Devotionals

“Nice girl, Mary…[the] kind who will help you find the answers, George.”
—George’s mother

It’s truly wonderful to be around people who bring the best out in us. Years ago, I remember being a part of an adult Bible Study and we were talking about this very topic. As we concluded, I said, “I love being around people who help me be a genuine daughter of the Most High, but I can still find myself around people who have the ability to pull something very unattractive out of me!” We laughed, because we all knew it was a universal truth for believers. Yet, wow, to be around people who want the best for us, see the best in us, and nudge us in a godly direction is such a gift!

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the character of George’s mother has been hard to pinpoint. She says very little, but we gain the understanding that she knows her sons, George and Harry, and in return they impishly love her. It is not until Harry and Ruth’s wedding celebration, we see how much George is loved by his mother. She sees the best and is willing to lovingly motivate him to go after what he really wants…Mary Hatch.

Because of George’s values, he steps back from pursing Mary due to the understanding that his friend, Sam, is interested in her. Mrs. Bailey cares nothing about that perceived connection, because what she actually sees is Mary’s interest in George. Mothers notice how people treat their kids [even grown ones] and many times can identify motives, intentions, and good outcomes. So, after a brief Bailey mother and son conversation, a seed has been planted that Mary Hatch would be a very good wife for George—someone who would help George better understand his life, who would run with him as a partner in life, and who would bring out the best in him.

Jesus always seeks to bring out the best in us. So being around people who have made Jesus Lord of their lives, will for the most part bring positive words and action to our lives. The more we embrace the character of Jesus, the more we go around planting seeds that help others in our sphere of influence become their best self and most times vice verse.

God created us for the mutuality of trust and wisdom which can be found in godly relationships, because Jesus has been made Wisdom for us. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of the true King. Christ has been born in your life, so take up the charge to grow in him by the grace he provides, live for our King as you seek his righteous kingdom of love, and help others become their best self in God’s hands.

OT Reading: Proverbs 31:10-12 NLT “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life . She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

NT Reading: 1 John 3:18  “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

Prayer: Lord, you have the perfect reputation of always wanting the best for us as your sons and daughters. Nothing is impossible for you, so you find ways to groom us in your image from within and by placing godly people around us who bring out the best in us. Thank you, Lord, for those people who know us, love us, and motivate us forward to become a masterpiece in the hand of the Master. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“George saved his brother’s life that day.  But he caught a bad cold which infected his left ear.  Cost him his hearing in that ear.”

—Joseph, the angel

In our quest for life, human beings seek to attain what we value or bring life genuine meaning. It’s a journey of self-discovery and it comes with joy, as well as adversity. We are learning to be led by the Spirit into the Truth of who God is and in turn his plan for his children.   In order to fulfill what we were created to be and do—in the hands of God—we must persevere through both easy and challenging times.  Life presents so many opportunities, and we must decide what will have our focused attention and effort.  We will primarily seek to cultivate things like riches, relationships, or even recreation; making one our greatest priority.   We can have an abundant life, because Jesus died to give it, but we must decide what is most important, because there are limits to our time, energy, money, etc.

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we reflect back on George’s early life and we clearly see he values relationships and he will sacrifice for them. He gave up travel and other things to focus on reinforcing relationships and helping others around him.  George gave up other areas he thought might bring meaning to his life, because relationships were what he valued most.  Therefore, if he had to choose between two good things, he always defaulted to prosper the people in his relationships knowing he would also prosper.

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares with those listening that the world’s temporal goods are fleeting, so it is unwise to be tied to the world.  Essentially, Jesus was teaching about priorities and the need to make a connection with our time, talents, energy, and our desires for our lives.  How we spend our time and energy, reveals what we care about most.  

Bottom line, some things take us closer to God and some things take us further away.  We need to direct our attention first to God and then gain a vision for how we can fulfill his plan. Jesus must be our First Love.  Yet, our human inclination many times is to do what we want and then ask God to bless it.  It does’t work that way in God’s economy.  So draw near to God, love and honor him, and he will guide you along your path.

OT Reading:  Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT  “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

NT Reading:  Matthew 19-21 NLT  “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for challenging us to examine our priorities.  You must be First in our lives; we know this is the Truth, because everything flows from your throne of grace.  And, teach us to treasure our relationships with others, because they, too, are eternal. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

“Why don’t you go to the riff-raff…and ask them to let you have eight thousand dollars?”

—Mr. Potter, to George after money goes ‘missing’

God carefully positions around his children a small core group of people [Spirit-led family] who have their backs when life happens.   The enemy comes to destroy the glory within through painful circumstances; his purpose is to break the soul; mind, will, and emotions (John 10:10).  However, Jesus comes as the conquering hero to fill us inside and bring upon the scene his servants who understand the power of godly love (1 Cor. 13:4-7). These folks are there to stand with us, pray with us, move in God’s direction of healing, and lend resources to help us. They are like resurrecting angels, because in God’s hands they work to bring beauty out of ashes—replacing that which seeks to devastate with the goodness of God (Isa. 61:3).   The Lord has always and will always have the last word over the lives of his children.  It’s a promise!  So, look for the beauty in the Body.

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it is Christmas Eve and George is in real trouble. We’ve looked at this scene in the movie from several angels now.  George has lived in the background helping others right along, but now he is the one who needs help.  Potter won’t give George a loan to pay off the eight thousand dollar debt he owes, and Potter ridicules George’s heart [where the glory of God abides] by telling him to go to the “riff-raff” he has vigilantly fought to defend and see what they will do for him.  Interestingly, Potter’s words become a reality; but take just a bit of a detour.  George does not ask for anything, but his family and friends carrying godly love get the word out about George’s need and all of a sudden there is a surplus of money and inexpressible JOY!

While Potter has been busy selfishly using people, George has been busy, in the background, faithfully serving them.  People usually take notice of those who love, honor, and affirm their value through practical and encouraging help. Many people in Bedford Falls quickly remembered what George had done for them.  Momentarily, when George was feeling like a martyr, God revealed the truth about godly Love.

When we pour ourselves out for others, it can be draining to the soul while at the same time filling our spirits with joy. For some reason, when we deny ourselves we experience the realm and power of eternal life in the joy of our salvation. It’s all a mystery surrounding our glorious Lord, but for those of us who live in Christ’s love…we know it is the Truth.

If Jesus sends you to be the help for others, then go and be a blessing because you will receive back more than you could ever give.  If Jesus brings people to be your help, then graciously receive because God is wanting to connect with you in some way.  Maybe it is God’s way of rewarding your obedience in the past, or maybe it is an invitation to trust him and his love more each day with your life.  Either way, you are victorious in Christ!

OT Reading:  Isaiah 41:10 NLT  “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

NT Reading: 1 John 4:16 NLT “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the work of your godly love to bring us into a place of generosity and well-being.  You are Jehovah Jireh—the Lord will Provide—and you do that while blessing everyone involved.  Holy Spirit, help us continue to be obedient to your leading as we live each day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

“In my book he died a much richer man than you’ll ever be!”

—George Bailey to Mr. Potter about his father, Peter Bailey

Honor involves recognizing the glory [Heb. kavod—weightiness, worth] of God, as well as ascribing that honor to those made in his image.  When we inwardly honor God and others, it leads to outward righteous words and actions. Therefore, things like respect, obedience, integrity, reflecting value, and a desire for God’s will all flow into place through our actions.  God calls us, as his sons and daughters, to reflect his character with honor according to the Truth of his nature.

It is not difficult to witness the lack of honor present in our world.  Things like moral and ethical excellence, honesty, fairness, and trustworthiness take personal sacrifice.  We must deny self to act at this level of honor and we will be called, by the Lord, to reflect it when those around us refuse to do so.  Honor always involves choosing to care for others, even when they do not demonstrate honor toward us.  Although it is hard to understand, this is where we experience true spiritual victory.

