December
December 1, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN EPHESUS
Revelation 2:1-7 NASB2020
[1] “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this: [2] ‘I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; [3] and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. [4] But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [5] Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. [6] But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’
In the bustling life of faith, we often find ourselves caught up in the commendable acts of service. Just like that part of the body of Christ, we strive to be diligent servants, upholding righteousness, and discerning true apostles from the false. We persevere through trials, enduring hardships for the sake of Jesus Christ. Yet, during all this devotion and good work, we sometimes miss the most crucial aspect: our intimate relationship with the Lord. They were doing almost everything right—except they had lost their first love. Their hearts, once fervently burning with passion for Him, had grown cool. They were so busy, even with good things, that their minds were consumed by tasks, leaving little room for their most vital need: to be deeply in love with the Lord. Today, let's take a moment to examine our own routines, schedules, and priorities. Are we truly in love with Jesus, or are we merely going through the motions? What would Jesus say to us right now about our love for Him?
Prayer: Father, for those among us who have fallen out of love with You, we ask You to reignite that flame within us. Bring us back into that deep, intimate relationship with You that we once cherished. For those who have never experienced such closeness, reveal to us the unmatched beauty of walking intimately with You. Teach us to prioritize You more than anything else in our lives. Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have placed other things before You. Help us to truly make our relationship with You our number one priority. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 2. 2024
TESTIMONY AND CONFESSION
Psalm 51:12-13 (NASB)
“Restore to me the joy of my salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.”
The most precious release is the one of confession. When I've lived in darkness or struggle and the haunting turmoil has surrounded me I can't help but grasp after truth telling. It feels like new life when I lay myself out to be known. There's power in the exposure. It feels simultaneously undoing and remaking. It feels a little strange, like wearing a new pair of boots. The Lord speaks to me and tells me that this is good, this is necessary. He gives me the words and they spill out. I fumble out the confession of unbelief, fear, selfishness, pride and more. The secrets explode and the ugliness that wrapped them up is destroyed. The ears that hear me are gracious and kind. The mouths that speak to me are soft and honest.
The scales fall off. I see glory again.
I'm grateful for the peace that comes with bringing my people into my story. I feel myself finding my footing and settling into the balance of it. I'm discovering that the Lord has a greater, more lasting plan. I'm longing for the future and I smile at it. I sit down and I meditate on it. I feel hopeful. I feel sure.
I battle the generational visitors that try to trap me into death. I battle my mind that would love to condemn me. I battle the flesh that would love to bury me. I cling to the cross and declare "it is finished!" I will not be used as an instrument of destruction. I surrender to the King of my heart and bow as He extends the scepter of grace. Then He calls me His daughter and He holds me close. I receive the full measure of forgiveness. I am emboldened by the tenderness of His embrace. In dignity I hold all that He has for me. From the tips of my toes to the top of my head I am caressed in blessings. His kisses never end.
PRAYER
My God,
You use each and every failure to bring us back to You. We need You and You are quick to give Yourself to us. We want to be the kind of people that take all of our testimonies back to the throne room where they can be redeemed and used to bring our lost neighbors into salvation. You don’t waste anything! Thank You that no matter how far we run from You, You are never far. In fact, You are closer than a brother. We love You and thank You for the richness of Your grace and the abundance of Your mercy.
Amen
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December 3, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN SMYRNA
Revelation 2:8-11 NASB2020
[8] “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: [9] ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. [10] Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. [11] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’
In Acts 15, Paul had just preached the Gospel and captivated the crowds. However, some individuals, claiming to be Jews, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, believing he was dead. Yet, Paul got up, re-entered the city, and continued preaching. After making many disciples, they journeyed to other cities, encouraging believers to continue in the faith and reminding them that "It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God." When we encounter tribulations, it's not a curse but an opportunity to demonstrate that God's promises are real and true. Our willingness to suffer for our beliefs can lead others to think, "Maybe the God of these Christians is real." When the enemy uses people to lash out, we must respond with love. When faced with gossip, instead of agreeing, we should say something kind about the person being spoken of. Our commitment to act as Christ would elevate Him, and when Christ is lifted up, He draws people to Him. Our readiness to endure suffering strengthens our testimony. The early disciples, and even Jesus, showed us the profound impact of their willingness to suffer. It highlights how much we need to grow when we sometimes resist even the smallest discomfort.
Prayer: Father, grant us the courage of Paul, who, despite being nearly beaten to death, returned to the very town where he was attacked and continued to speak the truth. Help us to speak the truth fearlessly and lovingly, even when we anticipate persecution. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
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December 4. 2024
CLIMBING HIGH
Isaiah 2:2 (NASB)
“Now it will come about that in the last days the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, and will be raised above the hills; and all the nations will stream to it.”
My flesh wants to step down and find satisfaction on the ground floor. It wants to get low into the familiarity of lesser things but my spirit wants to race upward. It wants to find the high places and grab at the heavenly hosts. The ambivalent nature of my own being is at the forefront of my mind. I dig into the Word. I pen out the confession. I curl up in my bed and give it to God.
There is a gentleness my God extends to me. He meets me in the covers and hears me out. He knows all things and lets me wrestle. "Unclench your hands, daughter." He says. I see the white in my fingertips as they dig into my palms. I'm holding so tightly to silly discontentments. I know that I will give up sooner or later so why don't I just give up now? Why do I want to feel the prickles of the burs? I don't want the sting in my fists but I look at the thistles and give them value. I've named them as friends that validate my pride and selfishness.
"Come up, little babe." He calls me to ascend and I am drawn in by the warmth of His voice. He plucks out the thorns and tells me the truth. He remakes the cells and restores my palms. He holds my hands and strokes them with his fingers. The tenderness commands total surrender.
I climb up the mountain of God. I meet HIm where the forefathers have met Him before and the thunderous nature of His presence rattles me to my knees. I lay down my flesh like an old tattered blanket and we burn it together on the altar of praise. He takes the thorns and thistles and burns them life chaff. Worship. That’s what this is. I worship on the mountain and my soul touches the heavens.
PRAYER
Mountain Maker,
You call us to come upward not only so that we are drawn close to You but also so we can have a higher view of the territory beneath us. We scramble to the top, knowing that the altar set before us is the best place to receive rest. Thank You for calling us into Your presence. Thank You for the joy of the thunder in Your voice and the relief when You take the harmful things from our hands. We love being with You in the high places.
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December 5, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM
Revelation 2:12-17 NASB2020
[12] “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: [13] ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold firmly to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. [14] But I have a few things against you, because you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. [15] So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [16] Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. [17] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.’
Living in a place where Satan’s throne is set up must have been incredibly challenging. This part of the Church had caught Satan's attention because they were advancing God's Kingdom and disrupting the enemy's plans. When Satan turns up the heat, it means we are doing something right, and he’s trying to stop what God is doing through us. However, the King of Kings pointed out one thing to this group of believers—some were still holding on to and practicing idolatry. Having the Lord of Hosts wage war against us with the sword of His mouth would be devastating. He adds, "The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Note the plural: churches. This message was not just for the small group of believers in Pergamum but is a message for any of us if it applies. Let there be many who have ears to hear. Let there be many who overcome. Let there be many who taste the hidden manna. Let there be many who receive a white stone with their new name written upon it.
Prayer: Father, use us to make a difference in Your Kingdom. Make such a difference through us that it shakes the gates of Hell. As we stir up the enemy, shield us from any evil that might come our way. Thank you for being our strong tower, our place of safety, and our strength. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 6. 2024
THIS IS WAR
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB)
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war in the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
How providential is it that as I knelt down to pray this morning I had our arsenal laying next to me. I'm reminded of a sermon from this last year. This is war. I set aside my cowardice. I pick up the sword. I buckle the armor and cinch it up tight. Even though I don't feel like it, I am ready for battle. I know that my obedience to surrender is my warcry. I know that the mumbling of my prayers cracks through the enemy's attack.
There on my raw floor I lay down my rawest self. I hold fast to the fasting. I am completely honest even though I know that God knows it already. I am specific in my confession. I say the appalling things. I want to be remade.
God and I warfare together. We cast down imaginations, we call the enemy into submission and take up every battle tool in order to make sure that the defeat is thorough. He crashes through the gates of hell and takes revenge. My God fights for me.
PRAYER
Warrior of all warriors,
Thank you God. Thank you for the arsenal of truth. Thank you for the rawness. Thank You for the battle cries and the armor. Thank You for coming to fight for me and with me. The battleground isn’t scary when I know that the Victor stands in front of me. Thank You for the completeness of the defeat. I don’t have to worry about the enemy coming after me because You have stood in the gap.
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December 7, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN THYATIRA
Revelation 2:18-29
[18] “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and feet like burnished bronze, says this: [19] ‘I know your deeds, and your love and faith, and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. [20] But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. [21] I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. [22] Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. [23] And I will kill her children with plague, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. [24] But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. [25] Nevertheless what you have, hold firmly until I come. [26] The one who overcomes, and the one who keeps My deeds until the end, I will give him authority over the nations; [27] and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are shattered, as I also have received authority from My Father; [28] and I will give him the morning star. [29] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
In Hebrew, the word Jezebel means "a Tyrian woman" and is often used as a synonym for a termagant or false teacher. Within the church, there were people teaching that it was acceptable to practice sexual immorality and participate in idol worship. Since idol worship was addressed to the church in Pergamum, let's discuss sexual immorality. Out of every sin I’ve ever practiced, sexual immorality caused me to feel completely shut off from God’s presence until I repented and stopped practicing it. Let’s consider how it makes God feel when we allow Satan to have his way with what belongs to the Lord. Take a husband and wife, for example. The Word says the husband's body belongs to the wife, and the wife’s body belongs to the husband. If you’ve ever felt that sick feeling when you’ve even thought about someone else having intimate access to your spouse’s body, that’s probably what we make the Lord feel like, except He’s right there watching what we’re doing. We do it in His face as if He means nothing to us. Wow! That’s why we feel the way we do when we practice sexual immorality. We are joined to the Lord. When we make Him feel sick to His stomach, we feel sick to our stomach. Indulging in acts of sexual immorality might bring a short-lived good feeling, but it will also bring a separation of intimate fellowship with the Lord that causes a sick feeling nothing will take away. Only turning back to Him will heal this type of gut-twisting sickness. We must use our bodies as instruments of righteousness, remembering that we are His temple.
Prayer: Father, there are so many of us who struggle with sexual immorality. Some of us are honest about these struggles, but some are afraid to speak about it. Bring people into our lives who will understand the things we struggle with so we can be transparent and start working on becoming more like You. Let there be no secrets in our lives that give the enemy power over us. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 8. 2024
THE GATHERED PIECES
Psalm 103:11-15 (NASB)
“”For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust. As for man, his days are life grass; as a flower of the field so he flourishes.”
Little pieces of my being are collected by the Maker tonight. He grabs ahold of the fractions that fall off and places them in a basket. Just as sweetly as I collect flowers and place each stem in the cradle of my arm, He plucks me up from the ground and lets me rest in the softness of His possession. All I can see is the undoing and I shy away as the fragments fall off. I don't want to look at it. He sees glory and adores the surrender. He perceives me in eternity and pushes His nose into the perfect fragrance of my forgiveness. The blossoms of my righteousness leave an aromatic trace that's entirely unique, entirely me.
I can't help but melt in the kindness of His gaze. I wish I could rest in this place all the time. I want all the bits to be continually gathered up by His hands and set together like a bouquet. I want the variety of colors to blend into a prism of grace. It's such a simple thing, being collected; but it's such an awkward thing to fall apart.
Just like the Word says, I look at this reflection, this colorful prism of grace, and forget it as soon as I turn away. I don't want to forget so easily. I want the intimacy of this knowing to be at the forefront of my mind. I want it to linger. I want the color of the petals to bleed into the fabric of my being, I want the mercy of His gathering to stain me.
PRAYER
Take me, take my all, God. Amass me into a heap of restoration. Redeem each portion to its fullest measure. Thank You for collecting me and tracing my petals with Your affection. You are so sweet to me. Just as You press Your nose into the fragrance of my surrender, I pray that I press my nose into the fragrance of Your affection. Help me to see the beauty of being gathered. I want to display the bouquet of Your intentionality toward me, arranged in a way that reveals the creativity of Your grace. I love You.
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December 9, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN SARDIS
Revelation 3:1-6
[1]“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead. [2] Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. [3] So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Then if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. [4] But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. [5] The one who overcomes will be clothed the same way, in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. [6] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
This is a passage most people want to skip, forget, or convince themselves it doesn't mean what it says. Let's examine a few things Jesus is addressing:
"You have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead (spiritually dead)." This reminds me of a Christmas tree. It has no roots. It's decorated beautifully on the outside but lacks life on the inside.
"Be constantly alert (awake and watchful), and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die. Remember what you have received and heard, and keep it, and repent." As a whole, Christ was telling them that faith was still found in a few of them, but they needed to be watchful and keep what they still had. The word "keep" comes from a root word which means "a fortress or full military lines of apparatus." The Lord of Hosts, their Commander and Chief, was giving them orders to wake up from their sleep, realize the enemy was in their camp, form a full military line against the enemy's attack, and fight for the life that still remained in them.
This is why Paul kept warning us to keep the faith, continue in the faith, and hold fast to the faith. Our faith is the most precious thing we have. It's why God wrapped us in our white garment (the Robe of Righteousness). Our faith is what keeps our white garment from being soiled. Remember what the Word says about faith: faith works through love. We must walk in love for our faith to remain. Love is the secret to abiding in the Vine. Love makes our roots grow deep, and our tree of faith becomes strong. The wind, rain, flood, and drought can come, but a deeply rooted tree will stand firm, bearing fruit in every season.
Prayer: Father, thank You for depositing a measure of faith within us, giving us the ability to believe, receive Your love, and love others. Unbelief is the only thing that can soil our white garment. When we are tempted to go down a road of rebellion, remind us of what’s at the end of that road—unbelief. We don’t know how long the road is that leads to unbelief, but we know none of us wants to find out. Keep us on the narrow path that leads to life. Help us always remember that it’s not our obedience that allows us to place one foot on the narrow path; it’s only the blood of Jesus Christ that washes us clean so we can place our foot on a path where only holy feet can walk. Our faith in this is what we must cling to. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 10. 2024
BUILT ON A FIRM FOUNDATION
“A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” Proverbs 14:1
"She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard. She works energetically; her arms are powerful." Proverbs 31:16-17
Our homes are a pivotal place in this world. They are a refuge for the weary, a sanctuary of joy, and a habitation of endless praise. In a society where the value of the home has been tragically diminished, it’s our privilege to steward our homes in a way that offers life.
No matter what stage of life we are in, gender we were given, or resources we have, we are called to build our homes on the foundation of truth. The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth of righteousness, and the truth of Godly love must hold up the structure and adorn our homes like paintings and furniture. They bring both beauty and purpose to our homes. What a privilege it is to build a home and what a comfort to know that we don’t have to build it alone. We get to do it with You, the Master Carpenter.
PRAYER
Lord,
Help me build our home on You and Your word. Thank You for being my foundation. Thank You for raising the walls and holding up the roof. Thank You for strong arms and energy. I pray that this place would bring You glory. Fill it up with your people, Lord. Thank You for this sanctuary! You are the Master Carpenter who guides us and upholds us. Thank You for laughter and joy, both of which overflow out of every window and door. You have wonderful things in store for us!
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December 11, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA
Revelation 3:7-13
[7] “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: [8] I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. [9] Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. [10] Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. [11] I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. [12] The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. [13] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
This is what the King of Kings said about this group of believers:
THEY FOLLOWED HIS WORD! Because they were obedient, He put an open door before them, which no one could shut. He is the only One who holds the key of David. He is the only One who opens a door no one can shut and closes a door no one can open. There will be times in our lives when only God will be able to get us out of a situation. Are we walking with the only One with the Master key? He has left us clear instructions on how to stay on the path of victory as we face our daily obstacles. All the enemy can do is lie. We have the Living Truth in our heart and the written truth in our hand. It's our choice who we listen to. Life and death are set before us. Choose life!
Prayer: Father, when we choose to obey Your instructions, there’s no telling what kind of doors You plan on opening for us and what lies beyond them. You make a way when there is no way. Thank You for choosing to use us in Your great plan. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 12. 2024
THE GLORY THAT LIES BENEATH
Isaiah 4 5:3 (NIV)
“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
The reflections on my pond remind me what a privilege it is to reflect the glory of God. I watch the ripples move across the water as the breeze picks up and the distortion of the surface makes it all the more beautiful. When I am still in the presence of God, I can see the power of His breath move across me. He gets close enough to the edge that even the slightest whisper affects the mirror. I don't have to do anything but exist, He is the artist that plants beauty all around me. Each season brings a new reflection with new colors and shapes.
I imagine the fish and turtles that swim beneath the surface. Every once in a while something breeches and participates with the breeze. The interaction embodies the type of relationship I want to have with God. I want that kind of unity all the time. I want to be so full of life that things pop up and participate with the work of God in every moment.
I love the secrecy of what swims beneath. I love that the mirror veils the deeper things. There's a sweetness in the hidden workings. From the bottom of the pond to the reflection of the heavens, God is in all and through all. He chooses to breathe over me and make life in me and reveal Himself on me. He is always present, always teaching, always loving.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for coming to us, to me. Thank you for my pond and the lessons that lay around every corner. Thank you for life, peace, stillness, and breath. I love you, Savior!
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December 13, 2024
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA
Revelation 3:14-22
[14] “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God, says this: [15] ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. [16] So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. [17] Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, [18] I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. [19] Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore, be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. [21] The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. [22] The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
This is the last group of believers the Lord addressed. After examining where each group fell short, we see some tactics the enemy uses to lead us out of God's will. Even though Satan knows his end, he still works tirelessly to lead as many people as he can into hell with him. Satan has been fighting this battle for a very long time; he is a spiritual warfare specialist. Those of us who have God's Spirit living within us can win our daily battles, but we must walk in the Spirit to tap into the power of God. The Word says, "Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world." For this promise to be effective in our lives, we must allow God to have His way. We can't walk in the flesh and expect the power of God to flow from us. That's not how it works. We can't be lukewarm like this group of believers and expect holy fire to flow from us to burn up the enemy. The Lord advised this group of believers to buy three things from Him: white garments, eye salve, and gold refined by fire. To receive these valuable gifts, we must relinquish our will. His will for us is to forgive others as He has forgiven us and to love others as He has loved us. When He puts His white garments on us, He declares us innocent, as if we had never sinned. When He puts eye salve on our eyes, He gives us the ability to see others as He sees them. When He gives us pure gold refined by holy fire, He begins to change the way we think and causes us to seek those things that are truly valuable, like peace, love, joy, family, and true friends. The desire to chase after worldly riches will begin to grow dim. If we asked a blind man what he would give to be able to see, what do you think he would be willing to give? Behold, He stands at the door and knocks!
Prayer: Father, clothe us in white garments, apply eye salve to our eyes, and give us gold refined by Your holy fire. Only You can bring us to life. Without You, all we will ever know is death. Call us out of the darkness and into the light. We don’t want to be lukewarm, only experiencing a glimpse of Your goodness. Pour Your goodness upon us in full measure. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 14. 2024
UNDONE BY GOD
Job 38:4-10 (NIV)
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone – while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, When I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place."
The earliest daylight crests the eastern hills and the morning stars hang in the sky. I proclaim to the heavens shouts of thanksgiving. They are louder than what most would feel is comfortable or appropriate. I cannot help but adore the generosity of my God. He could have taken away every good thing when we sinned in the garden but he didn't. He gives me the most superior things every day. I stretch out my arms and imagine the piercing glory of God coming straight to my heart. The rays of the sun break through and the goodness is almost too much to contain.
I want to fall on my knees and sit in the dew. I want to stay there until my feet go numb and my arms grow heavy. Sometimes I wish I could ignore all of the appointments and obligations of this life. Sometimes I wish I could bow in the grass and collect dirt on my jeans until the Savior was done laying His affections on me. I want to bury myself in the richness of the earth and cling onto the purity of our origins. The Lord reminds me that my name means "of the earth" and I smile. He brings to my memory that the "Ah" in my name means "the spirit has breathed on me" and my heart collapses in worship. My soul is layed out.
I am undeserving of the faithful love of God. I am undeserving of the countless blessings! There is nothing in me that has gained his favor. All I know to do is just receive it. He places the stars over my head and I can't help but be bewildered by the mysteries of his creation. He satisfies me over and over, showering me with the pleasures of his grace. I could not get away from them no matter how far I run. I can never outpace His mercy.
PRAYER
Lord,
We search out the marvels of Your creation and are undone by the beauty of them. We cannot comprehend the majesty that You set before us when You made the earth and all that is in it. All we can do is fall to our knees in worship, knowing that it was Your mercy that made this place so beautiful. We receive the measure of beauty that You have portioned out for us today and we give thanks. We love You.
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December 15, 2024
PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH
John 4:39-42 NASB2020
[39] Now from that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I have done.” [40] So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. [41] Many more believed because of His word; [42] and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One truly is the Savior of the world."
Why should people believe us when we tell them about the Kingdom of God? Most people don't want to hear anything to begin with. Before they are willing to listen to words, they want to see if we're people worth listening to. All day long, every day, people hear foolishness being spoken. How do they know who to listen to? When they see us take our own advice and witness the fruit that comes from it, they will know they can trust us. John also says, "Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." When we show people who Jesus is through love in action and become people who practice what we preach, they will be the ones asking us the questions.
Prayer: Father, help us to be good examples so we can lead people to You and not away from You. Forgive us for times when we've led people astray. Help us to walk in the Spirit and deny our flesh. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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December 16. 2024
PEARLS
Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV)
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
In tenderness and vulnerability I come to You, Lord. I know that only by Your grace can I be full of hope, joy, and peace. In this somber moment I cling to the pearls of truth that You have placed on my neck. I trace the curve of them with my fingers and close my eyes. I imagine the depths in which they were formed and I meditate on the intentionality of the creation of each one.
You see all of my longings and You know the ache of each one of them. It is Your desire to give them to me and You are generous. In the stillness of this moment You place Your arm around me and let me ruminate in all of the emotions that come forth. You don’t ask me to shove it down or hide it, You wipe away each tear and let me feel it all. I am not embarrassed to let You see me and don’t cover my face.
I surrender to the weakness in my spirit and I don’t fight the rest that greets me. There is deeper healing here; lasting and satisfying. I relax into a new found peace. It encompasses me and warms me up through and through. Your radiance penetrates every cell and restructures me. The completion of Your work is precious to me and I receive every ounce of it.
I trace the pearls again, knowing that they were each formed in redemption. I press them into my hand and notice the value of them. Each truth is beautiful and measurable. Each truth has weight and allure. You adorn me, God, and add to my merit. I love that You place the precious things on me, accentuating Your creativity. I receive every measure of grace and tenderness. I lay still in the palm of Your hand. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Your eyes never close and You watch over me.
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December 17, 2024
EAT BIG / STAY FULL
John 4:31-38 NASB2020
[31] Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat something.” [32] But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” [33] So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” [34] Jesus *said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. [35] Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. [36] Already, the one who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the one who sows and the one who reaps may rejoice together. [37] For in this case, the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ [38] I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have come into their labor.”
When Jesus told His disciples, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work," He was revealing the most important thing in their lives—planting seeds of love and truth and reaping souls unto eternal life for our Father. Jesus stayed full because He was eating big, not with physical food, but by doing the Father's will. He was constantly looking for opportunities to work for the Lord and, because of this, was continually filled with the Spirit to accomplish God's work. The Spirit is the gasoline for our spiritual car, giving us the power needed to do God's work. God is looking for people willing to work for His Kingdom. All we need is to be willing to go, and He’ll fill our tank. Let us open our eyes and look around. There is good ground begging for a good seed to be planted. There are seeds that have grown into plants, ready to be harvested into the Kingdom. We feed our bodies with physical food every day—are we eating the food Jesus was talking about?
Prayer: Father, give us a mindset that eagerly looks for opportunities to plant seeds. Give us eyes to see good ground and those ready to be harvested into Your Kingdom. Fill us with passion for Your work. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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December 18. 2024
COVERED
Lamentations 3:55-58 (NIV)
“I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: ’Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’ You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’ You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life.”
The fullness of grace covers me up like the north facing moss of the evergreens. It's prevalent, soft, and undeniably noticeable. I examine it closely, admiring the intricacies of its form and beauty. Each tiny rendril of life contains cells that multiply despite the dying condition of the tree. The "grace moss" sticks tightly to the bark and even hides in the cracks, it covers up any possible space. There's a forest of cedars and ponderosas, each one freckled with a carpet of green. The accents add to the glory of the landscape. No one would dare scoff at the sight of it.
Why then would I scoff at my own grace covering? Why would I try to pluck off the gift and impose on myself lifeless self righteousness? The cool rain washes off my pride and I nestle down in the forest bed. I wait as the array of green spreads on my trunk and limbs. I embrace the obviousness of it. I can't save myself or forgive my own sin. I might as well celebrate the gift of the moss which holds fast.
PRAYER
Lord,
I called on Your name from the depths of the pit. In the unseen places, the darkness consumed me. You heard my plea even when I didn't know what name to call You by. You came near to me, down into the filth and dust and said, "Do not fear, my daughter. I will give you life and you will know my voice. I have come to rescue you." You took me up, me and my story and you redeemed my life. You showed me Your face and taught me Your names. My mind cannot comprehend the measure of your grace. My spirit senses the eternal promise and I receive it. I love You.
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December 19, 2024
GRASPING AT NOTHING
Ecclesiastes 2:1 NASB2020
[1] I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself.” And behold, it too was futility.
Other than Jesus Christ Himself, there has not been, nor will there ever be, a man as wise as Solomon. With the wisdom that God blessed him with, he acquired everything his soul desired. He had all the money, comforts of life, and every kind of woman he could dream of. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. I’m sure as he was marrying each woman, he thought to himself, “Surely she will be the one to make me whole and bring me fulfillment?” Each time he acquired something or someone new, he found that everything and everyone grew old. The problem was, and still is, this: Satisfying the soul will never satisfy the spirit. The only thing that satisfies the spirit is to be joined with the Spirit who created it. Our spirit was created to be joined to and commune with the Spirit of God. Apart from Him, our soul recognizes that there is something terribly wrong. We can try to satisfy the soul with everything the world has to offer, but just as Solomon was unsuccessful, we too will fail. When our spirit is satisfied with the presence of God, our soul will find the rest it has been searching for.
Prayer: Father, some of us don’t know this truth, but some of us do and still refuse to quit chasing pointless pleasures. Help those who have never experienced perfect peace within the soul. Also, help those who refuse to quit chasing after things they know will never bring fulfillment. Thank You for Your mercy that never fails. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 20. 2024
WASHING
Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV)
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.”
You wash me with Your word, Lord. I am bathed from head to toe, each part of me relishing in the kindness of it. You write the word on the tablets of my heart and I draw on the peace of it. The warmth of every scripture penetrates into my bones and removes the chilling lies.
The bubbles of Your joy surround me and froth on the surface. They insulate me and cling to every exposed limb. I want to live here in the bubbles and the warmth. I want to sink down so my nose is barely above the water. I want to dip my ears under the threshold and be immersed in the baptism of prophecy.
PRAYER
Teach me new things, Rabbi. Thank you that I get to lay in the tub every day. Thank you that your word is alive, ready to speak new things to me. I pray that I would have the ears to hear and the eyes to see the mysteries that swirl around in the bath. I pray for the obedience to surrender to the scrubbing and the rinsing. I trust you to remove each and every spot. Make it thorough, Lord.
Holy Spirit, hover over the surface of the water like You did in the beginning. I pray that just as You formed the mountains and valleys, I would be formed according to your great compassion. With one word you redeem me. Your anointing radiates on my skin. Thank you for the intimacy of the washing. Thank you for knowing me and helping me to know you. I love you.
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December 21, 2024
NOTHING IS GREATER
John 5:10-12 NASB2020
[10] So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, “It is a Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet.” [11] But he answered them, “He who made me well was the one who said to me, ‘Pick up your pallet and walk.’” [12] They asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Pick it up and walk’?”
The Pharisees didn't care that this man was healed after being ill for 38 years. They were more concerned with pointing fingers and being judges. They should have recognized that only the power of God can heal and should have been praising God and celebrating with this man. Imagine the suffering he went through. He was so weak and sick that he couldn't get up and reach the pool that the angels stirred. Jesus saw the hopelessness and desperation of this man, and the Creator of the angels who stirred the pool was moved with compassion. Are we stirred with compassion when we see people in bondage, or are we offended because someone broke the Law? We break the Law when we judge them instead of loving them. Nothing is greater than love. It is the greatest requirement of the Law. It trumps everything!
Prayer: Father, there are so many good things that come from being obedient to Your Law. You didn't give us Your Law to keep us from having fun; You made it to keep us from harm. But like anything, we pervert it. If we get nothing else right, help us get the most important thing right. Give us a heart that has love and compassion like Yours. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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December 22. 2024
YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE
Psalm 63:1-3 (NASB)
"God You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory and because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands."
The sunrise casts hues of orange and gold on my walls and the shadows of the tree branches shift as the sun gets higher in the sky. I am thankful for the wall art. The Creator brings me into this moment and reminds me that just as quickly as the sunrise leaves, so I will leave this earth. Every second is precious and sacred. Every second creates a change, casting different shapes and shades all over this wall I call life.
I am thankful for the reminder of beautiful things, often unseen or unappreciated. I see the power and the glory in the sanctuary of my home. I stop to look and fix it in my mind. I lift up my hands and say, "Your love is better than life, Lord!"
In this moment I glance into eternity, longing for the perfection of it. It's easy to move straight past the gratitude of each second and into the impatience of the grind. I have to be pulled back, the Lord has joy in store for me today. He has things here on this earth that need shifting and shaping.
As I watch the colors fade from orange to white, I set the stillness of these precious few minutes aside. I know that it's time to move forward into my day. It's time to rejoice and be glad. It's time to get busy. I savor the last few seconds of warmth before I toss off my covers and scurry toward the gym. ‘
PRAYER
God,
I thank you for the treasure of the sunrise. I thank you for waking me up to a view that no one else got to see. The sweetness of your intentionality towards me softens all my hardness and sands down every sharp edge. Thank you for being my God, wholly set on rescuing me from every torment and sorrow. You are my everlasting peace! You are my redeemer! I praise you and love you..
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December 23. 2024
PREMEDITATED MURDER
John 5:14 NASB2020
Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.”
The temptation presented is the lie from the enemy. The strong desire or lust we have within us, longing to partake in the temptation, is our sinful nature. When we act or speak, giving in to what our sinful nature desires, we give birth to sin, which is the manifestation of the enemy's will. James 1:13-15 says, "No one is to say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then, when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death."
What is the will of the enemy? The enemy wants to use us as vessels to give birth to sin, so death can run its course, and something worse happens to us and our families. For example, when we allow the enemy to use us as bad examples for our children, we literally allow Satan to grab them by the hand and lead them down a path of death. Who knows what the end of that path will look like after death runs its course? Let me use my life as an example. I was a cool big brother instead of a good big brother to my sister. She looked up to me, and I showed her that it was okay to do drugs and live a wild life. I let Satan use me to grab her by the hand and drag her down a path of death. When death ran its course in her life, she lost her life. This didn't happen immediately. Death is patient, allowing us to have a good time for a while, pretending to be our best friend, but while it's laughing and smiling with us, it's planning our demise.
Prayer: Father, help us to see even the smallest traps the enemy has set for us. Forgive us for being bad examples and allowing the enemy to use us to lead people down paths that cause them harm. Use us as vessels to lead people to You. Your paths are always good. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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December 24. 2024
SEEKING HIS FACE
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
God, I know what it means to look to You. I am not afraid of the future. You hold life and promise and fruit. I try to will myself into strength and then I realize I haven't cried out for you to give it to me. I'm crying out now, God. Please give me strength. Put my feet under me and bind my muscles, bones and sinews up. I prepare for battle with trumpets of thanksgiving and know that as long as I'm in Your military, I will surely see victory.
Thank you God for the courtyards of your city. They offer rest and purpose. I see your intention in the placement of every stone. It's a mosaic of your promises. Thank you that I am justified and that I can enter the courtyard with confidence, knowing that because I am your daughter, I am welcome here.
Holy Spirit, what do you want me to know about you today? What new thing do I get to see in you? I pray that I would be still enough to see it, submissive enough to receive it, and vulnerable enough to know it. I pray that I would not get caught up in the foolishness of my ego but that I would lay low, bowing before you in true surrender.
Prepare me for the fire, Lord. I pray that I would be so focused on you that nothing else would matter. I pray that I would have no other gods. I pray that I wouldn't adopt any false identity. You paid it all and have washed me in the eternal promise of grace. I choose to look at you, my God. I choose to stare into your eyes, not acknowledging the stormy seas. Thank you for the full measure of my faith, supplied for every need. I love you.
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December 25. 2024
THE INNER ROOM
Proverbs 3:7-8 NASB2020
[7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. [8] It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
Let it go... Whatever we're holding on to that's keeping us spiritually, mentally, and physically ill, let it go... Sometimes, it's not because we're in agreement with darkness and death, but sometimes it is. When we agree and engage with death, we quench the Spirit of God, who lives within us. Our Father doesn't leave us, but He does go to our inner room. He walks through the door of our heart and closes it behind Him. He waits patiently for us to let go of the death we choose, and that keeps us separated from His presence. He wants to fill us from head to toe, but He gives us the choice. He wants us to want Him. The moment we decide we are done agreeing with darkness, He opens the door of our heart, and light bursts out. When the darkness sees the light, it vanishes before we have the chance to let go of it ourselves. We have a Father who causes our enemies to be at peace with us. He goes before us and scatters our enemies. He prepares a table in the midst of our enemies. He yearns to protect us and show us favor. It's really up to us if we receive His promises. All we have to do is decide to let go of the lies and grab hold of what He's already promised.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our strong tower, place of refuge, and strength. Thank You for the countless promises You've made available to us. All we have to do is decide to let go of what's keeping us from them. Help us in the letting go of those things. We run to You as children, knowing You will not give us a snake when we ask for a piece of fish. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.
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December 26. 2024
ENVY
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
“And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
Fools fold their hands
and ruin themselves.
Better one handful with tranquillity
than two handfuls with toil
and chasing after the wind.”
I have chased the success of others, wanting to hold onto the handfuls of what looks like peace and happiness. Whether that was the success of ministry, relationships, or business, envy would simmer in my heart, dangerously close to a boiling point.
There's no peace in striving after someone else's life. It only robs us of the delight set before us at our own tables. The attitude of ungratefulness will destroy our ability to rest in all the richness God has poured out on us. Ungratefulness will also take away the opportunity to nurture the seeds of spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical wealth. We will harvest a much more measly crop if our hands are tending to someone else's field.
The first thing we should do when we find our hands and minds on someone else's blessing is to raise them to the sky, beholding our God in worship. Our hands and minds won't be able to hold onto anything else if they're preoccupied with praise. Once we get into a posture of worship, the Lord will be faithful to reveal to us what is ours to hold onto.
Let's let go of what isn't ours. Let's praise and till the land of our own inheritance. Let's see what God does with seeds of thanksgiving.
PRAYER
Lord,
Thank You that we don't have to look for blessings in other people's lives because You have already given us more than enough to satisfy us. Thank You that we can celebrate the successes of our neighbors instead of envying them. We pray that You would give us the eyes to see the land of our inheritance and give us the strength to till the soil with thanksgiving and praise. We pray for diligence and fortitude. We love You and know that You have portioned out an abundance. There is no lack in Your kingdom!
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December 27. 2024
REST
2 Kings 12:1-3 NASB2020
[1] In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash became king, and he reigned for forty years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. [2] Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him. [3] Only the high places did not end; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.
Under the old covenant, the LORD required sacrifices and worship to be performed from His temple. It wasn’t that people were sacrificing to another god; they were offering sacrifices to the LORD from the high places, but this did not please Him. He desired these acts of worship to be done from His temple, and because of this, He did not receive any of their worship. In Christ, we are under the new covenant, and we are the temple. Our sacrifices are a broken and contrite heart—a heart that’s grateful and humble, willing to go wherever He tells us to go and do whatever He tells us to do. When our heart is in the right place, we become a living sacrifice, one that’s a sweet-smelling aroma to Him. We must remember that God is Spirit, and to worship Him, we must worship in spirit and truth. If we obey the truth, we walk in the Spirit, and He receives our worship. If we disobey the truth, we walk in the flesh, and He doesn’t receive our worship. Obedience has nothing to do with our right standing with our Father but has everything to do with our worship. Trying to worship God while living in the flesh is like worshiping from the high places. But when we worship Him from the temple, He receives it all, and our soul receives what it needs: rest.
Prayer: Father, forgive us for worshiping from the high places. Help us to worship You in spirit and truth, so we give You the worship You desire and deserve. Give our souls the rest they need. We are weary without it. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 28. 2024
SUBSTITUTION
Leviticus 16:21-22 (NIV)
“Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.”
Replacing one thing for another. That has been on my mind lately. Replacing a habit, replacing a relationship, replacing a compromise. I wonder, how many replacements have I made that were better than the former thing? Earlier today in my prayer time I was wrestling with a side of me, just a fraction, that has stayed in the necrosis of my old self. The self that was crucified with Christ.
I carry it around with me and I don't know why other than I feel obligated to it. Maybe to let go of it would mean that I have to actually live like it's gone forever. That's scary in some ways. I wonder, what would take its place? Something better? Something harder? Something costly? Or the scariest of all, what if it's something more evil and dark? What if I let go of a familiar stench only to find another that's even more toxic?
I was reading Spurgeon today and he said something along the lines of “an indicator of maturity is how quickly you receive grace.” I can be so immature sometimes. It's not that I want to be quick to receive grace and then go on sinning, it's that I want to receive grace so I can move forward in freedom, being able to walk forward without the weight of my shame on my shoulders.
Replacing shame for grace. Replacing my old self for my new self. Replacing comfort for the kind of conviction in my character that produces lasting and immeasurable peace.
I feel as though I'm on a tightrope, one wiggle to the left or the right would throw me off. It's undoing to feel that fragile, that unsteady. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it. Jesus help.
