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Love One Another – Selfish Ambition
It began with a man’s simple goal: to support his family. However, as time went on, this goal transformed into an insatiable quest for more. His desire for wealth and success could not be satisfied. Eventually, attending church became a thing of the past, and his family was neglected. Yet, his relentless pursuit continued. Soon, his relationships crumbled. To delve deeper into this story, watch today’s video based on James 3:12-18.
The Nearsighted
During my time in junior high school, my eyesight deteriorated to the point where I walked into my uncle’s cabin and confused my shorter cousin Bruce for my taller uncle Neil. That moment marked my acknowledgment of being nearsighted. Consider this: Jesus approached people who should have easily recognized Him, but they were spiritually nearsighted, unable to perceive His true identity. Their failure wasn’t due to physical eyesight, but rather, their hearts were veiled. Explore this concept further by tuning in to today’s devotion, drawing insights from John 1:9-13
Coming to Jesus’s House
I used to endure a five-hour journey after Christmas Day services to join in the celebrations. However, the prospect of traveling for two years is unfathomable! Yet, that’s precisely what the wise men undertook. Eventually, they arrived at the dwelling of Mary and Joseph, where Jesus resided. Upon entering, they humbly prostrated themselves and worshipped Him. For further insights into this extraordinary journey, tune in to today’s devotion rooted in Matthew 2:11.
Just as They had been Told
The shepherds’ lives underwent a profound transformation the instant they beheld the radiant Glory of God enveloping the angel. The celestial chorus that followed was so awe-inspiring that they abandoned their daily tasks and embarked on a journey to witness the extraordinary sight of the newborn baby. As they approached, they discovered that He was every bit as magnificent as the angelic proclamation had foretold. To delve deeper into this divine encounter, tune in to today’s devotion centered on Luke 2:20.
The First Message
At the birth of Jesus, God not only proclaimed His birth but also elucidated the profound significance it carried. The declaration resonated with a message of reassurance, affirming that Jesus’s arrival brought forth good news capable of alleviating fears. This solace emanated from His sacred mission as our Savior. Beyond being the Savior, He held the exalted title of the Anointed One, the Christ, our Lord.
Luke 2:10-14: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. 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 among those with whom he is pleased!’”
Announcement of the King
Typically, when a prince is born, heralds are dispatched to proclaim the joyous news. Yet, when Jesus was born, God not only sent celestial messengers, angels, to announce Christ’s birth but also chose shepherds in their fields as bearers of this extraordinary news. The choice of these humble shepherds adds an intriguing dimension to the story. Explore the significance of this unconventional selection by delving into today’s contemplation centered around Luke 2:7-9.
Luke 2:7-9: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.”
No Room
I believed I had reached the pinnacle upon securing my first executive job. However, on my inaugural day at work, I was disheartened to discover there was no designated space for me. Every office was claimed, leaving me with no choice but to share a cramped cube originally intended for one person, alongside three other employees. Though none of us were thrilled about the situation, I found solace in reflecting on the parallel of my experience to the biblical narrative—when the Lord Jesus arrived, there was no room for him in the inn. Explore this connection further by tuning into today’s reflection centered around Luke 2:7.
Luke 2:7: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
His Throne
At times, we may overlook the profound reality that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is not merely a baby but our Savior and Lord. The Lord of the Universe willingly relinquished all divine privileges to descend to earth, leading a flawless life, and ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross. However, the narrative doesn’t end there; presently, He reigns in heaven as the King of Kings and the ultimate Lord over all.
Revelation 12:5: “And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.”
The Great Gift
I am captivated by the profound clarity of the Bible, with a special admiration for the book of John. In its opening verses, John eloquently articulates the profound nature of the gift bestowed upon us—a gift that finds its inception in the Christmas narrative, the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, and transcends the boundaries of time into eternity. This extraordinary gift is none other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ, representing the ultimate bestowal of life through Him—a life that extends infinitely into eternity. To learn more listen to today’s thought based on 1 John 5:11.
1 John 5:11 “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
Great Joy
My father joined Jesus in heaven just before Christmas, and my mother followed suit shortly after. Faced with the profound question of whether to celebrate or mourn, the resounding answer became clear to me: Celebrate! It was evident for two reasons. First, the assurance that my parents were in heaven, having faith in Jesus born in Bethlehem, leading a faultless life, giving His life for our sins, and rising again. Secondly, the realization that my dad and mom cherished Jesus and reveled in the joy of Christmas compelled us to celebrate in their honor. They would undoubtedly have wished for us to rejoice. To learn more listen to today’s thought is based on Luke 2:10.
Luke 2:10: “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.’”
Jesus, Giver of Peace
I once had a friend who firmly believed that God would bestow wealth upon him. The challenge, however, was that he found himself far from affluence, grappling with numerous problems. The reality is, as stated in John 16, Jesus promised us that trials would be a part of our journey. Nevertheless, he also assured us of a profound peace—one that transcends all understanding, a lasting peace. To learn more listen to today’s thought based on John 16:23.
He will Save His People
Joseph, known for his kindness, initially planned to quietly divorce his wife, Mary, when he learned she was expecting a child that wasn’t his. It took the intervention of an angel to change his mind.
However, what followed was truly remarkable. The angel conveyed a startling message: ‘for he will save his people.’ This revelation about the meaning of Christmas was shared even before the birth of Jesus. To learn more listen to today’s thought based on Matthew 1:20-21.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
It’s a widely recognized phrase, especially prevalent in specific regions. You might frequently come across the expression, “Mary, mother of Jesus.” Yet, exploring its significance prompts the question: What renders it so essential that Mary assumes the role of Jesus’ mother? To learn more listen to today’s thought based on Luke 1:30-35.
He Came to Bring Peace
Frequently, I observe traits such as anxiousness, worry, and fear prevalent in many. Christ, however, arrived to alleviate these burdens and gift us with enduring peace. His peace transcends momentary solace; it is a tranquil peace capable of soothing even the most troubled hearts.
John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid.”
He Appeared to Save
When Jesus entered the world, his arrival bore a profound purpose—to rescue us from the grip of our sins. Equally significant, however, is the fact that he came despite our shortcomings. His coming wasn’t contingent on our goodness but rather rooted in his own perfection. He arrived to extend mercy and bestow upon us the gift of new life. Join me in contemplating today’s reflection inspired by the words found in Titus 3:4-6.
Titus 3:4-6: “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
God’s Great Gift
During a past Christmas celebration, where numerous attendees left our service adorned with smiles, there was one gentleman who departed with a distinct snarl on his face. He expressed, “I don’t appreciate all the negativity.” Puzzled, I realized he had focused solely on the darker aspects of my message, missing the essence of the good news I had intended to share—the profound significance of God’s gift, Jesus, to a world shrouded in darkness. For a deeper understanding, I invite you to explore today’s reflection centered around the transformative message found in John 3:16.
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Thanksgiving
Today, as we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the multitude of reasons to be grateful. Personally, I’ve weathered significant storms, yet through it all, I’ve found strength in the deliverance provided by faith. It’s a moment to reflect and express our gratitude. Recalling the words of Jesus in John 16, “In this world, you will face challenges, but take heart, for I have conquered the world.” Even amidst life’s storms, faith enables us to offer thanks to God. It’s a reminder that we can approach Him in prayer without anxiety, expressing our gratitude. We trust that in His time and through His ways, the resolution will unfold, surpassing our expectations. To delve deeper into this thought, I encourage listening to today’s reflection, drawing from the wisdom of Psalm 95:1-3.
Wailing to Dancing
As we anticipate the forthcoming day of Thanksgiving, my thoughts turn to those who have navigated diverse trials. And yet, here they stand, poised to celebrate and offer thanks for the manifold ways in which God has worked in their lives.
His transformative power turns our laments into joyful dances, our sorrows into moments of elation, and our anxieties into tranquil peace. It is in recognizing this that we find the importance of expressing gratitude in every circumstance. For further insight, I encourage you to tune in to today’s reflection inspired by the verses found in Psalm 30:8-12.
Ascribe
The term “ascribe” entails attributing or referencing the cause or origin of something. Therefore, when the Bible instructs us to ascribe glory and strength to the Lord, it serves as a poignant reminder that God is not only the wellspring of our strength but also the ultimate source of all praise. For a deeper exploration of this concept, I invite you to listen to today’s devotional, drawing inspiration from the verses in Psalm 29:1-2.
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his[a] holiness. Psalm 29:1-
My Heart Leaps with Joy
Recently, I found myself alongside a couple of friends who were dealing with significant health issues. In unison, we offered prayers for God’s intervention, and indeed, the Lord graciously heard our requests. Grateful for the Lord’s answers, I was struck by the incredible nature of this occurrence, prompting me to transition from gratitude to praise for God’s intervention.
Today’s reflection draws from the essence of Psalm 28:6-9, inviting us to think about the journey from petitioning for divine help to recognizing and celebrating God’s intervention, echoing David’s profound praise in similar circumstances.
Confident as We Wait
I’ve observed a man who seems to crumble whenever faced with even the smallest issue. It’s as if everything is working against him, causing him to lose confidence. Contrarily, when faced with numerous challenges, David stood firm and resolute in his confidence in God. When you encounter difficult days, do you find yourself losing confidence and falling apart, or do you choose to trust in God, drawing strength from faith?
Today’s reflection draws inspiration from Psalm 27:13-14, prompting us to contemplate our response to adversity and whether we let it shake our confidence or find resilience through faith and trust in God.
Teach Me
I was raised with the belief that those who gossip about others are likely to gossip about you as well. Walking into a bustling lunchroom filled with numerous employees, I inadvertently became privy to the latest malicious gossip about fellow colleagues. As I sat and enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but absorb details of others’ supposed faults. Naturally, I found myself contemplating what might be said about me in my absence.
This situation reflects a larger issue: as Christians, we are held to a higher standard. Our responsibility is to adhere to God’s teachings and avoid engaging in gossip. Today’s reflection is inspired by Psalm 27:11-12, encouraging us to pursue a path guided by God rather than succumbing to the temptation of spreading rumors or speaking ill of others.
What Do You Seek?
What are your aspirations in life? David’s singular pursuit was to dwell in the presence of God and behold His beauty. To gain a deeper understanding of this, I invite you to tune in to today’s devotional, grounded on Psalm 27:4-5.
One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5
Whom Shall I Fear?
Fear has the power to engulf us, rendering us immobilized and incapable of functioning. David, on the other hand, staunchly resisted succumbing to fear. He recognized the presence of God alongside him, eradicating the need for fear. For a deeper exploration of this theme, I encourage you to tune in to today’s contemplation, drawing inspiration from Psalm 27:1-3.
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour[a] me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
I Love the House Where You Live
How do you experience the moments when you step into the church on Sunday mornings? Do you find yourself still groggy from sleep, or do you attend because it’s an obligation? To delve deeper into this topic, I invite you to listen to today’s reflection, which draws inspiration from Psalm 26:8-12
Lord, I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 I lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise the Lord. (Psalm 26:8-12)
Your Reputation O Lord.
I had a grouchy friend who always had something negative to say about everyone. When confronted about why he did this, he replied, “I have a reputation to uphold.” God also has a reputation that he will uphold. He is always faithful to His promises. To learn more, listen to today’s thought based on Psalm 25:10-12
The Lord always proves faithful and reliable to those who follow the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your reputation, O Lord, forgive my sin, because it is great. The Lord shows his faithful followers the way they should live.
Do Not Hold Against Me
A teen I knew managed to get into some trouble drag racing in a parking lot. When the police asked her what she was doing, she replied, “I was just having a good time.” To learn more, listen to today’s thought based on Psalm 25:6,7
Remember your compassionate and faithful deeds, O Lord, for you have always acted in this manner.
Do not hold against me the sins of my youth or my rebellious acts. Because you are faithful to me, extend to me your favor, O Lord.