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James 3:13, 17-18 Wisdom from Above
13 If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you’ve done and you’ll prove that you’re truly wise.

17 But the wisdom from above is always pure,[holy] filled with peace, considerate and teachable.[easy to correct] It is filled with love[mercy] and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy[never wears a mask] in any form 18 and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.

How would you define wisdom from above? Scripture teaches true wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person’s character and cannot be connected with selfish demands. Wisdom from above first honors God; it starts with respect and reverence for God which leads to a holy life.

The highest goal of the wise is learning God’s Word; that is where Truth is revealed and wisdom is imparted. When we immerse our souls in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit begins to produce a harvest of thanksgiving within us and a lifestyle of worship through us as a witness for others. Christ has been made wisdom for us. Isn’t it clear when we find ourselves acting foolishly, we have simply demanded our own way.

Prayer: Father, you have asked us to make Jesus the Lord of our lives, so we can operate in your holy wisdom. Jesus, you deserve the final say over my life, so please be the wisdom I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Acts 9:10-16

Through his writings in the Book of Acts, Luke teaches us more about loving our enemies; how to listen to the Lord and act in the best interest of those who mistreat us. In our passage today, Ananias is sent to be a blessing to a great enemy of Christ’s followers: Saul from Tarsus. Ananias expresses some concerns, but obeys the Lord, anyway. His attitude, desire, and motive is to live as a new creation in Christ. This is an opportunity for Ananias to know God’s grace is sufficient.

10 There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.”
“Yes, Master?” he answered.

11-12 “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”

13-14 Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”

15-16 But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”

Ananias listens to the voice of God and obediently acts in love toward his enemy, Saul. It is all a part of God’s redemptive plan to make this enemy of Christ turn from wickedness and work powerfully for the exaltation of Christ and his Kingdom. The Holy Spirit opens Saul’s eyes to make a new creature out of him; the Apostle Paul. This one-time enemy experiences a transformation in attitude, desire, and motive; he embraces oneness in Christ. In the power of the Spirit, this enemy becomes a passionate follower of Christ who goes on to write much of the New Testament. Was the obedient action of Ananias important? Indeed! Can the filling of the Spirit change an empty heart? You betcha!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work of your Spirit to connect us with opportunities that bring change. We need a great deal of change in our world, Lord, and it begins with one heart at a time. Please fill us with the Spirit and use your children for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 3:1-2, 6, 7-8 TPT

In his letter to the church at Ephesus (and believers everywhere for all time), the Apostle Paul reminds his readers no matter what goes on in this world, God is directing his eternal purposes and plan for redemption. God has not lost control over anything; yet, redemption rests on a matter of divine timing and revelation.

The Divine Mystery
3 Beloved friends, because of my love for Jesus Christ, I am now his prisoner for the sake of all of you who are not Jews, 2 so that you will hear the gospel that God has entrusted to me to share with you.

6 Here’s the secret: The gospel of grace has made you, non-Jewish believers, into coheirs of his promise through your union with him. And you have now become members of his body—one with the Anointed One!

7–8 I have been made a messenger of this wonderful news by the gift of grace that works through me. Even though I am the least significant of all his holy believers, this grace-gift was imparted when the manifestation of his power came upon me. Grace alone empowers me so that I can boldly preach this wonderful message to non-Jewish people, sharing with them the unfading,[unquestionable] inexhaustible riches of Christ, which are beyond comprehension.

The great mystery is God’s plan to design a new creation in Messiah—Jews, Gentiles, males, and females all equal in the body of Christ committed to live for the glory of God. As believers in the recreative work of Messiah, we have a new purpose, new appetites, new motives, and new priorities with how we live our lives. Father God sees us all in Christ and he will give every son or daughter opportunities to share the revelation of Christ with others. We must not be overwhelmed by that thought, because he will also give us the ability, courage, and power to accomplish what he sends us to say and do.

Prayer: Father, thank you for equipping me with grace for every door of opportunity you open for me to share the gospel. I desire to experience the transformation you have made available to me in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 6:27-29 Love Your Enemies
27 “But if you will listen, I say to you, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. 28 When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When you are mistreated and harassed by others, accept it as your mission to pray for them. 29 To those who despise you, continue to serve them and minister to them.

Yesterday, God’s Word left us thinking about the words of our mouths and how they can injure other believers. In our passage today, Jesus is teaching about loving our enemies. The biblical definition of “enemy” is one who hates another and attempts to discredit or injure in order to gratify his/her own malice or ill will. Hatred comes from Satan, the true enemy of the soul. People who find hatred in their hearts for another person is simply a pawn for Satan and the spirit of antichrist; Satan hates Christ’s love. Period. Hatred is a part of the end times taught in Scripture. Hatred proves to be a tangible measurement of evil in the world. Its ugliness may extend in any direction. Any aversion of humans to others expresses hatred. This type of emotional attitude has no place in Christ’s sons and daughters.

Jesus is not espousing that we have a deep affection for our enemies; rather, he is teaching that we must act toward our enemies in a way that is in their best interest. Sure we could choose to ignore our enemies and even walk away having nothing further to do with them. However, is that in their best interest when they are in bondage to hatred? We are to love them by an act of our will, pray for their deliverance, and ask the Lord to impart the wisdom we need to help them by revealing Christ’s love in us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the wisdom you have given today about how to love my enemies. Because you live in me, I will surely face Satan’s hatred expressed through those who serve him. Help me to stay strong in your abiding love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 4:11-12 TPT

11 Dear friends, as part of God’s family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister you violate God’s law of love. And your duty is not to make yourself a judge of the law of love by saying that it doesn’t apply to you, but your duty is to obey it! 12 There is only one true Lawgiver and Judge, the One who has the power to save and destroy—so who do you think you are to judge your neighbor?

Do you think you are always justified and right in your judgment of others? Our attitude and conversation about members of God’s family can reveal a great deal about the hidden sin in our own hearts. Our passage today teaches the only One who is flawlessly righteous in his judgment of people is the Lord. May we take this Word from James seriously for 2021 and never disobey God by sinning against members of his family. According to Jesus, one day people will give an account for every careless word spoken (Mat. 12:36). Our mouths have the ability to express wisdom (godliness) or foolishness (evil).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for putting truth before us today from James. I know it is never right to slander, judge, or criticize another believer. Help me to love others the way I want to be loved, then I will be successful in honoring and obeying your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 9:8-12
9 
Teach a wise man what is right
and he’ll grow even wiser.
Instruct the lovers of God
and they’ll learn even more.
10 
The starting point for acquiring wisdom
is to be consumed with awe as you worship Jehovah-God.
To receive the revelation of the Holy One,
you must come to the one who has living-understanding.
11 
Wisdom will extend your life,
making every year more fruitful than the one before.
12 
So it is to your advantage to be wise.
But to ignore the counsel of wisdom
is to invite trouble into your life.

Wisdom begins with loving, honoring, and knowing God. He created us and knows his plan for our lives. He disciplines those whom he loves, so sometimes we are going to find ourselves feeling pressed by unexpected correction. Do you learn from criticism?

In our ongoing passage from the Book of Wisdom, learning from the criticism we may receive can actually be a path to greater wisdom. We can learn from our critics; accepting this wisdom can make us more fruitful for God’s kingdom. God will always bring opportunities to grow in wisdom; so don’t ignore his counsel.

Prayer: Lord, please continue to help me build my life upon your wisdom. I hunger for the living-understanding you alone can bring to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Proverbs 9:4-6
4 
“Whoever wants to know me and receive my wisdom,
5 
come and dine at my table and drink of my wine.
6 
Lay aside your simple thoughts and leave your paths behind.
Agree with my ways, live in my truth,
and righteousness you will find.”

The Book of Proverbs is described as the Book of Wisdom. In our passage today, the psalmist points to the wisdom of seeking God and growing in our knowledge of his ways; wisdom is the ability to discern what is true, lasting, and right before God and then acting upon it. We were created to live by wisdom; therefore, Christ has been made Wisdom for us and we must follow his Spirit (1 Cor. 1:30). Wisdom is like a feast for our lives; knowledge and understanding in the ways of God. We feed our hearts on revelation-truth that transforms us. As we grow, we begin to operate our lives with wise strategies that lead us into God’s righteousness or holiness.

Prayer: Lord, as I continue to agree with your ways, I know I will grow in wisdom and Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 12:46-50 Jesus’ True Family
46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, his mother and brothers came and stood outside, asking for him to come out and speak with them. 47 Then someone said, “Look, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to have a word with you.” 48 But Jesus just looked at him and said, “Let me introduce you to my true mother and brothers.” 49 Then gesturing to the disciples gathered around him, he said, “Look closely, for this is my true family. 50 When you obey my heavenly Father, that makes you a part of my true family.”

God sent his Son born of a woman, so he could be the Father of a God-filled and holy human family; redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and sustained and guided by grace and the work of the Spirit. Christ’s message was always and continues to be an invitation to have peace with Father God and enjoy being a part of his family. Have you made a decision to be a devoted part of God’s family? Christ tells us how we can know for sure in our passage today.

Attending or being a member of a church does not make us a part of Jesus’ family nor secure our eternal standing with God, although it should position us to hear and receive Truth. Participating in mission, giving money, or time does not make us a member of Jesus’ family although those things are good and a way to love our neighbors. Praying does not make us a part of Jesus’ family although a prayer of repentance is the place to start if we want a vibrant relationship with God. Remember, Jesus came to give us victory over sin, but we must follow him. Therefore, what actually causes us to enter the Kingdom and into the Father’s family with the Son is our obedience to the commands, will, and ways of God. Then, we are welcome to everything the Father has to offer us as his sons and daughters, because we enter in obedience to the Word and live for the Father’s glory and pleasure.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making it clear to my heart, today, that you desire obedience over sacrifice, giving, or religious traditions. The world’s ways and understanding of drawing near to you can be very different than your actual requirements. The world focuses on outward expressions rather than obedience to Truth. May my obedience to you bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 2:13-18 They Escape to Egypt
13 After they had gone, Joseph had another dream. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Get up now and flee to Egypt. Take Mary and the little child and stay there until I tell you to leave, for Herod intends to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So that very night he got up and took Jesus and his mother and made their escape to Egypt 15 and remained there until Herod died. All of this fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through his prophet: I summon my Son out of Egypt.

16 When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated. So he sent soldiers with orders to slaughter every baby boy two years old and younger in Bethlehem and throughout the surrounding countryside, based on the time frame he was given from interrogating the wise men. 17 This fulfilled the words of the prophet Jeremiah:

18 
I hear the screams of anguish,
    weeping, and wailing in Ramah.
    Rachel [Israel] is weeping uncontrollably for her children.
    And she refuses to be comforted,
    because they are dead and gone.

In our lesson today, Joseph receives a second dream from the Lord involving Jesus. The first dream was to reveal to Joseph that Mary would be the mother of the Messiah—Jesus the Christ. The second dream was to reveal to Joseph how to protect the Christ child; they must flee to Egypt. We must never forget how Joseph followed the guidance of God and participated in the plan of salvation.

The reason Joseph had to take his family to Egypt is because Israel’s king, Herod, was having all the male children under the age of two killed as a way to kill Jesus. Herod was afraid that Jesus would take over his throne, but Herod could not overthrow God’s plans. Actually, God was trying to get a great Gift to Herod, the Jews, and the world; not trying to take things away from them. How many times are we more concerned about what we may have to give up in our relationship with God rather than being excited about what God may be trying to get to us?

Prayer: Father, thank you for the freedom, peace, and joy you are always trying to get to me. I want you to be the Lord of my life each and ever day. Thank you for the blessings you always bring my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Luke 2:8-18 An Angelic Encounter
8 That night, in a field near Bethlehem, there were shepherds 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 miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!”
13 Then all at once, 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 back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go! Let’s hurry and find this Word that is born in Bethlehem and see for ourselves what the Lord has revealed to us.”

16 So they ran into the village 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.

In our lesson today, the shepherds go from being terrified of the glory of God to being hungry for an encounter with the Lord. They are driven to pursue the Word in order to see if the angelic message is true? Fear will always come to rob us of God’s Word that brings salvation; we must use our faith and press beyond our fears. The angels brought the Word, but the shepherds had to believe and follow the Word in order to experience the miracle of salvation God had for them. When the shepherd’s hunger took them to the Messiah and they saw the Word manifest, their lives were never the same. They knew they had witnessed the miracle from heaven the angels came to announced. The Word brings miraculous ways to rescue, save, deliver, and heal us. We must believe and obey. Go after the glorious Word with all your heart this Christmas. You will find the Messiah there.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Good News of Messiah and the miracles he brings into our lives. I believe your Word is Truth and I will be looking for the salvation only you can bring me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.