THE LIGHT OF GRACE

 

January 17, 2025

Matthew 2:34-35

34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

In today's passage, we are told that Simeon was waiting for “the consolation of Israel,” in other words, meaning he was waiting for the Messiah, God’s anointed one. Matthew 2 tells us that Simeon wait was over when he saw the Messiah in the child Jesus before he died. 

Did you notice that Simeon doesn’t simply express joy and relief at this promise fulfilled. He also offers some unsettling news: this Messiah will cause strife and will himself endure suffering. Wow! Is this the consolation Simeon and others were waiting for? Is this the consolation we are waiting for? The gospel answers with a resounding yes! 

We are reminded, by Simeon's words that the birth of Jesus the Messiah, means the arrival of truth, the kind of truth that reveals the thoughts of our hearts and causes the mighty to fall, and as Jesus later would describe this great reversal, saying "the last will be first."  

Simeon is telling us precisely who Jesus is and what the nature of his kingdom will be. This is good news for the mending of our broken  world. Truth and justice will reign in the Kingdom of the Messiah. Overturning the "norms" of the Kingdoms of the world. Good News indeed. But, Simeon also understands that the coming of the Messiah is "bad" news for those who oppose his Kingdom way, there will be some unfavorable outcomes for those who resist God's truth, justice, and the world’s healing, for they will find that the consequences of resistance will be grave. 

Throughout the season of Advent, Christmastide, and now into Epiphany we have seen that Jesus, is the Messiah, Jesus is God's anointed one, Jesus is the light in this broken world, the light that exposes our evil thoughts and deeds. This revealing is not some heavy handed judgement, rather this light comes in love directing us toward life in all of its abundance just as the creator intended from the beginning.

Jesus was to say later in John's Gospel that: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. (I think we have lots of examples of this in Scripture and in life, don't we?)  Jesus goes on and declares: But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:19-21)

Don't miss that the Messiah's message is one of grace. Grace that works in our life, and brings transformation, change, healing, and redemption to all who call on Jesus, our Messiah's name. Grace, for Jesus our Messiah, does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. But this will require suffering for us, for as Jesus identified in Mark's Gospel, "The Son of Man comes not to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." What an amazing gift for those who embrace the promises. Amen.

POWERFUL WITNESSES

 

January 16, 2025

LUKE 2:28-33

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

LUKE 2:36-38

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

At the heart of the Luke's Gospel narrative, with all the joy and wonder of the newborn King, we find a moving scene that illustrates for us, the enduring nature of faith. As we have read this week in Luke 2:22-40, we meet Simeon and Anna, two seniors who, guided by the Holy Spirit, eagerly awaited the Messiah’s arrival. What stands out about these two individuals is that their unwavering faith and steadfast hope serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in trusting God’s promises.

Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was promised by God that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Anointed. His life was marked by expectation, a constant yearning for the fulfillment of God’s word.

When he entered the temple that day and saw the child Jesus, he saw too, that long-awaited promise was fulfilled. Simeon with the infant in his arms, had this moment of profound spiritual insight (Revelation) that here was Israel’s long-awaited Savior. Simeon exclaimed, “Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” I find that Simeon’s words remind us of a deep conviction at the heart of the Christian faith. His life found its ultimate meaning in witnessing the fulfillment of God’s promise. After what must have seemed like an eternity of waiting. Simeon could finally conclude his life in peace, knowing his trust in God led him to the revelation of answered longing and prayer.

Anna, a widow and prophetess, also played a significant role in this sacred encounter. She had spent eighty-four years in the temple, serving God through fasting and prayer. Her life was characterized by spiritual discipline and deep devotion to God. When she sees the child, like Simeon, her experience of revelation results in Anna immediately proclaiming the Messiah's arrival to all who were waiting for Jerusalem’s redemption. It appears that she wasted no time in spreading the news of that God's anointed, the Messiah had arrived.

I believe, the stories of Simeon and Anna offer valuable lessons about the enduring nature of faith. Their unwavering trust in God’s promises, despite the passage of time and the challenges they faced, serves as a powerful inspiration for us today. Their lives remind us that faith is not a fleeting emotion but a disciplined life of service, sustained by a deep conviction in God’s faithfulness rather than our immediate circumstances. (Go back and read that sentence again)

True, we live our lives in a world often marked by periods of uncertainty and doubt, the example of Simeon and Anna provides for us a bright light of hope. Their unwavering faith in God’s promises reminds us that our ultimate fulfillment lies in Him, as well. Like Simeon, may we long for the fulfillment of God’s plan in our own lives. Like Anna, may we dedicate ourselves to serving God with unwavering devotion.

I pray, that their example may encourage us to live with relentless hope, knowing that God’s promises are sure and His love endures forever.

GETTING THE STORY RIGHT

 

January 15, 2025

LUKE 2:22-40 

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”, 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:


29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Luke's reading above focuses on the testimony of two figures in the gospel: Anna and Simeon. 

Nowhere else in the New Testament are they mentioned, as they disappear from Luke’s account after meeting Jesus and his family.

As we noted yesterday, Anna and Simeon are devout, spending much of their time in and around the temple, longing for Israel’s consolation and redemption. Beyond these few details, little is known about them. 

Yet, despite their limited presence, Anna and Simeon stand large in their understanding of the significance of the small child Jesus. Their reactions are striking,  Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and breaks out into song, declaring Jesus as light to the Gentiles and glory for Israel.

Anna, upon seeing Jesus, praises God and begins to tell others who long for redemption about the child’s importance. 

These two characters are among the first proclaimers of the Gospel in Luke’s story.  What makes Anna and Simeon stand out is that the major characters of the gospel, the disciples, religious leaders, and Roman powers, typically misunderstand Jesus. We know that some of them will even deny, betray, and crucify him. 

In Luke’s gospel story, Anna and Simeon are the ones who get the story right. This is a recurring theme in scripture, the "big stars" the major characters seem to miss the point of what God is doing, but the "bit part", the minor characters, like Simeon and Anna, seem to have the insight that we all need to understand. 

A STUMBLING BLOCK and CHALLENGING PRESENCE

 

January 14, 2025

LUKE 2:22-40 

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”, 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:


29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

In Luke, the infant Jesus and his parents are portrayed as law-abiding, devout Jews. Notice our reading points out that Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21). After the time of purification, his parents brought him to Jerusalem for dedication (2:22-24). There, they encountered Simeon, a devout and righteous man (2:25-35), and the widow Anna, a prophet who "never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying."  (2:36-38).  After fulfilling “everything required by the law of the Lord” in Jerusalem (2:39), the young family, returned home to Galilee. 

This trip to Jerusalem was not a not a one-time event; we are told they brought Jesus to Jerusalem every year to observe Passover (2:41). These details help us in recognizing that Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph embodied the values and practices of a honorable Jewish family, and as Jesus grew, the favor of God and people was upon him. (2:40). 

Jesus the Messiah, according to our reading, fulfills Israel’s hopes, bringing God’s consolation for Israel (2:25) and being a light of revelation to the Gentiles (2:32).  

In Simeon’s blessing, Jesus is paradoxically portrayed as a stumbling block or a challenging presence, he is “destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel” (2:34). 

One of the noticeable features of the season(s) we have just gone through is that we are told about this this dual message. God, through Jesus Christ, is faithful to his promises, (Advent, Christmastide) but in the Epiphany scriptures, like todays verses, we are challenged to pay close attention to how God is revealing himself in new ways, and transforming the world.

I am so struck by the truth revealed in the incarnation, it drives me to my knees in worship. Think about this, the child whom Simeon held in his arms, and whom the prophet Anna proclaimed as the "redemption of Israel", this child is the One who holds us, and all creation, in peace, redemption, and salvation.

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD, sing with me, HOW GREAT, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!

LET THIS SINK IN

 January 13, 2025

John 1:1-14

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 came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it… 

He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” 

In the words of John 1:1-14 we begin our week of devotions celebrating the revelation of God that is one of our core convictions as Jesus followers, that the Word became flesh and lived among us. the gospel of John opens with a message that tells us that the very Word who created us, and all things, came to live among us. Bible translations describe this in various ways, for example "the word became flesh and lived among us, is also interpreted in phrases like "pitched his tent", "dwelt among us", or "moved into the neighborhood." The point of John 1:14 is that the creative life and light of God became human, and this Jesus (the word made flesh), shows us the way of love, truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation. 

Today, lets allow this revelation to fill us with thankfulness and gratitude for what God has done. 

Let us offer our worship and praise to God, that he stepped toward us in Jesus. 

Let us believe the promise made, then and now that, to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God ...."

May the presence and power of the Word bring peace to our hearts  today and always. 

WHO IS THIS?

January 10, 2025



Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”



Today, We look at this short but wonderful Epiphany announcement concerning Jesus: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Now, it is interesting to note the conversation between John and Jesus before Jesus’ baptism occurred. It often happens this way. We have our expectations of how God should act, what he should do and how he should be. And so, John confronts Jesus with his idea of how things should go. John says in verse 14, "I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?".

But Jesus gently reminds him of who he is in relationship to John by effectively saying, ‘this is how it has to be’ … Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness". “To fulfill all righteousness” means to submit to the saving plan of God for the human race. Which, involves Jesus' identification with sinners, John's baptism was one of repentance, you may recall, Jesus enters the waters of baptism in solidarity with all of us. So “to fulfill all righteousness” is Jesus full obedience to the righteous will of His Father and to His Father's mission.

