John 17 contains the greatest prayer ever prayed on earth and the greatest prayer ever recorded in Scripture (Wiersbe). It’s broken into 3 parts, which point to Him being the Overcomer, and we’re going to study each of them this week.
John 15:8: Glorifying God
So often we try to add to God’s glory through our own efforts. 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
A Moment with the Messiah: Day 22
No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!
Read: 1 Timothy 1:15—17
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflect: What beautiful verses to lead us into Christmas Day. Christ Jesus came into the world to save you. He has shown mercy to you, and He displayed His immense patience that you may receive eternal life. May your soul be quiet before Him tonight–and each night–in honor of the love He unceasingly pours upon you.
Respond: Father, words are insufficient to express the gratitude I have for my Savior. You pursued me and have captured me eternally. Thank You for that sweet baby, who was born in humility and lowliness. You are “King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God.” To You “be honor and glory for ever and ever.”
Tot Time: Talk through the events that will happen on Christmas Day, and plan now how you intend to honor Christ despite the hustle and activities that December 25th can bear. Ask the kiddos what special time they can create to honor Jesus on His birthday.
Merry CHRISTmas!
Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season. I pray this Advent/Christmas verse-by-verse devotional was a savored time and you grew in His truth.
Beginning in January, we’ll start a weekly study on Philippians, which carries the theme of “rejoice.” What a wonderful way to start out 2018!
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In Him,
--T
A Moment with the Messiah: Day 7
No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your heart. May you be richly blessed in Him!
Read: Luke 2:8—12
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Reflect: During Jesus’ day, shepherding was not an upper-crust career. The angels first appeared to people living in fields, not city lofts. What a comfort to know that while the world influences us to “put on a good show,” God’s true desire is humility. Praise God today because He proclaimed to you the good news that caused you great joy!
Respond: Giver of joy, how wonderful it is to declare Your truth of salvation. Thank You for the free gift of grace through Jesus and for bringing me the good news.
Tot Time: Have her or him share about exciting news she or he once received. What made that news so much fun? Parallel this idea with what the shepherds must’ve felt when the angel told them about the Messiah being born.
All You Need Is Love
Maybe the Beatles were onto something (or on something?) when they wrote All You Need Is Love. But, the love they were referring to wasn't the agape--or unconditional love--our Savior drenches us in. As we conclude the final chapter in Exodus (hooray!) and forge our way towards the Christmas season, there's no more ideal time than this to pause and be steeped in His love.
Exodus 34: Renewed Covenant
How blessed we are to have Jesus Christ, Who fulfills the covenant put in place during this Old Testament time. As New Testament believers, we don’t live by an if/then statement like this: If we follow His word and never sin, then He will love us. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” What Jesus asks of us is that we believe in Him, and then rest in His accomplished work.