Recently I spent some time with a lady who has known Jesus for a very long time, and although I see a love and sincerity for Him in her, her understanding and lifestyle do not reflect a life devoted to His ways. However as she shared her story, I was so moved by how beautifully God had been at work in and through her. His amazing grace and unconditional love were so clearly extended to her as one of His own little children, even in the midst of the choices she was making.

It made me realize that we can get so hung up on the importance of obedience (and it is important!) that we can lose sight of God’s unconditional love, which is so clearly portrayed through the story of the prodigal son, and the shepherd that leaves the ninety nine sheep to go and find the one that has been lost.

We are God’s search and rescue team, we are Jesus in the flesh and we are sent out to show His unconditional love and compassion. Every day we are encountering those who are the “prodigals,” who have known Jesus at some level, but have fallen away for various reasons. Judgment and criticism will not bring them back, it is the kindness of God that leads them to repentance.

Let our words and actions reflect unconditional love that we may be like our Father in heaven, and that we would see the prodigals returned.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ ⁷ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:4-7 NKJV

This conversation got me thinking about religion, and how we as humans have many different religions that we can choose. There is a belief system for every taste. Often when I think about Christianity, I think about what makes it different than other religions. For me, the most significant thing is that we have a friend in Jesus. I love the fact hat by believing in God, I have someone there to talk to whenever I need Him, and that He is with me in whatever I do. The friendship that we can have with God isn’t dependent on what we do or how good we are, but simply because God loves us and wants a relationship with us.

In a world of conditional love and good deeds, this really is a revolutionary thought. How can it be that we get the love of God no matter what we do? If you are looking for love and fulfillment, we encourage you to think more about Jesus and the love he has for you. It’s there if you want it – all you have to do is receive it.

 “The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name.” (Exodus 15:3)

Do a Google image search on the name Jesus. What do you see? I see dozens of pictures of a white guy who looks like he might be good at crocheting or reading nursery rhymes.

Who was Jesus? Well, he is alive, so the proper question is, “Who is Jesus?” What is he actually like? If you hung out with him for a day, what kind of person would you see.

He is God’s son and the image of the invisible God. Of the many indescribable characteristics he possesses, one of the strongest would undoubtedly be his humility. Philippians 2, among many other passages, confirms this.

But another facet in the diamond that is Jesus’ personality comes in the form of his warrior persona.

The Jews were expecting a liberating Savior that would free them from their physical oppression, restoring the nation of Israel geographically and politically. Jesus was concerned with much different things. He was in the business of spiritual liberation, spiritual freedom. He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness and remained faithful, using the word of God as his defense. He cast out evil spirits and demons from people, restoring them to spiritual health. He was aware of the spiritual realms and engaged in spiritual warfare on many occasions.

May we do the same, by faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, to the glory of His name. As Christ fought the darkness, so must we.

LORD, you are a warrior. May we be aware, as your son was when He came to earth, of the spiritual battle that rages around us. Holy Spirit, help us believe and overcome our unbelief. Keep us strong by the truth during temptation. Keep us faithful by prayer and fasting during spiritual warfare. Amen.  

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” (Matthew 4:17)

The gospels record Jesus proclaiming, (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15) and instructing His disciples to proclaim, that the kingdom of God is near. (Matthew 10:7; Luke 10:9, 11) Although the book of Acts, Paul’s letters and other New Testament books continue to speak about the kingdom of God, none use the phrase, “the kingdom of God is near”. Why wouldn’t the apostles continue to use that statement?

People were looking for an earthly kingdom, one to overthrow the Romans and free them from oppression, but Jesus’ talk of the kingdom suggested a less tangible but still powerful realm. Jesus told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

Jesus also said “Some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” (Mark 9:1) If Jesus meant the complete fulfillment of the kingdom of God – with sin and Satan finally defeated, where Christ will reign eternally – then some of the people who heard His words would still be living today.

That’s not the case. So, we know Jesus was describing the indwelling of Holy Spirit, who enables believers to live in the kingdom of God and experience His power. Many lived to see that day – Pentecost – when the Holy Spirit powerfully descended upon the disciples. (Acts chapter 2)

The disciples no longer preached ‘the kingdom of God is near’ after Jesus’ resurrection, because it had arrived. Jesus explained that you can’t see the kingdom of God because it is within you. His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven, made it possible for the Holy Spirit to come and live within us.

