Advent Day 22 - The Unexpected Miracle

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent:
A 25-Day Devotional by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” 

Isaiah 53:3, NLT

When rescue doesn’t come the way we thought it would, we grow restless. Often, God works in ways we don’t expect and would never see coming. Jesus fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah. Yet, His life runs contrary to the Savior people had in mind.

Israel waited for the deliverance of a mighty king. But their rescuer wasn’t going to be typical. Messiah would have “no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2-3). This suffering servant would be pierced, crushed, and wounded for them (Isaiah 53:5).

Jesus didn’t take over by might or force of will. Instead, Jesus gave His life so we could have eternal life. What God has prepared for us is greater than our expectations (1 Corinthians 2:9). Maybe you need healing from a chronic illness. Maybe you’re looking for work and wondering how you will provide for your family. The miracle you’re looking for might not come in the package you expect. But God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Reflect: Read Isaiah 53:1-6, John 3:16-17, John 20:31
Do miracles happen in expected ways?
How have you seen suffering and uncertainty amplify the glory of God?
What miracles are you waiting for this Christmas?

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Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to see Your miracles in our lives and to recognize Your miraculous hands in our daily living. Remind us to not overlook the miracle of life - in waking up each day and also to be grateful knowing Your mercies are new every morning. We choose to believe Your Word that ALL things work together for our good. This, too, is miraculous. Teach us what You would have us to learn in all things that come our way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Everyday Relationships

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

We were discussing relationships today and how they change and grow or diminish with the passage of time and the dedication of those in the relationship.  For instance, couples that have been married for a long time may start to settle in, get comfortable, and even take one another for granted. They go for years without adding anything new to the relationship or taking the time to really listen to what the other one may want or has to say. To keep a healthy relationship, each must offer their whole self and daily be intentional about contributing to the life and health of it.

Sadly, it happens in our Christian walk, too. We may get settled in, get comfortable, and then begin to take for granted all the blessings and benefits of walking with the Lord. We think God will just know we love Him after this much time has gone by and we don't need to tell Him. It doesn't work like that!

Jesus gave everything He had in order for us to have a right relationship with God. Psalm 68:19 tells us God daily loads us with benefits. He brings something to our relationship every day. He stands ready to lead and guide us, to walk with us, and to guard our hearts EVERY day. To speak words of wisdom, light, life, and love to our hearts daily. So, how IS our relationship with the Lord? If it's cooled off or less warm and passionate, I would say let's check ourselves. God hasn't moved from us. Jesus' love is the same yesterday, today, and forever... He brings it to us every day. What are we bringing to Him on a daily basis?

Prayer:
          
Father,
          Awaken our hearts to hear Yours. Open our ears to hear what You would say to us. Open our eyes to see Your fingerprints on everything in our lives. Oh, that we would daily worship You in Spirit and in Truth with all that we are for all that You are. Guide us, Holy Spirit. Help us, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Redeemed, Renew, Repeat

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 KJV

I read something recently that caused me to seriously contemplate about who I would have been and what I might have accomplished had I not rebelled against God. It brought me to another level of understanding God's grace. It's so humbling to confess to God that I recognize and acknowledge that I have not lived His perfect plan for my life and all because of my own rebellion and bad choices. And in that moment of confession, it was absolutely overwhelming to realize how in spite of that, He has redeemed my life and all because of His perfect love.

It is not to be taken lightly. Scripture tells us, You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot. 1st Peter 1:18-19 The Amplified Bible. I repeat, It is not to be taken lightly.

Christ's sacrifice - His life for ours - redeemed us from sin. He did it once and for all. Hebrews 9:12 tells us, Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Eternally redeemed. 

We, on the hand, need to take up our cross DAILY (Luke 9:23), renewing our hearts and minds, choosing to put to death in us the sins of the flesh. Taking full advantage of God's mercies that are new every morning. Renew. Repeat. Until He comes again.

Prayer:

Father, 
          We've got a song the angels cannot sing - we are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. Great is Your faithfulness to us! Create in us a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen