And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”
Luke 1:46-49

Great Expectations

Daily Devotion – December 23, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 1:46-49

See series: Devotions

When I was younger, I played a lot of sports—football, basketball, baseball—you name it. And I remember dreaming that one day I would be able to make it to the pros: Throwing the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl! Hitting the buzzer beater in the Finals! Knocking the bottom of the ninth home run out of the park to win the World Series! Wouldn’t that be sweet?! Unfortunately for me, some people have done those things, but I never did.

I have had the opportunity to coach at the elementary school and high school level. And I have heard from some of my players the same kind of hopes and dreams that I had when I was their age. Over the years, I also heard from some of their parents that they had hopes their child would eventually make it to the pros. But none of them ever did.

Some parents have great expectations for their children. But sometimes, those expectations are greater than what is realistic.

Mary had high hopes for the child she was carrying but her expectations exceeded anything you or I or anyone else could ever do: She expected her child to save the world from death. That seems like a lot of pressure to put on a kid who hasn’t even taken his first steps yet, doesn’t it?

So, why did Mary have this hope? Because she knew that her child was unlike any other. Her Son was and is the Son of God who masked himself in flesh to do the impossible—to live the life of perfection we never could, to crawl out of his cradle and climb onto the cross, to defeat death, and rise so that you and I could live forever. And, thanks be to God, that’s exactly what he did!

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for sending me a Savior who could do what I never could. Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6

Worry

Daily Devotion – December 21, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 4:6

See series: Devotions

Don’t worry! That’s what God says in his Word for us today. But we wonder how we can put aside all our worry, every instant of our anxiety. There are so many dangers that surround us, so many things that stress us out, and so many people who are hurting, and some are very dear to us. Not to worry seems impossible.

It is impossible to stop worrying if our attention is riveted on the problems and predicaments of life. But a wonder of God’s love for us is that he teaches us how much greater he is than the worrisome circumstances we face daily. He assures us that he is in control of all things. He is the Almighty, all-knowing God who knows our every need and can fulfill all of them.

He took away our greatest worry; he freed us from the damnation we deserved as sinners. And he lavished his love on us by giving us life with him that will last forever. So, our heavenly Father, who loved us so much to send Jesus to be our Savior, promises to provide for our life and protect us from danger.

Thankful for his saving love, we can turn from our inclination to worry and turn to him with our concerns and burdens. We can confidently address him in prayer, knowing that he listens and will answer according to our best interests. Since God has secured our eternity through Jesus, we know that according to his love, he will care for us now and always.

So, indeed, there is no reason to worry and every reason to pray.

Prayer:
Teach me, Lord, not to worry. Remind me of your great love and power that I can trust in times of need. Accept my prayers through Jesus, my Savior, and help me according to your wisdom. Amen.

The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Real Joy Comes from Above

Daily Devotion – December 19, 2024

Devotion based on Zephaniah 3:17

See series: Devotions

Are you happy right now? If it’s a quiet time of day and you are sitting down reading or listening to this devotion, perhaps it is a happier moment of the day. Or it’s possible that you’re stressed because of a load of work or sad because something disappointing has just happened, and you found this devotion looking for relief. Are you happy right now?

Here’s another question: Are you joyful? That’s a much different question. We might use the words “joy” and “happy” interchangeably, but there’s a difference. Happiness has to do with what’s happening in my life right now. When I asked if you were happy, you had to evaluate your present situation or circumstance—what’s happening right now.

Joy doesn’t come from what’s happening in life right now. No, it comes from what has already happened, and that won’t ever change. What happened is the Lord himself came to save you and me from sin when he died on the cross. What happened is he rose from the dead to conquer death. And I was connected to his cross and empty tomb; it happened when I was baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

It’s okay if you’re not happy right now. It’s okay if this Christmas season stirs up a variety of complicated emotions. You can still have joy because real joy comes from above, from God! This verse from Zephaniah lifts our eyes from what’s happening here and now and points us to the Mighty God who came to save us. He is with you and rejoices over you with singing because it brought him so much joy to save you. Happiness is a changing emotion based on what’s happening right here, right now. Joy is a gift that comes from your gracious God and Savior. Jesus came from heaven above to earth below to give you the joy of knowing you are loved by God now and forever.

Prayer:
Lord, may the joy of your presence and salvation always rise above what’s happening in my life. Amen.

