January 5th Devotion
Whole New Ballgame
When I was growing up one of the scariest times for me was when I entered into High School. I came from a small elementary school where everyone knew you and we had all been in school together since kindergarten. But now everything was changing, we were moving to a school that combined seven different elementary schools. Suddenly it all seemed to be different. Gone were the days of teachers reminding you to turn in your homework and recess. It seemed to be all new, but in reality it was still learning, but at a different level.
The disciples went through the same thing. Here they had spent three years with Jesus who had showed them all kinds of miracles and wonders. He had taught them about life and what it meant to be a Christian. However, now it was all going to change.
John 13: 31-35
Now it was all going to change. Suddenly Jesus would be gone and they would be the ones telling others about Christ. At first they were terrified. Then slowly, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they realized that they had been training for this moment the last three years. Even though Jesus wasn’t with them in person, he was with them in spirit.
In your daily walk as a Christian, you’ve been chosen by Jesus to show him to your friends. At times it is scary and tense, but the Holy Spirit is there to guide you. In this simple passage Jesus unlocks a secret that all of us can learn from, and that is just to love people. Because when you love people with no ulterior motives, it allows them to see Jesus in you.
Are you showing love and letting the world see Christ through you? Look in Acts Chapter 2. Study how the disciples overcame their fears and followed Christ’s commands. Pray for Christ to show you how you can love those around you this week and truly reflect his love to others.
When I was growing up one of the scariest times for me was when I entered into High School. I came from a small elementary school where everyone knew you and we had all been in school together since kindergarten. But now everything was changing, we were moving to a school that combined seven different elementary schools. Suddenly it all seemed to be different. Gone were the days of teachers reminding you to turn in your homework and recess. It seemed to be all new, but in reality it was still learning, but at a different level.
The disciples went through the same thing. Here they had spent three years with Jesus who had showed them all kinds of miracles and wonders. He had taught them about life and what it meant to be a Christian. However, now it was all going to change.
John 13: 31-35
Now it was all going to change. Suddenly Jesus would be gone and they would be the ones telling others about Christ. At first they were terrified. Then slowly, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they realized that they had been training for this moment the last three years. Even though Jesus wasn’t with them in person, he was with them in spirit.
In your daily walk as a Christian, you’ve been chosen by Jesus to show him to your friends. At times it is scary and tense, but the Holy Spirit is there to guide you. In this simple passage Jesus unlocks a secret that all of us can learn from, and that is just to love people. Because when you love people with no ulterior motives, it allows them to see Jesus in you.
Are you showing love and letting the world see Christ through you? Look in Acts Chapter 2. Study how the disciples overcame their fears and followed Christ’s commands. Pray for Christ to show you how you can love those around you this week and truly reflect his love to others.
Daily Scripture Verse
Monday January 5th, Scripture Verse: Psalms 14:6
You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge. (NIV)
Tuesday January 6th, Scripture Verse: Psalms 16:1
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. (NIV)
Wednesday January 7th, Scripture Verse: Psalms 16:2
I said to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." (NIV)
Thursday January 8th, Scripture Verse: Psalms 16:5
LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. (NIV)
Friday January 9th, Scripture Verse: Psalms 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. (NIV)
Reverend Joseph's corner
PEACE BE WITH YOU
As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be
repeated.
During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many
radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone
is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think
of me.
As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.
At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for
them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know
the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last
year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of
delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and
chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many
beautifully wrapped gifts.
But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited.
I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation.
The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they
closed the door in my face .. and I wanted to be
with them and share their table.
In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close
their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to
enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner.
They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything. They were having a grand time.
To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white
beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the
sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" as
if the party were in his honor!
At midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug me and do you know no-one hugged me.
Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with
great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe,
there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody
shared gifts and you did not get one?
I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left.
Every year it gets worse. People only remember the gifts, the parties, to
eat and drink, and nobody remembers me.
I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life.
I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago
I came to this world to give my life for you, on the
cross, to save you.
Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party,
I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party
that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the
final arrangements..
Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you.
I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you
and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book.
Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party.
Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because
when all is ready you will be part of my great
party.
See you soon. I Love you!
Jesus
