Introduction: Dare to be Disciples

Jesus came to this earth to make disciples. He didn’t come to win a popularity contest, or to impart lots of “warm fuzzies” to mankind; rather, He came to point people in the right direction, so that they (and we) could spend eternity with God. This purpose is important for us to understand, because it helps explain some of the difficult things Jesus said in the Gospels about counting the cost of discipleship and being willing to sacrifice everything to follow Him. Being a disciple is not an easy life; however, it’s a life that brings eternal joy, hope, peace, and contentment. Becoming a disciple means choosing to live for God, no matter the cost.

Monday: Read Matthew 4:18-22, Luke 5:1-11

Food for Thought:  What did Simon Peter, James, and John give up to follow Jesus’ call to be His disciples? What did Jesus promise them for their sacrifice, and what are some things that He DIDN’T promise them? Try to put yourself in Peter’s shoes. Would you have responded in the same way that he did? What are some things that are holding you back from following Jesus? What would Jesus call you to cast aside in your pursuit of Him?

Tuesday: Read Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:6-11

Food for Thought:  What exactly is Jesus commanding us to do in the Great Commission? How do we make disciples, and is this something you are currently seeking to do? How does Jesus encourage His disciples to fulfill this calling in His final words before the Ascension? How does the angel’s statement regarding Christ’s return motivate us to fulfill the words of the Great Commission? Do you live differently as a result of knowing (or believing) that Jesus might return at any moment?

Wednesday: Read John 8:31-59

Food for Thought:  This passage describes a major “showdown” between Jesus and the Pharisees. What is the major point of contention between them, in this passage? How does verse 47 relate to the area of discipleship? Have you found this to be true in your own experience with God? What is the significance of verse 58, in relation to the Person and character of Jesus Christ? What does Jesus’ unwillingness to compromise or back down tell you about His standards and expectations for discipleship?

Thursday: Read Luke 9:57-10:12, 17-20

Food for Thought:  What does Jesus say are some of the costs of discipleship? Have you sacrificed anything important to you in order to be Christ’s disciple? Have you ever chosen NOT to sacrifice something that you knew you needed to in order to be a disciple? Is Jesus trying to scare people off? If not, what is He trying to accomplish with these warnings?

What role and responsibly does Jesus give to the 72 disciples He sends out? How does this relate to our calling today, and how does it differ from their own expectation?

Friday: Read Luke 14:12-35

Food for Thought:  Who is qualified to be a disciple, and what is the cost of becoming one, according to these passages? What does Jesus mean when He tells us we must hate our father, mother, etc.? Is this a literal hate? How do we count the cost of discipleship? What are some of the costs for following Jesus in your own life? According to verse 33, is it okay for Christians to keep their money or to hold onto any possessions? What does this all mean?

Saturday: Read Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Peter 1:5-8

Food for Thought:  One important quality of a disciple is ongoing spiritual growth. According to these two passages, what are some signs of our growth or maturity that we can look for? What is our motivation for growing as disciples? Is this truly something you desire? If so, how will you go about seeking spiritual growth in your relationship with God?

Introduction: Building a Worshiping People

As Christians, we are both called and commanded to worship God alone. However, this does not mean that our worship comes out of obligation, guilt, or expectation; rather, we worship as a response to who God is and how He has revealed Himself to us. Therefore, in order to truly worship God, we need to both know Him and experience a relationship with Him. The more intimately we know Him, the more genuine our worship of Him can be. Throughout this week, make it your focus to worship God for who He is. God is worthy of all glory and honor because He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Does your life reflect His majesty?

Monday: Read Psalm 145

Food for Thought:  Read through this psalm several times. As you do so, make a note of the reasons the psalmist gives for worshipping God. How would you describe his attitude towards God, and his perspective on life? Do you think it’s possible to have this type of attitude no matter what you are going through in life? Do you have an attitude of worship right now? Why or why not? Spend some time worshipping God.

Tuesday: Read Matthew 25:31-46

Food for Thought:  Jesus uses this parable to speak of the Day of Judgment, when all people will stand before the Lord, the Great Judge. What is the fundamental difference between the sheep and the goats? Is Jesus saying, then, that we will be judged according to our works? If so, how does this fit with passages that say we are saved by grace through faith? And if not, then what is Jesus saying? What do our good works have to do with worship? Are you worshipping God with your gifts, talents, and abilities? What can you start doing to worship God in this manner?