God’s kingdom – His rule and authority – came to earth through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit in our lives – the kingdom of God within us – empowers us to walk in righteousness.

Thank you God that Your kingdom is here – within me! Help me to live in that reality. Amen.

Questions: How does knowing the kingdom of God is within you affect you? How have you experienced the power of the kingdom in your life?

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:13-14)

“I have prayed the prayer to receive Jesus,” my friend said to me, “but I didn’t feel any different. Nothing changed. So I guess nothing happened.”

I know what she meant. After I prayed to receive Jesus, I felt no different either. Except that I now wanted to read the Bible. As I did so, day after day, I met Jesus in a most remarkable way. Joy and peace flooded my heart. But feelings are not reliable and soon I experienced the whole gamut of emotions including fear and doubt. I had to learn to walk by faith and not by feelings.

In so many ways, Jesus let me know that He was with me. By reading His Word, I began to see who I really am–a beloved child of God in whom He delights. Even though my emotions were in turmoil, God had not left me. For he promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 )

If we seek an experience–an emotional high– rather than God, we will become disappointed. We might even say, “I’ve tried God and it didn’t work.” The Bible says, “‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you,’ declares the LORD.”

How do we seek God with all our hearts? By looking in places where He might be found: reading the Bible, going to church, attending Bible study, going for a quiet nature hike, listening to beautiful music, and talking to Him.  When God becomes central, all sorts of experiences happen. Life becomes full and exciting.

Thank you, Father, that you want us to know you. You’re not playing “hide-and-seek”. You created us for fellowship with you. Help me to trust you more.  Amen.

 Question: How do you seek God with all your heart?

“These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:7)

“Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24b)

One look at history will tell you we forget. We make the same mistakes again and again. Progress and evolution seem more like circulation!

The truth is, we are forgetful.

To add to the issue, us guys aren’t the most sentimental. We might not even enjoy reminiscing! But here’s the deal:

First of all, remembering is good. Remembering makes our faith stronger as the character of God is brought to the forefront of our minds.

Secondly, we remember things that matter. Looking back at journals or practicing ceremonies can be dull and frustrating, but if the character of God is central, they are always life-giving.

Can we trust ourselves to remember? Sometimes. But often God suggests we use a symbol or an action. Physical and active remembering is crucial. Our bodies recognize a motion or object and associate it with a deeper meaning.

Jesus used a simple meal and commanded that we remember him every time we eat. A meal? To remember God’s son? It’s a mystery worth engaging.

Let’s take the time to remember today. Bring to mind who God has been and make it a regular habit. He has revealed his character to us in personal ways and we would do best to remember them.

God you are the living God. Thank you for your goodness. You have been so faithful to me and I thank you for the many times you have revealed your character to me. Holy Spirit, help me remember as I seek to renew my mind with thoughts of you. Amen.

“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.” (Matthew 1:21)

The hope that Jesus brings, and the joy, and the peace, all culminate in His salvation. The real and wonderful meaning of Christmas is that Jesus came to redeem us.  When Joseph and Mary took the infant Jesus to the temple, Simeon spoke these words, “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Simeon knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the One who would save them, the One for whom they had been waiting. For thousands of years the Jewish people had been waiting for the Savior, the Messiah, the Christ, whom God had promised. Jesus was and is the fulfillment of prophesy. We don’t have to wait anymore. The proclamation of angels, the rejoicing of shepherds, the worshipping of wise men all declare, “A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Jesus’ sinless life, willing death and powerful resurrection paid the ransom for our lives. This is the truth the apostles preached, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) This is the truth of Christmas.

Gracious and loving God, thank you for sending Your son, Jesus, many years ago to be born in humble circumstances. Help us never to forget or take for granted the salvation He brought us. Amen.

Questions: What does Christ’s salvation mean to you? How can we demonstrate our thankfulness to God for the wonderful gift He gave us at Christmas?

Are you struggling to hear from God this Christmas? Let us pray for you.

