The Gate of Heaven: GOD WILL

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 28:10-22 (NRSV)

Jacob's ladder

Jacob left Beer sheba and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood beside him and said, "I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!" And he was afraid, and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

So Jacob rose early in the morning, and he took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called that place Bethel; but the name of the city was Luz at the first. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house; and of all that you give me I will surely give one tenth to you."

DEVOTION

It occurs to me that Jacob said something very interesting. He said, IF GOD will be with me..."

As human beings, I think we often start our sentences in this way. IF GOD does this, I will do that. IF GOD keeps his promise, then I will keep mine. IF GOD does what I've asked, then I will obey...

It's so sad that our worship, adoration, and generousity toward God is contingent upon so many things...

Jacob is revered as a great man of our faith, and yet even he struggled with his faith and his belief that God would indeed keep God's promises.

Verses prior to Jacob's "IF GOD," God had said, "Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Those were strong words of affirmation; yet Jacob still said, "IF GOD."

Today, I want to encourage us to check ourselves for a Jacob spirit. Wherever there may be disbelief in our hearts, let us affirm our faith in the God who loves us so much that He gave his Son to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

Since God loves us this much, we know that GOD WILL do what He said he will do. He will love us. He will deliver us. He will support us. He will provide for us. He will never leave us. He has already saved us!

Hallelujah!

Let's put all of our faith in our God as we pray:

Oh God, thank you that you are a God who keeps your promises! Please help me to steadfastly believe that you are always working things out for my good. Please help me to be aware of your presence with me, everywhere that I go. Please help me to be patient as I wait for you. And may I always be faithful to share the good news that you love, gave, and save! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

God's Promise: An Everlasting Covenant

Monday, Fourth Week of Advent

Genesis 17:15-22 (NRSV)

God promises Sarah a son

God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her." Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, "Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" And Abraham said to God, "O that Ishmael might live in your sight!" God said, "No, but your wife Sarah shall bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you; I will bless him and make him fruitful and exceedingly numerous; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year." And when he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.

DEVOTION

I love this passage of scripture because it reminds me that God loves and cares for all of his children!

There is not one person in this scripture passage that does not get blessed!

Abraham was blessed because he got to talk to God and receive God's promise. Sarah was blessed because her prayers were answered and she became pregnant with a son. Isaac was blessed because God established an everlasting covenant with him and Ishmael was blessed because God determined to make of him a great nation!

WOW!

Sometimes I worry that some of us believe that God's blessings are limited. We worry that if God blesses others, God might not bless us. It's almost as if we are concerned that God's provision is limited!

Take heart, my friends! God's storehouse is eternally full and God's blessings are innumerable!

God's got enough to take care of you and take care of me...

Isn't that wonderful good news?!

We don't have to covet the blessings of others; we don't have to be jealous of God's work in the lives of our friends.

Instead, we get to trust God and lean completely into God's wisdom and understanding, blessing and provision.

In this Advent Season, this ought to bring us tremendous peace and joy! God proved His willingness to love us and radically bless us when Jesus was born into our world on CHRISTmas Day!

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection prove to us beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is willing to go to any lengths to bless us!

Let us give God thanks and praise for the wonders of his promise and everlasting covenant with us all, through Christ Jesus!

Let's pray: Oh good and gracious God, how I love you. I praise and thank you for blessing me so abundantly. Please help me to share your blessings and bounty with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Emmanuel: God With Us!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV)
Our God near at hand

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,"
which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Restore Us, Oh Lord!

Saturday, Third Week in Advent

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (NRSV)

Show the light of your countenance

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!

You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!

Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn of our neighbors;
our enemies laugh among themselves.

Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved. ...

But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand,
the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you;
give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

No Longer Slaves, But FREE!

Friday, Third Week in Advent

Galatians 4:1-7 (NRSV)

God's Son, sent in the fullness of time

My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

DEVOTION

Today's scripture has special meaning to me because today is "GOTCHA DAY!" in my family.

This is the day that we will bring two new daughters home through the miracle of adoption.

These children were not born into our family, rather we sought them out, chose them, and invited them into the circle of our love--FOREVER!

Just two days ago, we Skyped with our new daughters and one of them shouted, "I CAN'T WAIT! I MEAN, I REALLY CAN'T WAIT!"

Today, my heart wishes that all of us could feel this way about our "adoption" by God into God's family.