Wednesday: Read Col. 1:15-20, Rom. 11:33-12:1, Rev. 4:11

Food for Thought:  These passages give us some clarity on WHY we worship God, or what exactly makes God worthy of our praise. Read through these verses several times. What do Paul & John say in their description of the character and nature of God that make Him worthy of praise? As you reflect on the significance of these words, consider your own response to the glory, majesty, authority, splendor, and power of our great God, who revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. Does this bring you to an attitude of worship?

Thursday: Read Mk. 12:28-30, Heb. 11:6, 1 Sam. 15:22, Jn. 14:21

Food for Thought:  According to these four passages, how ought we express our worship of God? If worship is indeed a response to who God is and what He has done, then what should that response look like? As you look at your own life, would you say that you have responded to God in an appropriate manner? How might you like to bring more worship and glory to Him? What can you grab hold of (right now) that inspires worship and adoration for God?

Friday: Read Psalm 96

Food for Thought:  The psalmist clearly desires for all people to worship God. What, in his mind, makes God worthy of all of this worship and praise? And how does the psalmist say that the people should worship Him? What part(s) of this psalm resonates with you today? How will you respond?

Saturday: Read 2 Samuel 6

Food for Thought:  Why does God strike Uzzah down at the beginning of this chapter, and what does this have to do with worship (Hint: Consider God’s established Law and order)? How does David model worship for the Israelites, and was does his wife (Michal) resent him for it? Have you ever felt the amount of joy that David displays when he marches the ark into Jerusalem? Does God’s presence bring you this type of joy?

Introduction: Intentionally Grace-Full

Amazing grace. It’s more than a song; it’s the reality of our life in Christ. And yet, many of us have failed to grasp the fullness of the abundance of grace that is available to us through Jesus Christ. The reality is that Jesus died not only to give us eternal life, but also to free us from our old life. We are no longer slaves to sin, but are free to live for God and experience the fullness of His joy, hope, and peace. All of this is part of God’s free gift to us. As you go through your devotions this week, focus on the beauty and miracle of God’s grace, and challenge yourself to respond to it in a way that truly honors and glorifies Him.

Monday: Read Ephesians 2:1-10, Galatians 2:20-21

Food for Thought:  What price did God pay to offer us His grace? What role do we play in receiving this grace? Are there any conditions or contingencies attached? What impact do our good works have on our salvation? Does God love us more or less depending on what we do, say, think, or feel? Spend some time reflecting on your PRACTICAL understanding of grace – not just what you believe intellectually, but how your understanding of faith vs. good works really impacts how you relate to God.

Tuesday: Read Luke 15:11-32

Food for Thought:  How does the father in this parable show grace to his prodigal son? As you read through the story again, focus on the two brothers. Which brother do you relate to more? Which brother seems to have a better understanding of God’s grace? Many people share the older brother’s frustration and sense of injustice. What does this reveal about our understanding of justice, especially compared to God’s display of justice? Do you appreciate and rejoice in God’s grace to the extent that you ought to? If not, what is keeping you from that?

Wednesday: Read John 1:1-18

Food for Thought:  This passage illuminates God’s eternal plan, and culminates in verse 14 with the revelation that Jesus is the Word, who came to dwell among us and impart grace and truth to the world. How can the Word be both with God and God Himself? What is the meaning and significance of the ‘light’ spoken of in this passage? What is the ‘grace upon grace’ (v.16) that John speaks of, and how is it revealed and given to us?

Thursday: Read John 3:1-21

Food for Thought:  How does a person become a child of God, and what does it mean to be born again? What does being born again have to do with receiving God’s grace? Can you be born again without receiving God’s grace? Why did Jesus come to this earth? How does this passage highlight the distinction between grace and mercy? Write down a clear definition for both grace and mercy. Do the two always come together?

Friday: Read Psalm 103:6-14

Food for Thought:  What does God’s forgiveness of our sin look like, and how does this compare to our own ability to forgive? Who does God show this compassion and grace to? Have you accepted God’s unconditional grace or mercy? If not, what is keeping you from doing so (i.e., guilt, unbelief, fear, doubt, etc.)? Spend some time in prayer, and praise God for His mercy and grace, and for being slow to anger and abounding in love.

Saturday: Read 1 John 4:7-21, Matthew 18:21-22

Food for Thought:  An important part of receiving God’s grace is imparting it to others – not as a condition for receiving the gift, but as evidence that the gift has been received. Why are we, as Christians, commanded to love one another? Is God the only source of love? If our love for others is to be modeled after God’s love and grace for us, then how should that be reflected in our relationships? Are there any people in your life right now that you need to forgive, or who you can show grace to?

Introduction: Service

Up until this point, Paul has laid out a solid foundation for the Christian faith. He begins with the reality that all people, Jews & Gentiles alike, are under sin. And since all are equally under sin, all people need to turn to Jesus for salvation from our sin. Once we give our lives to Christ and are saved by faith, God begins the process of sanctification in us. All of this takes place because of the sovereignty of our great God.

Beginning in chapter 12, Paul turns his attention to our response to all of this – namely, service. We don’t serve because we are good or holy in and of ourselves; rather, we serve God as a response to everything He has done for us. And there are many different ways we can serve Him. As you go through your devotions this week, consider how God might use you to serve in His awesome kingdom.

Monday: Read Romans 12

Food for Thought:  What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice, and is this something you have done? What is your spiritual gifting? If you know, how have you been using it? If you don’t know, take some time to consider what it might be. What are some of the marks of a true Christian? How do we reconcile the teaching that we are saved by grace alone with the teaching in this chapter that we honor God by serving Him?

Tuesday: Read Romans 13

Food for Thought:  What authority are we called to submit to as Christians? Are there any exceptions? What can be accomplished through our humble submission? What does it mean in verse 10, when Paul says that love is the fulfilling of the law? Take some time to pray about how you can love those around you this week

Wednesday: Read Romans 14

Food for Thought:  Summarize the main points of Paul’s teaching on liberty, personal convictions, and judging (v.1-12). What are some issues we deal with today that this passage applies to? What does it mean to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother? Have you ever done this, or had it done to you? Why is it something that Paul takes so seriously?

Thursday: Read Romans 15

Food for Thought:  How did Jesus set an example for us follow, as servants of God? What kind of a servant was Jesus when He was on this earth? What kind of an example did Paul set for us as a servant of God? What was his hope and dream for the Roman church? Spend some time praying about how God might desire to use you to serve Him.

Friday: Read Romans 16

Food for Thought:  Why do you think it was important for Paul to include this section of personal greeting at the end of his letter? Do any of the names or greetings stick out to you? What do you make of Paul’s final instructions (v.17-20) and doxology (v.25-27)? As you look back over all 16 chapters, what stands out to you as being most illuminating, most convicting, and most exciting? Spend some time reflecting on the book as a whole.

Saturday: Read James 2:14-26

Food for Thought:  This is often seen as one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament, due to what seems like an over-emphasis on the importance of good works in our relationship with God. How can we reconcile this passage with Ephesians 2:8-9, and other teachings that emphasize the fact that our salvation comes through grace alone? What is the main point James is trying to make? How do Abraham and Rahab fit into this main point? How does this passage speak to you, especially in terms of your lifestyle and how you are currently serving God?

Introduction: Sanctification & Sovereignty

When Paul wrote this letter, he had not yet visited the church in Rome. Therefore, he uses this opportunity to lay out a detailed theological foundation for these new believers. As we read last week, he begins by leveling the playing field for all people – everyone is under sin, and all have the opportunity to be saved through the grace offered by Jesus Christ. This week, we will see Paul continue his argument by expounding on the process of sanctification (being set apart) in the life of believers, and also by looking at the sovereignty of God. As you go through your devotions this week, take the opportunity reflect on your own relationship with God – both in terms of who He is, and also how you have grown and matured in your faith through the years.

