to them as “dunamis”, which is an event or sign that has a deeper meaning. The first of these miracles is when Jesus TURNED the water into wine. But even more than that was the TRANSFORMATION that took place in the lives of those in attendance that day.

Jesus attended a wedding celebration in Cana with his mother and his disciples. When Mary told Jesus the wine supply ran out, his response was, “My time has not yet come.” Mary turned to the servants and told them to do whatever Jesus told them to do.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. – John 2:6-8

This group of servants whom society devalued had a front row seat to the Messiah’s first miracle. John does not clearly state the impact this had on the servants but I imagine their lives were never the same. I imagine the fear they had when handing the master of ceremonies a glass of water quickly turned to faith.

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

JESUS TRANSFORMED A WEDDING DISASTER INTO A BEAUTIFULLY ORCHESTRATED MIRACLE.

Jesus took six stone water jars, each holding 20 to 30 gallons of water, and turned them into 180 gallons of fine-tasting wine. He took a simple, everyday beverage (water) and transformed it into a quality, highly-valued drink (wine). But this miracle of transformation was not about the water turning into wine; the true transformation was in the disciples. Curiosity had made them followers; this miracle made them believers. They witnessed the power of Jesus and their lives were never the same.

JESUS TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF THE DISCIPLES, JUST AS HE TRANSFORMS OUR LIVES.

He takes our simplicity and is able to make us into highly effective tools for Him to use to change the world. He takes our impure, imperfect lives and purifies us, giving us a new quality and new value. We are never the same. The enemy wants to convince us that we have not changed; the world wants to continue to define us by what we used to be. God sees us as the beautiful creation that He is changing and perfecting and filling with His Spirit.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being TRANSFORMED into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 13:17-18

I am so thankful that God is working in my life. I am thankful that He loves me enough not to leave me like I am, but to change me, to redefine me and to transform me. I do not have to stir up my own enthusiasm or strength to follow Him. He places in me the desire to serve Him and the power to pursue holiness. This is nothing short of a miracle in my life.

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I have been REDEFINED by Jesus and that my life has been TRANSFORMED by Him. Thank you for seeing me for what I could become instead of what I am. Thank you for taking my impure, imperfect life and purifying me – giving me a new quality and a new value in you. When the enemy tries to convince me of who I am, remind me of whose I am. Remind me that I am your creation, your masterpiece and a work in progress. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. – John 1:43-44

Because the name Philip is not a Hebrew name, many believe that he was Greek. This shows a mix of cultures between the disciples, but it also shows that Jesus’ ministry was going to be for more than just the Jews. Because Philip was either Greek or possibly spoke Greek, he became a doorway for other Greeks to approach Jesus.

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” – John 12:20-21

Each of Jesus’ disciples was created uniquely to draw others to Jesus, just as we are. There was something about Philip that gave others the opportunity to encounter Christ, just as there is something about you that God desires to use to draw others to Himself. The first person to find Jesus through Philip was a young man named Nathanael:

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth!”
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. – John 1:45-46

Nazareth was a small town, not famous enough to be considered a possibility for greatness. There was a natural tendency for people to define others by where they have come from, the color of their skin, their family background, etc. Sounds like society today, doesn’t it? Nazareth was not well thought of and yet God chose it as the birthplace of His Son. How wonderful that God sees value in even the small or imperfect places and people!

REVALUED & RECOMMITTED

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel – a man of complete integrity.”
“How do you know my name?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God – the King of Israel.”
Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” – John 1:47-51

It was not just that Jesus knew where Nathanael was before he arrived, he knew who he was. It was as if Jesus was saying – Just as you know where I came from and want to judge me by my origin, I know where you came from. You are a descendant of Jacob, who was known to be scheming and deceitful, but I know that you are a man of complete integrity. And, just as Jacob dreamed of a stairway reaching to heaven with angels of God going up and down the stairway (Gen. 28:12), you will see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.

Because they were given the opportunity to encounter Jesus, these two disciples were forever changed. Philip saw his value in the Son of God and Nathaniel saw the Son of God’s value. They could have been content with hearing his sermons and seeing his miracles, but they chose to have a personal relationship with Jesus and it changed the trajectory of their lives. Both of them RECOMMITTED their future and became full-time followers of Christ. And because of their response to the call of Jesus, the lives of others were impacted.

Lord, I pray that each of us is able to accept our value in who you say we are; I pray we are able to see our identity in you. May we never be satisfied with knowing Jesus from a distance, but always be pursuing a closer relationship with you. Thank you for renaming me your child, redefining me with your purpose, and revaluing me according to your grace. I choose to daily recommit myself to you and faithfully remain a follower of Christ. Amen.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! – Philippians 3:7-11

Today’s Reading: John 1:29-42, 6:60-71

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.”

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 1:29-34

John did not understand at first that Jesus of Nazareth was the one he had been preparing God’s people to receive. God had generously given him a sign through the Holy Spirit, making the moment after he baptized Jesus even more monumental for John. Then God used John’s voice once more to confidently proclaim that Jesus was the Chosen One of God!

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. – John 1:35-37

Here we see yet another way in which John the Baptist was able to prepare the way for the Lord. John’s investment in Andrew prepared him for the moment in which he had the opportunity to follow Jesus. He had a choice to make, but his heart was already in a place to leave everything behind and follow the Messiah. The seeds had been planted and his heart was eager to respond.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. – John 1:38-39

John’s disciples could have been satisfied with just listening to the teachings of Jesus and watching him perform miracles, but they chose more. They could have stayed comfortably with the teacher they knew and trusted, yet they took a step of faith and their world opened up to a whole new experience.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. – John 1:40

Andrew’s faith was strengthened by John’s faith and, because of Andrew’s faith, his brother Simon Peter was given the opportunity to face the One who would see him for what he would become rather than for who he was.

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John – but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). – John 1:41-42

RENAMED & REDEFINED

Jesus did not just rename Simon, he redefined him. Jesus knew that Peter was not perfect and he knew that he would one day betray him, yet he also knew that Peter’s faith would grow strong enough to stay true when many others would choose to walk away from Jesus.

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”…
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:60,66-69

Father God, THANK YOU FOR RENAMING ME as your child — for seeing me for who I could become rather than for who I have been. Help me to see myself through your eyes, never losing sight of who you created me to be. Heavenly Father, just as I came to faith through the faithfulness of others in my life, I pray that my walk with you will help others find you. I pray that every seed planted, every conversation had, every word written, will prepare someone for that moment when they have the chance to follow you.

Lord, THANK YOU FOR REDEFINING ME, not according to all the mistakes I have made and will make, or where I come from or how I look, but by who you created me to be. You uniquely created me and now purposefully place me in the lives of others, and I desire to be used by you today in their lives. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 1:9-15; Luke 4:1-13

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. – Mark 1:9-13

HIGHS AND LOWS

Why is it that the enemy so often attacks us directly following a high spiritual moment in our life? We go from having our faith affirmed to our faith tested. Things go from being easy one day to difficult the next. God is glorified through our surrender as we die to the old in order to be raised to the life He has for us, and then the enemy tries to take our eyes off our God in order to tempt us to give him our loyalty.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” – Luke 4:3-8

So often the devil tempts us with all this world has to offer. He makes the trade for earthly wealth and fame seem like a simple one, but it is always complicated to negotiate with the enemy. It seems harmless to get caught up in these temporary pleasures, but if we compromise and live a life for earthly gain, we need to recognize that we are submitting to the enemy’s temptations, and there are consequences that come with that submission.

Next Satan baited Jesus to test God by jumping off the highest point of the Temple and then asking God to rescue Him. Do something really reckless and then ask God for help. That is so unlike anything he would tempt us to do, or is it?

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” – Luke 4:12

Satan tempts us to do something we know we should not do by convincing us that it will be simple to ask God to forgive us after we have sinned – to rescue us from our consequences. If God is full of grace and all we have to do is ask for forgiveness, why not enjoy a time of sin or moment of weakness then simply ask God to forgive us afterwards? I believe we should take Jesus’ response seriously.