“God …through us, spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

The smell of Christmas turkey baking in the oven permeated every corner of the house. Walking in from outside the fragrance was welcoming. The smell alone created an appetite and an expectation. Did you know that you permeate the circle you live in with a fragrance? Oh, it’s not your perfume or your after shave. No, the Bible tells us, “…God …through us, spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

As you go through this special day, whether it is a flurry of activity with friends and family or a quiet day of reflection, you are taking the fragrance of Christ with you into your circle.

The celebration of the birth of Jesus is sometimes pushed to the background amid the food and gifts of the day. Yet you bring the fragrance of Him with you as you interact with those around you. You can bring acceptance and love, gentleness and kindness. You can bring an unselfish spirit and an embracing warmth. You can bring the very things His birth brought to you!

Somewhere in your circle there may be one for whom this day is difficult. Seek that person out and give away some of the love Jesus gave you. Create a hunger for Him in those around you by sharing the fragrance of Jesus.

Simply ask for His Holy Spirit to fill you today with power from Him so you can share that fragrance of His loving care. Share His gentle love today and, as the old saying goes, “if necessary, use words”.

Father God,
I want to say a special “Thank You” today for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that knowing Him can change a life! Help me today to have a heart full of the abundance of all Jesus is, love and gentleness, acceptance and caring. Help me to be filled today with these things, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the fragrance of Christ will permeate wherever You have me today! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Question: How will you celebrate Jesus today?

“They saw the child and his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11)

Do you worship with your words and actions? Do you worship with your heart? Because we have eight grandchildren, we try to make part of our family Christmas gathering a time of focusing on Christ. One way we have found very effective is to act out the Christmas story.

We have as many actors as there are family members (and others who have come for the Christmas dinner). Because we can have as many as 17 people, we have a lot of sheep. We put the names of the biblical characters and animals in a hat and everyone picks one. Then everyone has 10 minutes to find his or her costume and props from anywhere in the house. We gather in one room and the narrator begins to slowly read the Christmas story – usually from the Living Bible – so the children can understand.

The costumes are usually very creative – from the camels wearing real saddles, the kings wearing up-side-down silver or gold trophies on their heads and even our Dalmatian dog being recruited to be one of the sheep. One year a new grandchild was the Baby Jesus.

We have fun and laugh a lot. But when it comes to the part where the wise men come and see the Child and His mother and bow down and worship Him, we become quiet.  One year, one of our non-Christian guests, playing the part of a king, also knelt down and worshiped. As I watched him, I silently prayed that soon and very soon, he would worship Jesus with his whole heart.

He has not yet given his heart to Jesus. But I keep praying for him. The Bible tells us that when we pray according to God’s will, He will answer. Soon this man WILL worship the Lord with his whole heart. Who are you praying for this Christmas?

Father, there are thousands of people who have heard the Christmas story and have not yet begun to worship You. Father, we pray that this year, You would open the eyes and hearts of those we have been praying for. We pray that they would become true worshippers of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Question: Who are you praying for this Christmas?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

Who knows a child better than his parent? From the time a baby is delivered, its mother and father know more than anyone else what will make the child content, sad, frightened, or excited. They recognize not only the youngster’s preferences but also his needs. And for that reason, parents usually know how to select the most appropriate gifts for their son or daughter.

How much more does our Heavenly Father understand us! He didn’t have to learn about us the way earthly parents do. As our Creator, who “wove” each of us when we were still in the womb (Psalm 139:13), He knows us better than even our family.

That means He is perfectly aware, not just of our likes, dislikes, abilities, and struggles, but especially of our needs. So when it comes to gifts, doesn’t it make sense that God is the best Giver?

God knew our greatest need would be a solution to our sin problem, because sin separates us from Him. So He designed the perfect plan, which is also the perfect gift: He determined to send His sinless Son Jesus as the payment for your sin-debt and mine. The One we see as a baby in the manger is fully God, who came to earth with a purpose – to die so that you and I could have forgiveness of our sins, and that by believing, we might have the greatest gift of all: eternal life.

Your best Christmas present is not wrapped up and placed under the tree; it is the One whose birthday we celebrate. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Question: How have you been reminded of God’s love and mercy in your life this season?

Do you need a reminder of God’s gifts in your life? Let us pray for you.