Devotionals

Intro: When our sons were very young they loved the game, “Guess Who.” In order to win, it was necessary to ask the right questions to identify the mystery character. The game was fun, but I do not really like guessing games. I am so grateful God is straight-forward with who he is and wants to be in our lives. We do not need to make conjectures, because God has been entirely forthcoming by giving us a testimony of himself—the Bible. In fact, I love how Scripture conveys the nature and character of God through its many stories and lessons, but nothing really demonstrates the truth like the life of Jesus. God continuously teaches us about himself and his heart for us through Jesus Christ.

In this way, God can be seen—Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God (Col 1:15). We do not have to guess about the kind of love God has for us, because Christ reveals his love is sacrificial (John 3:16). We do not need to guess about our value to God, because Christ is willing to leave the 99 in order to find the one who wandered off (Mat 18:12-14). We do not need to guess about the good things God wants to give us as his children because Christ knows what we need before we even ask and it pleases him to give us good gifts (Mat 7:9-11; 18:11-12). Jesus promised, “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth” (John 14:15-17). Jesus, the only unique Son, is the One who perfectly reveals God’s character and love!

John 1:18 No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known].

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many ways you reveal your beautiful love to me each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Like many people around me, I am making some goals for this new year that will improve my overall health. First, I am trying to take a nice 1/2-1 mile walk every day—sometimes twice a day—and exercise my muscles to improve my physical health, because I am a temple of God (1 Cor 3:16). Second, I am giving myself permission to just sit quietly each day for 1/2-1 hour to use my “calming” muscles in order to improve my emotional health; sometimes life is just to stimulating or draining and so, during this time, I tune out the world and tune into God’s presence with me (Mark 4:39-40). Third, I am spending even more time in the Word of God reading chapter passages each day and inviting the Spirit to help me practice the Truth with my faith muscles, because the deception of the world is gaining strength and I must be stronger in order to walk in wisdom (James 1:22). Fourth, I am exercising my prayer muscles, because God honors the prayers of his children who desire to pursue righteousness (James 5:16). Whether I am focused on physical, emotional, or spiritual health, I am aware I belong to Jesus and every aspect of me must bow to Christ’s authority. I must use all my muscles or they will atrophy and I will not have the proper strength when I need it.

In our passage today, Jesus shares with those around him what it means to belong to him—to be related as a family member. Jesus’ biological family does not necessary fit his criteria, because Scripture tells us even Jesus’ half-brothers and sisters did not believe he was the Messiah in the midst of his teaching. You know who meets Jesus’ criteria for being in his family? Those who are hungry to hear and willing to exercise God’s Word—his holy standard for living; to use one’s faith in order to put God’s instruction into practice which will cause one’s whole being to flourish for the glory of God (Ro 10:17).

Luke 8:19-21 Jesus’ True Family
19 Jesus’ mother and his brothers [half-brothers] came to where Jesus was teaching, but they couldn’t get through the crowd that had gathered around him. 20 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you.”

21 Jesus told the crowd, “These who come to listen to me are like my mother and my brothers. They’re the ones who long to hear God’s words and put them into practice.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your true family. I know this means I follow your lead by hearing the Word and putting it into motion in my life. Help me, in 2022, to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 03, 2022

Today we are looking at 2 verses from the last chapter of the Book of Job. To quickly recap, Job was a wealthy man with a large family and extensive flocks. We learn in the very first verse that Job was blameless, he was a man of complete integrity, he feared God, and stayed away from evil. One day Satan appeared before God and argued that Job was only good because God had blessed him abundantly. Satan challenged God that if given permission to punish Job that he would turn and curse God. God allowed Satan to torment Job as a test, but Satan was not allowed to take Job’s life. In 37 chapters, we read of the immense trials that Job endured, which included the death of his family, loss of his home, loss of his flocks, physical torment, the turning away of his extended family, emotional pain, painful conversations with friends, etc. But, in the midst of everything, Job never curses God.

In chapters 38 – 42 we see that God challenges Job and an intense dialogue takes place between them. Today’s verses come at the end of this dialogue, and in the midst of the conclusion when the Lord blesses Job. If you recall, Job had several very long theological conversations with three of his friends. They were all trying to explain the nature of God. The problem was that all of them were using their human knowledge. They had no idea that this was a spiritual situation between God and Satan. God was mad at them, but Job prays forgiveness for them.

How often do you pray for yourself and your circumstances? Now, compare that to how often you pray for others and their circumstances? In the midst of praying, do you trust God with every fiber of your being? During prayer, do you let go of the fact that you have no clue of what is going on in the Heavenly realm on your behalf? Do you pray for those who hurt you? Do you pray for those who are hard to love?

