Advent Day 7 - Is the Easy Thing the Right Thing?

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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“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21

Soon after Joseph chose to divorce Mary quietly, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’”

What’s easy is not always right. And what’s right is not always easy. Obeying God will sometimes make us look crazy. Remember God’s words from Isaiah 55:8-9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

When we ask God to show us the way, He does. Sometimes, He affirms what we’re already thinking. But other times, as He did with Joseph, God leads us to a faith-filled option we never knew was possible.

REFLECT: Read Matthew 1:18-25

How do you process difficult decisions?
What decisions are you facing that require greater faith?
Take some time to pray and ask God what He would have you do.
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Prayer:

Father,
          We are so grateful that Your ways are higher than ours and that Your thoughts are higher than ours. Thank You for always being the Way that is right and true. Help us to always hear Your voice so we may follow in Your footsteps, no matter what it looks like to the world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 6 - Trust Him with the Impossible

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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“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37

We can trust Him with the impossible. 

We do not often find ourselves in impossible situations. Most of the time, we see a path through the difficulty. But what do we do when our situation proves impossible? When Gabriel announces his astonishing message, we learn how Mary handles the impossible.

Mary’s first response was to ask an honest question: “How will this be since I am a virgin?” No doubt, being pregnant without having sex sounded just as impossible then as it does today. Beyond the impossibility of her pregnancy, Mary faced the ridicule of her community and potential divorce from her husband. Despite her initial shock, Mary turned neither to skepticism nor cynicism. Listen to Mary’s faith: “I am the Lord’s servant, Let it be to me as you have said.” Mary walked forward in confidence, not because she had all the answers, but because she knew the Lord did. Her God could do anything.

Many stand in need of a Christmas miracle. We face impossible circumstances with honest questions and unshakeable faith. May we fix our eyes on Him and believe nothing is impossible with our God.

REFLECT:

What seemingly impossible situation are you facing?
Are you viewing that circumstance with faith or cynicism?
What would it look like to trust God to do the impossible?
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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for the promise of Your peace that abides when we choose to trust You in all things. Help us to keep our focus not on circumstances and the things that are seen, but on the things that are eternal through You. Help us to develop an eternal perspective. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 5 - We’re Called to Prepare

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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“And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, ‘What then will this child be?’ For the hand of the Lord was with him.” 

Luke 1:65-66 

When a party starts and we hear all the laughing and singing, we realize that the planning, shopping, cleaning, and arranging were all worth it. John the Baptist’s role was not the most glamorous, but God gave him the special purpose of preparing the way for the Messiah. Filled with the Holy Spirit, John preached repentance and spoke boldly to prepare people’s hearts to receive the soon-coming king.

When we take time to prepare our hearts, Christmas goes from just another stressful event to the most beautiful celebration of God’s saving work. During Advent, we slow down, fix our eyes on Jesus, consider His incarnation, and look forward to His return. May this Christmas be different as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the arrival of King Jesus.

REFLECT:  Read Luke 1:57-80, Malachi 3:1-4

How can we prepare our hearts to experience the most from this Christmas season?
How are the daily practices of prayer and bible reading helping to prepare your heart for what Jesus wants to do through you?
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Prayer:

Father,
          We come with grateful hearts for You have so lovingly and faithfully prepared the way for us to receive forgiveness and be restored to right standing with You. Forgive us for living our lives as though we could just wing our way through - without studying to show ourselves approved. Without preparing our hearts to receive Your Word. Without preparing our souls to receive the Salvation You so lovingly prepared for us from the beginning. Forgive us, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 4 - God Blesses Us Even...

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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“ ... the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.’” 

Luke 1:13-15 

Though Zechariah and Elizabeth wanted children, all signs pointed to “no.” All their prayers seemed to produce were old age and empty arms. As a priest serving in the temple of the Lord, Zechariah should have been leading out in faith, but he did not believe the words of the angel. Zechariah’s unbelief muted his testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Zechariah’s faith grew even as he sat in silence, watching the child grow in Elizabeth’s belly. After a miraculous nine months, Zechariah and Elizabeth faithfully listened to God and named their baby John (see Luke 1:59-63). Immediately, Zechariah’s tongue was loosed, and he began declaring the faithfulness of God and prophesying over his newborn son.

If we are faithless, God still proves faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Our wavering uncertainty does not nullify God’s faithfulness. Like Zechariah, our faith can grow, and we can serve God without fear. Despite our doubts, God still blesses us.