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Luke 3:15,16

Real Joy Comes Through Humility

Daily Devotion – December 17, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 3:15,16

See series: Devotions

Do you enjoy having attention on you? We like it when people recognize our achievements. It makes us feel good when people turn to us for help or answers because they think we’re knowledgeable.

In the time just prior to Jesus beginning his public ministry, many people’s eyes were on John the Baptist as he came to prepare the way for Jesus. They wondered if John was the Messiah, the Savior God had promised. If I were John, it may have puffed up my ego that people thought so highly of me. But when all the attention was on John, he humbly shifted the focus where it needed to be—on Jesus. The momentary ego boost that came from being mistaken for the Messiah would have quickly been extinguished by the reality that John couldn’t even save himself. Instead, real joy came through humility, which allowed John to look away from himself to see his Savior, Jesus.

The same is true for you and me. Real joy comes through humility that looks away from self, achievements, and failures to see the One who is greater—Jesus. There is real joy in recognizing that the burden of our salvation doesn’t rest on us. Real joy comes when you realize Jesus humbled himself to the point of death to cleanse you from sin and give you the joy of salvation.

Prayer:
Lord, grant me humility so that the attention of my heart may be fixed on Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5

Rejoice Always

Daily Devotion – December 15, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4,5

See series: Devotions

Can you remember Christmases from long ago? Christmas is a time of nostalgia. Our attics, smartphones, and social media accounts are filled with memories from past Christmases. It can be fun to go down memory lane as you look at old pictures or watch old videos.

Sometimes, we even try to recreate moments that brought us joy in Christmas past. We still use our favorite childhood Christmas traditions. We make the same Christmas cookies that Mom used to make. We try to decorate our homes the same way we did when we were young.

There is a place for such nostalgia. But nostalgia might also reveal deeper struggles taking place within our hearts. We live in a broken world. Life can be hard. And so we use nostalgia—recalling the joy of Christmas yesteryear—in our effort to forget about current problems. That approach can give us some joy until December 26th.

If our joy this holiday season is found only by looking backward—remembering fond days of Christmases past—then our joy will be fleeting. Nostalgia cannot help you to rejoice always. To rejoice always, you need to look forward, not backward.

God gave us a gift that helps us to look forward—the gift of his own Son in human flesh. Jesus came to us—our “Immanuel,” God with us. God drew near to us on that first Christmas. He came to earth bearing the types of gifts which bring a joy that never fades.

There is joy to be found in our Christmas celebrations. But lasting joy is found only in Jesus. Rejoice in him always.

Prayer:
O Immanuel, lead me to find my joy this Christmas first and foremost in you. And bless me also with those other smaller joys of the season—safe travels, good health, time with family and friends, and other gifts as you see fit. In your name I ask it, Amen.

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Psalm 66:16-20

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Daily Devotion – December 13, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:16-20

See series: Devotions

Let me tell you what God has done for me. Twenty-one years ago, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Today, I have been cancer-free for twenty years. Fifteen years ago, I was unable to have a child. Today, we have two incredible teenagers. Ten years ago, I almost lost my foot in a faulty elevator. Today, I am still standing. Five years ago, I considered changing vocations. Today, by the grace of God, I am where I am.

Think of a time when you received good news—an answer to an impossible problem. The sense of joy and relief you felt is close to what the psalmist who wrote today’s Bible passage felt. He was not just telling a story; he was testifying to God’s presence in his life. He cried out to God, full of need and full of trust. God answered, not because the psalmist was deserving but because God’s love and mercy are vast.

Think about your own relationship with God. Are you trying to keep anything in the dark from God? Is that putting distance between you and him? Cry out to God. Let go of what is holding you in the shadows and lean into him for mercy. God listens and answers every prayer in love.

Amid the frenzy, the festivities, and the lights, it’s easy to miss the miracle that began it all. How God, in love, reached down to a weary world in answer to our greatest need ever—a Savior from sin and sorrow. Jesus came to give us true light and life by giving his own life to set us free from darkness and death.

Take time this Advent season to tell others what great things God has done for you.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 322 vs 1)
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Amen.

Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66:8-12

My Soul in Stillness Waits

Daily Devotion – December 11, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:8-12

See series: Devotions

When our kids were little, we had a song for special occasions. If one of them complained about something they were given, my wife and I would sing. “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.” It drove them crazy, but it taught them an important lesson about our God.

The psalmist teaches us that God’s love may lead us into seasons of difficulty. Like a silversmith, God uses fiery trials to refine, not roast us. He is preparing our hearts to receive his blessings.