Before Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we were not a part of God's family, after his sacrifice we are!

God's Spirit bears witness to God's love for us! Hallelujah!

I have biological children and now I have adopted ones and I find that I love them all the same!

Thank God, for God's amazing love, that "adopts" us and call us His own!

Hallelujah!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

All Are One in Christ Jesus!

Thursday, Third Week in Advent

Galatians 3:23-29 (NRSV)

Children of God by Christ's coming

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.

DEVOTION

Any parent should be able to understand today's scripture reading.

Right now my young children are of an age that they NEED lots of rules!

We need a rule for everything so that they can understand right from wrong. When they mess up we need a consequence for everything, so that they will make wiser choices in the future.

But, it is my sincere hope that a day will come when my kids don't require all of these rules! I hope that their hearts will be molded by "my laws" such that when they are adults they will make wise choices on their own!

Ultimately, I hope that all of my rules will teach them one simple rule--WALK IN LOVE. If they learn to walk in love, they will find that they are obedient to every other law!

Jesus came to teach us this same principle. God is love. We are called to love God and neighbor as ourselves.

Now that Jesus has died on the cross and made atonement for our sin and gifted us with eternal life, truly we are all one in Christ!

Jesus died for ALL and all of us are covered in His love.

Let's rejoice during this Advent Season, for we are united in the bonds of love forever!

Let's pray: Thank you God for making us all one in Christ! Thank you for teaching us to walk in love. Please help me to love you and my neighbors all of the days of my life. Please forgive me for failing to do so on my occasions. I truly want to be the hands, feet, and mouth of Jesus for those in need of him. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

He Bore Our Dis-Eases!

Wednesday, Third Week in Advent

Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34 (NRSV)

Jesus heals

When Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother in law lying in bed with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." ...

When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, "What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go!" So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.

DEVOTION

I am struck by the dichotomy in today's scripture reading.

On the one hand, we read about a community who experiences the miraculous healing of Peter's mother-in-law and responds positively, bringing all of their sick and dis-eased to Jesus for healing.

Then on the other hand, we have another community who experiences the miraculous healing power of Jesus and fiercely banishes him from their town.

While this might look and sound crazy, it is truly how many people respond to Jesus--either you love or hate him, embrace or push him away, invite him in or beg him to leave.

How sad!

It is clear to me that people who push Jesus away are desperately in need of the good news that Jesus came to bring! They need to know--and believe--that God loves them passionately and sent Jesus into the world to die on the cross to make atonement for their sin and gift them with eternal life!

During this Advent Season as we "watch and pray," may we also be compelled to confess our sin and to share the good news that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

Let us pray: Oh God, I am sorry for all of the times that I have pushed Jesus out of my life. I know that it is only Him who is able to heal all of my dis-eases. Please help me to welcome Jesus with all of my heart, today and always. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Healing Waters: Mortal, Have You Seen This?

Tuesday, Third Week of Advent

SCRIPTURE

Ezekiel 47:1-12 (NRSV)

The wilderness will flower

Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and the water was coming out on the south side.

Going on eastward with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. He said to me, "Mortal, have you seen this?"


Then he led me back along the bank of the river. As I came back, I saw on the bank of the river a great many trees on the one side and on the other. He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. People will stand fishing beside the sea from En gedi to En eglaim; it will be a place for the spreading of nets; its fish will be of a great many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they are to be left for salt. On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing."


DEVOTION

Come on somebody! Doesn't this scripture make you shout HALLELUJAH!

I love this imagery of God's "living waters" flowing out from the Kingdom of Love and flooding the human realm with abundance, fruitfulness, and healing!

Ah! This picture reminds me of the waters of Baptism as well. As we go under the water we "die" with Christ to our sin and as we come up out of the water, we are resurrected to new life in God's Family!

Furthermore, I am reminded of the woman at the well to whom Jesus said, "but whoever drinks the water I give her will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give her will become in her a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

Again, Hallelujah and Praise the Lord!

Isn't it grand that because Jesus lived, died, and rose again, we are the recipients of "living water" that will ensure our eternal lives?

On this day, if you are spiritually thirsty, God wants to quench your thirst. If you feel as if you have been living in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water, God is sending forth waters that will be for your salvation.

COME! COME! COME!

All is now ready, please come!'


PRAYER

If you have never put all of your hope in Jesus, today would be a wonderful day to do so. Won't you pray with me?

