“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 NLT
Charles D. Meigs wrote, “The old Quaker was right: ‘I expect to pass through this life but once. If there is any kindness or any good thing I can do to my fellow beings, let me do it now. I shall pass this way but once.’” (1) Yes, the old Quaker understood there is only one life, and it is short. The Quaker’s mind was set on not passing up an opportunity to help his fellow beings while he had the chance. A humble attitude of caring for others more than ourselves is at the heart of the old Quaker’s service. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” (Ph.2:3 niv)
Many of us today think the same way as the old Quaker. We know the brevity of life and there is only one, but we try to grab all we can for our own enjoyment. It is sad, but it is too often we help our fellow beings only when tragedy strikes, and we’re shamed into it. As Christians we are to show the love of God through what Christ has done for us. He has freed us from sin and eternal death. Christians are free in Christ to live in a way that draws others to Himself, and free to serve one another in love.
The apostle Paul tells the old Quaker and us, in writing to Christians in Galatia, we have the freedom to serve one another in Christ. The old Quaker took him up on the offer. What about us? This season is a good time to start. We are called to live in freedom and to serve.
(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Stream in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg. 342
“Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day when the foundation of the LORD’s Temple was laid. Think carefully……But from this day onward I will bless you.” Haggai 2:18, 19b NLT
On this date December 18, 520 B.C. the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai to the people of Judah who were about to continue rebuilding the Temple. The work on the Temple had stopped ten years earlier, but the work on the people’s own homes continued to be completed. The Lord reprimanded them in Haggai chapter 1. The leadership and the people responded, and the work began again.
The Lord told the people to “Think about this eighteenth day of December” (to remember from this day forward) how their lives were before they laid the foundation to rebuild the Temple. He wanted them to think about it carefully. The efforts in their work produced only half of what was expected. The Lord had caused a drought to occur, and sent blight, mildew, and hail to destroy their crops. Their money vanished as if they had holes int their pockets. The people of Judah were to remember their previous conditions and not forget what their sin of abandoning the Lord and His work cost them.
This December 18, 2024, may find you in an abandonment situation where you started a work for God, but it has been put on the back burner. You’ve abandoned it, meaning in a sense you’ve abandoned God. Perhaps all is not well, or perhaps it is, but you know something is amiss. The work you are pouring yourself into is not achieving profitable results. Unexpected bills are piling up, and the kids need braces. When we take our eyes off God, focusing on ourselves and our needs, we forget God can take care of both our needs and His work He assigns to do. Upon doing this we create a lot of our own problems by not trusting God.
The Lord doesn’t want to see us have problems. He desires us to obey Him and trust Him for our needs. If you are ready to get back at it for the Lord, don’t forget to remember what it was like before December 18, 2024, as the Lord told the people of Judah, “from this day onward I will bless you.” (Hag.2:19b nlt) God will never abandon His children. Let us not abandon Him.
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14 ESV
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The image of a baby boy in a manger is precious in our sight during the Christmas season. As Christmas Eve draws closer, the thought of that silent night fills our hearts and minds with great anticipation. The sounds of ‘Away in the Manger, ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘O Holy Night’ fill the air. Little thought is given to the image of the Christ child 33 years later suffering on the cross at Calvary. But that is why Christ came, and why He came as flesh and blood.
The writer of the book of Hebrews says that it was through Christ death on the cross that He destroyed Satan who has the power of death. Jesus conquered death by His resurrection three days later. He could only do that if He became like us and took on our physical nature of flesh and blood. Jesus not only conquered death, but He satisfied God’s required payment for our sins by His death. The apostle John tells us “He is the propitiation (appeasement or satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1Jn.2:2 esv) “For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Heb.9:22b nlt)
A third reason why Christ came as flesh and blood is He can help us in our time of need when tempted. “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Heb.2:18 esv) It is hard for us to imagine how Jesus was tempted in the same way we are today, but Scripture records it. We need to take it by faith. Matthew records Satan tempted Jesus with ‘the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.’ (Mt.4:1-11) And Jesus withstood the temptations. By coming in the flesh and taking on our physical nature Jesus can sympathize with our struggles and is there to help us through the Holy Spirit.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb.4:15 esv)
Our God is a loving God who cares for His entire creation no matter how insignificant something may seem. There is nothing He has created that has landed on the shelf to be forgotten and collect dust. There is not a single living creature on this earth that God’s eye is not on, and that He is not aware of, not even the fifth sparrow.
In Jesus’ day sparrows were considered insignificant and of no value. They were sold as the cheapest food source with two sparrows sold for one copper coin. If a customer bought two pairs of sparrows for two copper coins, the merchant threw in an extra one for free. The value of a sparrow was so small that it was nothing to give one away at no cost. Yet, Jesus says as He was teaching His disciples the sparrows have value in God’s eyes. He doesn’t forget any of them, even the free one.
There comes a time when we all face circumstances where we feel like a fifth sparrow. What got you through it, or maybe you’re going through it? Our lives are not insignificant in God’s eyes. We have value because we were created by God in His image, and He keeps His eye on His creation. In a world with billions of people you are not any less significant than anyone else in God’s eyes, and He is aware of every single event in your life, good or bad. Put your complete trust in the Lord God letting Him guide you, and don’t be afraid to be a fifth sparrow
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Luke 1:76 ESV
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The story of the birth of Christ has several intriguing storylines and all of them true. There are some ordinary people who play a significant role in God’s plan in bringing His Son into the world. This week we look at the husband of Elisabeth who gave us our first song of hope for advent two weeks ago. His name is Zechariah, one of 18,000 priests of that day, and who had been speechless the entire time of his wife’s pregnancy for not believing that Elizabeth would have a child in their old age. Over the course of nine months, I’m sure Zechariah had done some deep thinking, perhaps second guessing himself for his response to the angel. The angel had told him his son’s name would be John and that he would be great in the sight of the Lord turning peoples’ hearts back to the God, and that John would be the forerunner of the Messiah. This ordinary prophet will burst out in praise to the Lord God for His work in providing a way of salvation for all people.
Zechariah’s song is called ‘The Benedictus’ just as in Mary’s ‘The Magnificat’ the first word is translated from the Latin Vulgate. In this case the opening word is ‘Benedictus’ meaning ‘Praise be’ or ‘Blessed be.’ The song occurs eight days after Elizabeth had given birth. The occasion was the circumcision of the child as required by the Lord.
It was the custom to name a child at their circumcision, and most likely be named after someone in the family. Family members and friends tried to persuade Zechariah and Elizabeth to name him Zechariah. “And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father.” (Lk.1:59 esv) But of course Mary spoke up and said, ‘“No; he shall be called John.’ And they said to her, ‘None of your relatives is called by this name.’” (Lk.1:60b-61 esv) It’s interesting to note, families didn’t always agree in those days either. When they gestured to Zechariah what name he wanted for the child, Zecheriah wrote on a tablet, ‘His name is John.’ And immediately his mouth was opened, and Zechariah began praising God.
Zechariah’s first words after nine months were filled with praise to God. His silence from speaking could have brought on deep contemplation with God. Unable to speak, listening to everything around him, writing on a tablet, but able to converse with God in silent prayer, Zechariah used this time to connect deeper with his God. We need more quiet moments with God in our day to connect and grow deeper in our relationship with him. The results that await us will be positive as Zechariah has demonstrated.
The fear of the Lord came upon all those present. Reverential awe was displayed as the Lord’s presence was felt in naming this child. The anticipation was high in what this child named ‘John” would turn out to be. His naming outside the traditional norms meant great expectations for him as the hand of the Lord must be upon him.
Zechariah begins his song, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” (Lk.1:68-69 esv) The occasion as noted above is the birth and circumcision of his son, but the heart and theme of his song is ‘God visiting His people.’ God had visited him and Elisabeth in the birth of their child and now God is about to visit His people with the birth of His Son, the Messiah. Zechariah begins his song with that prophecy. The word ‘horn’ is a symbol of strength and power. Jesus has the power to save. He is a powerful savior able to redeem his people.
God had spoken though the prophets of the Old Testament of Israel being saved from their enemies, but this is much more than that, it is redemption from their ultimate enemy and ours, Satan. Zechariah continues, “to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us.” (Lk.1:72-73 esv) The Lord God made a holy covenant with Abraham, an everlasting covenant with a promise to keep it, the Abrahamic covenant promising salvation by grace. (Gen,12:1-3, 15:18-21, 17:1-21)
Zechariah’s song now turns to his son, the forerunner to the Messiah. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” (Lk.1:76-77 esv) John is the one who was prophesied in the Old Testament as the one coming in the power of Elijah to prepare the way. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Mal.4:5-6 esv) One commentary note, ‘John was a prophet of the Most High whereas Jesus is the Son of the Most High.’ John paved the way for the one who has the power to provide salvation.
Zechariah closes with the rising of the ‘Son,’ the light that will come upon those who live in darkness. “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zechariah prophesied the sunrise was about to appear bringing light to all who sit in the darkness of sin. Christ was coming into the world ‘to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ Soon the heavenly angels will take over the singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk.2:14 esv) And we look at that next week!
On January 20, 2025, the United States will have a new administration in the White House with the support of both houses of congress. Depending on which side of the aisle you align yourself with, you think it’s either a good thing or a bad thing. One side is hopeful they will get everything they voted for, and the other side is afraid they will lose all they had. There was a time in Washington D.C. where there was a thing called compromise for what is best for ‘we the people.’ But that doesn’t seem to exist today. So, we look for our party to be in power to get what we think we need for ourselves.
There has been some concern reported by the news media about budget cuts being proposed which would diminish quality of life and the needs of people in the country. (1) It is admirable that we as a country take care of its citizens and do what we can so all can live safe in freedom with their needs met. But with that said, let us be reminded, as Christians, that the Lord God is the one who supplies our needs. He does so like no country in the world, even the United States could possibly do.
Our lives are to be dependent on our Lord God and not any government institution. We are His children, and He will supply our needs. It is very possible the Lord will use government programs to meet our needs, but they come under His direction as He works His will. Israel is God’s chosen people, His children, and He told them as they were about to enter the Promised Land, “The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.” (Dt.28:12 nlt) God promised to take care of His children, and He will. May we move our faith away from government and put it where it belongs, in the God of heaven.
“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” (2Cor.9:10 nlt)
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” Luke 15:7a KJV
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The Christmas season is a joyous time for most people. I say most, because not all people rejoice in the month of December for various reasons. Sadness may prevail at the loss of a loved one. A terminal illness may have been discovered. The loss of a job at the end of the year puts a damper on the New Year. Others have no interest in the holidays in general or want anything to do with the religious tone to the season. Whether we are joyous or not, the Christmas season is here. There will be rejoicing in heaven and on earth, and that is a good thing.
The heavenly angels were sent to the shepherds out in the fields to announce the coming of the savior. There was great joy for all people on the earth. A savior had been born to take away our sin and reconcile us back to God. The long-awaited Messiah had finally come, and it was time to rejoice. I’m sure the angels in heaven were rejoicing along with the others sent to earth that night. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk.2:13-14 kjv) Good news had come to all that night and that is a reason to rejoice.
The Bible tells us of Jesus’ words in the gospel of Luke concerning joy in heaven. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” (Lk.15:7a kjv) The angels in heaven rejoice over a soul set free by the power of Christ and His work on the cross just as they rejoiced at His coming to earth to set that soul free. There is also joy on earth as friends and loved ones witness the transformation of a changed life.
May this Christmas season be a joyous time for you whatever your circumstances. Yes, there will be rejoicing in heaven and on earth for the savior who was born and for those who will be set free this Christmas by accepting Him as savior and Lord.
“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” Hosea 12:6 ESV
The following statistics are not very comforting and based on the findings, many of you reading this could be among them. According to marriage.com, 40-50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Non-married relationships have the following statistics, 58% of Americans consider their breakups to be dramatic or messy, 40% of long-distance relationships in the U.S. fail, 70% of straight unmarried couples break up within the first year, the average relationship last for two years and nine months before ending, and 85% will experience a breakup in their lifetime. (1)
Broken relationships between couples are heartbreaking for the couple and for their friends and families. And speaking of friends and families, broken relationships occur here as well. The statistics are not the same, but the brokenness is just as real and hurtful. The sad reality is that we live in a broken world and broken relationships are in step with the world. Another sad reality is that Christians are part of these world statistics. There are countless reasons for broken relationships among Christians, but this is not a devotional to survey them or to offer advice, except to say God is in the relationship business.
The most heartbreaking broken relationship one could have is a broken relationship with the Lord God, and they are many reasons for those as well. But, one thing is certain, it’s all on us. If you feel God has moved away from you, the question to ask is, who moved? It takes two to have a relationship and only one to break it. The Lord will never be the one to break it. “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” (2Tim.2:13 nlt) The Lord will be waiting for us to return as the father waiting for his prodigal son to return. (Lk.15:11-24) Broken relationships with God are easily repaired, it only takes one of us. It takes us to repent and return to Him. A strong non-fractured relationship with the Lord will help you in any broken relationship you have as you look to Him for advice.
As I was taking my shower this morning the old hymn ‘Nothing But the Blood’ was playing through my phone. (and No, I do not sing in the shower) The first verse is as follows, ‘What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” A thought came to mind, how little the word ‘sin’ is referenced anywhere or by anybody these days, and sadly even in some churches. How many people ever think of themselves as a sinner? My guess is, not many.
During the Christmas season the word ‘sin’ is heard more often publicly than any other time throughout the year. Of course, you need to be in a church service during the month or listen to Christmas songs or carols that focus on the birth of Christ rather than ‘Please come home for Christmas, if not for Christmas by New Year’s night.’ Lyrics to familiar Christmas carols are known and sung by many people during Christmas never giving thought to the meaning other than its part to ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ But the real meaning of ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins.
If we are not sinners, only doing a few bad things occasionally like telling a ‘white lie,’ why would Jesus need to come and save us. The truth is all of us have been born with a sin nature and we do what comes naturally, we sin. Whether we think we are not, justifying our sin because everybody does it, we are all guilty before God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Ro.3:23 kjv) That is why Jesus came, to save us from our sins by shedding His blood on the cross at Calvary for, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’” Matthew 22:37-40 NLT
How good are you at receiving and following orders? Well, you may say that depends on who is giving them. If you are or ever have been in the military, your answer would most likely be ‘very good.’ Your commanding officer gives you daily strategical orders to be carried out. Failure to carry them will result in strict discipline. Commands given by authority figures in the Armed Services to build character, integrity, bonding, and to save lives. Jesus gives every Christian two commands to be obeyed for the same reasons.
When Jesus was asked by a lawyer (an expert in religious law) what was the most commandment in the Law. “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’” (Mt.22:37 nlt) Jesus said, ‘you must’ or ‘you shall’ as in some translations. This is a command, not an option. To some this may sound arrogant to be commanded to love someone. But as in the military, commands are given for our own good and for others around us. Jesus further commanded, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:39b nlt) For our own good and for those around us.
Jesus combined all the commandments of God into two. Jesus is saying if we obey these two wholeheartedly, we will be sure to obey the rest. It will come naturally without thinking about it. The importance of ‘you must’ is clearly seen. “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Mt.22:40 nlt) “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. (and) Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt.22:37, 39b nlt) For our own good and for those around us you must.
Word for the Soul 