Monday: Read Romans 6

Food for Thought:  At the end of chapter 5, Paul explained that God’s grace is unlimited. Looking at chapter 6, does this give us license to sin? What is the proper response to grace? What does it mean to be dead to sin and alive to God, and is this something you have experienced in your own life? What does it look like to be a slave to sin? How about a slave to righteousness? Is it possible to live a sinless life? If not, what motivation do we have to even try to do the right thing?

Tuesday: Read Romans 7

Food for Thought:  Paul is speaking on behalf of unregenerate sinners who try to keep the Law (i.e., be perfect) according to their own ability. Can you relate to Paul’s experience, struggles, and frustrations? What is the solution to this ‘sin-problem’ raised by Paul? How does this fit into your understanding of grace, holiness, righteousness, and salvation?

This is a heavy chapter and topic, so spend some extra time studying, praying, and applying the words in this chapter.

Wednesday: Read Romans 8

Food for Thought:  Look at v.1 (our memory verse). What does it mean that there is no condemnation? Do you still live with condemnation, wither from yourself or from someone else? What are the benefits or blessings of living life in the Spirit, as children of God? What does it mean to be heirs with Christ? Finally, spend some time considering the hope available to us through Jesus Christ. Have you embraced this hope? How does having hope change your life (not only for eternity, but also right now)?

Thursday: Read Romans 9

Food for Thought:  In this chapter, Paul begins his discussion on the sovereignty of God. How is God’s sovereignty explained and understood in this chapter? How does God’s sovereignty relate to His relationship with Israel? Who in Israel is saved? Does God’s sovereignty seem like injustice to you? Why or why not? How does God’s sovereignty relate to the Gentiles and their salvation? Have you considered God’s sovereignty in your own life? Spend some time praying, and seek to understand what it means that God is sovereign.

Friday: Read Romans 10

Food for Thought:  What is the balance between God’s sovereignty and our own responsibility or will? Practically speaking, what impact does this issue have on your relationship with God? For example, does our response to God or our understanding of God’s love for us change, depending on how we answer? After reading this chapter, what is our primary motivation for sharing the gospel? How will you apply the principles in this chapter?

Saturday: Read Romans 11

Food for Thought:  As we study God’s sovereignty, we begin to see God’s overarching plan for salvation unfold. One key is this idea of a remnant in Israel. What is a remnant, and what significance does it play in God’s plan? What does it mean for the Gentiles to be grafted in? Does this make Gentiles any more or less special? Spend some time reflecting on v.33-36. What do these verses teach you about God, and how will you respond to Him?

Memorize:  Romans 3:23-24

Introduction: Sin & Salvation

After a lengthy salutation, Paul begins his letter to the Roman church with foundational teaching on the doctrine of sin and salvation. The church faced intense turmoil and conflict as a result of the tension between Jews and Gentiles. In order to address this tension, Paul clearly establishes the fact that everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike, is a sinner who deserves death. In addition, Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind, whether one is a Jew or a Gentile. As you go through devotions this week, spend some time reflecting on these foundational chapters, and how they apply to your walk with God.

Monday: Read Romans 1

Food for Thought:  Paul has never visited Rome, which helps explain his lengthy introduction. Why might Paul feel the need to go into so much depth regarding his credentials? Why does Paul want to go to Rome, and what does he hope to accomplish there? Explain verse 16-17. How did this belief impact Paul’s ministry, and how has it impacted your life? The 2nd half of this chapter (v.18-32) addresses the sinful nature of the Gentiles. How are sin and knowledge related? Does anyone have an excuse to not believe in God? What is God’s wrath, and how is it revealed in response to sin?

Tuesday: Read Romans 2

Food for Thought:  If chapter 1 is a treatise on the sinful nature of the Gentiles, then we can likewise consider Romans 2 to be a treatise on the sin of the Jewish people. Taken together, these chapters create a level playing field between the Jews and Gentiles, and Paul’s ultimate goal is to enable these two groups to find unity in the body of Christ. Are there any people that you have a difficult time finding unity with? How are knowledge and sin related as it concerns Jews? How does the Law impart sin, and what relevance does this have for us today? What was the purpose, meaning, and significance of circumcision?

Wednesday: Read Romans 3

Food for Thought:  After thoroughly establishing the sinful nature of both Jews and Gentiles, Paul begins to unpack the reasons why both groups of people can find unity in the body of Christ. What exactly can we as Christians find unity in with every other believer? Where does righteousness come from, and how can we attain it? What does it mean to be justified, and how can we receive justification? Is there anything outside of Christ’s gift that we can point to that makes us worthy, good, or better off than anyone else? Is there anything in your life that you try to hold onto, or that you boast in?

Thursday: Read Romans 4

Food for Thought:  Abraham is, in this chapter, considered as a “test-case” for the truth that justification comes through faith alone. What makes Abraham such an important example for Paul to use, and how does he model justification by faith? What does the phrase “justification by faith” mean to you? Is this something that is easy or difficult for you to comprehend and accept? Why is it so important for us to believe this core doctrine?

Fri: Read Romans 5

Food for Thought:  Among the benefits of receiving justification by faith are that we have peace with God and a hope that does not disappoint. What does it mean to have peace with God? And what is the substance of the hope available to us? How did Jesus Christ bring God’s plan to completion? What does this have to do with Adam? And finally, how much grace is available to believers? What is your response to this amazing promise?

Saturday: Read Ephesians 2

Food for Thought:  Paul deals with similar issues to those in Romans 1-5 in this chapter. As you read through these verses, what sticks out to you most about God’s grace? How has God transformed us, and what ought our response be to Him? What does it mean to be one in Christ, and how important is it? Is there anyone you need to seek unity with today?

Sunday’s sermon:  A New Hope

The Author & Date

 There is little doubt that Paul is the author of this epistle, since he makes the authorial claim in the first verse of the book. Most believe that he wrote this letter sometime between 57-59 A.D., towards the end of his 3rd missionary journey, and was in Greece at the time. This would place the writing of this letter during the beginning of Acts 20. At that time, Paul had not yet visited the western region of the Mediterranean (where Rome was), but he had made his desire to do so clear. This is significant because he has never come into contact with the church in Rome, and therefore part of his purpose for writing is to provide a solid doctrinal teaching for them, to prepare them for his eventual visit, and to gain their financial support for a mission trip to Spain.

Historical Setting & Context

Obviously, Rome was the political capitol of the entire known world in the 1st century A.D. However, the city’s Christian roots are unknown. The most common belief is that converts from Peter’s “Pentecost sermon” in Jerusalem returned to Rome after the feast and started a church in that city. This, however, is nothing more than speculation, and both the Bible and history are silent as to the founding members of this church. One thing we do know about this church, though, is that they were flourishing in a major city without having been established by an apostle. Paul and Peter both ended up in Rome late in their lives, but the church was on its’ own during its’ infancy. This makes Paul’s words of encouragement and support of even greater importance to these believers.

Audience

There has been some debate over whether the Roman church was predominantly Jewish or Gentile. It seems as though there was a mix of both Jews and Gentiles, since Paul spends entire chapters addressing both of these groups. This division was the primary source of conflict in the early church, and the Roman church was not an exception. The Gentile believers certainly would have felt the pressures of living in a very pagan city, which means that this letter would have been a much-appreciated token of support and encouragement from an apostle they longed to see soon.

Structure

Since he had never met the Roman church, Paul uses this letter as an opportunity to clearly lay out the process for spiritual growth and maturity. It is helpful, therefore, to divide this book into 6 “S” categories:

1:1-1:17 Salutation

1:18-3:20 Sin

3:21-5 Salvation

6-8 Sanctification

9-11 Sovereignty

12-16 Service

Using this structure, it becomes clear that Paul’s intent throughout this letter is that believers will grow and mature in their faith. This begins with an understanding of sin and salvation, progresses through the process of sanctification and submitting to the Lordship of Christ, and manifests itself in a lifestyle of serving God.

Introduction: Simeon’s Song of Hope

Simeon was a righteous man, one of Israel’s faithful remnant who was waiting eagerly and patiently for the Messiah to come to rescue and comfort His people. Simeon was not unique in longing for the advent of Messiah – many faithful Jews were looking for Him – but what made him unique was that God had told him that he would live to see the Lord’s Christ in person. Imagine the excitement and hope that Simeon lived with, especially as the years went by!

The story of Simeon shows us the reality of the hope that is available to us through the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you go through devotions this week, consider the hope that you have as a Christian. Jesus came to this earth to give you that eternal hope – a hope that will never disappoint!

Monday: Read Luke 2:1-7

Food for Thought:  The birth story of Jesus is so well-known that oftentimes we read our preconceptions and traditions into the text, rather than letting the story speak for itself. As you have been reading this December, has there been anything new from the story that has jumped out to you? Does this passage paint a picture of hope? If not, then what kind of a picture does it paint for you?

Tuesday: Read Luke 2:22-38

Food for Thought:  No matter how bad things got through the years, the people of Israel could always find hope in the Messiah. Why did the promise of Messiah inspire such hope for God’s people? How do Simeon and Anna display this hope in this passage? Why, in general, is hope so important for us to have, and what happens when we lose hope in something or someone? Do you have hope in the Messiah?

Wednesday: Read Isaiah 9:1-7

Food for Thought:  Passages like this one begin to uncover the substance behind the hope that Jewish men and women held when they thought of the Messiah. Based on this passage, what type of Messiah do you think the Israelites anticipated? How did Jesus fulfill the words of this prophecy? When you consider the return of Jesus Christ, what are your expectations? Does it fill you with a similar kind of hope?

Thursday: Read Lamentations 3:24, Romans 5:5, 8:24, 15:3, Psalm 39:7, Jeremiah 17:7

Food for Thought:  What is the Bible’s definition and understanding of hope? Who is this hope available to, and how can we obtain it? Is there anything that can tear this hope away from us, or is this hope eternally secure? Do you have this hope in Christ, or is your hope conditional based on your circumstances, emotions, relationships, and so forth?

Friday: Read Matthew 2:1-12

Food for Thought:  Notice: As much as 2 years have passed since Jesus was born, and we do not know how many wise men made this journey to visit Jesus. That being the case, what is the significance of Jesus being visited by Magi, and given gifts worthy of a king? Why was Herod so threatened by this Child? The Magi were filled with joy, which often comes along with hope. What gave them this great joy? Do you share in their joy?

Saturday: Read Luke 2:39-52

Food for Thought:  This is the only story recorded in Scripture about Jesus that takes place in between His birth narrative and the beginning of His public ministry. Why do you think this, of all possible stories, was included (Hint: 13 was a very important age in Jewish culture.)? What does it tell us about Jesus as a child? How does this story continue with the theme of hope and expectation surrounding the Person of Jesus Christ? Finally, what does it mean to “be about the Father’s business”? Can you say the same thing about yourself?

Sunday’s sermon:  Jesus, A Song of Salvation

Introduction: Mary’s Song of Trust

As a teenage girl, Mary’s life was turned upside down by Gabriel’s announcement that she was to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. There are many different types responses Mary could have had to this news, but she responds with steadfast trust in God. Due to the Catholic church’s over-emphasis on the righteousness of Mary, it has become easy for us to dismiss her response or undersell her magnificent trust in God. But she truly does set a wonderful example for us of what it looks like to trust God in the midst of great personal sacrifice.

As you read through the Christmas story this week, may you do so with your eyes upon Mary’s attitude and response to God using her in this way. She had many reasons to allow fear, bitterness, or resentment to consumer her life; but instead, she shows steadfast trust that God loves her and will be glorified through her.

Monday: Read Luke 1:26-38

Food for Thought:  What risks does this announcement carry for Mary personally? How do these risks compare to the benefits for mankind, from Mary’s perspective? Do you think you would have responded with a similar type of unconditional trust? Where do you think bitterness or resentment comes from in our relationship with God (and our relationship with others, for that matter), and why doesn’t Mary seem to show any of these things?

Tuesday: Read Rom. Luke 1:39-45

Food for Thought: What makes Mary blessed among women? What has Mary done to make her “worthy” of this blessing? What does this blessing entitle Mary to? How does this relate to any (and all) blessings we have received from God, and our response to them? Have you recognized the blessings in your life recently, or do you look at them as things that you are entitled to?

