Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 12-31-21

Intro: Have you ever noticed some people seem to draw others into friendship by the joy, peace, and love they exude? Jesus has always had the power to draw people to himself; he is the perfect charismatic Friend. He is inviting and comforting to dwell with and enjoy in a meaningful relationship for life.

In our passage today, the people around Jesus are drawn to him but they have the wrong idea about what kind of King he came to be. He did not come to restore a nation, but to restore hearts with the Father. Jesus wants to be the Lord of our lives; he is the Light with whom we must connect in order to push back against the darkness and draw of the world. We need his powerful righteous help.

We must choose between Christ and the world; Jesus certainly tells us we need to choose who will be our Master. Jesus brings salvation now, but he will one day restore the world under his Kingdom government. Even now, many well-meaning believers have the wrong vision of Christ’s real mission to bring ongoing salvation that glorifies the Father. Don’t miss who Jesus really is as Messiah. Allow him to be the Light of Truth to your heart, because if we allow this important first step, others will be drawn to him and experience Christ in us.

Tonight is New Year’s Eve. Before you experience the first day of the year 2022, make a decision to stay devoted to Christ and learn from him to be a person of inspiration and influence. People around us need the perfect charismatic Friend! Make 2022 the best year in Christ you have ever experienced! The decision is yours. Happy New Year!

John 8:12-14 Jesus, the Light of the World
12 Then Jesus said, “I am [name of God] light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk [never be pushed] in darkness.”

13 The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!”

14 Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they’re invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. But you Pharisees have no idea about what I’m saying. 15 For you’ve set yourselves up as judges of others based on outward appearances, but I certainly never judge others in that way. 16 For I discern the truth. And I am not alone in my judgments, for my Father and I have the same understanding in all things, and he has sent me to you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for connecting me with the Father, inspiring me toward holiness, and guiding me toward devotion to your will and ways. Be my spark of life that inspires others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.