Month: December 2020

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Paul uses the word “inheritance” in the heavenly sense in this passage. An earthly inheritance is a gift from one generation to the next intended to provide for them after the passing of their elders. Our heavenly inheritance is a gift from God the Father to provide for us eternally.

In those days an inheritance was a means and an obligation to care for the family as the elders had done, not merely wealth given after their passing. Our gift from God carries a similar responsibility: to share His love and care for His children. Our gifts are not our own but a blessing from Him to go and do in His name.

Jesus came to teach us the joy of that connection, that our task is both serious and wonderful. He has prepared us a place with Him according to God’s promise. Until He calls us home, we are to continue His work, ensuring all hear the message of love God sends us.

Loving Lord, we are glad to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to live in You that all people may know the blessing of Your inheritance to us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time —to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Paul tells us of the blessings God sends to those who choose Him. These aren’t things we can see or touch, but when we believe, they enable us to become brothers and sisters in Christ, part of God’s workforce for the healing of the world. This is a blessing beyond measure, to know and share His love with everyone.

Jesus came to be God with us face to face, teaching and showing us what life in God is all about. He promised when He was no longer with us in person that the Holy Spirit would come to us as God’s presence in our lives (John 14:16). Paul speaks of this as “the down payment of our inheritance” (v. 14).

God has already kept His promise to us, He always does. Now it is our turn to act in faith, to believe in the truth of the Good News and spread it to all the world. We are each called by name to be the representatives of His love.

Gracious God, we are grateful to be Your people, ready to go where You send us to do Your will. Strengthen us to be effective workers for Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

Paul reminds us that God provides “forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace”, thankfully not based on what we deserve, but on His love for us. That is His promise, if we are willing to accept the responsibility that forgiveness entails. He has made a way for us to be reconnected with Him in spite of our failings.

God sent His son to reach us personally, to teach us about this wonderful offer of reconciliation. This blessing is offered to all who will receive it through Jesus. He came as an example of what a life in God could be.

There is nothing we can do to earn this blessing, the only thing we must do to receive it is respond with grateful thanks. God wants to be part of our daily lives, and wants us to share that joy with others. His promise will never change, but it will change us.

Gracious God, we are thankful for Your love and the coming of Your son to show us how to live. May we hear Your call on our lives and go to tell the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

Paul begins his letter to the congregation in Ephesus with a reminder of God’s blessing and His plan for us. He tells them (and us) that we are called to be part of what God is doing in the world. Before going into any specific instruction or other issues, Paul calls them to remember who they are and what God intends for them.

What a wonderful way to begin any activity, by recalling our purpose and the joy we have in the Lord. God wants to be involved in our everyday lives, to be present with us to encourage and comfort us. Through His inspiration, any task we are called to becomes holy work.

Consider your relationship with God in everything you do, even the most common things. By including Him in all our activities, we maintain a closeness that enables us to call on Him in difficult times. When we need strength, He is always there.

Loving Lord, we are Your children, created by Your hand and breath. Help us to live in You and You in us, that we may follow the way You have prepared for us and share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture for Sabbath is Matthew 2:13-23, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Often I read passages such as this and think “if only God spoke that clearly to me, it would sure be easier!” God is more than willing to do so, but it is important that I make time to speak with Him, that I am prepared to receive His word and that I put what He has told me into practice. God is waiting to share with us but we must be willing to put aside the daily distractions we engage in and give Him our attention.

We have gotten so used to constant mental input and stimulation that we almost need to be shocked into quiet time to listen for God’s voice. Then when we are finally silent and open, we are anxious for an immediate response, the same way we are used to from text messages, email or the internet. We seem to think everything, including God responding to us, has to happen right now!

God is always ready to share with us, but we must be ready to accept His word and His way. We don’t get to dictate how it happens. He knows our hearts and when we make time for God, He will always make time for us.

Heavenly Father, our lives have become so busy! We fill every spare moment with “stuff”, which often interferes with our relationship with You. Help us to slow down and be intentional about our connection, listening for Your word and sharing Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 2:13-23, taken today from the New International Version ( NIV).

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Not everyone was overjoyed about the birth of Jesus. Some highly placed people were threatened by the arrival of the new King and sought to destroy Him because they feared losing their power and position. Rather than rejoicing, they were plotting.

This wasn’t part of God’s plan and He sent an angel to warn Joseph of the danger. Joseph listened and his family was protected through their obedience. Later, they return to their homeland when God told them it was safe.

Jesus was persecuted for His life and ministry from the very beginning. However, Joseph and Mary protected Him as a child because they listened and obeyed God. We can protect Christ living in us the same way, by hearing God’s call and avoiding the distractions and dangers the world has for us. Protect your faith by listening for God’s voice and following the lessons Jesus teaches us.

Gracious God, we want to keep Your commandments in our hearts and in our lives. Help us to hear the guidance You give and share Your love with everyone. Amen.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16‭-‬17

Merry Christmas! May the joy of the season confirm the truth of the blessing we have received. Christ is born, glory to God in the highest!

The prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s promise to all of us long before Jesus came to be with us. God works on His own time, and while we may be impatient, it won’t change the eternal schedule He has set. As we celebrate His arrival this Christmas, we have been in a period of separation from each other, waiting for the time that it will be safe to gather again without fear of illness. God still teaches us patience, even in difficult situations.

The Gospel of John tells us the reason for His coming. Yes, He wants us to know Him, but He came specifically to save us. God wants us to change our hearts and lives, turning away from sin that we might live with Him forever.

May we still know the joy of His love, remembering His promise and the responsibility a connection to God through Jesus lays on us. Our situations may be different but our obligation to Him has not changed. Let us thank God for the gift of Christ in our lives and go to be the people He calls us to be.

Gracious God, we thank You for the greatest gift ever given, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless us to be a blessing to Your world. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” God loves us so much He sends His son to love and save and free us. A band of angels come to share the blessing with people who might not otherwise get the word.

God wants all the world to know He is with us. However, like the shepherds, once we have heard the Good News it becomes our job and our joy to spread it to everyone, everywhere. He calls us to be part of His plan of salvation by passing the Word to all our brothers and sisters that they might be saved.

God is at work in our world through us today and every day. We are charged with nothing less than being representatives of His kingdom. Listen for His guidance, look for the opportunities He provides and share the blessing you have received.

Loving Lord, we are amazed that You choose to be part of our lives, present with us to show us Your way. May we live for You, proclaiming the wonder of Your goodness and the joy of our connection. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

How does God call you? Most of us don’t get the Heavenly host appearing or the bright star that guides us, but God continues to speak to us in many different ways. We must simply be listening for His voice.

God calls us now and every day to be aware of the needs of those around us. In the troubled times we now experience it is essential that we pay attention. We may not be interacting in our communities as we have before and must look for those who require assistance.

We mustn’t be so deaf that it takes an angel chorus to get our attention, or so blind that a star has to shine before we can see the issues in our world. Look for ways to share God’s love and gifts right where you are. He has work for every one of us.

Gracious God, thank You for sending Jesus to love and save us. Help us to be aware of those who need our care, that we may be the face of Christ to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture for Christmas Eve is Luke 2:1-20, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said,“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Angels came down to announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds. These folks were the lowest of the low in Jewish society, only slightly above Samaritans and Gentiles. Yet God invited them first, called them specifically to come and see the newborn king. He wanted them to know they were included.

Later wise and wealthy visitors from far away would come to see Jesus. They were not of the Jewish faith, but God inspired and led them to be included as well. He wanted everyone, rich and poor, residents and foreign, to hear of the coming of the savior.

God calls everyone to the manger, and later to the cross. He wants us to understand the gift we have received and the obligation we accept in Christ. Relationship and responsibility are unbreakably joined in the coming of His kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your presence through Christ our Lord. Help us to be joyful and aware, gladly performing the tasks You have for us. Amen.