Wednesday: Read Luke 1:46-55

Food for Thought:  Mary’s song of praise, famously known as the “Magnificat”, comprises her response to God’s sovereign plan. As you read through these verses, what sticks out to you the most? What does it mean to magnify the Lord, and have you ever done this? If you were to write out a song of response to God working in your life, what would that song look like?

Thursday: Read John 14:1-14

Food for Thought:  Jesus boldly proclaims that He is “the way, the truth, & the life.” What does this mean, and how does it relate to the issue of trusting Him? What do you make of Jesus’ statement in verse 14? Are their any qualifications for this to take place? Take a few moments to examine your own trust level in Jesus. Are there areas of your life where you don’t trust Him?

Friday: Read Isaiah 28:14-29

Food for Thought:  The people of Israel had, at the time this passage was written, chosen NOT to trust God as their Redeemer and King. What are the consequences of this decision, and what does Isaiah say are the blessings or benefit of choosing instead to trust in God? In your own life, what have you found to be the blessings of trusting in God? Have their been times when you have not trusted Him, and have you noticed the difference?

Saturday: Read Psalm 56:1-13

Food for Thought:  Consider the issues in your life that make it difficult to trust in God. How does this Psalm encourage you to place your trust in Him in spite of these issues or barriers? Make a list of the ways God has been faithful to you over the years. How does this comfort you, and encourage you to place your trust in Him today?

Sunday’s sermon:  Simeon, A Song of Hope

Introduction: The Angels’ Song of Peace

Imagine being one of those shepherds, quietly watching your flock of sheep at night, when all of a sudden you are serenaded by a chorus of angels, who are proclaiming the birth of Messiah and peace on earth for all who please God. What an exciting time! But what does it all mean?

‘Peace’ is such a loaded word, in that it means many different things to different people. But what type of peace did Jesus Christ bring us? As we go through devotions this week, we will explore the Biblical understanding of divine peace. As we approach Christmas, it is important that we understand what the angels meant when they sang about peace on the earth on the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Monday: Read Luke 2:8-20

Food for Thought:  What makes the angels’ message good news? Do you still think of this as good news today? How would you describe the shepherds’ response? Did they have genuine faith? Were they prepared for this announcement? What impact does the birth of the Messiah have on you this Christmas season? Is it something you are able to rejoice over?

Tuesday: Read Romans 12:18, 14:17-19, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:6-7

Food for Thought:  The Bible paints a clear picture of what it means to be at peace (with God and with others). What is the Biblical definition of peace, and how does this differ from the world’s understanding of the term? How is this peace accomplished, and what does it look like? Have you ever experienced the ‘peace that surpasses understanding’ spoken of in Philippians 4:6-7? How does this relate to the peace brought to earth by Jesus the Messiah?

Wednesday: Read John 14:18-30

Food for Thought:  As Jesus is preparing for His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, He prepares His disciples for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. What role does the Holy Spirit play within the Trinity, and how does this role relate to that of the Son? How does the Biblical understanding of peace (v.27) fit into Jesus’ teaching on the Holy Spirit?

Thursday: Read Isaiah 1:12-18

Food for Thought:  In this chapter, God rejects His people’s worship because it comes from hearts that are selfish and hypocritical. What does God exhort them to pursue instead of vain or empty worship? What role does God play in our redemption and salvation, and what role do we play? How does this relate to the idea of living in peace with God? Have you grasped the true magnitude and blessing of grace?

Friday: Read Isaiah 53

Food for Thought:  This is the climactic end to a series of four “Songs of the Suffering Servant” found in the book of Isaiah. In this chapter, Isaiah gives us insight into why Jesus died on the cross (even though it was written 700+ years prior to the birth of Christ). How did God use the death of the Messiah to extend His offer of peace to us? Why did Jesus have to come to earth as a man and die on the cross? Spend some time reflecting on these words, and worshipping the God who sacrificed everything to bring peace to mankind.

Saturday: Read Psalm 119:161-168

Food for Thought:  Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, is a celebration of God’s Word. What reasons does the psalmist give for celebrating God’s word in this section of the psalm? How is it that those who love God’s Word have great peace? Does the Bible bring you peace? Do you value God’s Word as a precious gift this Christmas season?

Sunday’s sermon:  Mary, A Song of Trust