When Job prays for his friends, who had been difficult, the Lord restores him. I’m sure the “stuff” he is blessed with is nice, but the greatest blessing is that the Lord supernaturally healed Job’s body and soul, he returns his extended family and their response to Job is beautiful. If you go on within the chapter, you will continue to see more and more blessings of family and flocks.

We must pray for others and keep in mind, for ourselves, what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossian: “So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (1:9)

Job 42:10-11 NLT

10 When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! 11 Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for the lesson of Job. Please help me to pray for those who are difficult. When I do not understand why something is taking place, please quicken my heart to submit to You, and to trust that You have everything under control. Please deepen our time together in prayer and reveal more of Your heart for others to me. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

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.

Intro: This Christmas season has been a true blessing to me. I have enjoyed more time than usual with my family and friends; I love them and my spiritual family so very much. I see people as eternal treasures; we all are eternal treasures to Christ. He is coming back and we need to be ready to meet him.

In our passage today, Jesus tells about his return and he reminds his disciples to remain watchful. Jesus tells us how we should wait: 1) We are not to be misled by those who claim to strategically know the exact date Christ is returning; 2) We should never be afraid to tell others about Christ despite what they may say or do; 3) We must stand firm by faith and not be surprised by those who want to persecute us; and 4) We must be morally alert, obedient to the commands for living found in God’s Word. Jesus shared these things, so we would focus on living righteously while we are on earth. Are you taking each day as a way to prepare your heart for Christ’s return? We must stay spiritually awake, because when it comes to worshiping and serving Christ the world is being lulled into sleep.

Mark 13:32-37 Live Always Ready for His Appearing
32 “Concerning that day and exact hour, no one knows when it will arrive, not the angels of heaven, not even the Son—only the Father knows. 33 This is why you must be waiting, watching and praying, because no one knows when that season of time will come.”

A Parable of a Man Who Left on a Journey
34 “For those days can be compared to a man who was about to leave on a journey, but before leaving he placed his servants in charge and gave each one work to do while he was away. Then he commanded the watchman to be on guard at all times. 35 So I say to you, keep awake and alert—for you have no idea when the master of the house will return; in the evening, at midnight, at four o’clock in the morning, or at dawn. 36 Be alert, for he’s coming suddenly and may find you sleeping! 37 And what I say to the four of you, I say to everyone—be awake at all times!”

Prayer: Lord, help me to plan for your return. I want to be ready, because your return is the most important event I will ever experience. Help me to stay in your Word and live by your instructions each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, David tells the people of Israel, although he wanted to build a temple for God, it would actually be built by Solomon [his name means peace; shalom]. Once David shares this Word from the Lord with the people and their leaders, he turns to his son, Solomon, to give him a run down of his new duties as king. David tells Solomon to be careful to follow EVERY one of God’s commands; this is his first duty as king. David is essentially saying, “Son, the secret to my success has been my relationship with God, so serve Him with all of your being!” David wants his son to know that character combined with grace will bring victory and blessing into his life, as well as the lives of God’s people. Secondly, David shares about worship—being willing to listen, learn, and live in a way that is pleasing to God. We must do the same, because this is what actually builds us into authentic worshipers.

1 Chronicles 28:1-10  1 David summoned all the officials of Israel to Jerusalem—the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of the army divisions, the other generals and captains, the overseers of the royal property and livestock, the palace officials, the mighty men, and all the other brave warriors in the kingdom. 2 David rose to his feet and said: “My brothers and my people! It was my desire to build a Temple where the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, God’s footstool, could rest permanently. I made the necessary preparations for building it, 3 but God said to me, ‘You must not build a Temple to honor my name, for you are a warrior and have shed much blood.’

4 “Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, has chosen me from among all my father’s family to be king over Israel forever. For he has chosen the tribe of Judah to rule, and from among the families of Judah he chose my father’s family. And from among my father’s sons the Lord was pleased to make me king over all Israel. 5 And from among my sons—for the Lord has given me many—he chose Solomon to succeed me on the throne of Israel and to rule over the Lord’s kingdom. 6 He said to me, ‘Your son Solomon will build my Temple and its courtyards, for I have chosen him as my son, and I will be his father. 7 And if he continues to obey my commands and regulations as he does now, I will make his kingdom last forever.’

8 “So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel—the Lord’s assembly—I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance.

9 “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.”

Prayer: Lord, you are raising up worshippers in this darkened world, so help your sons and daughters to listen, learn, and live in the beauty of your character. May we allow the construction work you do each day in developing our character. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It was after we had lived in our home many years that we began the process of making it special for us; to give each room the true flavor of our lives through remodeling. Before we began the work, we hired an architect and a contractor to make sure of the foundation and the structural integrity of the existing building and materials. It became apparent the rear of the house was doing a bit of sinking/settling so we had to bring in a civil engineer to work with the architect and contractor. It was a very necessary step in the process, because the remodeling needed a level and solid foundation. We could have avoided this important first step, but it would not have been at all wise.

Intro: In our passage today, the Apostle Paul sets out the gospel [good news] for the church at Corinth. He wants them to understand God will be building them—as the Church— into a beautiful temple placed on the solid foundation of Christ and his love; no sinking beneath or settling for less than Christ’s righteousness. Therefore, the builders (preachers/teachers) must share the true message of Christ and his righteous standard, not the pattern of the world and its ways. Gold [divine substance], silver [redemption’s fruit], and beautiful stones [reformed lives] are all symbolic of the work of the Holy Spirit. Wood, hay, and straw are symbolic of the work of human flesh—works of humans not God.

Fire is what brings the proof of whether we are building in the power of the Spirit or in the power of our flesh. Fire will cause gold, silver, and precious stones to glow even brighter, but fire will consume wood, hay, and straw leaving nothing left. We must always build upon the foundation of Christ, but we must also allow the Spirit to guide us in how we build and what materials we use. May the teaching we consistently share at Connect2Christ Church—based on the truth/wisdom of the gospel of Christ—cause us to build lives that will stand strong during every spiritual test of fire. Then our worship will truly be for the glory of God!

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (TPT)
10 God has given me unique gifts [of grace] as a skilled master builder [first-class architect/contractor] who lays a good foundation. Afterward another craftsman comes and builds on it. So builders beware! Let every builder do his work carefully, according to God’s standards. 11 For no one is empowered to lay an alternative foundation other than the good foundation that exists, which is Jesus Christ!

12–13 The quality of materials used by anyone building on this foundation will soon be made apparent, whether it has been built with gold, silver, and costly stones, or wood, hay, and straw. Their work will soon become evident, for the Day [when Christ is glorified in his holy ones] will make it clear, because it will be revealed by blazing fire! And the fire will test and prove the workmanship of each builder. 14 If his work stands the test of fire, he will be rewarded. 15 If his work is consumed by the fire, he will suffer great loss. Yet he himself will barely escape destruction, like one being rescued out of a burning house.

Prayer: Lord, as human beings made in your image, you alone are our Designer, Architect, and our Contractor. I pray for believers to stay the course; focused on your righteous standard and learning to submit to all your ways. I pray for my heart, as a preacher and teacher, to stay true to your Word and to equip your people to walk according to your Spirit. Life will bring fiery situations to us all, but in the midst may we glow even brighter for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

December 27, 2021

Today’s passage helps us to remember our need for God’s divine wisdom within our lives and warns us of the dangers of rejecting His wisdom. Our passage is from Solomon’s Book of Proverbs, which is often referred to as one of the Books of Wisdom. We are looking at the last five verses of chapter 8. However, let’s remember that chapter 7 ended with a description of a woman, which Solomon did back in chapter 1. He personified wisdom as a woman. We see this continue in chapter 8 and through chapter 9. Let’s recall the verses that preceded today’s passage:

Verses 1-5: She (wisdom) cries out for all to listen to her message. You and I need godly wisdom at all times. When we think that wisdom is hard to find, we need to remember that God’s wisdom is readily available all of the time, it’s constantly calling out to you and me…we just need to listen, submit, and obey.

Verses 6-11: Wisdom speaks the Truth and detests evil. Her advice is wholesome and nothing about her is crooked. Wisdom is more valuable than any precious stone, silver, and gold. Friends, we must remember that the things of this world are temporal, but the treasures of Heaven are eternal. Wisdom is a Heavenly gift that we get to treasure now, it is our direct connection to Christ, Himself, as He is made wisdom for us. What are you grabbing on to and storing up…earthly treasures or Heavenly treasures?

Verses 12-13: Wisdom lives with good judgement, knowledge, and discernment. She hates evil, and all who hate evil with her fear the Lord. When we are truly living in reverence and awe of Almighty God and His power in and through us, we are allowing His wisdom to operate in our lives and we are no longer prideful, and we are quick to turn away from arrogance, and corruption.

Verses 14-21: Wisdom reminds us that she loves all who love her, and rewards all who seek her, even rulers and leaders. Leaders are to hate evil too and are to fear the Lord. She expresses, again, that the value of godly wisdom is greater than the finest gold. Friends, I don’t know about you, but I want to inherit the wealth that the Lord offers, not that anyone, or this world, offers, and so I pray that He grows His wisdom within my life every day.

Verses 22-31: In these 10 verses, wisdom speaks about how she existed from the beginning, before all of creation, and how she rejoices in all of creation. I can’t help but to be reminded of John 1:1, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” We know that this was Jesus, He existed from the beginning, before creation. Jesus is wisdom. He wants to be our wisdom, our guide, our love for all eternity. When you call on God’s wisdom, remember you are asking Jesus for His Almighty guidance.

In today’s verses, wisdom encourages us to follow her ways because they are joyful. She reminds us that whoever finds her receives favor with the Lord, eternal life, not death. Don’t miss it friends, Solomon wrote this almost 1,000 years before the Apostle Paul, who walked with Wisdom Himself, JESUS, would teaches us this: “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)

Proverbs 8:32-36 (NLT)

32 “And so, my children, listen to me,
for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
watching for me daily at my gates,
waiting for me outside my home!
35 For whoever finds me finds life
and receives favor from the Lord.
36 But those who miss me injure themselves.
All who hate me love death.”

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for Your wisdom. Please impart Your wisdom to me daily and help me to quickly turn back to You when I am not walking in Your wisdom. I see so much of our world that needs Your wisdom. Please use me as a vessel to help others see, hear, and know You. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Sometimes what is extremely important in heaven is not seen as important on earth. Such is the case with the birth of Messiah. When God wanted to announce the greatest event the world would ever know, he sent an angel to announce the news to shepherds. Shepherds were the ones taking care of the sheep used as a sacrifice for sin at the temple. Jesus Messiah would become both the Shepherd and the Lamb (John 1:29;10:11).

The shepherds quickly ran to the stable to worship Jesus; they knew the miraculous had come to earth. Like the shepherds, Caesar should have come to worship Jesus, but he did not. Herod should have come to worship Jesus, but he did not. The people of Israel should have come to worship Jesus, because they were waiting for the Savior, but most did not. All nations should have come to worship Jesus, because the world would otherwise be lost from fellowship with God, but they did not. However, all of heaven worshiped and rejoiced at this most important event.

It is Christmas, and your Savior awaits your response and worship, because he is God’s greatest Gift. Ponder in your heart this Good News and be filled with great joy. Join with the heavenly choir this morning and sing, “Glory to God in the highest!” Merry Christmas to you all!

Luke 2:8-20 An Angelic Encounter
8 That night, in a field near Bethlehem, shepherds were watching over their flocks. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! 10 But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! 11 For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. 12 You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!”

13 Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing:
14 
“Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven!
    For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”

15 When the choir of angels disappeared and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go! Let’s hurry and find this Word who is born in Bethlehem and see for ourselves what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 So they hurried off and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough.

17 Upon seeing this miraculous sign, the shepherds recounted what had just happened. 18 Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was astonished by what they were told.

19 But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant.
20 The shepherds returned to their flock, ecstatic over what had happened. They praised God and glorified him for all they had heard and seen for themselves, just like the angel had said.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for rescuing me from the penalty of sin and death with your perfect life; you are my Lamb and my Shepherd. I am born anew, because you have been born in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, the psalmist reminds us why we can place our absolute confidence in God—because he cannot act unrighteously in his judgements. In this world, leaders can rise to power in unrighteous ways; therefore, their power is self-serving and corrupt. However, God has absolute power and we are safe with his rule, because he can never make decisions or act against his perfect character and love for us. Aren’t you ready for this Ruler?

As we continue our celebration of the Advent of God’s Love expressed in Christ, we must remember we cannot love God with our whole being—heart, soul, and mind—and still love and accept as good the things God hates (Mat 22:37). These include putting others down while considering ourselves superior, spreading lies and rumors, spilling the blood of the innocent, plotting evil in our hearts toward another, gloating over doing what’s plainly wrong, spouting lies in false testimony, and stirring up strife and deception (Pro 6:16-19). These things are the work of evil and they all stand in a rebellious heart seeking to usurp the authority of God. Sin and corruption is not something believers love, because it grieves the heart of our First Love—Jesus. If we want to live with God protecting us, rescuing us from the wicked, shining light to guide our lives, and imparting joy to our very souls, we must live in God’s righteousness. Christ in the manger of our hearts brings the only answer for peace with God and our neighbors. Rejoice, because God is good to his people and living in Christ should be an easy choice to make.

Psalm 97:10-12 (NLT)
10 
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
    He protects the lives of his godly people
    and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
11 
Light shines on the godly,
    and joy on those whose hearts are right.
12 
May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord
    and praise his holy name!

Prayer: Lord, may any sin in my life grieve me as much as it does you. Help me to walk in your righteousness, so I may enjoy the beauty of your loving care each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.