REFLECT:   Read Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-66

What does Zechariah’s life show us about God’s patience?

Is there an area in your life where you’re doubting God?

How do you see God working in your situation?

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Prayer:

Father,

           Your Word declares that Your faithfulness, O God, reaches beyond the clouds. David writes in Psalms that when we trust in You and do good, we can feed securely on Your faithfulness. Strengthen us to remain steadfast in Your faithfulness and to not be moved by anything else we see, hear or touch. We want to please You, Father, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 3 - Learning to Trust God's Timing

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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“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
Isaiah 40:28

Israel lived in exile for 70 years. They knew the frustration of waiting. Although Isaiah prophesied a Rescuer would come, it became harder and harder to believe the promise. In response, Isaiah reminds Israel of God’s power and might, of His thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. But when days turn to months and months turn to years, hearts become sick from deferred hope.

When we wait well, we learn to trust God with our lives. Jesus’ birth is proof that God’s plan is worth the wait. Jesus did more than save Israel. He saved the world and established an eternal kingdom, offering freedom from sin and a relationship with God to all who seek Him.

Wait on the Lord. Resist the urge to rush the process. Christmas - the arrival of God’s greatest promise - reminds us that no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

REFLECT:   Read Isaiah 40:12-31

How do you respond when things don’t go as planned?

What do Isaiah’s words tell you about God’s ability to change your circumstances?

How have you grown in times of waiting?
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Prayer:

Father, 

          Help us to walk in trust and faith according to Your Words of promise. Help us to keep in mind that we are to walk this way one day at a time and to keep our hearts, eyes and minds focused on You. Holy Spirit, help us to remember the words of Isaiah that when we wait on You, our strength shall be renewed. We will be strong like eagles soaring upward. We will run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. Bring a fresh anointing of Your precious peace while we wait. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 2 - God Keeps His Promise

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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You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’”

Psalm 89:3-4   

Psalm 89 records Israel’s response to what seemed like a broken promise of God. God promised that King David’s rule would last forever (2 Samuel 7). But when Babylon defeated the nation of Israel, the people were taken captive into a foreign land and it seemed that God’s word was worthless. When the world was at its worst, God was at work, making way for the King of kings.

Often, what we experience doesn’t seem to line up with what God promised. Like the psalmist, we plead with God, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide forever?” Though He seems distant, Jesus promised to never leave or forsake His disciples.

Christmas is an annual reminder that God’s promises always come to pass. Jesus now reigns as king for eternity on the throne of David. His reign extends far beyond the borders of Israel. Christ is exalted as King of kings and Lord of lords.

As we wait patiently for God to fulfill His promises, remember His promise to David. The fulfillment of God’s promise always exceeds our expectations. God didn’t forget His people then, and He won’t forget us now.

REFLECT:
How has God been faithful to His people this year?

Is there a promise you are waiting to see fulfilled? Tell a friend, and ask them to pray with you.

(Read Psalm 89:1-52)

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Prayer:

Father, 

          We declare as Jeremiah did -  It is of Your mercies, Lord, that we are not consumed, because Your compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Your faithfulness. You are our portion, therefore we will hope in You. You are good to those who wait for You, to those of us whose souls seek You. Keep our focus on You, our Promise Keeper. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 1 - Messiah is Coming

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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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Isaiah 9:6    (full passage Isaiah 9:1-7)

When circumstances seemed most grim, Isaiah prophesied that a Messiah would come to redeem Israel and set everything right. Isaiah uses four titles to describe the Messiah’s role as the anointed deliverer: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, is the Wonderful Counselor who makes decisions with divine wisdom. Mighty Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was with God and was God in the beginning (John 1:1-3). It is through Jesus that we know the Everlasting Father. The Apostle John tells us, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known”  (John 1:18 NIV). Jesus rules and reigns as the Prince of Peace, bringing dominion and peace that will never end.

For Israel, this prophecy of the Messiah brought joy and comfort in dangerous and unsettling times. Advent means Jesus, the Messiah, came, and we can know Him. Advent also means that He will soon come again. No matter what our circumstances, when we are in Christ, we find deep, abiding peace now and look forward in hope to His second coming when we will know Him in full.

REFLECT:
Of the four names Isaiah uses to describe the Messiah, which one means the most to you?

How have you seen Jesus fulfill each of these roles in your life?

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Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for sending Your Son to redeem us back to You. Thank You that He is everything and all that we need. Open our eyes to see Him in His fullness. Open our hearts to receive Him and our minds to comprehend what it means to trust You in all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen