Devotionals

“Here, Ed. You remember last year when things weren’t going so well, and you couldn’t make your payments? You didn’t lose your house, did you? Do you think Potter would have let you keep it?”

—George Bailey

Grace is the foundation of genuine faith and Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone to support our grace-lived lives. By grace through faith in Christ, God saves us and forgives our sins (Eph. 2:8-9). This forgiveness is not based on our performance or whether or not we deserve it. God extends his amazing grace to those who believe he exists and rewards those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).

Grace is a supernatural and extravagant gift. The biblical definition of grace is often defined as “unmerited favor” which means God gives or extends us the power to live as his sons and daughters. God takes us into his loving care as sinners, saves us, and begins to transform us. We can live in God’s power and strength in order to become like Jesus and bear witness to his great name. Therefore, we need to choose to follow the Lord’s righteous guidance, because as we do we glorify the Father.

The Hebrew word [hesed] is used in the Old Testament to describe the work of God and his grace. Hesed reveals God’s unfailing love, mercy, and kindness to redeem a sinful humanity. For example, David was given the hesed of God in spite of the adultery and murder he committed; although David did have to face the consequences of his sin. Israel was given the hesed of God for her unfaithfulness and idolatry; but Israel had to face the consequences for her rebellion against God. In the New Testament, the hesed of God sent Jesus to save us by his grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

In our lesson today from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we know the Bailey family understands the power of grace. They receive it from God and generously give it to others. In the movie, George frequently extends grace on behalf of Bailey Building and Loan. For example, when others are financially struggling, he seeks to patiently work with them and encourage them not to quit. His earthly father did it and George does it. Our heavenly Father does it and we do it.

To highlight grace further, at the end of the movie we see a great deal of grace in action. The sheriff tears up the hate-driven warrant for George’s arrest—grace. The bank examiner who knows eight thousand dollars is unaccounted for actually makes a financial donation to support George and his family—grace. Mr. Welch, the man at Martini’s who punches George in the mouth for the way he talked to his wife on the phone, actually comes to George’s house on Christmas Eve to support the family—grace. And lastly, how about George’s wife, Mary? Earlier that evening, George comes home defeated and has an adult tantrum. He yells at the children, destroys a model bridge in the living room making a huge mess before people arrive, and instead of firing back with that same rage she and the children pray for George—grace.

Everyday God extends mercy and grace to us as his children. We have done nothing to earn it, but God gives it, anyway. Christmastime can be a stressful, frustrating, exhausting, and lonely time for people. Not everyone understands Christmas is about celebrating the Love of God who came down from heaven to save us. They may not really understand their need for salvation or the work of grace. But, maybe they will respond to grace when we share it in kindness. Be kind, today, and bring honor to the Lord’s name.

OT Reading: Psalm 32:5 NLT David receives God’s grace “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”

NT Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Prayer: Lord, we need to be reminded about the grace we receive each day. You are so generous and good to us as your children. Not only in how you transform and protect us, but how you teach us each day to see life from your perspective and act like you. Please help us be mindful about the power of grace you call us to extend to others. Freely we have received and freely we must give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“We can get through this thing all right.  We’ve got to stick together, though.  We’ve got to have faith in each other.”

—George Bailey

Believers are never alone; God is always with us.  This is a great blessing and a genuine promise from the Lord.  In Christ, we are carriers of God’s beautiful and glorious presence.  Miraculously, we have the fire of Almighty God releasing his love within us.  It is a powerful image of God at work redeeming our souls, as well as his purpose through us to touch and redeem the souls of others.  

God’s sons and daughter are very powerful when we link God’s magnificent presence and our personal lives together for his purpose.  And, as we are sent to defeat the enemy by making more disciples, we are definitely better when we move together, as ONE, by Spirit-driven faith and love.  We were created to become a whole in the love of God.  Friends, we share in this race of faith and we are better together.

In our lesson from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” today, George points to this truth as he addresses a fearful people about the reality of money.  By the greedy and destructive actions of Mr. Potter [bank owner], people rush to withdraw their money from the Bailey Building and Loan Company because they fear losing their money in the midst of a bank run which could bring foreclosure to George’s family business.  George reminds his clients there is no money sitting in a safe.  

As customers of Bailey Building and Loan, these folks have chosen and agreed to share the use of their money to help others in the community be able to afford a small modest home. George reminds them, “Your money’s in Joe’s house…right next to yours.  And in the Kennedy house, and Mrs. Macklin’s house, and a hundred others…Now, what are you going to do?  Foreclose on your neighbors to get what belongs to you?”  George points to the commitment they made to one another and the strength they will find as they stick together to defeat evil.

We overcome evil through good, so the key to survival is trusting in God and every believer’s commitment to love.  This world is driven by selfishness and lawlessness, but God is not up in heaven wringing his holy hands.  No, he is still on the throne and he is wanting to work through each one of us to manifest his righteous kingdom here on earth.  Believers are givers not takers.  Believers are committed not indifferent.  We remain connected by Truth in faith and love…and the world notices the peace and unity of our supernatural Lord.

OT Reading: Psalm 133:1 NIV  David writes,“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

NT Reading: Ephesians 4:16 NLT Paul writes to the Body of believers,“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the power of your commitment to us.  May we turn to be committed disciples to you as we work together in unity.  Help us choose to live in peace, no matter how hard the devil tries to divide us.  Bring a desire to make peace and fight for the whole when conflict rises; rather than retreat or live in selfishness.  Like David, may we run with confidence toward the giants that stand before us and take them down in the name of the Lord.  Amen.

“Why did we have to live here in…this measly, crummy old town?”

—George Bailey

It really doesn’t matter where you and I live, because each location [country, state, community] on this fallen earth comes with its own issues created by sin. No place is exempt from troubles or lawlessness [rebellion against God’s authority].  I was having a great conversation several days ago with a family I dearly love about the place they now live after moving from Florida.  Although, I am so grateful they are enjoying their new location, as I was listening to how this place is, “great…a place with a healthy rhythm for life,” my soul momentarily paused when I heard it.  Why?  Because Scripture reminds us the only place that is free from the existence and effects of sin is heaven. 

Jesus teaches his disciples about how the world hates believers and offers no place or location on earth to experience lasting peace.  Peace must come bubbling up from within and held onto in the midst of challenges.  Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The Light of Christ will always seek to triumph over the darkness of evil that rules this fallen world. We cannot relocate ourselves from the spiritual darkness of this world, we must take a stand and overcome it in Jesus’ name.

In our lesson from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” today, George wants to escape the darkness of Bedford Falls.  Keep in mind, the picture the movie depicts in 1946, is much bigger than that tiny town and what it suffers.  The country has been facing an agonizing economic depression.  The world has been devastated by the effects of WWII. Life is hard everywhere, because evil fights to rule hearts…and diminish righteousness in the world.

George Bailey has faced years of struggle in order to rescue the perishing.  He saves his brother from drowning, a child from being poisoned, he faces the sudden death of his father which leaves him to fight for the Bailey Building and Loan Company, he takes the blame for a shortage of money to protect Uncle Billy…the list goes on and on.  George is weary in doing good when he shouts, “Why did we have to live here…in this measly, crummy old town?” (Gal 6:9).

None of these things George faces are about a location, they are events in life that are out of human control, but not out of God’s power to redeem. It’s not about the “crummy old town,” it’s about whether or not we are willing to stay planted and grounded as missionaries to be the Light in the darkness, share God’s Love in the midst of selfishness, and be peacemakers in the chaos, because Jesus wants to save the world.  Heaven is our home and while on earth heaven lives in our hearts ruled by the Prince of peace. Jesus said, “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark (John 12:46). We become the spiritual Light of Truth in our families, towns, countries…because Jesus came to save the world not judge it (John 3:16-17). 

Living against the raging flood waters of cultural darkness, is not easy.  It takes great courage and endurance to be a disciple and reflection of the Light of the World.  This is the commission of Christ; to be the Light and make more disciples led by the Truth as we influence and lead those blinded by unbelief out of the pit of darkness (Mat 28:19-20).  

Like George, we need a new view of life. This is not a gloomy lesson nor is it worthy of trying to escape.  God’s sons and daughters have a privilege of sharing in the salvation of the world; we are partners with Christ and partakers of what brings glory to the Father.  So, let’s pick up our courage and join the Savior in his mission to take back what the enemy [evil] stole.

OT Reading:  Joshua 1:9 VOICE  “This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go.”

NT Reading:  John 10:10 VOICE  “The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance.”

Prayer:  Lord, we know we cannot physically escape this fallen world, so we run to take refuge in you.   As disciples, we ask you to help us overcome evil with good through transformed lives.  You have not chosen to take us out of the world, so please help us be overcomers.  Empower us to live godly lives, Holy Spirit, so we can contribute to the work of your Kingdom.  Make us pillars of righteousness, peace, and joy in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

“If I should accomplish this mission—I mean—might I perhaps win my wings?”
—Clarence to Franklin

Every human being faces challenges and when we do, we need to link up with compassionate people. There are times we desperately need help from people who care about us. Maybe we need an empathetic listening ear; to share and talk about the challenges we are facing and how to address them with faith. Perhaps we need financial help due to an emergency for something we never saw coming. God takes care of us and provides for us through loving and compassionate servants.

Therefore, we need to be those people who seek to help others. Giving hope and help to others is godly work; therefore, we please God. When we extend ourselves to help others, we end up being the most blessed. Givers are sent from God, because they temporarily step up to, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Believers are discipled to live with the heart of Jesus for the glory of God. After all, we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39).

In our lesson from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the angel, Clarence, really wants to gain his wings—something that has eluded him thus far. It is his desire yet to be fulfilled. However, although Clarence’s motive is to seek something for himself, he has not lost his desire to be a giver who helps others. In fact, he is eager to be of help to someone struggling with life. Clarence does not allow himself to be so focused on gaining his wings that he minimizes the joy of being a part of lifting the soul of a man on earth.

The bridge tollhouse conversation between George and Clarence is very special and reveals a true heart of compassion—taking action in order to alleviate the suffering of another. Clarence tells George he is an angel and he has come from heaven to help him by pretending to need help [rescuing from the water] himself. Clarence elaborates, “I knew if I were drowning you’d try to save me. And you see, you did, and that’s how I saved you.”

By jumping in to help someone else struggling, we somehow are saved, as well. When God sends us to be a source of support to others, we must remember many times God is using the situation to bring to us what we need, as well. With God it is always a win/win situation. Jesus demonstrated and taught his disciples that, “…it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Act. 20:35). People who are givers are the most contented and happy people to be around, because they have apprehended and applied the truth of God’s mission—helpers who help are helped!

OT Reading: Psalm 37:3-4 NLT “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

NT Reading: John 3:16 NLT “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

NT Reading: Philippians 2:4 NLT  “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today on having a compassionate and empathetic heart. Help us to listen and move to help others in need. We know you flow through your sons and daughters to do so; therefore, please don’t let us miss our opportunities to bless someone else. In fact, Lord, help us to start living as givers in every area of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 8, 2025

“I’m going to see the world.  Italy, Greece, the Parthenon…the Coliseum.  Then, I’m coming back here and go to college and see what they know…and then I’m going to build things…”

—George Bailey

When traveling, I like knowing where I am going, so I plan for it.  I certainly feel more secure in familiar surroundings.  But, what if I never leave or travel to a place I don’t know?  What secret blessing do I miss when I don’t welcome a chance to experience new journeys into the unknown? God may have something amazing for me just around the corner from my comfort. “The most unexpected corners hold the richest stories” (anonymous).  For my friends and loved ones who enjoy road trips to no specific destination, you know what I mean.

In our lesson from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey dreams of exploring far away lands filled with new experiences and historical treasures.  In fact, George’s plan after graduating high school was to travel, go to college, and then…find a way out of Bedford Falls. His goal was to do BIG things and build skyscrapers and bridges.  Funny how God makes different plans for us and takes us to experiences that never make it into our dreams.

Years later, we observe that none of George’s BIG plans have come to pass. Other things have replaced those dreams. Now, George is married to Mary Hatch, they have four kids, he is the president of Bailey Building and Loan [something he told his dad he did not want], and they all still live in Bedford Falls. 

George’s journey came with “unexpected corners” leading to rich stories.  It wasn’t until that devastating experience, on Christmas Eve, George realized his life was truly wonderful on the path led by Love.  Suddenly, George understood the “unexpected” was actually better than what he had planned. He was renewed with hope and peace, because he realized he was loved by his family, as well as the people in Bedford Falls; his life had made a BIG difference.

Like George, maybe your dreams lay unfulfilled.  You did not go anywhere exciting or experience far-away places—maybe your life has been filled with difficulties—but your life matters and you still have an opportunity to make a BIG difference in the lives around you.  Taking the road less traveled—choosing God’s more unconventional paths for growth—is the way to discipline through difficulties, responsibility through commitments, and truth through the pure nature of God who is Love.   

OT Reading:  Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

NT Reading: Matthew 7:14 NLT “But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the dreams that were never fulfilled, because you had better plans for us.  Thank you for taking us out of our comfort zones and around unexpected corners to reveal how your love is always there to guide us into the Truth. There are many lessons for us to learn each day; things beyond our understanding.  May we be willing to walk beyond the corner of comfort, today, and make a difference in someone else’s life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

“I’m the answer to your prayer. That’s why I was sent down here.”
—Clarence, the angel, after George tells him “I got bust in the jaw in answer to a prayer.”

People definitely need to learn the posture and power of prayer. Prayer is communion with God and the time to align our lives with his will. We can tell God everything, because he already knows the Truth. There is no one in this world who is as understanding, loving, and wise as our Father in heaven.

When we pray, we are keeping his name exalted and holy—honoring his right to guide our lives toward his righteous presence and purpose. When we ask for God’s will in our lives and in our circumstances, we are opening the door for the resources of grace only he can give. Our faith in God brings him glory!

In our lesson from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we witness George praying as he feels like he cannot fall any lower. He is finally at the end of his human strength and ability. Have you ever felt that way? George is unaware, but other people are praying for him at the same time. There is power in the prayers of agreement.

The scene reveals George in his desperation at Martini’s Restaurant and having too much to drink—trying to escape the torment in his soul. George prays, “I’m at the end of my rope…please show me the way, God!” When George finally utters God’s hame, the Lord hears his prayer and the prayers of others and responds. However, not the way George expects. Which is not unusual since our thoughts are not God’s thoughts or ways (Isa. 55:8-9).

Now Satan does not like it when God’s children pray, so evil finds a willing host who is already sinfully angry at George. Satan uses this angry man, Mr. Welch, to punch George in the mouth as retribution for disrespecting his wife—Zuzu’s [George’s daughter] schoolteacher. “That’s what I get for praying,” is George’s response.

George leaves the restaurant, gets in his car, hits a tree while driving, angrily leaves the car and walks to a bridge with the intent to jump when he meets his guardian angel, Clarence. The angel tells George that he is the answer to his prayers. “That’s why I was sent down here!” says, Clarence.

George becomes so distraught and irrational he shouts, “I wish I had never been born.” George is then taken on a “no George born” journey and given glimpses of life without him. It takes awhile, but George—frightened and distraught by the Truth—prays again, “Please, God, let me live again!”

Giving us new life is God’s specialty and that is exactly what George receives when he asks for salvation. Hope returns to his soul. No longer does George desire to look down from the bridge of despair. Instead, he begins to look up to commune with his Rescuer. George receives a new life with a new perspective and a new will to live for God’s loving purposes. He is a new man who identifies the Truth of God.

OT Reading: Psalm 145:18 NLT “The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”

OT Reading: Jeremiah 29:11 NLT “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

NT Reading: Matthew 7:7-8 NLT  “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

NT Reading: James 5:13 NLT The Power of Prayer “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.”

Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
    may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
    as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need [life’s essentials],
and forgive us our sins,
    as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
    but rescue us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Mat 6:9-13).

“Oh, look at this wonderful old drafty house. Mary! Mary!”
—George Bailey

Our perspective of life matters and for Christians we must cling to a biblical view. In Christ, our worldview is being transformed from seeing things purely through a temporary worldly lens to one that is divine and eternal. The Lord of heaven and earth has supreme authority and we have chosen to follow and serve him. As we obediently follow, we are being transformed by the Truth as God’s sons and daughters.

When we believe in Christ for our eternal salvation, the Spirit of Truth begins to reveal the heavenly reality to our blinded souls and the scales start falling off from our spiritual eyes. We start interpreting our circumstances, viewing people, and responding to events knowing the Lord of lords and King of kings is ultimately in control. Humanity was created to love God wholeheartedly and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We cannot accomplish any of this without the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, living this way takes humility, trust, and a motivation to glorify God with how we live and love.

Today, we continue our journey through “It’s a Wonderful Life” by focusing on this change in a believer’s perspective. After George meets his guardian angel, Clarence, he begins to see the Truth which creates a change—a turn around—in his perspective. George once was spiritually blinded by the cares of the world, but now he sees clearly there is more to life and it’s wonderful. His attitude has changed, his perspective has been enlarged. He no longer just looks at his problems as being overwhelming. George begins to prioritize what is eternally important and certainly essential: Faith, family, and friends. Now, George sees clearly into the realm of Truth; God is much bigger than anything evil has waged against him. George knows what matters, chooses to treasure it, and he is ready to celebrate his victorious new perspective!

