Day 4
Gods Authority and Righteousness Opening Prayer “Merciful God, you sent your prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (UMC Book of Worship) Scripture Reading Matthew 21:23-32 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. The Great Tradition “It is surprising that the publicans and sinners believed in Christ even before the priests, who were too arrogant. To work in the vineyard is to do justice. Lessons drawn from the parable include the point that it is better to do the righteousness of God without promising to do so than it is to promise and then renege. The son who first refused to work but afterward repented did the will of the father. The son who said he would go but did not go is reproved. Even after the publicans and harlots had believed, the Jewish leaders had not believed.” (Hilary of Poitiers) Prayer of Confession “Eternal God, we your Church, who should be instruments of your victory, confess that we have often put barriers in your way. Where we should be a light to the world, we participate in the sin around us. Forgive us, we pray, and free us to be people prepared for your coming, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (H. Burnham Kirkland) Reflection Picture the temple courts with people engaged in various activities, with Jesus teaching and healing, and the religious leaders challenging his authority. As we look at this passage, we see a clear divide between the religious leaders’ self-assuredness and the humble repentance of the tax collectors and prostitutes. The religious leaders were so consumed by their own self-righteousness that they failed to recognize God’s authority in Jesus. In contrast, those who had lived sinful lives saw their need for a Savior and welcomed his authority with open hearts. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lesson from your Word today. Help us to embrace your authority and turn from our self-righteousness. May we always be open to your sanctifying grace and remain humble in our walk with you. As we prepare for Christ’s coming during this Advent season, may our hearts be open and receptive to your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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Day 3
What Do You Want with Jesus? Opening Prayer “O God who didst prepare of old the minds and hearts of men for the coming of thy Son, and whose Spirit ever worketh to illumine our darkened lives with the light of the Gospel: Prepare now our minds and hearts, we beseech thee, that Christ may dwell in us, and ever reign in our thoughts and affections as the King of love and the very Prince of Peace. Grant this, we pray thee, for his sake. Amen.” (Methodist Book of Worship, 1965) ***** CLICK HERE to listen to this week's devotional on the Walking Points Podcast or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. ***** Scripture Reading John 1:35-42 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). The Great Tradition “At once his disciples, who were present, after hearing his words, left John and hurried to go to Jesus about whom John testified. ‘When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’” He did not say this out of ignorance but rather in order to give them an occasion to trust him. They immediately called him ‘Rabbi’ and showed their profound intention, that is, that they had been led to Jesus for no other reason but the desire to obey him as a teacher. And at the same time, they asked him where he lived, as if they wanted to come to him often. He did not point out a house but told them to come along with him and see, by giving them the space for greater familiarity and trust toward him.” (Theodore of Mopuuestia) Prayer of Confession “O Lord, do not be exceedingly angry, and do not remember our sins forever. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away from your holy presence. Forgive us we pray, and create in us clean hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” (H. Burnham Kirkland) Reflections “What do you want?” That was the question Jesus asked John’s two disciples. How about you… what do you want? Why are you following Jesus? What are you seeking? What are you looking for? There are different ways to ask this penetrating question, but it’s a question each follower of Jesus must ask himself or herself. In this case, these two disciples left the one they were following because someone greater was in their midst. Indeed, John the baptizer called this one, “the lamb of God.” They asked where he was staying, indicating they wanted to be able to spend more time with him, learning from him. Jesus upped the ante by calling them to follow him… to actually travel and live with him. Could they have even imagined what effect following him would have in their lives? The transformation? The joy? The cost? And yet there was something about being in his presence which compelled them to not only leave their former teacher and follow Jesus, but to tell their friends all about this man, whom they came to understand was the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of the living God. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion Let’s keep our hearts and minds open to the call of Jesus during this Advent season. Just as the disciples left everything to follow him, may we too find the courage and desire to seek Jesus, count the cost, and share his love with the world. This is the essence of Advent – preparing our hearts for the coming of the King of kings and the very Prince of Peace. In his name, we pray. Amen. Advent Day 2
Preparing Our Hearts for the Season Opening Prayer “Eternal God, in your providence you made all ages a preparation for the kingdom of your Son. Make ready our hearts for the brightness of your glory and the fulness of your blessing in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (UMC Book of Worship, 1992) Scripture Reading 2 Peter 1:3-11 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Great Tradition “This verse follows on what has gone before, because it is by the knowledge of our Lord and Savior that we come to understand all the mysteries of his divinity, by which we have been saved. For he did not send an angel or an archangel to save us, nor did he find anything in us which might allow us to contribute to our own salvation, but when he saw that we were weak and had nothing to boast of, he came in his own glory and power and redeemed us.” (Bede) Prayer of Confession “Lord, so often we have allowed our focus to be on the divisions and conflicts in the world and we have lost the vision of your kingdom to come. So often we have sacrificed and died for standards of our own making, and we have turned away from your standard of the Cross. Forgive us, Lord, and restore our vision of your mighty kingdom. In Christ we pray. Amen.” Reflection There’s a lot to meditate upon regarding the profound message of 2 Peter 1:3-11. Through the precious gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, we receive not only forgiveness but also the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. With this divine empowerment, we’re guided to live the godly lives to which we’re called. The Apostle Peter reminds us that, although we cannot earn our salvation, we are encouraged to add to our faith qualities such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7). These virtues are reflections of the good works we were created to do (Ephesians 2:10). John Chrysostom emphasizes that their abundance is even more commendable. While these qualities do not save us, they protect us from being unproductive in God’s Kingdom. They are the fruit of our salvation and evidence of our growing relationship with Christ. Remember the inspiring words of our Lord in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” On the Day of the Lord, hearing those words will be our greatest reward. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion As we journey through Advent, let’s remember the incredible gift of grace that is conforming us into the likeness of Christ. Our salvation is a result of God’s divine favor and power, and it empowers us to live godly lives characterized by virtues such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities are not means of earning salvation but are reflections of a heart transformed by faith in Christ alone and a sovereign and gracious work of God’s Spirit. This Advent season let’s prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth and his second coming. May our lives be a testimony to the transformative power of grace, and may we all one day hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” on the Day of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Advent 2023: Day 1
Living in Between: A Journey of Faith During Advent Opening Prayer “Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (BCP 1979) Scripture Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 “ ‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “ ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’ The Great Tradition “David’s Lord was made David’s Son, and sprang from the fruit of the promised branch—One without fault, the twofold nature coming together into one Person, that by one and the same conception and birth might spring our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom was present both true Godhead for the performance of mighty works and true humanity for the endurance of sufferings.” (Leo the Great) Prayer of Confession “O God of infinite promise, we confess that we often fall into hopelessness, skepticism, and even cynicism about the future, and that we despair about our own prospects and the fate of the earth. Forgive us we pray. Strengthen our faith and bolster our hope, so that when your grace bursts into our lives, as it always does, we shall be able to recognize it and be ready to give you our thanks and praise. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen” (Paul Laughlin) Reflection As we embark on this Advent season, a time of anticipation and preparation, it’s a joy to explore the profound and timeless message of hope, peace, joy, and love this season offers. The Advent season marks the beginning of our journey toward celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Just like a traveler prepares for a journey, we too are called to prepare our hearts for the arrival of our Redeemer. Today’s devotion is our first step of this journey. The opening prayer reminds us to connect our hearts to the divine promise and purpose of this season. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of Advent, reminding us to cast away the works of darkness and clothe ourselves with the armor of light. As we anticipate the arrival of Jesus Christ, we’re encouraged to embody his light in our lives. In the book of Jeremiah, we read about a promise—a promise of a coming Savior, a righteous Branch from David’s line, who will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. This Savior is to be called “The LORD Our Righteous Savior.” The scripture reminds us that God’s promises are not empty; they are filled with hope and purpose. Jeremiah’s words speak to the hearts of the people of Israel and Judah, who, like us, were living in anticipation of God’s fulfillment of his promise. In the words of Jeremiah, we hear the resounding message that our Lord’s intention is to fulfill the promises he makes to his people. Just as Jeremiah’s words found fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that God’s promises to us will also be fulfilled. Leo the Great reminds us that in Jesus Christ, David’s Lord became David’s Son. The twofold nature of Christ, truly God and truly human, came together in one Person. This was necessary for the fulfillment of God’s plan, for in Christ, both his divinity and humanity were present. His deity allowed him to perform mighty works, while his true humanity enabled him to endure sufferings. As we reflect on Leo the Great's words, we’re reminded of the profound mystery of the Incarnation. Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh to fulfill God’s promise of salvation. He was born into this world as a humble baby, yet he was also Almighty God who could perform miracles and bring salvation to all. This is the heart of the Christmas story—a story of divine love and grace. Throughout this Advent season, we must also intentionally pause for introspection and confession. The prayer of confession by Paul Laughlin above humbly acknowledges that, at times, we fall into hopelessness, skepticism, and cynicism about the future. We may despair about our own prospects and the fate of the world. But we’re called to confess our weaknesses, for in doing so, we open our hearts to God’s forgiveness, strength, and hope. This season calls us to remember that the hopes and fears of all the years were met in Christ at his birth. Our God is faithful in keeping the promises he makes to his covenant children. Just as Israel and Judah anticipated the Messiah’s first arrival, we, too, look back at our Lord’s first advent, even as we look forward to his second coming. We are called to live faithfully “in between” these two advents. Key Principles
Walking Points
Conclusion Let’s remember throughout this Advent season, that we’re not alone. We’re a community of believers, walking together in faith, hope, and love. Together, we cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, awaiting the glorious return of our Lord and Savior. May God bless you abundantly during this Advent season, and may you find joy and encouragement in the anticipation of our Lord’s coming. Colossians 2:6-7 - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, [7] rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. CLICK HERE to listen to this week's devotional on the Walking Points Podcast or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. Off to a Great Start
We start off so well. With great gratitude and enthusiasm, we bow before the throne of our King. Upon placing our trust in Christ alone – “receiving” him – we take on the world in his name. But motivation and inspiration can wane. That which does not become habit and done out of joyful and obedient self-discipline will not last for the long haul. That is why church history is littered with travelers who fell by the wayside on the narrow road to the celestial city. Jesus taught that the seed of God’s Word sometimes falls on shallow soil and does not take the necessary root it needs to live and grow (Matthew 13:1-23). Continue In Him Thus, Paul exhorts us to “continue to live in him.” This is much more than simple encouragement to attend church and have your quiet time, both of which are good. He is indeed saying followers of Christ are to persevere in such means of grace. But even more than that, Paul is declaring that our very power source is the Lord himself. He is our power, foundation, anchor, and compass - our all in all. The Lord Jesus Christ must not be sprinkled on our lives to simply add a little flavor to an already okay meal. Instead, he is to be our life. To claim we are in Christ means we died with him in his crucifixion and are raised with him in his resurrection. The life we now live we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20). Root, Shoot, and Fruit I love the language Paul uses to undergird his thesis. He adds that we are to be “rooted and built up in him.” In John 15:1-8, we discover Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Apart from him, he tells us, we can do nothing. If we would bear fruit, we must remain connected to Christ. He must be our root, for it is only then he will bear fruit in and through us. If we as branches ever become detached from our vine, we become useless. Our Chief Cornerstone Changing our imagery, Jesus is our chief cornerstone, and we are to be built up in him. He is our only sure foundation. All else is shifting sand. If we are not built up in him, we will crumble during the storms of life (Matthew 7:24-27). What does it mean to be “built up” in Christ? Paul helps us here. He says it means to be strengthened in the faith we were taught. When those in the early church first came to faith in Christ, they sat at the feet of the Apostles and learned from them (Acts 2:42). Today we have their authoritative teaching in Holy Scripture. We are built up and strengthened in Christ when we meet him in his Word and listen to his instruction. More than that, we must obey what we hear (Matthew 7:24-27). And so be encouraged. You have the greatest resource at God’s disposal to enable you to bear much, good, and lasting fruit in your life, Christ Jesus our Lord and the power of his Spirit. Without him you cannot do anything. With him, all things are possible. Walking Points
Prayer Merciful God, I praise you for your goodness. You have graciously revealed yourself in and through holy Scripture and I am thankful. Through your Word you have made us wise for salvation and given us what we need to train us in righteousness. It is there we meet with you and hear your voice, learn your ways and wisdom, and grow in grace and knowledge. But only when we are rooted and built up in your Word. Father, protect me from laziness, lack of focus, intentionality, and self-discipline. Please give me the gifts and graces I need to abide in you and for your Word to abide in me, that I might truly know you better, love you more, and follow you more faithfully. For it’s in your Son’s name I pray. Amen The Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 48
123. Question: What is the second petition? Answer: Thy kingdom come. That is: So rule us by Thy Word and Spirit that more and more we submit to Thee.[1] Preserve and increase Thy church.[2] Destroy the works of the devil, every power that raises itself against Thee, and every conspiracy against Thy holy Word.[3] Do all this until the fullness of Thy kingdom comes, wherein Thou shalt be all in all.[4] [1] Ps. 119:5, 105; 143:10; Matt. 6:33. [2] Ps. 51:18; 122:6-9; Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:42-47. [3] Rom. 16:20; I John 3:8. [4] Rom. 8:22, 23; I Cor. 15:28; Rev. 22: 17, 20. CLICK HERE to listen to this week's devotional on the Walking Points Podcast or listen to it on your favorite podcast platform. There's always extra content on the audio version that I pray will bless you. Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour. (St. Francis of Sales)
This Week’s Scripture · Genesis 37:1-28 · Psalm 105 · Romans 10:1-15 · Matthew 14:22-23 Adoration Psalm 105:1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (verse 1) Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care; in thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use thy folds prepare. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus! Thou hast bought us, thine we are. (Dorothy Thrupp) Take time now to offer God your praise and worship. Confession If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10) Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, truly lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wickedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Worship for Church and Home) As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Thanksgiving God of salvation, I thank you with all that I am for reaching down and redeeming me. Indeed, I am grateful for those you placed throughout my life who brought your good news to me. Because you sent them with the gospel, they were able to faithfully proclaim it. Because they faithfully proclaimed it, I was able to hear it. And because I was able to hear it, through your gracious work, I was able to believe in Christ my Savior and Lord. I pray almighty God that you would use me on behalf of others, just as others served you on my behalf. In the name of the risen Christ I pray. Amen. (based on Romans 10:14-15) Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life. Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself) · My personal mission field Ø Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field. Ø Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you. Ø Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith. Ø Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith. Ø Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry. · Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned · Other needs Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others) · My family · For missionaries throughout the world · For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home · For those who share the gospel in the inner city · For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power · Other needs Be to the world a sign that while we are Christians do not have all the answers, we do know and care about the questions. (Billy Graham) |
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Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: (Proverbs 23:19)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
(Matthew 7:13-14) |