Romans 8:14-17, 26-27 (ESV)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs–heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Explanation:

In the verses surrounding the above passage from Romans, Paul talks about our present sufferings as compared with our future in heaven, and the excitement builds as he tells us that we are now looked at by God as sons and daughters, just like Jesus! And when we operate with God’s presence, His Holy Spirit in us, then we are truly His family. We can look to Him to set our priorities, for guidance and advice, and for comfort–roles we often look to other broken people to fill. We can have confidence that the Holy Spirit is our entire family in one perfect Being, and He can serve perfectly all of the roles of every person we think we need.

But even as sons and daughters, the ones who both know and believe in the hope of Jesus’s return, we feel the weight of the waiting. The fact that the Spirit interprets our groanings is beautiful news for us. We don’t know how to pray, but God’s own word tells us that it doesn’t matter. All we need is to ask for His Spirit to speak into our shortcomings, and His answer is always a resounding “YES!” He wants only for us to turn to Him first, really giving Him our often-heavy hearts, then fully trusting in His response…even if it is different than the one we hoped for. This requires a level of commitment, communication, and follow-through that isn’t always easy for us.

It’s not trite to encourage others to “give their problems to God.” God is an actual Someone who can take our tear-stained pillows or our beating fists, and give them a refuge. The situations of this life are so much more than we can handle alone; our efforts will fall short every time. But with the Holy Spirit alive and moving, our hearts can take comfort amidst these times as Someone way more capable is handling them on our behalf. He knows our befores and our afters, and not only that, He knows the same about everyone else and how they fit together in His perfect adoption plan. His Presence in the Holy Spirit is a good gift from a good, good Father, one we can access right now, and one we should be grateful for…not just at Christmas but always.

Application:

1. Have you ever considered yourself an adoptive sibling of Jesus? How does that make you feel? How does it change how you celebrate the arrival of Him on earth and the arrival of Him to come?

2. What personal promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled? If you are honest, are you waiting on a certain result? The Scripture tells us that the Spirit will always intercede “according to the will of God.” Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength and confidence to continue waiting for His Perfect Will to be accomplished. It isn’t easy, but it is so much better than our own limited desires and perspectives.

3. Romans also tells us that the Spirit leads to life and peace, and peace is something we could all use a little more of these days. Today, find some time to be still, and invite the Spirit to lead you in whatever ways He sees fit.

Prayer:

God, we are so very thankful for the gift of Your Spirit. Without You leading us in this way, we are well aware that the darkness of this world would be too much for us to bear. Your word tells us that the Spirit brings life and peace, and no matter where we are in our journey, our lives need more of You. Please continue to intervene in the situations we willingly lay before You, in whatever ways align with Your will. Help our hearts to accept that Your ways are not just higher, but they are always better, even if we can’t see or feel that in this life. Help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of your Son, our fellow heir, as He rescues this world from pain, once and for all. We give You all the glory. Amen.

Acts 2:1-4, 14-21 (NLT)

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

‘In the last days,’ God says,

‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy.

Your young men will see visions,

and your old men will dream dreams.

In those days I will pour out my Spirit

even on my servants—men and women alike—

and they will prophesy.

And I will cause wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below—

blood and fire and clouds of smoke.

The sun will become dark,

and the moon will turn blood red

before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.

But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved.’

Explanation:

This is the time of year when we see snow globes in various places filled with scenes of winter splendor and cheer. If you try really hard when you’re looking in a snow globe, you can almost picture yourself in the scene and imagine the conversations taking place there. Now imagine that you have a snow globe (or in this case, a desert globe) that allows you to view the happenings on the Day of Pentecost in real time.

The people you see are all speaking different languages, and you may even think they are under the influence of some kind of strange substance that is altering their behavior. You are perplexed at the sights you see. You may even doubt their authenticity. Then Peter steps up and says, “Look, it’s only 9 a.m. These people aren’t drinking, they are filled with the Holy Spirit! They have been waiting for the prophecy to be fulfilled and today’s the day!” The people had been waiting for what the Father had promised—a Holy Spirit, a helper, a way to carry Jesus with them wherever they went.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised that He would send someone who would dwell with each of us. Jesus–God in Human form–wants to live with YOU. He wants to live with ME. If we place our hope in Jesus, He promises never to leave or abandon us, even when the rest of the world may shun us. Being a Jesus follower isn’t guaranteed to be an easy road, but it’s a filled one. It’s filled with promises; it’s filled with the knowledge that when I place my hope in Jesus, I am guaranteed to have a helper, a friend, and a guide to help me.

Application:

1. What does your snow globe look like? Are the scenes filled with the peace of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you?

2. In times of trouble, we have a guide in the Holy Spirit who has promised to dwell with us. What comfort can you find in that reminder?

3. What does it mean to you to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving me the promise that You will never leave me. No matter how much chaos there may be in my life, I know that I can rely on Your promises and the peace that You give me to endure the struggle. Help me to remember that You will never leave or abandon me; You dwell within my heart and are with me anywhere I go. Help me to trust You more in everything I do. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

For Further Study:

Listen to “Pour Your Spirit Out” by Tree Church Music. Reflect on the lyrics and make this your prayer each day this week.

John 14:15-18, 25-27 (NLT)

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

Explanation:

It was our first trip away from our children since becoming parents, and boy was I prepared! I had trained Grandma in their daily schedule, fully stocked the fridge with their favorite meals, and replenished their craft boxes with all manner of fun activities. There was a list of fun things to do taped on the fridge, along with phone numbers to call in case of emergency, and even a box full of little presents to keep them busy and happy. I tried to think of everything they might need or want in my absence so they would be completely comfortable while we were gone.

Now the big day had arrived, and we began to implement our exit strategy. All was going according to plan…until I started putting on my shoes and turned to see our daughter’s beautiful brown eyes welling up with tears. She looked so heartbroken and forlorn, and didn’t understand where I was going or WHY! I leaned down and pulled her close, trying to comfort her that Daddy and I would be stronger together, and better parents for her and her brothers because of this trip. “I promise, you’re going to have so much fun with Grandma! Don’t worry, Mommy and Daddy will be home before you know it!” It took many hugs and repeated reassurances before her heart was comforted enough for me to walk out that door with peace in my own heart.

If we as flawed humans put so much effort into our children’s every need, how much more the heart of our heavenly Father! Jesus was about to be torn away from His disciples and brutally crucified before being powerfully resurrected and taken up into heaven again. So He gives them, and us, a promise that He Himself would be with us, not limited to a physical body walking around Jerusalem, but dwelling in His children’s hearts instead. He knew we would be utterly lost, blundering around alone without understanding and truth, if He was no longer on earth with us. “No, I will not abandon you as orphans – I will come to you... and will teach you everything”! I love how the Amplified Bible says verse 16: He sent us our ultimate Comforter, “an Advocate, Intercessor – Counselor, Strengthener, Standby to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth.” What a beautiful and amazing plan from a perfectly loving Father! He anticipated our every need and provided His Holy Spirit to fill every one of them.

Application:

1. How does it make you feel that you are never alone? There is One who will “never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit…” (verse 16). So whether you have friends who abandoned you, challenges at your workplace, trials with family, or internal struggles, realize that there is never a moment when God is not with you.

2. Jesus Christ takes care of our salvation and repairs our broken relationship with God, and He is seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19, 1 Peter 3:22). The Holy Spirit is the answer to your every current need on earth. Take some time to think of what you have need of today, and pray to the Holy Spirit that His power fills your every need.

3. Do you find yourself today troubled about many things? Is it possible you are leaving a gift from God under the tree, still wrapped and unopened, waiting for you to claim it? He says in verse 27 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart…” So, “let [His] perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge” verse 27 (AMP).

Prayer:

Thank You, God, for never leaving us, and for providing Your Holy Spirit to dwell with us and in us. Holy Spirit, we know and acknowledge that You are God. Thank You for Your role as my Advocate and Counselor, my Strengthener, and my Teacher of truth. I pray that You help me remove all the roadblocks to feeling Your presence with me today. Help me open my heart fully to Your power and all that You have provided for me! Amen.

Revelation 5:1-9 (NIRV)

Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. The scroll had writing on both sides. It was sealed with seven seals. I saw a mighty angel calling out in a loud voice. He said, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll. No one could even look inside it. I cried and cried. That’s because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not cry! The Lion of the tribe of Judah has won the battle. He is the Root of David. He is able to break the seven seals and open the scroll.”

Then I saw a Lamb that looked as if he had been put to death. He stood at the center of the area around the throne. The Lamb was surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes. The eyes stand for the seven spirits of God, which are sent out into all the earth. The Lamb went and took the scroll. He took it from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. Then the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down in front of the Lamb. Each one had a harp. They were holding golden bowls full of incense. They stand for the prayers of God’s people. Here is the new song they sang.

“You are worthy to take the scroll

and break open its seals.

You are worthy because you were put to death.

With your blood you bought people for God.

They come from every tribe, people and nation,

no matter what language they speak.

Explanation:

The scripture above is written by the Apostle John. He is moved to tears because no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth was worthy to open the scroll that contained “God’s purpose for history” (ESV Study Bible). The elders told John not to cry because there is “the Lion of Judah", the One who conquered death, who is worthy. Jesus is from the line of Judah and worthy to open the scroll. Then the elders fell to the ground and worshiped Him and sang the song, “Worthy is the Lamb.”

The same Jesus that was worthy to open the scroll came to the earth as a baby to become the Savior of the world, so that you can have forgiveness of sins and find your worth in Him. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Application:

1. What do you find your worth in? Being a good person? Having good finances? Having lots of good things? Being a good parent and/or spouse? All of these things are good but eventually they will let you down. Whatever stuck out to you, give it to God and ask Him to change your worth to Him.

2. Take some time to ask God by praying to show you how worthy you are in Him.

Devo Plus:

Take sometime today to listen to “Worthy Of It All” by David Brymer.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for coming on this earth to take my sins and choosing to be in relationship with me. You are so worthy of everything. Thank You for my life and where You have put me. Help me to see who You see me for. I love You Father!

Philippians 2:6-11 (NLT)

Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Explanation:

It is easy to emphasize our unique connections that will upgrade us in the eyes of people or impact situations we are in. It is common to use status to add ease to our lives. When we lived in Michigan, the town that abutted ours had lush parks with high-end playgrounds, tennis courts, and swimming pools. I lived in the city of Detroit and we had no such parks. I could only take my boys to those nice parks if a friend who lived in that town used their pass to get me in.

Her zip code gave her exclusive rights.

Rights are a big deal to Americans. We want them and we will fight for them.

Jesus did the opposite. He gave up His rights.

Jesus decided not to cling to His position as God or His divine privileges; instead, He surrendered them to save us.

He was willing to leave the comfort and joy of Heaven to live on earth. He never played the God card when living His physical life. He didn’t use it for ease, to solve lack, to avoid pain, or to get out of a situation. Instead, He absorbed full humanity all the way through His excruciating physical death on a cross, where He was publicly shamed while hanging naked and exposed. Those jeering and mocking Him while He died were the very ones He came to save.

But Jesus stayed.

Jesus won.

But don’t leave Jesus on the cross.

Don’t leave Him in the manger either.

He is now seated in the place of highest honor, and His name has divine power!

Our world uses Jesus’s divine name in jest, vulgarity, and anger.

It’s taken in vain by comedians, used loosely in blog humor, and flung in conversations for effect. Folks too stoic to say His name aloud in praise on Sunday don’t flinch when the star of their movie prolifically spews and damns His name for two hours.

But it matters to God.

Jesus is a holy name.

Jesus is THE name above every name!

Someday the unsaved dead, along with the unrepentant false shepherds, unscrupulous world leaders, philosophers of wicked ideologies, mockers, sorcerers, idolaters, liars, and murderers will be summoned to the great white throne.

Everyone who blasphemed and denied Jesus will be unified in bowed surrender, and without exception, every tongue will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Application:

1. It is important to note that Jesus was not emptying Himself of His deity, but clothing Himself in humanity—in order to be a servant. What “right” could you lay down for humanity?

2. As God, He was the Creator of the universe and the one angels worshipped, BUT your soul was of such value to Him that He took on the form of man to die in your place, so you never have to. What gift can you give Jesus in return?

Devo Plus:

“Jesus is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.”

Augustine

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the light of the world. Whoever follows You will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Infuse Your light in my day, my thoughts, my meditations, and my interactions. May I reflect Your name with my life! Amen.

Titus 3:5-7 (NKJV)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Explanation:

I have always been a person who tries to "do the right things." I believe that this is the best way to show others that there are good people out there. Christ even modeled this to us and reiterated the instruction that we received from the books of the law of Moses in the Old Testament. These instructions include directions on how to treat your neighbors concerning their money in banking and borrowing, property and animals, and concerning each other's families.

These are some of the most basic instructions that we can follow to do good works to our neighbors, family members, and to the community as a whole. However, in doing good works to others, sometimes it is easy to lose sight as to why we as Christians are to follow these statutes.

There became a common theme in the days of Christ in the Jewish culture.

There were a couple of sects of Judaism known as the Sadducees and the Pharisees who would argue amongst each other about certain things in the Old Testament. But one thing is for sure: both groups flaunted their so-called spirituality among the masses by performing "good works" in the sight of all, to be noticed by all and thought of as more spiritual. They gave large sums of money to the poor, they would pray loudly and extravagantly in the streets, and they would do other works just to be seen by large crowds.

I think we can all agree that they did some good things for others and for their community. The most important thing that was lacking in the works they performed, however, was what really gives meaning to the works that we do for others. They lacked the love that they were supposed to show to their community. They lacked the compassion behind the giving and the praying. They lacked a commitment to their brothers and sisters in the places they lived.

In the scriptures above, Paul points us to the real reason we should feel secure in our faith. He reminds us that God saves us, not according to our works, but according to His abundant grace and love for us. He has made us new through the living out of the example He has given us in Christ. Christ models to us the love of God and the grace that God has to show us despite how undeserving we really are. In this grace, God has adopted us into His kingdom, and we are made heirs with Christ. Keeping this in remembrance is what justifies our good works, not simply performing works to be seen by others.

Application:

1. Take some time this week to reflect on how good God has been to you. How does this make you feel? Are you thankful for where God is leading you?

2. Pray for God to help you show people His heart when you perform good works this week. Let anything you do for others this week come from a place of remembrance of God's grace.

Devo Plus:

Reach out to someone this week. Maybe there is someone you have been thinking about, or someone in the community you know that needs help. Perhaps God has placed that concern for someone in your heart. Move on that thought, and let the Spirit of God move in that situation. Allow your compassion and your love of God compel someone to the gospel of Christ this week.

Prayer:

God, please move in us this week. Holy Spirit, we ask for a regeneration of our minds and hearts concerning the good works we perform for your Kingdom. We ask for the renewing of our spirits this week. Lord, thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the example of Your son, Jesus Christ, who sits on the throne at Your right hand, God. Thank You for adopting us into Your kingdom, and making us heirs with Christ. Thank You for the hope of eternal life with You that You have given us. Again, we ask that You would move in us this week. Amen.

John 1:1-13 (ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Explanation:

In this prologue to the gospel of John, the most profound truths of God are explained with child-like simplicity – proof that the plan of salvation is one of the simplest messages to understand. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). That’s why along with a simple message, God gives everyone enough light (verse 9) to leave mankind without excuse for seeking after Him.

We are without excuse, but we are not without explanation. Back then, many did not recognize God when He came to this world in the flesh as the Messiah, Jesus Christ (referred to in this passage as the Word and the light). Today, many do not recognize their need for salvation through Christ. Either way, Jesus says the reason anyone rejects Him is because they love the darkness more than they love the light (John 3:19-20).

This is where you and I come in. As Christ followers we are called to be the light to this dark world. In the same way a candle dispels the darkness of a pitch-black room, the unsaved among us should know right away there is something different about our conduct. As John the Baptist pointed the way to Jesus, so should our words and actions model to unbelievers an infinitely better way to live.

Application:

1. How would you explain to someone that the Word (Jesus) was with God, but at the same time the Word was God?

2. An interesting paradox of Christianity is that if our life is truly focused on God, we typically aren’t aware of how or to what extent the light we shine is influencing others. However, this is not true when we look at other Christ followers. Think of someone you know who is fully devoted to Jesus, and name three ways in which this person shines the light of His love.

3. God gives every person enough light to know that He exists (verse 9, see also Romans 1:21 and Ecclesiastes 3:11). They may not know it is God they are missing in their life, but they know something is missing. How will unbelievers know where the light in our life comes from if we never talk about Jesus?

4. Is it possible to be a light to the unsaved without having a genuine, abiding relationship with God?

Devo Plus:

Read John 3:18-21.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I want to be the light of Christ to everyone I meet. Please surround me with opportunities to share my faith and Your love with people who need Your healing touch. Amen.

Isaiah 53: 1-12 (NIV)

Who has believed our message

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Surely he took up our pain

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

Yet who of his generation protested?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was punished.

He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After he has suffered,

he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

Explanation:

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the four gospels, but if you think about it, Isaiah is the first gospel. Jesus of Nazareth is the Savior of humanity, and prophecies fulfilled by Christ are detailed over and over again in this passage. Most Jewish people have never read it, and some have even said it is the forbidden chapter in the Hebrew Bible. Clearly, the writer is speaking of Jesus. Specific instructions were given for who the Messiah would be so that we wouldn’t miss Him. Without Him, we have no atonement or forgiveness. Jesus fulfills God’s mission to restore Israel, and to be a light to the nations.

There is more about what Jesus endured in Isaiah 53 than in all four gospels combined. Isaiah is quoted in the gospels more than any other Old Testament book. It’s a poem in triunes about atonement, redemption, sacrifice, and salvation. It is 100% prophecy in rhythm.

We tend to idolize impressive things. Jesus was unexceptional in His appearance, though. He was despised and rejected. People were ashamed of Him and hid their faces. He was wounded, pierced, bruised, and chastised for us, but He never opened His mouth to defend Himself. He was put to death after being condemned, but He came back to life, and through this brought forgiveness, healing, and righteousness.

We are all sick. If you are reading this, you are a transgressor, a sinner, and you need an intercessor. Isaiah 53 is about God’s extravagant love. Some have said it’s the Mount Everest of Messianic Prophesy. We all have a fatal disease that Jesus came to Earth to cure. He contracted the disease and took it for us with His life. The perfect took the place of the diseased. The innocent took the place of the guilty. It’s a debt we cannot possibly pay.

Sorrow and alienation from God is the true pandemic. We all need a specialist. In this passage, God is telling the Jews 700 years before Jesus came to Earth that He would send His servant to be a substitute for our sins: a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered for the guilty. This is the Great Exchange! It’s vicarious atonement and a substitutionary death. God treated Jesus like He deserved to be punished for every sin of every human who ever lived. He did this so He could treat us like Jesus deserved to be treated. This is extravagant love.

Application:

1. Journal what it means for you to be chosen by God.

2. Rather than deny sickness, think of how you can confess it, admit you messed up, declare you can’t fix it yourself, and take the medicine (God’s extravagant love).

3. There are two ways to respond: be humble and repent, or reject and resist. Which way is calling to you? Talk about this with a trusted friend.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us to remember that we are sick and the only cure is Jesus. By His stripes we are healed. We humbly confess and repent. We deserve death because of our sins, but You have sent Your Son to redeem us. You have sent us light and hope in our darkness. We are helpless infants reaching for You. Thank You, Lord, for healing us by Your wounds, with Your extravagant love. Amen.

Isaiah 9: 1-2 (CSB), 6-7 (ESV)

Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations.

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Explanation:

The above passage is about the Messiah whom the prophet Isaiah speaks about. Verses 1-2 reference “the gloom of the distressed land” meaning the invasion from the Assyrian army that destroyed much of the Northern land of Israel (Zebulun and Naphtali). However, in the future, that region around the Sea of Galilee will be the first to experience the light of the Messiah. This prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 4:13 (ESV): “And leaving Nazareth he (Jesus) went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali”. Jesus began His ministry in Capernaum, and in John 8:12 (NLT) He refers to Himself as “the light of the world… that leads to life.”

In our passage for today, Isaiah 9:6-7 describes this child that has authority and power that will be born many years from the time of this prophesy. The prophet names this special child “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And “the government shall be upon his shoulder” and He will rule “with justice and righteousness.” These unique titles and qualities can only describe Jesus, the King of kings, who is not like anyone else that has ever lived. During His ministry Jesus gave wise advice, forgave sins as only God could, was a protector for the weak, loved the outcast, provided peace for those that trusted Him, and demonstrated grace to others. Jesus was God’s only plan to save humanity from their sin. Jesus was and is our Emmanuel (God with us), God in the flesh.

The sinless life Jesus lived was the perfect sacrifice that God required for our sin. We were the ones that deserved death and separation from a perfect and Holy God, but that’s not what God ultimately wanted. He wanted and always wants to be in relationship with His people. And HE wants to be in relationship with YOU.

Application:

1. God promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). How can this truth help us when we need to be reminded of His power and goodness?

2. Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah’s birth long before Jesus’ ministry began. Where else have you read about Jesus in the Old Testament?

3. A redeemer is a person who repays, recovers, saves, or exchanges something for something else. Jesus is known as the Redeemer of our sin because Jesus’ death and resurrection is how we are saved. Redemption is only through the blood of Jesus. He paid the price for our sin with His death. Take a minute and meditate on what this act tells you about God’s love for you.

Devo Plus:

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 (ESV)

Prayer Starter:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for always being my Protector and Savior. You are the King of kings, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace… yet always approachable. Thank You for redeeming me back from the path I was heading down. Help me to focus on You this Christmas and not all the distractions. Remind me that You are the reason for this CHRISTmas season. Emmanuel, God with us!

Amen.

Genesis 3:8-15 (NLT)

When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

“Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

Then the Lord God said to the serpent,

“Because you have done this, you are cursed

more than all animals, domestic and wild.

You will crawl on your belly,

groveling in the dust as long as you live.

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring.

He will strike your head,

and you will strike his heel.”

Explanation:

The first question asked by God in the Bible occurs in this passage when He asks Adam where he is. God didn’t ask because He wasn’t aware of Adam’s location; He already knew. He knew that Adam and Eve had done something that required reconciliation, and He wanted to bring them back. It was the question from a loving Father who was looking for His children. Adam immediately blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent for her sin.

I am the type of person that when I’m putting together a plan for something, I like to make sure I have some backup options in case something goes wrong. I nearly always have a “Plan B” just in case I need it to fall back on. That’s the awesome thing about God. He never needs a backup plan. His “Plan A” is the one that always works. Today’s passage is one that reiterates this very fact.

As humans, we’re good at placing blame on others instead of accepting responsibility for our sin. God finds us in our failure, discouragement, guilt, and loss, and wants to bring us back to Him. When satan convicts us, God is looking to reconcile us. From the very time that Adam and Eve betrayed God, He had a plan to bring them back. His plan from the beginning was to give humanity the chance to be with Him eternally instead of facing death in Hell. God never needed a “Plan B,” because He had already initiated a plan to send Jesus to save us from our sins.

Application:

1. When God asked “What have you done?” to Eve, do you think it’s because He didn’t know what had transpired with the serpent? Why do you think He asked her that question?

2. God knew that Adam and Eve would cause humanity to be cursed to death and immediately enacted His reconciliation plan. What steps do you see that God took in this passage toward initiation of His plan?

Devo Plus:

“Sin makes man a coward and an equivocator and a liar; it leads him to seek refuge in half-truths, deceit, evasion and outright lies.” John Lowe

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for having a plan for our lives that allows us to escape eternal death. By bringing us your Son, You allow us to be reconciled. We know that it’s only by Your grace that our sins are forgiven, and nothing we can ever do would be enough to bring us to You without Jesus. Thank You for always having the perfect plan for us and for allowing us to dwell with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.