We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2 Peter 1:16

Real

In 2001, director Stephen Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks paired up to produce the miniseries Band of Brothers. The ten-part drama followed a company of World War II soldiers from their basic training through the end of the war.

In this miniseries, the characters were colorful. The plot twists were riveting. The battle scenes were beyond intense. For those who watched the entire program, however, perhaps the conclusion of the final episode packs the most powerful punch. You see, each episode of Band of Brothers began with an old man talking to an off-screen interviewer. Over the course of the series, the various old men became familiar faces as they quietly spoke of their days as young soldiers. Only at the end of the ten-part story did you learn their names. They are the very men depicted in the miniseries. They are the Band of Brothers. Their story was not fiction. Their story was real.

When the apostle Peter sat down and wrote his second letter, he was an old man too. He wanted his readers, including you and me, to understand something about what he and all the other writers recorded in the Bible about Jesus. They did not write it down for entertainment. They did not write it down to tell a rousing story. They did not write it down to keep us spellbound with colorful characters and riveting plotlines. They wrote it down because that’s what happened. They wrote it down because they were eyewitnesses. They wrote it down because it really happened.

That means your forgiveness in Jesus and his guiding hand in your life is real. It means his promise to uphold you and your security in him is real. And that is really comforting.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, as I read your Word, fill me with the awareness that Jesus’ life and death and resurrection took place in real time, for me and for all. Amen.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19

Pay Attention to the Light

What would you do if the batteries of your flashlight died while exploring deep in a dark cave? There are only a couple of options, neither of which sounds great. You could either sit there and yell out, hoping someone with a light comes to rescue you. Or you could try to feel your way through the darkness and hope you don’t get lost further in the cave or stumble down a pit. Either way, your chances of getting out of that cave aren’t great.

But if someone started coming toward you in the dark cave with a light, what would you do? You wouldn’t just sit there and ignore it. You’d put all your attention and focus onto that light. That light is your way out. Your life depends on it! That light would be all you care about at that point.

In our Bible verse for today, the Word of God, is compared to a light shining in a dark place. As people living in the darkness of this world and of our own sin, we do well to pay attention to that light above all else. We look to the Word of God as something completely reliable. That Word of God lights up our world and lets us walk on the right path. Most importantly, God’s Word shows us Jesus and what he has done to save us from our sins. It’s no wonder God wants us to pay attention to the light of his Word!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for giving me your reliable Word to be a light for me in the dark. Keep my attention focused on that Word each and every day. Amen.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5

Listen to My Son

When Jesus was baptized, God the Father’s voice boomed down from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” When Jesus went up on the Mount of Transfiguration and showed himself in all his shining glory as the Son of God, the Father once again said the very same thing about Jesus. God the Father was putting his stamp of authenticity and approval on Jesus. However, this time God the Father added something. He said, “This is my Son…Listen to him!”

Jesus’ words are trustworthy and true. When he speaks, he speaks also for God the Father. This is good news because Jesus has very good things to say to you. He has spoken great promises to you. Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “If I go and prepare a place for you [in heaven], I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus has the stamp of approval from God. It’s like God the Father slapped a “double your money back guarantee” sticker on Jesus that day. Jesus is the real deal. His words are authentic and trustworthy. He has the words of eternal life for us. His love and his promises to us are guaranteed. We want to listen to our Savior. We can’t wait to listen to our Savior.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. I listen to you, knowing that you are always working for my good as the Son of God. Amen.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1,2

Our Extraordinary Savior

Can you remember a special event from your life that stands out from the ordinary daily routine? You might have bright and vivid memories of a wedding day, the birth of a child or a move to a new home.

One day, Jesus invited three of his disciples to experience an extraordinary event they would not forget. The disciples witnessed the Savior, whose body beamed with blinding brilliance as he was illumined in heavenly glory. So glorious was this event that Peter wanted the moment to continue.

Jesus graciously shares this special moment with us too. By faith in the Word, we are transported to the mountaintop to stand alongside Peter, James, and John to behold Jesus in all his brilliance. Our eyes witness his majesty. Our ears are captivated by the cloud-enveloped voice of the heavenly Father, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

On that day with his disciples, the light that emanated from Jesus did not linger long. Soon Jesus descended the mountain, destined to die in the darkness of the cross. Our glorious God bore our shame and guilt to win the pure light of life and forgiveness for us.

Jesus has not promised that every moment of our earthly lives will be free from sorrow and trouble. Jesus has told us that there will be days of suffering and tears. Yet each day–even those that are clouded by darkness and difficulty–Jesus extends to us the extraordinary light of his love. He cheers us with the unchanging message of his gospel and points us to the promised light of eternal day in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for setting aside your glory to suffer and die for my sins. Fill my life with your love and forgiveness through the light of your powerful Word. Amen.

So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were. When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David’s army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.
2 Samuel 11:16,17

Chain Reactions

When David saw Bathsheba bathing on the roof and lusted for her, there’s no way he could have known that it would end up with the murder of one of his best fighting men, Uriah. And yet, that’s exactly where the path of sin led David. Sin is like a bunch of firecrackers tied together. David lit the fuse with a lustful look, but the sin didn’t end there. Adultery, lies, drunkenness, conspiracy, manipulation, murder. Each sin exploding bigger and louder than the last.

Not only that, but David roped many others into his sins as well. From the messengers sent to bring Bathsheba to him to the commander of his army, Joab. Even the army’s enemies served as David’s hitmen.

It’s safe to say that David didn’t intend to plunge headlong into such recklessly self-destructive behavior, but once the fuse was lit, David couldn’t find the courage to put it out.

One of the temptations of sin is that it will be “one and done.” Just one lustful look. Just one click. Just one message. Just one lie. Just one sin. But sin is rarely ever just “one and done.” It’s more like lighting the fuse of a chain of firecrackers. One sin sets off a chain reaction of sins. And the more we sin, the more consequences and the more people get dragged into it.

Those sins deserve punishment. David deserved to die for his sins. But the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” Instead of punishing us, God punished his Son in our place. And instead of leaving our sins chained to us, Jesus freed us from sin so that we can live the holy life to which he calls us. Jesus’ promises of love and forgiveness give us the strength to stomp out the lit fuse of sin.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me and for forgiving me. Help me to take sin seriously and to not fall into temptation. Amen.

[Jesus said] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-29

Guard Your Eyes

It’s been called a victimless crime, and yet it’s almost always done in secret. It’s an industry that generates billions of dollars a year, but its workers are degraded, coerced, and exploited. In December 2022, three of its websites ranked in the top 15 most visited worldwide, but many people make sure to clear their browser history after visiting them. You’ve probably guessed by now that this is all true about the pornography industry.

Maybe most troubling is the gradual acceptance of pornography as part of the 21st-century digital life. In 2016, a survey by Covenant Eyes found that more teens and young adults considered not recycling to be more immoral than pornography. Culture and society are growing more accepting of lust and sinful desires.

That’s why Jesus’ words are so important right now. Jesus brings clarity to God’s laws. He gets right to the heart of the matter. Any form of sex outside of marriage or separate from your spouse is sinful. Jesus knows that lust damages relationships, both with people and with God, and lust damages the people involved with the sin. And many studies back up the damages caused by pornography to its viewers and workers.

Jesus came to heal the hurt between people and God. He came to fix the damage caused by the lust in our hearts. Jesus saves people from all their sins—even the sins done in secret and in shame. But Jesus didn’t die on the cross just so we could go back to the destruction of sexual sins. If you’re struggling with pornography and looking for help, go to the website conquerorsthroughchrist.net. There is help, and there is hope.

Prayer:
Jesus, you’ve conquered all my sins. Thank you. Live in me and for me to conquer all my temptations. Amen.

[Jesus said] “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Matthew 5:21,22

Curb Your Anger

It sounds a little harsh, doesn’t it? Being angry with someone is enough to merit God’s judgment. You can understand the first part: You shall not murder. And if you do murder, then yes, there should be judgment. But judgment for anger? How do you keep from being angry? And why does anger earn God’s judgment?

This section of the Bible is part of a sermon Jesus preached called “The Sermon on the Mount.” In this sermon, Jesus gets to the root of God’s laws. God’s laws don’t just require perfect outward action like not murdering, but also perfect inward action like curbing angry thoughts and feelings.

