God’s help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it.
From Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Max Lucado (born 1955) is an American pastor and Christian author.
Nothing happens in any particular unless God’s will is behind it, therefore you can rest in perfect confidence in Him.
From Matthew 7:11: “If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) was a Scottish evangelist and Christian teacher. Following his death from an illness while in Egypt during World War I, his wife took on the task of transcribing the detailed notes she had written from his lectures and sermons. Gertrude Hobbs Chambers’ efforts resulted in the publication in 1924 of MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST. I frequently read from this devotional, and it has greatly deepened my faith and understanding of God’s Word.
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
From Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
J. I. Packer (1926-2020) was a English-born Christian theologian and writer. His given name was James Innell, and he spent most of his later years in Canada.
Those who go to Heaven ride on a pass and enter into blessings that they never earned, but all who go to hell pay their own way.
From Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”
John R. Rice (1895-1980) was an American pastor and Christian evangelist.
Prayer is to the spiritual life what the beating of the pulse and the drawing of the breath are to the life of the body.
From James 5:16: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was an English theologian, philosopher, and writer.
The things that matter the most in this world, they can never be held in our hand.
From Matthew 6:29-31: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Gloria Gaither (born 1942) is a Christian singer, songwriter, and speaker. She performed with the Bill Gaither Trio from 1965 to 1991.
From Isaiah 2:3: “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
Seeking Father’s assurance
Darkness shall be overcome
Out of Zion, transformed hope
Embracing every breadcrumb
Praising every breath of grace
From root of Jesse will come
Messiah’s renewing hope
Rising to heavenly drum
Standing outside Bethlehem
Jerusalem shares her peace
Unity backed up with hope
Cradling redemption’s release
Waking to heavenly joy
Forces of darkness now quake
Manger caresses new hope
Witnessing Savior awake
Remaining always watchful
Shepherds innocently wait
Love piercing night sky with hope
Trusting in salvation’s fate
From Romans 15:12-13: “And again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles; in Him the gentiles shall hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The popular hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has been a favorite of past Advent seasons. The original hymn can found in the music of monastic life over 1,200 years ago. The English version was translated in 1851 by John Mason Neale, who was an English Anglican priest and hymn writer.
Water is a picture of the Spirit of Jesus working in us. He’s not working to save us, mind you; that work is done. He’s working to change us.
From John 7:37-38: “On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.'”
Max Lucado (born 1955) is an American pastor and Christian author.
From Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.”
A special gift arrived for us!
It came so quietly . . .
. . . perhaps you did not know.
There was no fancy wrapping,
not even a pretty bow,
no ornate frills or glitter,
no festive party mood . . .
. . . Just a tiny, baby boy
born in a stable crude.
He was our Savior King.
He came to earth to bring
God’s gift of love!
God’s greatest gift was giv’n to us.
It was His only Son . . .
. . . perhaps you did not know.
He left a throne in heaven
to come to our world below.
His birth was without grandeur;
a star His only crown;
. . . Just a precious little babe;
our God, to earth came down.
He is our Savior King
To Him all Praises sing
God’s gift, great love!
So, turn your eyes from the glitter,
of Santa’s presents bright . . .
. . . perhaps you need to know.
Just turn from what the world sees,
and gaze on that glorious night.
Look there upon the baby
in God’s own holy light.
. . . Now, look past the party crowds
past shopping to be done.
Look past all worldly things.
Look at the baby king,
God’s Gift has come!
These scenes are captured by my wife, Colleen. The poem is featured in BITS ‘N’ PIECES OF MY HEART, her Christian and family themed book. The book features stories, devotions, and poetry for adults and teens. Hands-on activities and delightful songs are included for families with young children. God’s love is the guiding light throughout the book’s pages.
The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders, and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be His authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Jan L. Richardson (born 1967) is an American writer, artist, and ordained minister. Her reflections come from her Night Visions: Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas.
Big Sky Buckeye 