Life doesn’t always go as you plan. But isn’t that the real story of Christmas? How long did God’s people wait for the Messiah? Did Joseph plan to marry his betrothed? Did Mary plan to be the mother of Jesus? Did they plan to walk over seventy miles in the last month of Mary’s pregnancy to spend their honeymoon in Bethlehem? Did they plan to be in a barn when this child came into the world?

We celebrate a King who didn’t come as expected—wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. We worship a King that the world wasn’t looking for—crowned in thorns and nailed to a tree. But look what God did through him! We have a loving Savior who endured terrible things he didn’t deserve so we might receive his abundant blessings. Through his suffering, death, and resurrection, God turns sinners into saints.

You may not get what you want this Christmas but praise God anyway. In Christ, you get everything you need. Through every test and every burden, God refines your faith and strengthens you to persevere in the way that leads to eternal life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you that in giving me your Son as my Savior, you have given me everything I need. Amen.

Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”
Psalm 66:1-4

Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord

Daily Devotion – December 9, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 66:1-4

See series: Devotions

Do you enjoy Christmas carols? What about those music stations that play Christmas songs twenty-four hours a day?

Christmas carols began as expressions of humble praise to God. But many of the songs we hear today are about red-nosed reindeer, snowmen, and sleigh rides. Sure, those songs can be fun, and there is nothing wrong with innocent fun. But they are empty of praise.

Real praise joyfully responds with humble adoration to God’s powerful work. At Christmas, we rejoice that God came to earth. Through his humble life, God demonstrates the awesome power of sacrificial love.

In giving us his Son, God was gifting us something we could never pay for and definitely do not deserve—forgiveness for all our sins, victory over our spiritual enemies, and eternal life.

Our God wants everyone to benefit from his gracious gift. So, keep singing those carols! Make his praise glorious! Sing with joy and enthusiasm! And if you can’t make music, listen with a heart tuned to praise that Christ came to earth. Let everyone know about the perfect gift we have been given—God with us! God for us!

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 315, vs 4)
Savior, hear my welcome cry—loud hosannas lifted high! King of glory, enter in; cleanse my soul of every sin. Amen.

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.”
Jeremiah 33:14

A Fulfilled Promise Brings Hope

Daily Devotion – December 7, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 33:14

See series: Devotions

When a dog hears you say outside or walk, you better be taking that dog for a walk! Even if it’s something that only sounds like one of those words, he’s hearing you make a promise, “We’re going for a walk!”

When a child hears the hint or suggestion of doing something or going somewhere exciting, don’t they react with similar enthusiasm? What a thrill when a child hears a parent announce, “Pack a bag. We are leaving for grandma and grandpa’s house tomorrow!” Oh my, what excitement. From a child’s perspective, they just can’t wait!

Sadly, there are times when promises made become promises broken. Someone did not keep their word. The let-down is huge. The disappointment is real. When that begins to happen too often, we question if the promise is real. We stop believing.

Not so with our Lord. “The days are coming…,” he promised. Although the wait seemed long to God’s people of the Old Testament, God’s promises remained with them. God had made and fulfilled many promises to his people.

Those fulfilled promises were preludes to a greater promise—or as Jeremiah called it in today’s Bible passage, “the good promise.” All God’s promises gave people hope in God’s greater promise yet to be fulfilled. This promise was so good that God repeated it over and over to his people throughout history. People believed in it. Why? Because God was the promise-maker. The Lord always keeps his promises!

The season of Advent before Christmas is so exciting—Christ is coming! It means God kept his “good promise” that he made to us! God’s fulfilled promises give us the certain hope—that when God makes a promise, he will always keep it!

Prayer:
God of fulfilled promises, make good of your promise to return to me. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

He Comes to Grow Us in Love

Daily Devotion – December 5, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12

See series: Devotions

There is universal agreement that the world needs more love. Politicians proclaim that we need to show more love to each other. Law enforcement is dismayed by the lack of love in their communities. Families struggle where there is a lack of love.

If we all agree that the world needs more love, why isn’t there?

There’s nothing wrong with the concept. Showing genuine love to others and receiving it from others is always a blessing.

The problem lies in the execution. We don’t carry out what we proclaim. The entertainer who walks off the stage with an “I love you” doesn’t even know your name. And if you showed up at her house to get an autograph, likely the response would be less than an embrace and a dinner invitation.

More seriously, we all struggle to do what’s needed—more love. Because what is fighting us constantly in showing more love is a sinful nature that inherently will always put itself first.

But there is one who came in perfect love. Only love could cause the purity and perfection of God to clothe himself with flesh. Jesus humbled himself so that he could move from the manger to the cross and to the tomb. Every step that he took on this frail planet was taken in love.

And it is his love that inspires our love. Since God loved us, we have the motive and the example to show God’s love to others in how we speak and act.

More love? Absolutely. We all need it. And Christians have the best reason and the best way to show it. Point to the perfect love of Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me always see and appreciate your sacrificial love in being my Savior. And then strengthen me to show and share that love in my life. Amen.

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:10

He Comes to Increase Our Faith

Daily Devotion – December 3, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:10

See series: Devotions

You are missing something. As you are preparing dinner for your family you realize that one key ingredient is missing. Do you try to find a substitute? Do you just ignore it and hope for the best? Or do you drop everything and run to the store because you know that it just will not taste the same without it?

The world is missing something. Every day, a different “secret sauce” is marketed to make me happier and healthier, look younger, lose weight, get richer, live longer—the list goes on and on. But even if I can shed those stubborn pounds and smooth out a few wrinkles, how long before the next chocolate chip cookie or the newest line in my skin sends me looking for the next “something” that will fix all my problems?

You and I possess far greater problems than the externals that people can see and judge us by. There is One who sees the internal—our hearts and our souls. He knows our lives and what we do and say and think. And he, our God, has every right to judge us by our deeds and words.

Jesus came to give us what we lack. The perfect obedience that God demands he gives to us through faith in his Son. Jesus came to take away the sins that we commit. And then he gives us the ingredients to build us up in faith.

The Bible. Baptism. The Lord’s Supper. They seem so simple. We might want something more dramatic. We might expect we have to sacrifice or somehow do something to deserve to receive his message. We might think we have to do something drastic to find the secret sauce.

But this is how he builds us in faith. Through a steady diet of his Word, God comes to us, builds us up in faith, and keeps us strong to handle the problems that life throws at us. And through his Word, we have all that we need.

Prayer:
Lord, make me glad to worship you and seek out your Word so that I may grow in you. Amen.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 3:12

Hope That Increases Love

Daily Devotion – December 1, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 3:12

See series: Devotions

The weeks before Christmas are called Advent—a Latin word that means “coming.” Advent invites us to wait—quietly and patiently for Jesus to come this Christmas. But do you know how hard it is to wait? Holiday times are hectic and stressful. We sing “Joy to the World,” but family fighting, overspending, and physical exhaustion steal our joy and drain our love. When we get impatient or speak sarcastically, it shows our supply of love is running on empty.

But what if God could give the kind of holiday love that increases your love and patience in the coming days before Christmas? Would that help as you wait? Would that make it easier for others to be around you? God wants to fill you up with his love. Every day before Christmas, we remember why we look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth. His tiny hands and feet born at Christmas were the same hands and feet that died on the cross. Now, the living Jesus is the proof we need that “God will always love me!”

As you head into the first weekend of December, hear the voice of Advent encourage, “Wait, slow down a bit! Don’t get entangled in the hustle and bustle of the season. Get focused instead on what really matters. It’s Jesus.” Love is God’s gift to you. Christ’s love makes it possible for our hearts to brim over with love and patience for others like our children or spouse, our siblings or coworkers, our friends and neighbors.

While you patiently wait for Christmas to come, pray that God would fill our hearts, souls, and minds that we want to share this love with someone who is empty inside and desperately in need of love. No outside love can fill that void. Only Jesus and his love can!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I wait for your coming, supply what you know is lacking inside me. Deepen my faith and fill me with your love so that my love increases for you and for others. Amen.

[Jesus said] “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”
Mark 13:36

Sleeping

Daily Devotion – November 29, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:36

See series: Devotions

Jay Leno is one of the most successful comedians of all time. When he was first starting, however, his finances were tight. To save money he would find various places to sleep at night. When he could not stay at a friend’s place or in some back room of a comedy club, he would sometimes find a home for sale that was having an Open House, greet the realtor and look through the house. Then, when the realtor was elsewhere, Leno would loudly say, “I’m going now. Goodbye!” He’d slam the door, then hide in a closet until the realtor left for the day. He got by with this ruse until one realtor came early the next morning and found him asleep in a bedroom. Beet red with embarrassment, he ran out as fast as he could.