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George Bailey is in Mr. Potter’s office and he has just been offered a very very lucrative job in Potter’s business firm.  It is so tempting for George, because he is tired of the struggle.  Yet, George’s father stood resilient in honor and no money is worth a lack of self-respect.  So, as attractive as the offer was, as George sat smoking a cigar and dreaming about the life he thought he always wanted, he chose to declined the job.  Potter realized in that moment George could not be bought, because the righteous ideal of honor had already been planted and growing in George’s life.

Think about a fish vigorously swimming against the current to get upstream, when a multitude of fish are simply floating with the current downstream.  Honor takes determination and great effort; something those who do not know God may label as foolish.  Choose honor, anyway, because God has not called us to fit into the world.  You carry within you the ideals of the Father.  Jesus did…now we do!  So let’s swim…

OT Reading:  1 Chronicles 29:12 NLT  “Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength.”

NT Reading:  Romans 12:10 NLT “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

Prayer:  Lord, we thank you for the insight from this lesson and we commit to honoring you and others, today.  Honor involves your grace and glory which is something the world cannot give.  Help us sacrifice self when we need to choose between honor and dishonor.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

“Frustrated and sick.”

—Peter Bailey’s description of Mr. Potter

Frustration can find its way into human emotion and out through our actions all too easily.  When we cannot fix something, are prevented from bringing a solution to a problem, or hindered by another person from accomplishing a goal, it can frustrate us and leave us feeling negative.  When extended feelings of frustration are allowed to find a home in our souls, the next step can be bitterness—unresolved long term anger and unforgivness.  The Bible refers to bitterness as spiritual poison, because it seeks to devour the soul, twists genuine faith, and damage relationships.  Bitterness can cause a person to self-slaughter.  So, we must run from it.

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George’s father, Peter, tries to explain the character and disposition of Mr. Potter.  Peter sees Potter as “frustrated and sick.  Sick in his mind, sick in his soul.”  Mr. Potter is enslaved to the bitterness within him and he blames everyone else for his misery.  Maybe it’s why he tries to accrue more and more; a way to satisfy his frustration.

Most of us can confess we have run across a few long-term bitter people.  They are angry, resentful, cynical, filled with past hurts or perceived injustices, and always a victim.  A bitter person struggles to find any sense of joy in life.  I am so grateful Jesus came to deliver people from bitterness through forgiveness, love, and grace.  We certainly cannot fix a bitter soul; only medicate one.

The transforming work of the Spirit brings the power for us to forgive those who have wronged us, love those who are unloving to us, and pray for them all to know Jesus.  We do not have to live in bitterness, because the Spirit liberates us when we follow Christ’s example.  When you are feeling frustrated, please stop and pray.  Give what is bothering you to the Lord and leave it with him.  Then, you can walk and even run in the opposite direction from bitterness.

1 Samuel 30:6 NLT  “David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT   “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the work of the Holy Spirit to teach us how to deal with deep frustration or bitterness.  Help us to embrace humility and forgive those who have wronged us or treated us unjustly.  We do not want to hold onto anything that would plant a seed of bitterness in our souls.  Fill us with the light of Truth and we will shine with joy unspeakable and full of glory.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

“Help me Clarence. Get me back…Please, God, let me live again.”

—George Bailey after returning to the present with Clarence

Humility is not an easy characteristic for human beings to develop and practice. Although humility would be very difficult to measure, there is a statistic which states approximately only 15% of human beings value humility and score highly on ways to measure it. Lower yet are leaders who many times excel in pride and arrogance. If you have allow the Lord to bring forth a humble spirit in you, blessings are yours to receive. You will have a desire for learning, understand your own worth, have a healthy sense of well-being, and you will see the value of others.

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we note the slow-growing humility of George Bailey as he begins, with the help of Clarence, to see his life more clearly. At first, George is quite resistant to anything Clarence verbally offers in a way of help and he struggles to see as Truth what life without him would be like in Bedford. Interestingly, before George acknowledges his need for Clarence’s help, he pridefully expresses doubt, frustration, as well as anger for how trapped he feels in his life. George yells, “Well, I’m going to get out of it! I’ll get out it!” He will learn he cannot fix this situation without God’s help.

No one, including his wife or his mother recognize George in the flashback Clarence provides, because George simply does not exist. He has never been born. His encounter with Mary not recognizing him was the last straw. He feels alone and betrayed. So, George runs to the bridge over troubled waters and yells for God’s help… “I want to live! Please God, let me live again!” Jesus is the Bridge to connect heaven and earth.

How many times have you run to the Bridge over the troubled waters you were facing in this world? The goodness of God to provide Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life with God—is the finest Gift ever bestowed upon sinful humanity. In order to enjoy new life with God, we must take a humble posture and die to our fleshy arrogance. There is only One True God! So, let’s be mindful of how we can be humble life-long learners and position ourselves in the mercy and goodness of God’s love. Having JOY [Jesus Overshadows You] is a choice for the humble.

OT Reading: Micah 6:8 NLT “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

NT Reading: Luke 14:11 NLT “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the mercy you extend to us when we call on your holy name. We thank you, today, for all you are doing to help us develop a greater measure of humility. It will help us be more respectful and honoring to you, it will place us in the proper position under your authority, and it will help us look at others in a healthy and godly way. Therefore, we cast down our fleshy pride and humbly ask for you to lift us up and be our strength, support, and success in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Here, now, you’re broke, aren’t you?”
—George Bailey to give Violet money from his pocket

Believing the best of people is a daily decision. We cannot lose our focus on God’s love—agape. Love is never irritable, believes the best, and keeps no record of having been wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5). Just reading that Scripture makes me catch my breath, because it is a tough standard for us as fleshy human beings. However, learning to live out of God’s agape is the commission of Christ for his disciples. Jesus teaches, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35).

In our lesson, today, from the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we will look at a practical application of believing the best—agape. George has wandered outside his parents house where there is a party going on to celebrate the marriage of Harry and Ruth. He knows Harry is not going to stay and take over the business even though he made that commitment years earlier. George is deep in thought as he walks through town to the library. Violet, who has been trying to catch George’s eyes since they were children, sees him, quickly she leaves two other men making a play for her, and comes to see what her chances are for an evening date with George.

Although others make assumptions about Violet’s lifestyle, George has always treated her with respect—he assumes the best about her. When she needs money, George is there to extend it. It is hard for her to take it, because she feels unworthy, but he is kind and wants what is good for her. Even though others have rejected her, he does not diminish her or label her in any way. So, he shields her [and her reputation] from further harm by allowing her to publicly reject his peculiar idea of a great date.

Jesus shielded the outcasts all the time. In fact, he sought them in order to love them back into a spiritually healthy place. Think about Mary Magdalene, the women with an issue of blood, the woman at the well, the tax collectors, the blind, the lame, and the lepers. Jesus protected them from judgment and religious persecution, because they looked to him for salvation.

It is human nature to judge, but Jesus reminds us that is not our place. Most of the time, we are more concerned with the external actions of someone rather than who the person is on the inside. Not Jesus, he showed his love for those rejected, because he knew their hearts. He knows we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and when we understand it, too, we are much kinder to others. Assume the best and look for good in others, today.

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT But the Lord said to Samuel, “…The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

NT Reading: 1 Peter 4:8 NLT “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Prayer: Lord, in a world that has cheapened your pure and genuine love, please teach us the Truth. We need to believe the best of one another and look for good. Your love is what we need most, so it is also what others need most, too. Help us share that love, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“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.