We can easily be overcome by the worries and cares of this life, but let’s grab ahold of our Living Hope—Jesus. He can help us with every hurdle and through every struggle, but we must be willing to invite him to bring a change in our perspective, as well. Dr. Chuck Swindoll is a pastor and teacher I have followed for the past 30 years. I leave you with his thoughts about the power of perspective:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it!”

Romans 12:2 NLT “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

2 Corinthians 4:4 NLT “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us gain a positive and godly perspective of life. We need help, because at times it fells like life is squeezing us and we don’t know how to get out of its grip. You teach us to come to you when we are weary and you will give us rest. Please take our mental struggles and help us see from your divine perspective. We know that you will work all things together for good, because we love you and are seeking to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“So, I suppose I should give the money to miserable failures like you and that idiot brother of yours to spend for me.”
—Mr. Potter

We have all experienced the hate-driven and demeaning criticism of others. It stings and can linger in us as a revolving memory. Some people just cannot put themselves in your shoes, recognize what they know about you is incomplete, or choose to believe the best (1 Cor. 13:7). Only God knows the heart (Luke 16:15). If you sit quietly for a moment and ponder your experience with criticism, you will more than likely be able to articulate verbatim the mean-spirited comments made to you by another person who has decided to hate you without actually knowing you or your heart. God never created us to sling hate or receive it; that is the work of evil in human flesh. So, consider the source.

In our lesson today from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we consider the verbal comments of Mr. Potter—a man on a quest for power who wants to own the town people of Bedford Falls. The only time Potter seems to be able to say something nice is when he is slithering upon the ground of manipulation to take advantage of another person. Otherwise, he demeans everyone else in order to exalt himself. He is driven by pride.

The Bailey family gets the bulk of Potter’s criticism, because they are idealists who value principles and live them. The star idealist in the movie is George—an optimist who believes the best of others and works to make things better for the whole. Therefore, Potter views George and all idealists as ‘impractical idiots.’

Honestly, the difference between Potter and George Bailey that places them at odds comes down to what they value. Potter values pride, power, prestige, and possessions—which he temporarily has achieved—and thinks that makes him the most successful man in town. The Bailey’s humbly value people, love, compassion, empathy, and kindness. Their goals for life and how they treat people are extremely different.

As we think about these two goals for life and follow the thread to the end of the story, it is George who is honored “as the richest man in town” not Potter. Our lives can mirror only one of these goals. When people put self-centered ego on the throne, they eventually fall and become bitter because they have built their lives on shifting and unstable sand (Mat 7:24-27). However, when holy love builds a life there is no end to the grace that abounds or the number of people who are gathered into their “family.”

Critical and condemning people are miserable people to be around. Believers will always run into them, because God loves them and wants to reveal to them a better way to live. We cannot allow evil to define us. So, at the end of the movie, when George sees himself accurately and begins to love his life, he stands outside of Potter’s business window and wishes him a Merry Christmas. He forgives Potter, but he is going to remain George. So, pray for your critics, forgive them, and keep treating people the way Jesus treats you!

OT Reading: Proverbs 21:21 NLT “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”

NT Reading: Matthew 7:12 NLT “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

Application: James 4:6 VOICE:  “You may think that the situation is hopeless, but God gives us more grace when we turn away from our own interests. That’s why Scripture says, ‘God opposes the proud, but He pours out grace on the humble.’”

Prayer: Lord, please give us the wisdom to know when criticism is due and when it is built on destruction. Without you, human beings can have a skewed vision of life and what is meaningful. Believers must cling to the truth of who we are becoming in Christ and choose to pursue and live righteous in an unrighteous world. Father, you have promised to bring good things to those who live in Christ, so we are building our hope upon your Word. Let ungodly criticism roll off our backs and find no place to rest. We call for grace, today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Bread! That this house may never know hunger. Salt! That life may always have flavor…And wine! That joy and prosperity may reign forever.”
George and Mary’s blessing on the Martinis’ new house

Today, we continue our lessons from,“It’s a Wonderful Life” and how this part of the story teaches us about God’s righteous character found in the extravagant love of Christ. George and Mary’s sacrifice [giving their honeymoon money to assist others] helped to bring hope and freedom to many people in Bedford Falls. The Bailey’s have consistently been conduits of out-flowing grace; they are joyful and celebrate when good things come to others not just themselves.

Before moving into their new house, the Martini family meets outside with George and Mary Bailey who take turns proclaiming a blessing for a new beginning in this home built with love. The Martinis’ are beneficiaries of grace. Mary lifts up a loaf of bread, a jar of salt, and George adds a bottle of wine. These symbols represent the hope of spiritual transformation: 1) Jesus is the Bread of Life that satisfies the spiritually hungry; 2) Jesus is the Salt that gives life flavor so we can influence other lives; and 3) Jesus is the Wine—blood—that provides forgiveness of sin and connects us in the spiritual vineyard and care of the Father. A blessing we should celebrate forever!

At the end of the movie, people begin streaming into the Bailey house with financial gifts. They want to bless George and his family and pay off the debt that was created when evil Potter hid and kept the money that belonged to the Bailey Building and Loan Company. George is so overwhelmed he cries out, “Mr. Martini, how about some wine!” George wants to celebrate the goodness of God. Now, he is a beneficiary of grace.

George is a new man; he has left the old life behind and has a renewed vision for the future. He celebrates the LIFE of grace. Remember, the first miracle Jesus performed was to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). Our Savior loves when we praise and celebrate his goodness! Every believer is commissioned to celebrate and share the grace of our Lord with others.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT  “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Matthew 5:13 NLT “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
John 6:35 NLT “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.”

Matthew 26: 27-28 NLT “ And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant [new] between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many.”

Prayer: Lord, you are so good to us all the time. Thank you for rescuing and redeeming us, for the many ways you have vindicated us, and the pure love you consistently impart to us. Your grace is enough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Don’t look now, but there’s something funny going on over there at the bank, George.  I’ve never really seen one, but that’s got all the earmarks of a run.”  

Ernie the cab driver.

Evil has an earmark—a distinguishing characteristic—because it will always seek to ‘eat the lunch’ or cleverly outwit and defeat God’s children.  After all, Jesus describes satan as “the thief” who comes to rob, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).  So, even though we are aware of the spiritual battle between good and evil and the fight for our souls, believers are usually not ready for just how ruthless a person motivated by unrighteous evil can be to others. 

Satan is a deceiver who disguises himself as an angel of light—appears as something good—even though his intention is really unrighteous (2 Cor. 11:14).  For this reason, we need to place our trust and hope in Christ who is much more powerful and intends to use for good what the enemy sent to bring harm (Gen. 5:20).  “If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!  Because God is a God of miracles, and He’s holding the other end” (quote Pat Hicks).

As we continue with our devotion based on the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we will pause to think about the scene in which George Bailey [Building and Loan owner] and his wife, Mary Hatch, are supposed to get on a train for their honeymoon. They are so excited and looking forward to a wonderful and even extravagant time in New York and then on to Bermuda. However, what started out with a plan for fun, pleasure, and luxury turns out to be a time for sacrifice. 

While heading for the train, their friend and cab driver notices a problem that spells trouble for Bailey Building and Loan—the bank has called the business’s loan.  Mr. Potter, the owner of the bank and corrupt business man, begins to take advantage of how this affects the people of Bedford Falls.  Under Potter’s direction, the swindling of people begins.  George cannot run away from the trouble or problems this situation is causing others.  The honeymoon will have to wait, because George decides to follow wisdom rather than his feelings.  He chooses to infuse the people of Bedford Falls with heart and hope.

Like George and Mary, we cannot run away from our problems, either. We cannot ignore a problem or an unpleasant reality. Instead, we must rise in the courage of Christ and reach for the wisdom he alone can give to overcome evil with good (Ro. 12:21). Short-term pain for long-term gain. The Lord wants to help us look beyond our present moments to the longer road ahead; to see beyond fear and avoidance and find spiritual victory.  

If you are dealing with a difficult situation and you are tempted to run, remember Jesus loves you and he is ready to help you be victorious in such a way that it touches the lives of others around you. Place your hope in the Savior. Read the Living Word of God, listen to the Spirit, so you can make a wise choice that reaches beyond yourself.

OT Reading: Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

NT Reading:  Romans 12:21 NLT “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for allowing life to challenge us. We need to grow in endurance. Believers need to face even the unrighteous work of the enemy and see it as a way to rise in courage and spiritual strength.  We are called to be witnesses of the truth that you never leave or forsake us.  Help us to care as much for others as we do about ourselves. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.