To be asleep in a highly inappropriate place or at a highly inappropriate time is the kind of cringe-worthy moment the Lord Jesus uses to focus our attention on our relationship with him. More than anyone, Jesus knows that, in this broken world full of temptations and distractions, all kinds of things can make us spiritually sleepy—inattentive and careless.

This is dangerous because, little by little, the distractions and temptations of this world can ease us into no longer fixing our eyes on Jesus. Instead, we allow our sleepy eyes to fill with other images—our work, hobbies, social life, popularity, recreation, children, grandchildren, retirement plan, and health. Please understand that these are all wonderful blessings from God. But when any one of these displaces our focus on our only Savior, then we have fallen asleep, and we are in a dark and lethal place.

Thank the Lord that he pursues us. In love, he rouses us from our slumber, calls us to repentance, and refreshes us in sweet assurance of his full forgiveness purchased at Calvary’s cross. And it is that very refreshment of forgiveness that empowers us to be alert once again.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when I grow sleepy, awaken me. In your gospel, refresh me once again. Amen.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith.
Jude 1:20

Breastworks

Daily Devotion – November 27, 2024

Devotion based on Jude 1:20

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“Pop” Greene had a big problem. The Civil War battle of Gettysburg was getting underway. His commanding officer had just ordered him to defend a key hill that the enemy troops would soon attack. The problem was that Pop did not know if he had enough men to do the job. As a result, Pop Greene made a key decision. He decided to do what his commanding officer thought was not worth the time or effort and decided to build breastworks.

He ordered his men to chop down trees. From these trees, they built solid, protective barriers behind which to stand. The men kept at it, doing all they could to transform their hill into a fortress. Then, the enemy troops attacked. By comparison, Pop’s men were small in number. But so strong were the breastworks that Pop Greene’s modest unit was able to hold the hill. If they hadn’t, the Battle of Gettysburg—and the history of the United States—may have turned out very differently.

Enemy troops are gathered to attack you and me as well. Satan and his demons are coordinating with the temptations of this fallen world and our old sinful selves. Their next attack is not a question of “if.” It’s simply a question of “when.”

However, between now and the next attack, you and I have something extraordinary at our disposal. We have the living, enduring Word of God. We have the good news of what Jesus Christ has done to make us his own—to live a perfect life in our place, to suffer and die at Calvary’s cross for our sins.

With all this at hand, spiritual breastworks are built—breastworks of faith, truth, and solid certainty in the promises of our Savior. When you and I roll up our sleeves and grow in the Word of our Lord, his Holy Spirit builds us up. He constructs a spiritual fortress behind which you and I stand. Then, when the enemies attack, they will not prevail.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, build me up in your Word. Build me up in your gospel. For victory is in you alone. Amen.

My salvation is on the way.
Isaiah 51:5

On the Way

Daily Devotion – November 25, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 51:5

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During World War I, Eddie Rickenbacker received a Congressional Medal of Honor for his prowess as a fighter pilot. Years later, during World War II, Eddie received a request to monitor military operations in the Pacific as a civilian observer. He and six others climbed aboard a B-17 for what should have been a routine trip. However, all sense of routine in this mission vanished when the plane went down. Suddenly, seven men were huddled in life rafts in the middle of the ocean.

As the days passed into weeks, their prospects went from hopeful, to serious, to critical, to desperate. Finally, on day twenty-one, they heard a sound. As Rickenbacker looked up, he saw a U.S. Navy plane flying overhead. It came in close—so close that he could see the pilot smiling at them and waving. From that moment on, they knew everything would be all right. Help was on the way.

Perhaps you have had periods in your life when you feel as though you were drifting on an empty ocean. Perhaps you are in such a period right now. At such times, you can feel hopeless, anxious, desperate, confused, and alone.

Sin can do that—your sin and mine. It isolates us from God and others. It smothers us in grief and regret. It surrounds us in unease and fear. It puts us in a dark void where the devil can convince us that we are all alone.

But that’s why Jesus came. He came to rescue us from our ocean of desperation. On our behalf, he lived the life of perfect faithfulness you and I have failed to live. In our place, he washed us clean of our every sinful failure through his suffering and death on the cross. Then he rose from the dead and walked out of his tomb.

For that reason, you have something far more certain than a smiling, waving Navy pilot. You have the cross and an empty tomb. And now, through his Word, your Savior assures you that he is on the way. He surrounds you in his grace. He is guiding all things for your good.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, because of you, I know your deliverance is on the way. Thank you. Amen.