YOU MUST NOT TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. – Matthew 4:10-11

Our response to Satan’s temptations can be just as powerful as Jesus’ response was. With strength and determination we can face temptations by declaring that we will worship God and serve only Him! So you are wasting your time, Satan.

GET OUT OF HERE!

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. – Luke 4:13

Satan will be back. He is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy (1 Peter 5:8). But we can be prepared for this temptation by giving God our full attention, studying the word of God and building our faith so that we can respond with confidence and determination.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation is bigger than our God. No enemy is more powerful than our Savior. What a blessing it is to rest in the arms of our Father; what a privilege it is to trust in Him in every situation.

Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:28-29

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28, Luke 3:1-18

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. – John 1:6-8

GOD HAD A PLAN FOR JOHN — A VERY SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR HIS LIFE.

John’s obedience and decision to walk in God’s plan for his life made a difference in the lives of many people and in the acceptance of Jesus when He arrived. John knew God’s purpose, knew what God had called him to do. He didn’t know every detail or the timing of God’s plan but he knew there was a plan. John accepted this calling on his life with great humility, even when those around him desired for him to be more than who he was.

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.”
“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 the voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” – John 1:19-23

In those days, when a King or man of great importance was going to visit an area of the kingdom, they would send men out before him to prepare the way. There were no nicely paved roads like we have now, so they would take time to travel the path and clear the road of any rocks or fallen trees, perhaps trimming back branches that would hinder a chariot or horse. Their purpose was to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance.

John the Baptist had a similar role — to clear the way for the Lord’s coming or make straight the way of the Lord; he was to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance.

We do a similar “clearing” here at our house when we know that company is coming. When it is just us, we become comfortable. Then there is that moment when we look around and see our home through the eyes of someone else. When company is coming, we notice the pair of shoes in the living room and the couch cushions that need straightening. We push the chairs back under the table, close the shower curtains and open the blinds. We scramble around the house, clearing and preparing for our special guests.

God challenges us to take a look at our life through His eyes — to honestly look and see if there is some clearing we need to do. Are there things in my life that are blocking the way of what God wants to accomplish? Are there attitudes I need Jesus to shine His light on and expose? Is there anything in my life that is not clearly a sin but hindering someone else’s walk? Is there a possibility that the conditions of my life will cause someone else to stumble? Perhaps what I need to give up for this next year is more than just chocolate or coffee but something bigger that is cluttering my walk with Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2a

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR MY LIFE AND HE HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.

I want to obediently and humbly walk in that plan. Lord, shine your light on my life and show me what I need to clear away. I do not want to hold tightly to anything that might block your way or hinder someone else’s walk. As we begin a new year, strengthen my hands to take a new grip on you instead of holding onto something I need to let go of. Strengthen my weak knees and mark out a straight path for my feet. Amen.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. – Hebrews 12:12-13

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:21-52

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. – Luke 2:21-22

There was a man in Jerusalem who had been eagerly awaiting the coming of the Messiah. That day, the Holy Spirit led him to the Temple, where he saw Mary and Joseph with their newborn son. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon knew this was the one he had been waiting for, so he gave them a blessing and told them, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Luke 2:34-35).

There was also a prophet named Anna at the temple that day. She stayed at the Temple day and night worshiping God through fasting and prayer. She observed the interaction between Simeon and the young parents, and she began to praise God. She quickly spread the word to those who had also been waiting in expectation for God to rescue Jerusalem.

When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. – Luke 2:39-40

The writers of the gospels seem to fast forward through Jesus’ childhood. Not much is written about the time between the visit with the wisemen and the journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old. Out of curiosity, we wonder what it would have been like to raise the Son of God. We imagine Jesus playing with his brothers, watching his father build things with wood or cuddling up beside the fire with his mother after a long day. Most likely, Jesus had a pretty normal childhood.

Luke describes Jesus as a healthy and strong child, filled with wisdom and favored by God. Each year he would go to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover festival. When he was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph realized that he was not with the rest of their group as they traveled back home from the city.

When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. – Luke 2:45-50

Have you ever lost your child, even for just a minute? The feeling that surges through you is far beyond what the word “panic” describes. This must have been how Mary was feeling that day as she looked for her son – the son she knew belonged to God and yet was very much her child. I know the fear of a few seconds of being unable to find my daughter, but I cannot imagine what it must have been like for Mary to go through THREE DAYS of searching for her son. Did she sleep at night? How many “what if” scenarios played through her mind from the time she confirmed Jesus was missing until the moment they found him in the Temple. How relieved she must have been when she found him!

The bible says Mary and Joseph did not know what to think (NLT); they were amazed (KJV) or astonished (NIV). I have had a few parent-moments like this — moments of astonishment or amazement. I have found myself saying, “What were you thinking?!!” Perhaps Jesus’ parents had a similar reaction.

The Greek word used to describe the reaction of Joseph and Mary is very strong – “ekpletto” – to knock someone out of their senses, to strike with astonishment or perhaps terror or admiration. If there had been Twitter in those days, Joseph might have tweeted – I cannot find my son! #ekpletto

After an exhausting three day search for their son, they walk into the temple and find him not just sitting among the Jewish teachers but listening intently to them, asking questions and then responding with his own understanding and answers. Yes, I am guessing that “ekpletto” would be the proper word to describe the reaction of more than just Joseph and Mary that day.

“Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Luke 2:49b

Jesus was drawn to His Father, his heart connected to God. Just as I can relate to Mary in this passage, I can also relate to Jesus. I love those moments when my heart is pulled so strongly toward God that I cannot get enough of Him. I love those moments when I am surrounded by His presence with no desire to ever be separated from Him.

My prayer this morning is that we will all experience a strong pull toward God this week. I pray that our time alone with God draws us like a strong magnet as we run into His presence each day. I pray that this weekend we do not anticipate just another Sunday morning worship time, but that we rush into His sanctuary with the spirit of I must be in my Father’s house! Let us respond to God’s invitation to spend time with him today without resistance.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. – Luke 2:51-52

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-20

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12

Have you ever wondered why shepherds? Why did God choose this group to be the first visitors to the Messiah? I wonder if they had the same response: Why me? Out of everyone you could have given this opportunity, why did you choose me? I am not the smartest or the funniest or the most attractive, and definitely not the most talented. Why choose me to be a part of this big plan? I am not perfect. I have definitely made my share of bad decisions, and have spoken words I immediately regretted, yet you love me and have a plan for my life. But even as I acknowledge this, I feel fear creep in.

“They were terrified.”

Do you know what it is to be scared to death of God’s plan? There are moments in our life, like this one the shepherds experienced, when we do not fully understand what is happening or what God’s bigger plan is. Our response is fear; yet God calls us to trust Him.

“Don’t be afraid!”

Trust me, even when it means not understanding. Trust me, even when you are overwhelmed. Trust me, even when the path ahead is blurry.

“I bring you good news.”

This is a good thing. There is no need to be scared, no need to worry. This new thing, this change in your life, is a good thing. You may not see it now but trust me and do not be afraid.

“And you will recognize him…”

I’m not going to hide from you. Seek me with all your heart and you will find me. Look around, there is evidence of my hands all around you. If you take the time to watch and listen, you will recognize me and you will hear from me.

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heavens,and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:13-14

Lord, we praise you. You are Almighty and you are wonderful! To you be ALL the glory!!! From the humblest of hearts to the highest heaven, may your glory be seen and recognized. Thank you, King Jesus, for the peace you allow us to experience each day. May you look down on us today and be pleased with our worship! Amen.

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. – Luke 2:16

They did not hesitate, they did not pause. They did not go around asking for advice. They had heard from God and they hurried to do what He had told them to do. Because of this response, they did not miss out on what God had for them. And oh what a wonderful experience God had for them, what a good thing!

Do not be afraid. Trust God and experience all the good things He has for you. When you hear from him, hurry to where He is calling you. Do not hesitate. Do not pause. You will never be the same if you obediently answer His call. Then tell the story – “THIS IS HOW I came to experience Jesus…”

After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. – Luke 2:17-20

Today’s Reading: Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:65-66

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on those events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way. – Luke 1:65-67

WHAT WILL THIS CHILD TURN OUT TO BE?

As a mother, my heart is stirred by this question because it is a question I often ponder about my own girls. Don’t we all wonder what will become of our children and grandchildren when they grow up? What career will they have? Will they be successful? Will they be happy? Will they marry and, if so, who? Will they have the blessing of raising children? I find myself wondering what God has planned for my girls and pray that today’s experiences will prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Zechariah spoke a blessing over his newborn son: “And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. 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

Daily we have the opportunity to speak blessings on our kids – whether they are small enough to crawl into our laps, old enough to ask for the keys to the car, or grown enough to be out of the house. Our children need to hear that we believe in them and in God’s plan for their lives. Our role as parents never ends. We can still be the one to pray over them, asking for God’s blessings and protection.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written:

“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” – Mark 1:1-8

HE ATE WHAT?!!

What happens when we struggle to understand the decisions our children are making or the road they are choosing? I wonder what Zechariah and Elizabeth’s reaction was to John when he was living in the wilderness. Did they worry? Were they surprised at the details of how his ministry was rolling out?

I can easily see how parents could go from being the cheerleader to the voice of doubt. How easily we can get an idea in our head of what our children should do and then end up being a discouragement to them. That’s not who I want to be. I pray that I continually point them back to God with words like, “As long as you are doing what God has asked you to do” or “Just keep listening to God and following Him and I’ll be here no matter what.”

Perhaps we should look for an opportunity to tell our children how much we believe in them and in the plan God has for them. Make sure they know God can use them in a powerful way wherever He places them and whatever He asks them to do. Maybe we should look for opportunities every day to essentially say…

I’M SO PROUD OF YOU!

Lord, give me wisdom. Parenting is not always easy but it is such an honor and a blessing. Thank you for the privilege of this responsibility. Heavenly Father, guide me and teach me what to say and when to say it. May I always be a source of encouragement and a positive voice in the heart of each of my daughters and in the hearts of those God sends into my life over this next year. May I be generous with my words of affirmation in 2023, leaning into the power of my thank you and looking for the next opportunity to speak life into the heart of someone God puts in my path. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 1:67-80, 2:16-19, Psalm 117

What came of Zechariah’s period of silence? Now that he knew what it was like to be unable to communicate, how did his new appreciation for words impact what he chose to say?

Zechariah had more than nine months to consider what God was telling him through the angel Gabriel. A new wisdom and understanding was birthed from this time of quiet. Just as his son was born filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah was also filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. His time of silence was a great time for him to empty himself of all that was Zechariah so that he could be filled with all that was God. The result…these powerful words:

“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.
And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
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 1:68-79

I love the picture of Zechariah smiling down at his newborn son and speaking those tender words of purpose. There have been many moments in my life when someone took the time to speak words of encouragement over me. I can look back at some pretty pivotal moments when someone I highly respected spoke purpose into my life and the impact was powerful.

Perhaps the Lord will give us a moment like that today — a moment when we can speak into the life of a student, friend or coworker. Perhaps you have a family member who needs you to break the silence today.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. – Psalm 107:1-2

Let’s be intentional with our day — intentional to be heard by someone else, but also to hear from God. Today could get pretty hectic, busy, chaotic and loud for us. Let’s refuse to make so much noise that we cannot hear God’s still small voice speaking of His purpose for our day. Let’s bow quietly before Him and pray for a new wisdom and understanding, a new and fresh in-filling of the Spirit. Then, when we hear from Him, let’s choose to remain quiet and ponder His words, allowing Him to guide us down the path of peace.

They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. – Luke 2:16-19

Praise the Lord, all you nations.
Praise him, all you people of the earth.
For his unfailing love for us is powerful;
the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. – Psalm 117