Month: December 2022

December 31st – Matthew 9:9

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Matthew 9:9

When Levi the tax collector was at his booth in the city, a man came up to him and said, “Follow Me!” Without a second thought Levi got up, walked out, and immediately began following the man. In that single moment, Levi chose to leave everything behind. He gave up his wealth, influence, and comfort without looking back. It was the best decision Levi ever made. Because that man was Jesus. And following the Lord gave to Levi a wealth many times greater than what he left behind. No longer was he known as the despised tax collector hated by his brothers. Instead Jesus gave him the new name of Matthew, meaning gift of God. And Matthew became a mighty disciple of the Lord. When we too answer the call of Jesus, one day as we stand before Him in heaven He will welcome us in joy and love, declare us innocent, and give to us a new name known only to God!

December 30th – Revelation 21:1

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Revelation 21:1 

In the last chapters of Revelation, John reveals what is known as the “eternal state”, or the eternal destiny of believers. And the picture he paints is one of such peace, joy, and love, that I too can’t help but cry, “Maranatha!” Come Lord Jesus! John tells us the world we know, with all of its filth and pollution, is burned away by God. He creates a new heaven and a new earth, “in which righteousness dwells.” This new earth will be restored to the beauty and perfection that God originally created before the fall of man. And on this new earth, we will spend eternity with the Lord. Upon this new earth, we will live in the glorious city of the new Jerusalem. It will be a city with a foundation of precious stones, gates of giant pearls, and streets of pure gold. A city where the spectacular Shekinah glory of God will be illuminating every inch! There, where God establishes His throne, we will be with the Father and the Son forever, serving and glorifying Him in all we do!

December 29th – Ephesians 1:4

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Ephesians 1:4

Did you know the word “beloved” appears nearly 120 times throughout the Bible? It’s a word reserved for those who are adored, cherished, treasured, and greatly loved. And a word God uses about us. He created each of us intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. He calls us beautiful, valuable, wanted, and His. And unlike the world who turns away when the shine fades from our star, God never will. For His love never falters, fails, or grows cold. So the next time you find the world trying to define your worth and the Enemy whispering lies of inadequacy in your ears, remember this. You are a child of the most high God. There is no Hollywood trophy, social media following, nor worldly accolade that could compare with the value of knowing one day we will spend eternity dwelling and reigning with the Lord. So wear your crown proudly, have a heart longing to serve God, and never forget how much you are loved!

December 28th – Matthew 12:38

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Matthew 12:38

Proof! Show us proof!” Those were the cries of some of the scribes and Pharisees after witnessing Jesus heal a blind and mute man. Their hardened hearts couldn’t accept in faith that Jesus was indeed their long awaited Messiah. Even though the scribes and Pharisees exhibited a wicked disbelief, a healthy skepticism can be a good thing. Especially when it comes to discerning those who claim to speak for God or to represent His Word. Jesus Himself warns, “For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Matt. 24:5) Because of this God tells us to test everything against what the Bible says. To examine the scriptures and, “see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) And why do we use the Bible as our “litmus test” of truth? Because we know that every word of Scripture was breathed by God. (2 Tim. 3:16) And every word is true and is the foundation of the Christian Faith!

December 27th – Matthew 11:28

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Matthew 11:28

Are any of you weary and burdened? Like me, do you at times feel overloaded in your mind and in your spirit? Do your burdens manifest themselves in physical ways? When you go to bed at night, are you exhausted from the battles you fight each day? If so what you need is not physical rest, but soul rest. You need release from stress, worry, guilt, fear, and bitterness. This is soul rest. And soul rest can only be found in Jesus who offers it freely to all. From His unending love, the Lord makes each of us an incredible offer. If  you’re tired come to Me! I and I alone can give you the rest you so desperately crave! All of us need soul rest and Jesus promises to give it to us when we rest in Him. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” God doesn’t always keep the burdens from our lives, but through Jesus He offers the perfect refuge!

December 26th – Psalm 46:10

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Psalm 46:10

The phrase “be still”, comes from the Hebrew word, “raphah.” Translated it means to relax, cause yourself to let go, or to let yourself become weak. And although it seems counterintuitive, it’s only when we deliberately surrender all to God, our fears, worries, and hurt, can we really take control of any situation. For as Isaiah 30:15 tells us, “in quietness and trust is your strength.” When we put God in charge, following instead of leading, we are free to walk through every circumstance with an inner quietness only He can provide. Why? Because just like Moses told the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex.14:14) I once heard a minister say that when we fight instead of surrender we are actually sinning against God. For we might not only be fighting a battle which is the Lord’s, but fighting against the Lord Himself! So be still and leave the fighting to God. For He is our refuge and our safe port in every storm!

December 25th – 2 Corinthians 13:14

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2 Corinthians 13:14

As the year comes to a close and we reflect on birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I can think of no better blessing to pray for you all than Paul’s benediction to the Corinthians. This Christmas, and every day after, may you have grace, love, and fellowship. Unmerited grace is what Jesus gave when He paid our sin debt with His blood. May the same grace flow through you to everyone you meet. Love is why God sent His only begotten Son to be nailed on a Cross. May the same love shine through in all you do. Fellowship is what we can have with the Father and Son through the gift of the Spirit. May you always be led by the guidance of God’s Spirit, and follow His direction. And most of all, on this the most glorious of days, may you have a wonderful holiday overflowing with love and blessings! Merry Christmas!

December 24th – Luke 1:45

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Luke 1:45

We all want to be chosen by God to do great things. But if He did appoint a task for us alone to fulfill, how would we feel? I often imagine how Mary must have felt hearing the glorious news she was to carry the Savior of the world. Was she scared, excited, overwhelmed? Did she laugh, cry, or stand frozen in shock? Of the many emotions Mary must have felt, the one she didn’t feel was disbelief. For after asking how this miracle would come to be and hearing, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35), Mary simply replied, “may it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) The example of strength and obedience shown by Mary is something to behold. Her unshakable faith led to God to bless her greatly. And just as He did for Mary, God will bless our faith as well!

 

December 23rd – Micah 5:2

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Micah 5:2

When people think about the miracles of God, they usually imagine the mighty deeds He performed through Moses. Fantastic and wondrous acts, leaving the people awestruck and amazed. And as awesome as those miracles are, often times God performs the most marvelous miracles using unremarkable people, in unremarkable places. Bethlehem, The City of David, was known for nothing more than being the birthplace of Israel’s king. A tiny city among the thousands in Judah, no one expected the greatest miracle of all to come from an insignificant city. Yet God chose such a place for the birth of the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. And just like He did with Bethlehem, God wants to do great things through us as well. When we surrender to Him and are open to His calling, the Lord will use us to accomplish tremendous and wonderful deeds!

December 22nd – Zechariah 9:9

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Zechariah 9:9

When the Israelites thought about their coming Messiah, they envisioned a mighty, conquering, king riding in on a royal steed. Yet He came not wrapped in a royal robe, but dressed in the clothes of the poor and humble and mounted on a donkey. Why? Because Jesus came to conquer not through violence. But instead through love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. All to to fulfill the will of the Father, and the prophecy of Zechariah. So imagine the excitement and joy filling the crowd as they watched their promised Messiah entering the City of David as the as King of the Jews and heir to the throne. No wonder they couldn’t help but cry out in jubilation, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9)