Holy God, I am so thirsty! I am always looking for something that I cannot find. Today, I bring my thirst to you, putting all of my hope in Jesus. I believe that you love me. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to make atonement for my sin and then rose on the third day to ensure my eternal life. Please do forgive my sin and fill me with Your Spirit, so that I can walk in love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


SPECIAL NOTE

If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, today, you have become a follower of Christ! Let me encourage you to tell a Christian friend that you just put all of your hope in Jesus. Ask him or her to help you find a Bible that is easy for you to understand and to find a good Bible believing church where you can be baptized and make new friends who will walk with you on your Christian journey!

I would be honored if you would take a moment to click "YES" in answer to the survey question "Did you put all of your hope in Jesus today?" located at the top-right-hand corner of this blog.

Congratulations and Happy Re-birthday! Your salvation is our GOOD NEWS, please go and share the GOOD NEWS with others!

INVITATION

If you have questions more questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Fresh JOY: They Will Sanctify My Name!

Monday, Third Week in Advent

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 29:17-24 (NRSV)

The infirm will be healed

Shall not Lebanon in a very little while
become a fruitful field,
and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest?
On that day the deaf shall hear
the words of a scroll,
and out of their gloom and darkness
the eyes of the blind shall see.
The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord,
and the neediest people shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
For the tyrant shall be no more,
and the scoffer shall cease to be;
all those alert to do evil shall be cut off
those who cause a person to lose a lawsuit,
who set a trap for the arbiter in the gate,
and without grounds deny justice to the one in the right.

Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:
No longer shall Jacob be ashamed,
no longer shall his face grow pale.
For when he sees his children,

the work of my hands, in his midst,
they will sanctify my name;
they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob,
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
And those who err in spirit will come to understanding,
and those who grumble will accept instruction.


DEVOTION

Ah! I am so excited about the promise that it is God who supplies "fresh JOY in the Lord!"

Yesterday, in our church, we lit the Candle of joy on our advent wreath.

The more I think about it, the more I realize what a precious gift joy truly is...

See, I have heard it said that happiness depends upon our circumstances, but joy is a gift from God that can never be taken away!

Joy endures in difficult circumstances. Joy perseveres even in hardship. Joy smiles when it wants to frown. Joy is a present that can be re-gifted time and time again during this CHRISTmas season! And joy never runs out! It is always renewed every morning!

Hallelujah! Isn't joy grand!

On this day, if you are suffering under the dark clouds of a negative and despairing spirit during this holy day season, I speak God's JOY into your life in the Name of Jesus!

You don't have to wait for your troubles to cease or your circumstance to change, you can CHOOSE JOY. You can smile in spite of it all. You can turn your face and heart to God who loves you, has made provision for your salvation, and has a good plan for your life to help and not harm you. You can sanctify God's Name, by putting Him first and foremost in your life!

As you look to God, who is the start and finish of our faith, God will renew your joy! Hallelujah!


Let us pray: Oh God, it's getting on towards CHRISTmas! I want to be joyful at your birthday party! Please renew my joy in you. Please help me to choose joy despite my circumstances. Please help me to put a smile on my face and my trust in you. Since you gave Jesus to live, die, and rise again to forgive my sin and gift me with eternal life, I know that I have a reason to choose joy. Please, help me to walk in joy today and always, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Oh When the Saints, Go Marching In!

SCRIPTURE

All Saints Day
Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.


DEVOTION

As a pastor, I have had the privilege of sitting at many a bedside as people transition from this life to the next.

It is always an awesome thing to behold as a Christian, with strong faith, begins to take flight!

Although it is sometimes painful to watch a loved one laboring out of this world, and into their eternal life, we take great courage in the blessed assurance that God is waiting to "catch" them on the other side.

In Christ, we do have the incredible inheritance of eternal life! We are also strengthened as we reflect on our place in the body of Christ!

Often, I imagine that I can hear the strains of the song, "Oh when the saints go marching in...", as I watch a Christian take their final breaths.

Because we are in Christ, we know that they are going to a better and more wonderful place and that we will see them again one day.

God has been so gracious to us by giving Jesus to make atonement for our sin and gifting us with eternal life! As we put all of our hope in him, we know that our eternal lives are secure and we can plan to rest in peace!


Let us pray: Oh God, I feel great peace in knowing that my eternal life is secure in you. Thank you for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection that makes my blessed assurance possible. Thank you for all of the saints who have gone before me into Heaven and thank you that one day, I will join in that number! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

FREE INDEED!

SCRIPTURE

Reformation Day
John 8:31-36 (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?"
Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.


DEVOTION

Today is a very exciting day in protestant churches; you will probably notice a lot of people wearing red as a result. It is Reformation Sunday--a day set aside to remember the move of God's Spirit on the heart of Martin Luther.

If you are not Catholic, you owe a debt of gratitude to Martin Luther. For it was Martin Luther who began the reformation that led to all other Christian denominations.

The spirit of the reformation is that of freedom! We are reminded that in Christ we are set truly free! We are not slaves to people, institutions, or even our own sin. Rather, we are set free in Christ to fully experience God's Amazing Grace!

I love Ephesians 2: 8-9 which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Isn't it wonderful good news that salvation is a work of God and not of man? We are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ!

This faith sets us free to express our gratitude through kind and loving deeds toward others; but we must always remember that our good deeds are not a means of securing our pardon or "purchasing" a ticket to get into heaven, rather they are a reasonable response to God's great love!

I am so thankful for God's love revealed to us in Christ Jesus! I am so thankful that I am set free by Christ because of God's Amazing Grace. And I am so thankful for the spirit of reformation which encourages me to read my own Bible, reflect deeply on God's Word, and cling tightly to my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

God is so good and freedom is so sweet! Hallelujah!


Let us pray: Thank you God for setting me free in Christ! Thank you for Jesus' life, death, and resurrection which made atonement for my sin and gifts me with eternal life! Thank you for the words that you spoke to Martin Luther so many years ago. Thank you for his reformist spirit that would not let him be quiet even in the face of great persecution. Help me to be so bold. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

LISTEN

SCRIPTURE

John 8:39-47 (NRSV)

True children of Abraham

They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing what Abraham did, but now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are indeed doing what your father does." They said to him, "We are not illegitimate children; we have one father, God himself." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now I am here. I did not come on my own, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word. You are from your father the devil, and you choose to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God."

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)


LISTEN

He says we're deaf.
What did you say?
He says we're deaf.
What's that now?
He says we're deaf.
We cannot hear.
We do not listen.
How's that again?
Deaf, I say!
He says we're deaf
and dumb
and devils...
What now?
I cannot hear you!
Thus, I will not believe...
What's that?
Take my fingers out of my ears?!
HUMPH
what did you say?

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Grace & Peace

SCRIPTURE 2 Peter 1:1-11 (NRSV) Participants of the divine nature Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For anyone who lacks these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you. DEVOTION Indeed our faith is a very precious thing! It does bestow upon the believer a measure of grace and peace that allows us to be--and act--very differently in the world than other people do. Grace is the willingness to give to others that which they do not deserve. I have often thought that "to whom much is given, much is required," speaks richly to my ability to share grace with others. God granted me grace in abundance when Love allowed Jesus to die on the cross to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. I know that I did not deserve such an extravagant sacrifice, but God did it anyway! Since God did such a wonderful thing for me, truly I can extend grace to others. Because we live in such a peaceful place as Christians, we are able to attach our faith to goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love! These spiritual attributes set us apart from the rest of the world. Our willingness to extend grace and to make peace also set us apart as well. Today, it is my prayer that our faith will be increased in such a way that grace and peace do abound causing us to act in ways that announce the good news in word, thought and deed! Let us pray: Holy One: thank you for Jesus! Thank you for the grace and peace that is mine because I believe in him. Please help me to extend these virtues to others. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen. INVITATION If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GREATER!

SCRIPTURE

Simon and Jude, Apostles
1 John 4:1-6 (NRSV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.


DEVOTION

Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

The sentence above is going to be my word of encouragement for today!

All of us face challenges in our lives. Some of us have stress at home or on the job. Some of us experience anxiety due to illness or dis-ease in mind or body. Some of us actually have enemies or people who hate us simply because of who we are.

I don't know what your stress, worry, fear, or anxiety is, but I do know who GOD is!

Today's scripture reminds us that we are from GOD and thus we are more than conquerors!

The Holy Spirit resides within us--fighting our battles--and helping us to emerge victorious!

No matter what you are facing today, your God is big enough, bad enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to solve it!

Let us take our rest confident that God is well able to fight our battles and bring about victory in our lives!

Hallelujah!


Let us pray: God, I trust you completely. Greater are you, than any other person, place, or thing in my life. I know that you are able to help me solve my problems. I look to you as the author and finisher of my faith! Since you did not withhold your son, but allowed him to live, die, and rise again for me, I know that you will not withhold anything else! You are an awesome and generous God and I love you. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

GOD'S GOT THIS!

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 84:8-12 (NRSV)

A doorkeeper in God's house

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!
Selah
Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed.

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts,
happy is everyone who trusts in you.

DEVOTION

I am very reassured by the words, "No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you."

I don't know about you, but my life is stressful right now! Between the responsibilities of home, work, and community, sometimes I can't remember if I'm coming or going.

Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I start trying to handle my stress on my own. I start trying to negotiate my stressful circumstances by my own power. When this happens, failure is imminent, because it is GOD, and GOD ALONE, who is the giver of good things.

Today, I am determined to remember that better is one day in God's courts, than a thousand elsewhere!

As I put my complete trust in God, I can rest in the blessed assurance that God has a good plan for my life, not to harm me, but to give me a future and a hope.

GOD'S GOT THIS, FRIENDS! Be at peace...

Let us pray: Oh God! I am so grateful that you gave Jesus to live, die, and rise again to make atonement for my sin and gift me with eternal life. In this action, you proved that you are more than powerful enough to save me from any situation. Please help me to turn my worries, fears, and anxieties over to you, trusting that you will withhold no good thing from me. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Writing on the Wall

SCRIPTURE

Daniel 5:1-12 (NRSV)

A hand writing on the wall

King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand.

Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar commanded that they bring in the vessels of gold and silver that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.

Immediately the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the plaster of the wall of the royal palace, next to the lampstand. The king was watching the hand as it wrote. Then the king's face turned pale, and his thoughts terrified him. His limbs gave way, and his knees knocked together. The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the diviners; and the king said to the wise men of Babylon, "Whoever can read this writing and tell me its interpretation shall be clothed in purple, have a chain of gold around his neck, and rank third in the kingdom." Then all the king's wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king the interpretation. Then King Belshazzar became greatly terrified and his face turned pale, and his lords were perplexed.

The queen, when she heard the discussion of the king and his lords, came into the banqueting hall. The queen said, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts terrify you or your face grow pale. There is a man in your kingdom who is endowed with a spirit of the holy gods. In the days of your father he was found to have enlightenment, understanding, and wisdom like the wisdom of the gods. Your father, King Nebuchadnezzar, made him chief of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and diviners, because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation."

DEVOTION

Every time I read this scripture I giggle. Truly this is an example of "seeing the writing on the wall."

We use this expression in English vernacular to mean that we see what is coming, or what is going on ahead of time...

In King Belshazaar's time, he learned that one should not worship idol gods or trifle with the things of God.

In our time, we too should see the writing on the wall.

We live in the shadow of the cross. We have seen the glorious power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. We ought to be able to "see the writing on the wall" and remember the same things Belshazaar learned--don't worship idol gods and don't trifle with the things of God!

God, and God alone, is worthy of our worship and adoration. No one and no thing should come before our love relationship with him.

All too often, we bow down before the gods of money, power, prestige, cars, boats, cabins, 401ks, and the like. In 2010, these are our idols of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.

But, these idols will pass away! And the only god left standing will be the Almighty God, who is Alpha & Omega. It is this God who was in the beginning and will be in the end. It is this God who heals, saves, and delivers. It is this God who made and sustains all things. It is this God who is coming back again to establish a new heaven and a new earth!

Today, I ask you, do you see the writing on the wall? If so, let us turn to God with our whole hearts in worship, praise, and adoration!

Let us pray: Oh God, worthy are you to receive all of the honor, glory, and praise! You are all victorious and I worship you today. Please help me to "see the writing on the wall" and to remember that you are the only GOD that is. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Only God!

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 2:1-10 (NRSV)

Hannah's song

Hannah prayed and said,
"My heart exults in the Lord;
my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in my victory.

"There is no Holy One like the Lord,
no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble gird on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low, he also exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's,
and on them he has set the world.

"He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
for not by might does one prevail.
The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king,
and exalt the power of his anointed."


DEVOTION

"There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

The verse above is going to be my "song" on today.

I don't know about you, but I am truly facing a situation in which I need a miracle!

I need the Lord to meet fear with love and anxiety/worry with peace.

I need the Lord to cause those who do not know me to look upon me with favor and to extend to me love and grace that I do not deserve.

I need the Lord to remove physical, mental, and spiritual obstacles that stand in the way of my dreams and desires!

And I need God to do a supernatural work in my life and family, opening and closing doors, making grief gentle and joy abound!

Without God, none of this is possible. It is only God who does such wonderful things!

Like Hannah, let us turn our eyes to God who is able to grant us the ultimate victory, in Jesus' Name!


Let us pray: Oh God! Thank you that ultimate victory is in Jesus Christ! Thank you for his life, death, and resurrection. Thank you for the atonement of sin and gift of eternal life. Please forgive me for trying to rely on my own power, wisdom, and timing. You are a great God, with an awesome plan for my life. I trust you completely. I pray this in the Name of your dear son, Jesus, my Savior and Lord, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Continue in what you believe!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:10-15 (NRSV)

The persecution of the godly

Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.


DEVOTION

Paul is far bolder than me in declaring his good example to others. But, having said that, I do pray that there is something in "my teaching, conduct, aim in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness" that will be an encouragement to those around me!

As Christians we are invited on a daily basis to "continue in what we have learned and firmly believed..." We know that our salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and as we live into that joyous reality we will manifest the fruit of the Spirit and other godly attributes that will be a blessing to others.

Although all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we can do our best to set a good example--especially for our loved ones and neighbors who have not yet put all of their hope in Jesus!

I am so glad that Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! I hope that my gratitude radiates out of my life and into the lives of others!


Let's pray: Oh Good God, thank you for all of the ways that you bless me to be a blessing to others! Please fill me with your love, joy, and peace, so that by my example others will come running to you! I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

Live in Light & Victory!

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NRSV)

Godlessness

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate silly women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always being instructed and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.


DEVOTION

Today's scripture reading makes me so grateful for the blessed assurance that Jesus saves and he saves to the utmost!

Surely, we are in the "last days" described above. We need look no further than our computers, televisions, and newspapers to realize that we are a sinful people prone to hurting ourselves and others.

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, who gave his life upon the cross to atone for our sin and gift us with eternal life!

Although we don't know exactly when Jesus will chose to come again ushering in an age of peace and prosperity unlike any before, we do know that we have his promise that he will!

It is awesome to live in the victory of The Light. Light did indeed conquer darkness and Jesus has overcome the world!

This is good news and I pray that we will boldly share it with others! When Jesus was resurrected, victorious over sin, death, and the grave, he set us truly free!

Today, let us confess our sin, receive our pardon, and live in The Light and Victory of Jesus!


Let us pray: Lord God Almighty! You are so Mighty to save! I love you so very much! Please help me to walk in the victory of your resurrection. Please forgive my sin. Please help me to share the good news with others. I pray this in your Holy Name, Amen!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta

The Eye of the Storm...

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 57 (NRSV)

Vindication from God

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.
I cry to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
He will send from heaven and save me,
he will put to shame those who trample on me.
Selah
God will send forth his steadfast love and his faithfulness.

I lie down among lions
that greedily devour human prey;
their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongues sharp swords.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

They set a net for my steps;
my soul was bowed down.
They dug a pit in my path,
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
I will awake the dawn.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.


DEVOTION

Let those in need of a word of encouragement draw near today!

Hear the words of the psalmist, "in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by..."

I don't know about you, but I know what it is to have fierce storms raging in my life! I've heard it said, "When it rains, it pours!" and it is true. Sometimes it feels like everything goes wrong all at once--the rains are falling, the winds are blowing, and we're soaked to the skin--physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually...

It is at times like these that God invites us to remember that God is our refuge in the time of storm.

As we begin to praise God in the midst of the storm, a funny thing happens. We find that we can stand in THE EYE OF THE STORM. The storm rages and blows all around us, but in the center of the storm we find love, joy, and peace with God, through Jesus Christ!

The psalmist said, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the clouds."

Oh yes! Hallelujah! GOD's faithfulness extends to the clouds...

Be not dismayed, dear one, God is with us! (even in the midst of the storm)


Let us pray: Oh God! The storms are raging in my life, but you are an anchor and I trust you! Thank you for loving me so much that you allowed Jesus to live and die and rise again to atone for my sin and gift me with eternal life. Thanks for standing with me in the eye of the storm. You are good! Amen.

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta