Devotions

Longing for the Lord

Psalm 63:1-8

By Kevin K

We all long for things-possessions we think we cannot live without, like a pair of shoes, the latest and greatest gadgets, or perhaps a past romance. All of these things are nothing compared to God.

In Psalm 63, David’s longing for the Lord is powerful.

The statements he makes are ones all Christians should follow. We need to put ourselves in this verse stating, “I search for God, I thirst for God, and I long for God”.

To search for God is everybody’s individual journey.

Maybe you will find him in church, through meditation, or on a walk in the woods-one of my personal favorites. We all have our special place to be with the Lord.

Do you thirst for his knowledge and teachings? Hearing his words from the Bible or through others will give a peace God can only give. How about longing for his presence? Is your ambition strong enough to want him and hold on to him forever? For following God’s rules are for now and as long as we shall live-not just one day a week, but for the rest of your lives.

As we currently live in this “parched and weary land,” we need the Lord. With troubled times around, I find myself longing for the Lord more than ever. Knowing he is with me calms my soul. For when my time comes, I can say, “0 God, you are my God.”

Prayer: Almighty Lord, may my longing for you never end, and may my thirst for you never run dry. Amen

Practice Hospitality

Hebrews 13:1-2

By Janet W

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hospitality. It’s one of humanity’s most ancient needs and has been around since the earliest days. God even taught hospitality in the Garden! As easy as the term hospitality sounds, not all of us are good at it. I, for one, am guilty of not always putting on my best for my sisters and brothers in Christ. (Can you say ”tiny house?” I still struggle with my own weakness in this area-and constantly have to remind myself that one does not need a mansion, or bags of money, in order to be hospitable!)

Some of the most precious hospitality gifts can come disguised in the smallest packages and from the meekest of the Earth. Take the innkeeper on that fateful night. Mary and Joseph were desperate-they had nowhere else to turn. The innkeeper had very little to offer. There was no room left. And yet, he offered them what he could: A tiny, cramped, smelly, barely-good-enough-for-the-animals space in a stable.

And yet…imagine Mary’s comfort at NOT having to deliver him completely exposed in the harsh night. It was at least warm, somewhat dry-at least it was shelter. God had promised them He would provide, and God did.

As we journey with Mary and Joseph toward that preordained manger and the birth of our Messiah, we can focus our hearts on the amazing gifts of hospitality they (and we) receive along the way-even the smallest, meekest ones. And maybe learn from them. And perhaps entertain some angels ourselves.

Prayer: Gracious, warm, all-giving God-just as you unselfishly gave us the greatest gift of your Son, Jesus the Christ, we ask that You fill us up until our hearts are overflowing with kindness and hospitality-toward all humankind, strangers and friends. Amen

Choose the Lighter Path

Ephesians 5:8-14

By Harry F

Are we in darkness? From whence doth the darkness come? How can we find the light?

Each of us makes many decisions throughout the day, the week, the month … well you know what I mean. Each decision is a fork in the path that we have chosen for our life. Each decision will lead us toward brighter light or deeper darkness. Most of the time, we know exactly which direction we are going. Yet, we often move into darkness. It is our choice!

Recently I purchased some items. The seller and I agreed on ten dollars for each item. A friend picked up the items I had purchased. Initially I thought there were 51 items and sent the seller a check for full payment. Yesterday I learned that I had received 54 items, not 51. The seller would never have known of the additional three items. I had a choice. Say nothing or send a second check for the additional three items. Today I sent the seller a second check and apologized for my error. I chose light, not darkness.

Much of the darkness in our lives comes from our choices. Will you hold a grudge today? Why not forgive your transgressor? After all, your anger and desire for revenge does not affect them. Yet that same anger creates turmoil in your heart and casts a shadow of darkness over your entire day!

As we make our daily choices in preparation for Advent, let us choose the light of Christ in every decision! May we live no more in darkness!

Prayer: Lord, help me to choose light, today and every day. Amen

Waiting Eagerly

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

By Rose H

For in Him you have been enriched in every way … you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait … Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Wow! Look at those promises! I love the promises in the Bible. This is pretty short and to the point. We belong to God. He is with us while we are waiting for the second coming.

But we don’t have to wait for everything. Right now, right here, we have the gifts of the Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding us, every step of the way (if we will let Him). But Paul also tells the Corinthians and therefore, really, us what we are supposed to do. How we are supposed to be. We are to wait and to wait EAGERLY.

What a nice word; impatiently longing. Longing for Christ to come and take us home. But, while we are waiting (eagerly), we shall also be enriched-in EVERY way. Wow. That is some promise. Can we (I) even live up to that?

Not only do we have the gifts of the Spirit right here on earth, but we have the best gift of all-God. He is with us right here on earth, right now in what we are doing through the Holy Spirit. We are waiting eagerly for Him to come back, but we are also waiting here with Him by our side.

Hmmm, sometimes I have a hard time following the Bible and understanding Jesus’ Word. But I will try to be content with the fact that He is with us, forever faithful, even as we wait for Him to come again.

Prayer: Thank you dear Lord for waiting with us for Your second coming through your Holy Spirit in us, with us, here each day. Please help us to always be in eager anticipation of Your coming and to notice and use the fruits of the Spirit for good while we are waiting for You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Pray Without Ceasing

Isaiah 64:1-4

By Marilyn W

When I read this scripture, I couldn’t help but think of the turmoil in the areas where ISIS is rampaging and where there is killing of those who are Christians. These terrorists have never heard of a God like our God who watches over “those who put their hope in him” (Isaiah 64:4, Today’s English Version). Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if God would come to earth in a spectacular way to reveal his power to those who do not believe in him?

I can’t imagine how a human being can be so brutal as to hurt or kill another human because of his/her belief. What would it be like to live in those areas of our world where this is an everyday occurrence? To have to hide or flee? The Old Testament is full of this kind of sacrifice and turmoil. Jesus came to rid the world of the violence. Concern, compassion, and love is his message to the world.

I am sure your reaction is as mine: What is happening to our world? Why can’t all humans live in peace? I think Satan is showing his ugly head. What can we do? Of course, I am no authority nor have I been given the answers to these questions. I don’t think any of us have the solution at this time.

Our course of action—one that we can be diligent in doing—is to pray. We were instructed to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). If each one of us commit to pray every day and evening, who knows what this powerful habit will do for the world? There is power in numbers. Let’s flood the heavens with our wishes for peace on earth, especially in those war-torn areas of our world.

And that is the Christmas message for the world—Peace on Earth. This little baby was born for that purpose in that time and throughout the generations. Christmas is a celebration. Let’s celebrate Jesus’ birth and our commitment to being in a prayerful attitude daily.

Prayer: Jesus, I celebrate your coming to this earth to promote peace. Some areas of our world are in such turmoil that I ask you to watch over all Christians in those areas. Keep them safe and devoted to your way of living. Help me to commit to praying more consistently. I ask this in your name. Amen.

Stay Alert
Mark 13:24-37
By Richard T.

Happy idiot. Is that what I am because I look for joy in a world abounding with wars and rumors of wars?
Today’s scripture finds Jesus talking about the end times when he will return, “coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” When we look at our world, we see all the signs of the end times. Does the daily flood of bad news make us succumb to fear and depression?
I contend that this era is probably the best time to be alive, not the worst. We don’t have to suffer many of the hardships our ancestors endured. People are still willing to lend a helping hand; and, on the other hand, war and injustice have always been with us.
When speaking about the “end times,” Jesus tells us to stay alert because we don’t know when that time will come, and that “only God knows when the end will be.” He doesn’t say for us to be paralyzed with fear or filled with hopelessness; instead, he urges us to proclaim the good news.
Jesus has said for each of us to be as innocent as a dove and as wise as a serpent. Why this contradictory advice? I think what he is saying is that even though we see war, hatred, and injustice; we don’t give up hope on the good things people do every day.
As we enter this Advent season, we look forward to the salvation that the birth of Jesus brings to us.

Prayer: Loving and merciful God, open our hearts to the love and peace that only you can give. Reveal the truth of your word, and help us to be steadfast in our faithfulness. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.