I keep asking myself, “What do you want? What do you really want? Are you sick of the old? Are you tired of the unrest?” I say yes and then, a fraction, just a sliver of me says no. And the thing that I thought I had let go of suddenly consumes my mind all over again. It bleeds onto every moment and I obsess over it, feeding it like some starved monster that was all shriveled up a few days prior.
I must receive the substitution of the Lord. He laid down His life for mine, offering the way out and giving me the ultimate freedom. I don’t have to fear the monsters, I don’t have to feed them either. He already replaced my death with His life.
PRAYER
Lord,
Help me. Replace my old thoughts with new thoughts. Replace my struggle with victory. Replace my coping mechanisms with battle plans. I trust You to do all things in me and through me. I trust You to take the rotten pieces of me away so that I can be pure, lovely, noble, honorable, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. I meditate on Your unfading affections for me, each facet of my being reflecting a unique part of Your nature. I trust You to wash me, not leaving any trace of darkness on my body, soul, and spirit. Help me rest, even while I'm on the tightrope. Help me praise, even while I'm compromised. Help me see that You are working and that I'm not beyond the reaches of Your grace. I love You.
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December 29. 2024
THE WAR OF LIFE
Proverbs 24:6 NASB2020
For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
I remember the war scenes in the series “The Game of Thrones.” When a war was about to start, it would show their important allies and mightiest warriors standing around a large table. They would have chess pieces on the table, positioned where they thought the enemy would attack from and where they thought it best to position themselves. They would talk about past wars and the different schemes the enemy used in them. They would prepare themselves so those old schemes wouldn’t work again. They would also discuss potentially being attacked in ways they had never experienced before. They would evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both their army and the enemy’s. After much counsel, they would come up with their war plan. Whichever army had the better plan always won. Usually, whichever army was surprised or attacked in a way they didn’t expect, lost. I saw many quick victories at night when an army, laying down their weapons, eating, drinking, and partying, forgot they were at war. The enemy would sneak up on them in the dark. They usually didn’t even know what hit them. Do we take the war of life as seriously as the people in the movies we watch? We make it way too easy for the enemy. A lot of us are being defeated over and over by the same things. The enemy isn’t having to come up with anything new because we’re falling into the same old traps. Where are our allies? Where are our mightiest warriors? What is our battle plan?
Prayer: Father, help us to take the war of life seriously. Send people into our lives who can give us wise counsel. Give us eyes and ears to see and hear when we’re in danger. Teach us, train us, and build us up to be Your mightiest warriors. Give us war wisdom. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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December 30. 2024
LOVE CONQUERS ALL
1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (ESV)
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”
"Jesus is Lord!" That's what I said when I got baptized.
My brother was sharing a testimony with me this morning about a preacher who was facing death. This preacher saw into his future, and it wasn't a future full of glory. It was a future away from the Lord, a future in hell. He told God, "But I'm a preacher. I called You Lord." God said in reply, "You worshipped a god, but it wasn't me. It was yourself. "
All the preacher could say in return was "amen." He knew that God was right. He worshipped himself. That hit me right in the gut. I felt the sting of that truth.
Jesus said in the gospel of John, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This isn't just a casual love, tainted by the hue of self- fulfillment. This is sacrificial love, the kind that lays down your life for one another. This is choosing to do what is costly, what is true, and what is necessary. This is the love that breathes, "Jesus is Lord!"
When I face the Lord at the end of my life, I want to be sure that I didn't just speak love, I lived it. I want to know that in the moments of difficulty, I chose to lay down all my desires, all my ambitions, and I picked up love. I want Him to say, "I know you. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God of love,
You are the source and sustainer of true love. We look to You to show us what that looks like each and every day. We thank You for first loving us so that we can love You and others. Help us not to fall into the trap of self-love. It can be so easy to do. Place people all around us that need the kind of love that transforms, redeems, and refreshes.
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December 31. 2024
THE PERFECT HUSBAND
John 5:39-40 NASB2020
[39] You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me; [40] and yet you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.
Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, but let's apply this truth to our own lives. We can attend every church service, study Scripture our entire lives, and strive to obey it, but if we never come to Him, we'll never have eternal life. There comes a time in each of our lives when He calls us to Him. He gently whispers, "Come to Me, know Me, and be with Me. Let me love you, and I'll show you how to love Me back." He invites us into a deep, intimate relationship where there are no secrets and trust is experienced on a level we've never known. We have a Father who wants to wash us clean and make us fit for a King. After we come to Him and allow Him to cleanse us, we become His spotless bride. Even though we still struggle with our flesh and will continue to struggle until we leave this earth, to Him, we are perfect. He calls us to Him, knowing every struggle we will ever face. He is still willing to marry us even though He knows we'll fall short many times. Coming to Him is like entering into a marriage with Him. Many people hesitate because they feel unworthy, but we will always be unworthy of a Husband like Him. It is the Blood of Jesus Christ that makes us worthy. Once He touches us with one drop of His precious blood, we are cleansed from our past, present, and future sins. Then, and only then, are we fit for the King of Kings. Coming to Him simply means being willing to receive His love. He will teach us how to do the rest.
Prayer: Father, as You invite us into a marriage with You, help us to simply accept Your love. For some of us, it doesn't make sense why You would want a bride like us. Some of us don't cook or clean, and every one of us will cheat on You many times. We are flawed and stained by sin. It doesn't make sense why You would want us, but the truth is, we come from You. You created us. You're just calling us back home. Thank You for loving us even when we don't love ourselves. Thank You for reminding us where we come from. Thank You for calling us home. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen.