Choose Your Words Wisely

I'm not into New Year resolutions. Mainly because they set our human flesh up for disappointment and failure, and I've pretty much got that covered for life. However, these last couple of years I've had a word. Not a goal, not a resolute, but a single word the Lord stamped on my soul. Last year, it was sit (link provided if you want to read it). The year prior it was white space. 

This year, I went more phrase-ish. You know, because one word wasn't enough and I had to raise the bar [insert sarcasm]. The phrase is this: Here I am. Three potent words I can feebly speak to Christ. I've chewed on these seven letters for a couple months now, and God has had an echo...echo...echo by way of His Word and in random conversations which caused me to latch on to this statement.  

We read several Here I am examples in Scripture:

• Abraham spoke these three words in Genesis 22:1 and 22:11 when God was testing him with the sacrifice of his son, Isaac.

• Jacob answered the angel of the Lord in Genesis 31:11 by saying, "Here I am."

• Moses said it in Exodus 3:4 when God called to him from a burning bush.

• The Lord called Samuel and he answered, "Here I am" (1 Samuel 3:4).

However, with Here I am being a short sentence, it's easy to pin on conditions (and it was effortless for me to type these because they've been whirling around in my mind):

• Here I am...as long as it's doesn't interrupt my plans.

• Here I am...whenever it "feels" right.

• Here I am...once I get this next thing marked off my list.

• Here I am...but, please don't ______________.

I know God wants a period (.) after the statement. He's not looking for a comma, ellipsis, hyphen, or any other sort of punctuation. He wants the entirety of me; and frankly, that's unnerving. 

When I was younger, I played the piano. I enjoyed it, but I didn't much care for performing in front of others. Any time I would have a recital, competition, or play for church, I'd almost always wear a long dress. No one paid attention (except Grandma), but I did it because my knees would shake so hard it was the only way to keep folks from seeing them rattle like a warped set of brakes. Maybe I'm a touch on the melodramatic side, but the words "here I am" rank far above my childhood performance anxieties!

In hindsight, I'm grateful I had those knee-knocking experiences. I still want to throw up in my mouth a wee bit rehashing those memories, but it was an invaluable experience. If I hadn't conquered those tousled struggles, I wouldn't have the courage I do today. As Mark Twain once said, "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear." 

While my 2018 "Here I am" statement makes me a touch nauseated, I know God will never force Himself on me. He overflows with everlasting patience, and as He calls me out upon the waters where my feet fail (and my knees knock), His grace will abound (props to Hillsong United for those lyrics). Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and Samuel uttered those same words and served God fiercely. Don't miss this next part because what is even more comforting is what we read in Revelation 3:19-20:

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Jesus says "Here I am," too. They weren't just words for Him, but a complete expression and unabridged outpouring of Himself. I love how Jesus speaks to our hearts the very same words He desires us to say. And with that, I open the door and graciously accept those knee-knocking interruptions from I AM because I know He's faithful and it'll totally be worth it. Amen. 

What's your word (from Him) for 2018?

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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!  

Follow on Facebook or Instagram for “nuggets” of wisdom and hope throughout the week.

In Him,

--T

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 21

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: Titus 3:3—7

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

Reflect: So often, religions try to tack on extra to-dos we must accomplish or achieve in order to be “good” and receive Christ’s acceptance. But Titus 3 reminds us that we’re all “foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved.” There is no righteousness in us, but God–in His kindness and love–sent Jesus. Don’t undermine grace–there’s nothing you can add to it so you’re found worthy of salvation. Simply accept it as a free gift and let God be magnified.

Respond: Loving Father, it says in 1 John 4:8 that You are love. This is difficult for my feeble mind to comprehend. Therefore, I choose to stand in awe of the unknown and ask for You to continue to expand my understanding of the width, height, and depth of Your love (Ephesians 3:18).

Tot Time: God is kind and He is love. Ask your tots, “What these two words mean? How can we show kindness and love to others?”

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 20

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!

In these final days as we approach Christmas, we’ll look to a few pivotal verses that speak to the character of Christ Jesus, the wickedness of mankind, Christ’s righteousness, and the merciful gift of His grace!

Read: Isaiah 9:6—7

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 

Reflect: In Isaiah, we’re reminded that not only was there humanity (“a child is born”), but also there was deity (“a son is given”—meaning, the Son of the Most High). He is our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” He is wise in counsel, strong in His ruling, forever established, and the one Who brings true peace. Sounds like someone worthy of trust, doesn’t it?

Respond: Wonderful Counselor, Your names are many and Your kingdom is eternal. Thank You for walking alongside me throughout each day and reminding me that this broken world is not my home. I am a citizen of another Kingdom (Philippians 3:20).

Tot Time: One of Jesus’ characteristics is “Mighty God.” Jesus is God, and He is strong. Ask the children what they think “Mighty God” means (hint: it speaks of His power and strength).

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 19

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: Matthew 2:13—14

13 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.” 14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 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.”

Reflect: God is well ahead of man’s plan. God had already provided money for the trip from the gifts of the magi, and He warned Joseph early enough to flee from Herod’s wrath. Herod wanted to protect his reign, and he went to horrific lengths to do so (by killing boys under the age of two). Trust that when God calls you out of situations, stretches you beyond your perimeter of comfort, or puts you in above your head—He will provide.

Respond: Lord, no life goes unseen by You. Thank You for holding me in the palm of Your hand and walking with me through this road of life. It has many bumps and unexpected twists, but I trust that You go before me and You have all the provisions in place.

Tot Time: Here’s a possible discussion starter with your kids: Herod wanted to protect his power and what was “his.” What special toys or things do you have that you protect or don’t want others to touch? What does God teach us regarding those things?  

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 18

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: Matthew 2:11—12

11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. 

Reflect: The magi brought a sacrifice to the child, Jesus. Gold represents Christ’s divinity; frankincense aligns with His priestly role; myrrh speaks of His death and embalming. When worshipping the Lord, consider meditating on His deity, His righteousness, and the death sentence He paid for you.

Respond: God, in Hebrews 13:15, it says for us to continually bring the sacrifice of praise through Jesus. Help the fruit of my lips to openly profess Your name. I want you to receive the treasures of my heart.

Tot Time: Explain to the children that one of the reasons we give gifts at Christmas is because that is what the magi did for Jesus. It is better for us to give a gift, than it is for us to get a gift. Ask them, “What gifts can you make or give to others this year?”

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 17

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: Matthew 2:9—11

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

Reflect: Unlike our traditional stable scenes we see at Christmas, the magi appeared later after Mary and Joseph had moved from their temporary dwelling place (see Luke 2:7) “to the house.” We understand from this passage that they couldn’t see the star at all times, but as they got closer, the star stopped over where Jesus and His family were located. Friends, sometimes we can’t see God directing our lives, but it doesn’t mean He’s failed to guide us. When you’re on a long journey, trust that He will show you when to stop–and rejoice in His faithfulness to direct you.

Respond: Father, when “north” is difficult to find in my life, please show Yourself so I can see where You want me to go. Help me to trust in Your path and be overjoyed.

Tot Time: Here are some ideas of what you can discussion with the tots: “The magi traveled an extremely long way to see Jesus. What’s the furthest you’ve traveled to go see someone?” There were no trains, planes, or cars, so when they had finally arrived, it says they were overjoyed because they had waited so long. Talk with the children about what overjoyed means and why it was so special to the magi to meet Jesus.

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A Moment with the Messiah: Day 16

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: Matthew 2:7—8

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

Reflect: Herod had a scheme to thwart the King of the Jews and thought he was being pretty sly by saying he wanted to go and worship Him. Psalm 94:11 says, “The Lord knows all human plans, He knows that they are futile.” Even when our heart plans good, we need to recognize that our “brilliant” ways are fruitless in God’s eyes. Instead, let’s commit our ways to the Lord and trust in Him (Psalm 37:5).

Respond: Wise King, no matter how smart I think I am, help me realize it is worthless unless it is from You. Your plan is best, and I don’t want to just ask you to bless the plan I have devised in my own heart. I realize my heart is deceitfully wicked (Jeremiah 17:9) and I desperately need your wisdom and direction.

Tot Time: Ask your children these questions: Do you think King Herod really wanted to worship Jesus? Why would he want to hurt Jesus? Talk about jealousy and how this can keep us from true happiness.

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 15

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: Matthew 2:1—6

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ 

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’

Reflect: King Herod wasn’t fond of the idea of a competing king–particularly a Jew. Furthermore, when he asked about where He was born, the chief priests and teachers of the law quoted the prophecy from Micah–yet those priests and teachers didn’t choose to go and worship. When we hear the Word, may our hearts be obedient!

Respond: Father, You have arranged my life down to the nanosecond and you’ve surrounded me with promises throughout Your Word to bring me encouragement and comfort. Help me to meditate on those truths so that when You call me to act, I am obedient.

Tot Time: Read Matthew 2:6 again. It says that Jesus will be a shepherd to people. Ask the children, “What is a shepherd? How does God shepherd your own life?”

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 14

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: Matthew 2:1—2

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 

Reflect: We know little about these magi (wise men). While they came bearing three gifts, that doesn’t mean there were only three magi. We can gather from their title that these men were likely astrologers—or a group of scholars who studied the stars. But regardless of their origination, there’s one thing we can be certain of: they sought the King. Their desire was to follow the light God provided them and not miss out on worshipping at the feet of Jesus. 

Respond: Great King, help me not to miss out at worshipping at Your feet. Not only in this spirited season, but throughout each day. I want to intentionally follow Your Light and seek You with my whole heart. 

Tot Time: Discuss how there could’ve been more than three wise men (unlike what we see in modern nativity scenes). The wise men desired to worship (which means to “ascribe worth to something”) the King. Ask the tots, “What are ways we can worship God?”

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 13

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: Matthew 1:22—25

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 

Reflect: Warren Wiersbe talks about the names of Jesus in The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: “The name Jesus means “Savior” and comes from the Hebrew name Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”). There were many Jewish boys with the name Joshua (or, in the Greek, Jesus), but Mary’s Boy was called “Jesus the Christ.” The word Christ means “anointed”; it is the Greek equivalent of Messiah. He is “Jesus the Messiah.” Jesus is His human name; Christ is His official title; and Emmanuel describes who He is—“God with us.” Jesus Christ is God! We find this name “Emmanuel” in Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8.”

Respond: Mighty God, thank you for sending this world Your own self, wrapped in flesh. Thank you for Jesus Christ–our Salvation and Emmanuel.

Tot Time: God is with us each minute. The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 31:6 that God will never leave us and that we don’t need to be afraid of what goes on around us. What are some ways you can remember that God is with you at all times?

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 12

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: Matthew 1:20—21

20 But after he [Joseph] had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

Reflect: God informs when the time is right (which isn’t typically our timing). Joseph was going to follow-through with the divorce, but God intervened and instructed him otherwise. I love how the Lord reassures us when we’re fearful–just like He did with Joseph in saying, “…do not be afraid.” Joseph was scared, but God brought Him reassurance and peace and He’ll do the same for you.

Respond: Lord, thank you for what Your Word says in Philippians 4:6—7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I give you all my scared and anxious thoughts today and ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding.

Tot Time: Ask the munchkins what it feels like to be afraid and about a time when they were scared. What did they do? Talk with them about Philippians 4:6—7 and how we can tell God anything and He is ready to listen and respond to us.

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 11

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!

We’re now headed into the parallel story of Jesus’ birth in the book of Matthew, since we’ve concluded Luke’s account.

Read: Matthew 1:18—19

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 

Reflect: To the Jewish people, engagement was equivalent to marriage–except they did not live together or consummate until marriage. If an engaged woman became pregnant, it would’ve been considered adultery (see Deuteronomy 22:13—21). Therefore, Joseph had decided to “divorce her quietly,” which was honorable despite the heartache Joseph must’ve felt at this time. When you’re hurt or rejected, what’s your initial response? Our flesh would want to disgrace the other person (the more public the better!); yet, the heart of Christ is that despite the person’s dishonor, we chose to honor God and move forward quietly.

Respond: Gracious Father, you have dealt with me in patience and love time and again, yet I continually call out the speck of sin in another person’s eye. Teach me to love others right where they are and to be patient even when I’ve been hurt and want to make a public spectacle of them!

Tot Time: Being hurt by someone else is never fun. Talk with the little ones about a time when their feelings were hurt and how it made them feel. How should we respond in these situations? Then, ask them about a time when they’ve hurt someone else and how they should change their behavior.

A Moment with the Messiah: Day 10

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 2:19—20

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

Reflect: It would be difficult to imagine what the past nine months were like for Mary. Being engaged, conceiving a child by the Holy Spirit, traveling a long distance, and experiencing the Savior’s birth. Talk about a mind-numbing roller coaster of emotions. No matter how wild your life is, the words in verse 19 are ones to etch on your soul: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary gave careful thought to all that had happened and what was told to her about this baby named Jesus. Approach this Christmas season–and your daily life–in this same manner. The words Christ speaks to you should be treasures in your heart and ponderings in your minds.

Respond: Lord God, I want to treasure up all the things You speak through Your Word and meditate on them. I want to glorify and praise Your name just like the shepherds, because what You say, You will do.

Tot Time: Chat about what a treasure is and ask the little ones to name a few treasures they have at home. Why are those items special? Talk further about how the Bible is a special treasure and we are to keep it hidden in our heart so we do not sin against God (Psalm 119:11).