And so, Jesus is baptised and then shown to all the world as the Son of God! God has great plans, and they are all being fulfilled in Jesus.

Pause for a few moments today and take some time to reflect on the ways that you have experienced God’s purposes in your life.

Let Us Pray

God, we thank you for revealing who Jesus is in all his fullness as your dearly loved Son. We know all he has done for us, showing the way, by standing in solidarity with us, and so we look forward with confidence, and like Jesus, we submit to what you have in the future for us, as your plan unfolds in our lives. Amen.


Jude 24–25

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

YOUR EVERLASTING LIGHT

 

January 9, 2025

Isaiah 60:1-6

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth

and thick darkness is over the peoples,

but the Lord rises upon you

and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 “Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
6 Herds of camels will cover your land,
young camels of Midian and Ephah.
And all from Sheba will come,
bearing gold and incense

and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.

__________________________

Matthew 2:1-3

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, 

during the time of King Herod, 

Magi (wisemen) from the east came to Jerusalem  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.”

__________________________

Let your light come, O Lord, let it shine on me this day;

let your glory rise upon me. Amen

Our Bible readings above are two key readings used during the season of Epiphany. Remember what we said yesterday that Epiphany is the season of revelation, unveiling, that answers the question Who Is Jesus? 

Isaiah 60 speaks of a time when God will rise like the sun over Israel: his glory will appear and nations and kings will be drawn to the brightness of the light.

In Matthew 2:1-3, we are told that the light of Isaiah's prophecy is given to the Wisemen through a Star, and in response to this star the Wisemen journey to Bethlehem to pay homage to a newborn king.

In these details we are invited to see that the new empire is revealed as a realm for all people, "the nations" will come to the light. When we put the details of Isaiah 60 and Matthew 2 together they teach us that, Jesus is the glory and light of God that appeared, fulfilling Isaiah's vision of a kingdom characterized by peace, righteousness, salvation and praise.

Listen to this part of Isaiah's prophetic teaching. The time will come he says when,

The sun will no more be your light by day,

nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,

for the Lord will be your everlasting light,

and your God will be your glory.

Is 60:19

Think about what this is saying, one of the promises we have to look forward to in Christ is to dwell in a new heaven and earth with Him as our light. Can you imagine this? On that day, we will see clearly and respond with our whole heart to His will for us. The reality is that we are even now beginning to walk in this light, each time we grow a little more in our love for God and our love for our neighbor. Isn't that what Jesus was saying in John 8:12? “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

LET US PRAY

Like the wisemen of old, O God, I am overwhelmed with joy at the presence of your incarnate Son, and like them I kneel before you this day to offer my gift, the gift of myself. Amen.

FORWARD LIVING

January 8, 2025

We are in the season of Epiphany in our Church Calendar. You may wonder, What is Epiphany?

The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning "manifestation or appearance." The “Epiphany season,” begins on January 6 with the journey and visit of the Magi (Wisemen)  and then with reflections focusing on the Baptism of Jesus, the water into wine story of John 2, and on the teaching and healing ministry of Christ from the Gospels. All of these accounts shine a revealing "light" on who Jesus is. So, Epiphany is a season for thinking about the revelation of the Incarnation of Jesus.

______________________

Numbers 8:1-3

The LORD said to Moses, 2“Tell Aaron that when he sets up the seven lamps in the lampstand, he is to place them so their light shines forward.” 3So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.


One of the notable realities about the Bible’s message is that it has a future focus. The scripture story, and the history and events it describes are going somewhere, they are moving God’s story of revelation forward. Many times, in the words and teachings of Scripture we discover God’s promises for tomorrow. 

Repeatedly God’s word encourages us to have hope for what is ahead. We experience this during Advent and Christmas, when we both look back at the Old Testament scriptures of the past, and at the same time we read them with our eye on the future. That is what fills us with such hope as we light candles and sing songs like “Hark! The Glad Sound the Savior Comes, or the longing and hope and promise in one of our favorites Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.

We witness this forward emphasis in some of God’s instructions to Moses regarding Tabernacle worship in the Old Testament. It is fascinating that God told Moses to have Aaron position the lamps in the Tabernacle in such a way that the light was projected forward, not backward. (Details are important to God) There certainly are lessons here for us––life principles we need to understand and embrace.

Here are a few:

· God’s light is found when we look forward, not backward.

· God has something positive ahead for us––His light is drawing us to our future, not to our past.

· God’s light always goes before us.

· We are invited to live with a forward-focus.


God lights our way. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s “word is a lamp for our feet, a light on our path..” Psalm 27 says “The LORD is my light and my salvation” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When with the Apostle Paul we determine to “forget what is behind and press on into what is ahead” we find and experience that the past, is just that, past. When we decide to "walk in the light" of God, we journey in hope. 

From God’s perspective, yesterday’s experiences whether they are great moments or moments we would like to forget, do not need to be an obstacle that keep us from pursuing and knowing the thrilling future full of great promise(s) that God has for us. One of the special verses that I often call to memory that helps me stay focused on looking ahead is found in Isaiah 43:18-19 where God says through the prophet “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness.” So, let us lean into “Forward Living.”

LET US PRAY

“God today I pray, that you would help me to know that your light shines ahead of me. I ask that you help me stop wasting time, energy and focus on what is behind me. Help me to turn my focus to what you have ahead for me. I thank you that your light illumines a path for my future. Help me to daily walk in your light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

THIS ONE THING. DAY 6

 

January 7, 2025

John 9:25 

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know.
One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

The context of today's verse is that Jesus had miraculously healed a man who was blind from birth. The Problem was, at least from the religious leader’s perspective, Jesus did it on the Sabbath. This incensed them. So, they set out to discredit Jesus because of it, including harassing the man who had been healed.

In the account we read that the religious leaders repeatedly bombarded the now-seeing man with a number of accusatory questions, (read John 9 for the details). The man is finally exasperatedly by all the leading questions and finger pointing, declared the one thing he could say for sure, he was blind, and Jesus healed him! He couldn’t explain the theology of it. He had no idea how it played into who Jesus was. He couldn’t back up the act with Scripture, but he could declare what Jesus had done for him. And not one person could or did dispute that.

What’s the one thing that Jesus has done in your life that no one can dispute? 

We may not be able to perfectly quote Bible verses or explain every aspect in theological terms, but we can share with others how Jesus has transformed us. That’s what it means to give testimony to His goodness and faithfulness. That’s how we share the good news of Jesus Christ.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
                                                                                    1 Peter 3:15

THIS ONE THING. DAY 5

January 6, 2025

Philippians 3:13-14 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Did you experience any failures this past year? Disappointments? Betrayals? Setbacks?

If so, perhaps it’s a good time for us to do the one thing the apostle Paul speaks of: forget what is behind. Often, that’s one of the most difficult things to do. We somehow feel it’s necessary to beat ourselves up, or beat up that person who failed us. But that can become a heavy load.

Hebrews 12 speaks of “throwing off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us and running with perseverance the race set before us.” 

What kind of "stuff" are you holding on to that may hinder you in the calling God has for your life? 

Now is a really good time to lay that down.

What’s one thing you need to let go of, so that you might run with perseverence the set before you?

THIS ONE THING DAY 4

 

January 5, 2025

Psalm 56:9-10 (The Living Bible) 

The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. My enemies flee! This one thing I know: God is for me! I am trusting God—oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere man can do to me! Yes, praise his promises.

On this first Sunday of 2025 perhaps we need to be reminded of this one thing today, God is for you! 

There are so many of His precious promises for those who trust in God. Here are just a few:

Neverwill I leave you; never will I forsake (Hebrews 13:5)

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

… I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

… I have loved you with an everlasting love… (Jeremiah 31:3)

Remember, when we are struggling, we can stand on the promises of God. When all else is sinking sand, He is our firm foundation.

What one promise do you need to claim today?

Here today's scripture again,

The very day I call for help, the tide of battle turns. 

My enemies flee! 

This one thing I know: God is for me! I am trusting God—oh, praise his promises! I am not afraid of anything mere mortals can do to me! Yes, praise his promises.

THIS ONE THING DAY 3

January 4, 2025

Psalm 62:11-12 

One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love…”

I believe this passage does a great job in summing up who God is, all powerful and all loving. His power demonstrates His sovereign nature. As creator of all things, He is also sustainer of them as well. And the thing that most characterizes God? Love.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect the image of God. Now here are some of His attributes that are communicable – meaning we can emulate them. For example, such attributes as love, justice, grace, mercy, goodness, truthfulness, creativity, and relationality. Others are incommunicable – meaning they only apply to God and God alone. These are such character atributes as omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, sovereign, transcendent, immutable, and self-existent. Perhaps, Love is the single most defining attribute that reveals that we belong to Him.

Jesus said "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35

What one thing will define you most in this coming year?

THIS ONE THING. DAY 2

 January 3, 2025

Matthew 22:37-39 

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

A new year 2025 has begun. A New Year is always a great opportunity for self-examination. 

What were some of the greatest blessings in the past year? 

What would you want to do differently as you move into 2025? 

Today’s Scripture has the potential to have the most impact on our life when we start off each day with this purpose before us.    Love God. Love Others.

That’s how Jesus summed up all the law and prophets. This summary statement Jesus calls us toward a single-minded focus, a focus he left with His disciples and by extention you and me.  Love God. Love