DEVOTIONS

Monday, November 20 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) Be thank-full for the wisdom that comes from heaven.  For the wisdom that comes from this world, is the exact opposite.  Afterall, when has the world ever taught anyone to be “submissive”?  The very writing of that word makes me shiver.  For “submissive” is the opposite of what the world teaches us to be.  Yet, unless we submit to the power, grace, majesty and authority of God, we will never truly be wise.

Tuesday, November 21 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome this world.” (John 16:33) I wish that God would simply take care of everything, so that none of us would have any trouble.  Yet, that’s not freedom.  And the lack of freedom is nothing for which to be thankful.  God is in the business of giving peace, in the midst of trouble.  Not removing all trouble.  For life, on this side of eternity, has trouble.  Nobody is exempt.  Nobody is immune.  Trouble will find everyone, regardless of income, race, gender or age.  “But take heart!”  Be thank-full.  For God will give you peace, in the midst of trouble.

Wednesday, November 22 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) What makes life tough is the fact that every single person has the freedom to make bad decisions.  And no decision, good or bad, is made in a vacuum.  Every decision you make will impact countless other people’s lives.  This is why, in light of the freedom that God has given to each one of us, we are called to let our lights shine.  To let our good deeds, glorify God and bless others.  To be thank-full.  May your decisions today be a blessing and not a curse, for others.

Happy Thanksgiving – “But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20) As a follower of Jesus, you’re called to be in the world.  To live, as a follower of Jesus, right here, right now. To be thank-full.  You’re not called to live of the world.  To live, as if everything right here, right now, is all there will ever be.  You can’t avoid living in this world.  But you can avoid this world controlling your perspectives and your decisions.  Have an eternal perspective concerning all of your relationships, your problems, your opportunities as well as your faith.  This world is a rental.  Your forever home is eternity, in glory with God.

Friday, November 24 – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) The him, by the way, is Jesus.  What exactly are you doing with all of your anxiety?  Bottling it up?  Casting it on everyone around you?  Medicating yourself with work, shopping, drugs, alcohol or sex?  Or are you simply a wreck, limping through life just praying you make it through the day?  How’s all that working out for you?  What do you have to lose?  Start a new journey today.  Be thank-full.  Cast your anxiety of Jesus and see what possibilities and what opportunities for healing and growth open up.                          

Saturday, November 25 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) There it is.  Your grown-up Christmas list – Peace.  Yet, the enemy of peace is fear.  You can’t find peace because you’re afraid.  Afraid that it might not be real.  Afraid that you’ll have to change.  Afraid of what you don’t know; even though you know you don’t like what you do know.  Peace requires faith.  Faith that it’s real.  And the faith to take the risk to find it and experience it.  Faith to be thank-full.