Anger is the gateway to resentment and hatred. And if you harbor resentment towards someone, it means you’re not forgiving them. And if your hate festers unchecked in your heart, it means you are not loving.

God wants you to see others the way he sees others. He desires that you treat others with respect and love and not view people as receptacles of your anger and scorn. He doesn’t want you to nurse grudges so that every time you see someone who slighted you in the past, you only see red.

And so, Jesus goes back to the root of God’s law. It starts with thoughts and attitudes and controlling anger.

The one truly justified in his anger is God. He has every right to be angry with sinners. But instead of taking out his wrath on us, God poured it out on his Son, Jesus. And Jesus willingly took that anger and wrath to change the lives of his people all the way to their roots.

Freed from their sins, God’s people can let go of anger and resentment and forgive instead. Believers can get rid of hate and choose to love because the harsh but justified penalty for sin has been removed by Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking God’s anger in my place. Help me to show the love that you have shown me. Amen.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ 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.
Matthew 1:18

Members of God’s Family

Here was Mary, a young girl, perhaps still a teenager. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, but the wedding hadn’t yet taken place. Suddenly, she is obviously pregnant. They hadn’t slept together—Mary was still a virgin—but nevertheless, she was pregnant. The not-yet-born baby she was carrying was from the Holy Spirit. We don’t know how the Holy Spirit worked this miracle, but the same God who created the world and all things—the same holy and perfect God did this: he conceived a son with this young, virgin girl.

God brought his Son, Jesus, into this world in a miraculous way. He did this because he wants you and me to be part of his heavenly family. Jesus came to wipe away the guilt that we have for not being the kind of people that God wants. He was conceived in that miraculous way so that he was without sin. Therefore, he was able to be our Savior by taking our sins on himself and paying for them with his death. The miraculous conception of Jesus is more than something to marvel at. We give God thanks for accomplishing it because through Jesus we are forgiven, and by faith in Jesus we can call God “our Father” and enjoy the blessing of being included in God’s holy family.

Prayer:
My Father in heaven, the miraculous birth of Jesus proves to me the extent of your love to make me a part of your eternal family. Impress upon me every day the privilege I have in being called your own, and help me tell others that they also may be brought into a close relationship with you by faith in your Son, Jesus. Amen.

[Jesus said] “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:19

Practice What You Preach

Before Johnny’s mom left for work, she ducked her into his bedroom. “Now, don’t forget,” she said. “I need you to empty the dishwasher, put your clothes away, and clean your room before I get home.” “Yes, Mom,” Johnny replied with a bright smile. “I’ll be happy to do it!”

But then he didn’t. Not one thing. Nada. Sound familiar?

It’s one thing to say you’re going to do something; it’s quite another to get it done. Jesus is the only person who has never fallen into that trap. He has never failed to live up to his promises and never once neglected to practice what he preached. He didn’t just approve the standard with his words; he set the standard with his actions.

We, on the other hand, constantly blow it. At our best, we still look for shortcuts and often assume that the bare minimum is good enough for others. Going the extra mile for someone is considered several bridges too far. At our worst, we thumb our nose at what we know to be the right thing and do the opposite instead.

But God’s children are called to fight against those selfish urges and to model their mindset after Jesus’ own. Christians are called to practice what they preach. The Savior himself explained that nodding your head approvingly at God’s commands is not enough. Instead, “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Do Christians ever manage to do that perfectly this side of heaven? They can’t, no matter how hard they try. Like everyone else, Christians are broken sinners, too. But that doesn’t mean they throw in the towel and call it a day. No, with each new day they strive once again to practice what they preach, not to earn God’s favor and forgiveness, but to be more like Jesus, who freely grants all people his favor and forgiveness.

You can be certain that those eternal gifts are yours too, because Jesus practices what he preaches.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me understand better your perfect love for me. Amen.

[Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

Christians Can’t Hide

If you’re trying to hide from a hungry bear in a dark forest, shining a flashlight in every direction won’t be helpful. Your scent might still give you away, but your flashlight will also help him hone in on your whereabouts. Shining a light in dark places makes it difficult to hide. The light gives you away.

Jesus doesn’t want his people to hide in this world darkened by sin and death. He wants them to shine in every direction. But not to be showy or self-important. Not to jump into the spotlight and shout, “Look at me!” Instead, he says, be who you are through faith in me, “the light of the world.” If they let their light shine, people won’t be able to help but notice. Faithful Christians can’t hide. Their light will be too bright, even if they’re trying to go unnoticed.

And what exactly does Jesus mean when he tells Christians, “Let your light shine”? That”s simple. They are to reflect Jesus’ unconditional love, patience, self-control, and self-sacrifice for others. He is himself “the light of the world” (John 8:12), and his people exist to reflect his light. They are created and called to be noticeably different and distinct in a world shrouded by self-centered sinfulness and shamefulness.

And why is this so important? So that those who do not yet know Jesus might be directed to their Savior. You see, ultimately, it’s not about bringing attention to Christians. It’s about bringing attention to Christ. He is the only one who is able to save them from their sins and grant them the gift of eternal life so that they, too, might let their light shine.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, through your Word and Spirit, empower to let my light shine and to bring praise to your heavenly Father forever. Amen.

Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.’”
Exodus 19:3-5

A Treasured Possession

What is your most treasured possession? For a child it might be a bicycle or a doll. For a teenager it might be a pair of jeans or a phone. Perhaps, for you it is your wedding ring or a family heirloom.

Have you ever wondered what God treasures? He has a great deal to choose from since everything in creation is his. Every bird, every animal, every gemstone, every mountain—everything is his.

But what does God treasure most? You. He made you and wanted you in his world. He has provided for you and protected you. And even though you have often strayed from him and gone against his commands, he treasured you so much that he came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ and rescued you from your own rebellion.

You may not believe that you are very valuable. It may seem like other people don’t consider you very valuable, either. You may not think you matter. But the sacrifice God made when he went to the cross is your proof of how valuable you are to him. Let that be your comfort and peace this day, knowing that no matter what you are facing or how you might feel you are failing, by faith in Jesus, you are God’s treasured possession. And he plans to keep you for the rest of eternity.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you know there are times I do not feel very valuable. I think of the pain I have caused others and the pain my sins have caused you. But your Word tells me that through Jesus, I am your treasured possession. I marvel at such a thought. May all I do this day be worthy of such an honor. Amen.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Mourning

Dr. Alejandra Vasquez has published an article that sheds light on grief. While you and I might associate mourning mainly with the death of a loved one, Dr. Vasquez reminds us that losses of many kinds may cause us to mourn. A few examples include: The loss of a friend through distance or a rift in your relationship. The loss of your sense of home through your having to move to another place. The loss of familiar people and routines at work when your employer creates all kinds of changes. The loss of a sense of identity when you must leave your profession. The loss of your former lifestyle when you take on the care of an ailing loved one. The loss of independence when poor health prevents you from doing what you’ve always done. Even a series of relatively small losses can create what Dr Vasquez calls “compound grief.”

The truth is we live in a sinful, broken world, and by nature we are sinful, broken people. As a result there will be all kinds of losses—losses around us and of our own making. And some of those losses will make us mourn.

If you are in mourning, if you are in grief, know this. You are on Jesus’ mind and heart. And he fully understands what you feel. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows,” Isaiah says of our Savior. There is no kind of grief you feel that he does not grasp.

But Jesus also gives a promise. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. When our Lord lived a holy life in our place and suffered and died for our every sin, not only did he purchase for us full forgiveness. He also secured comfort for us in this life and absolute comfort in the life to come, “where there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain.”

That’s his promise. And with Jesus, a promise made is a promise kept.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know my sorrow. Thank you for your comfort. I look to you to carry me through. Amen.

Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
1 Corinthians 1:26

Cinderella Story

Harry was a carpenter and a good one. Earlier in life he’d pursued acting, but that had gone nowhere, one filmmaker telling him there was no future in it for him. One day, Harry was doing some work near the home of a young director. He remembered Harry from somewhere, and asked him to read for a part in the director’s next movie. The young director was George Lucas. The movie was Star Wars. Harry the carpenter was Harrison Ford.

Everyone loves a good Cinderella story—the story of someone of ordinary background who experiences a thrilling change in life. You can find Cinderella stories in many places: The small college basketball team that wins the big tournament. The farm girl whose singing voice is discovered on a national talent show. The penniless, single mom who writes the phenomenal, best-selling book. Or the quiet, unassuming carpenter who goes on to become one of the biggest film stars in Hollywood.

All these stories are child’s play, however, in comparison to the story of what Jesus Christ has done for you and me. In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, the apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians, “Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” Those same words certainly apply to the vast majority of us. In fact, because of our sin, the full picture is far worse. Not only are most of us invisible to the eyes of the world, by nature we are broken, toxic souls, reeking in our spiritual failure, deserving only of God’s contempt.

But God did not let the story end there. Instead, he sent his Son. On our behalf, Jesus lived the sinless life we have failed to live. In our place, Jesus washed away our every stain of guilt at the cross. Now, through faith in our Savior, the plot has changed. Our story is different. It’s not necessarily that we are now best-selling authors or famous athletes; our story is far better. We are forgiven. God is our Heavenly Father. He guides every moment for our good. Heaven is our home.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for changing my story. Thank you for sending your Son. Amen.

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land.
Zephaniah 2:3

Searches

Want to know some of the top internet searches from 2022? Under the category of TV shows, top searches included the Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the modern western series, Yellowstone, and the science fiction series, Stranger Things. Under movies, top searches included Jurassic World Dominion, The Batman, and Top Gun: Maverick. Finally, in the overall category for top searches of 2022 included items such as Powerball numbers, election results, and Queen Elizabeth.

When you take even a moment to consider what is at our fingertips to read, watch, research, and study—the prospect is staggering. Think about it: any contemporary figure, movie, event in history, scientific discovery, definition, culture, newsworthy headline, how-to video, book discussion, or speculation about the future—all of it and more is just waiting for you to type the word in the search engine and hit, “Enter.”

But even before the internet, humanity found itself surrounded by countless ways we could spend our time and energy. Countless ways we could use our eyes and ears.

Several hundred years before Jesus’ birth, God’s people had taken their spiritual search engines and hit “Enter” on all kinds of things—things that seemed important, that promised pleasure, happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. But they were wrong. They were wrong because all their searches were at the expense of spending time in the presence of their Lord and Savior.

And so, God called them to repentance. “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,” he said. He called upon them to acknowledge their sinful, wandering ways and look to him once again.

Many times, you and I have wandered in the same way. We searched the wrong places. We sought out the wrong people. And in doing so, we drifted from the Lord—the only one who gives us lasting peace, life, and joy.

But God still pursues us and calls us to repentance. And through faith in the Christ Child who has washed us clean at the cross—all is forgiven. And we are his.

Prayer:
Lord, I come to you in repentance. Forgive my foolish searches. Embrace me in your grace. Cleanse me in your blood. I am yours. Amen.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20

Fishers of Men

The fishermen Peter and Andrew had met Jesus before. They seem to have been disciples of John the Baptist before they became disciples of Jesus. But John the Baptist gave Andrew a nudge in his Lord’s direction one day when he said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” (John 1:36) Andrew went and got his brother, and Jesus called them to not only be his followers but also into the work of being fishers of men.

Some of the most difficult fishing we do as Christians is to share our faith with a close relative such as a brother, sister, or spouse. There can be many reasons for this—lack of confidence because of something in the past, a concern not to get Christianity in the way of a relationship, or other factors. Our reasons may be legitimate, or they may be sinful, or we might even be uncertain which it is. But we take comfort in something Peter said about his Lord, the “lamb without blemish or defect,” when he assured us that “through [Jesus] you believe in God… for you have been born again… through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:19-23). It is the word of God that works. We simply do our best to let the word itself do the work and to present ourselves as living examples of faith in Jesus.

As his followers, Jesus calls us to be fishers of men. We don’t fish for our own benefit but for God’s kingdom. We are people-fishers, using the only bait that works: the good news about Jesus. The gospel always accomplishes what God wants it to. God’s word is powerful. It’s perfect. It’s effective. And it’s yours.

Prayer:
Jesus, when I have the opportunity to tell other people your word, give me the courage to speak and the ability to communicate the truth about you as Savior. Amen.