You feel so relieved, when you can’t find the stain on your favorite garment.
When you first spotted the stain, you were doubtful that it would ever come out in the wash. Into the wash went your favorite garment, and all the while you disbelieved.
The garment was washed, dried, and turned over and over. When you could find no trace of the stain it was a relief indeed.
God had promised in Isaiah 1:18 that He could wash away scarlet sin to cleans us like new fallen snow. When we receive the loaf and cup in holy communion we receive the cleansing of God for a new day.
I Corinthians 11: 23-26 says:
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “this is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “this cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, we give thanks for the cleansing that you have provided for us. As we receive the loaf and cup we remember that it is your sacrifice that makes us whole. Praise God. Amen.
Note: Beginning this week we will look at the Gospel of John for our lessons and devotions. Readers are encouraged to read the first chapter of John this week. Starting next week readers are encouraged to read John chapters 2 and 3.
Adult PM Bible Study – D – W – E – L – T – John 1: 9 – 18
D – Delegate vs. 6 -8 God had promised to send a prophet to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. That prophet was John the Baptist. We need such prophets today, lest we be unprepared for the Lord’s coming.
W – Wreckage vs. 9 – 11 John would preach into a generation that was spiritually wrecked. When we become so confused and hard hearted that we cannot recognize the works of God, we are spiritually lost. We need rescue.
E – Empowered vs. 12 – 13 There is hope. God has provided a way to restore life, if we will believe in the only begotten Son, Jesus.
L – Life v. 14 In the person of Jesus God came to live among us and to show us the upright way. Jesus walked among us, and he lived with our pains and sorrows.
T – Testimony vs. 15 – 18 John was not confused about his message. He knew he was the herald for the coming Son of God. Jesus was clear about his identity. He was God among us, Emmanuel. Those who study the life of Christ find him to be a just and loving Lord.
Exemplary story: When Spring arrives, I must be alert to observe nesting birds or rabbits that live nearby. One can watch them from afar with marvel. One who has the privilege of observing nesting birds or rabbits up close receives an education in love and care for the young. Jesus lived up close, and he taught us about the love and care of God.
Sunday
John 1: 6, 7 there was a man who was sent from God, his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.
Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may we heed the words of your prophets to prepare for your coming.
Thought for the day: Unread instructions rarely help the assembly process.
Monday
John 1: 8,9 He himself was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, for all those who have pointed us to you we give thanks.
Thought for the day: A compass gives direction to those who know how to orient it.
Tuesday
John 1: 10, 11 He was in the world, and through the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Prayer: Jesus, we ask your forgiveness for all the times we have ignored you and your teachings.
Thought for the day: Those who receive a diploma are those willing to receive an education.
Wednesday
John 1: 12, 13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Prayer: Almighty God, we are so grateful that one and all can be your child.
Thought for the day: God practiced inclusivity before it became “a thing.”
Thursday
John 1: 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Prayer: Jesus, we are so grateful that you showed us how a man of God lives.
Thought for the day: Sincere obedience is a glorious thing to behold.
Friday
John 1: 15-16 John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
Prayer: Lord God, we give thanks for all who know their humble role in service to your Son.
Thought for the day: Those who suffer from a bad attitude about church should consider whose church it is.
Saturday
John 1: 17-18 For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only who is at God’s side, has made him known.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are so grateful to learn from you of the grace and truth of God.
Thought for the day: A study of the life of Christ is a study of the goodness of God.
Note: In the previous lessons we saw “Old Testament Messianic Prophesies” that looked forward to the coming of the Christ child. This week we pause to look at the fulfillment of a promise in a lifetime. An old worshiper of God is promised to see the hope of Israel, and he does.
Adult PM Bible Study – D – O – V – E – S – Luke 2: 22 – 35
D – Dedication v. 22 Jesus was born in a law keeping family. These simple acts of obedience are important to God and to God’s plan. We should listen to God’s commands.
O – Offering vs. 23 – 24 The law says that after 33 days a woman giving birth to a male is to make an offering and a dedication at the temple. Joseph and Mary were traveling to Jerusalem to obey the law. We note they were offering doves and not a sheep. Why? They still lived in poverty. Not until the arrival of the Magi would this change.
V – Virgin vs. 25 -27 Proud parents including joyful Mary went with the precious baby to the temple to dedicate him. The faithfulness and obedience of Mary and Joseph were just beginning. Christmas is time to begin a life of dedication and not a time to call it a done deal.
E – Encounter vs. 28-32 Simon encounters the parents and the parents encounter Simon and hear of his promise fulfilled. Simon held the infant just as we hold infants in a gentle and loving embrace. What he saw in the face of Jesus was the miracle, the fulfillment. We need to look into that face and find the hope that God give. Look deeply into Jesus’ face, into his eyes.
S – Sign and sword v. 33 – 35 Yes Jesus fulfilled a promise made to a godly man, Simon. And Simon foretold that Jesus would be a sign, but he also foretold of the sword of painful sacrifice. All who love God understand that the sacrifice of Jeus brought pain and sorrow when he was crucified. Thank God that he lives again.
Exemplary story: Once mourning doves built a nest in the crepe myrtle outside my door. I was able to observe the devotion of the pair to one another and the young. I was able to hear their gentle cooing and to see their care for the young. The sacrifice of the poor Mary and Joseph was turtle doves in keeping the law. They were the caring parents for Jesus. We should care for the Christ in our hearts and homes.
Sunday
Luke 2: 22, 23 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn make is to be consecrated to the Lord.”)
Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give thanks for a law and a Gospel to guide us in pleasing you.
Thought for the day: Little acts of obedience are important in God’s great plan.
Monday
Luke 2: 24, 25 And to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is aid in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy spirit was on him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, this day we wait for the consolation of the Gospel that would save the world.
Thought for the day: We can turn our trivial waiting into godly waiting, when our hearts are focused on God.
Tuesday
Luke 2: 26, 27 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the law required.
Prayer: Lord God, when we listen to you in earnest, your reveal your marvelous will to us.
Thought for the day: Today take time to stop and listen to God.
Wednesday
Luke 2: 28, 29 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
Prayer: Almighty God, you are a promise keeper and in your time, you never fail to keep your word.
Thought for the day: When one worships God, one is in the right place at the right time.
Thursday
Luke 2: 30, 31 For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of the nations;
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you always were and always will be the hope of all peoples of the world.
Thought for the day: God’s salvation is never a selfish salvation.
Friday
Luke 2: 32, 33 A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel. The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we who have faith rejoice at the mysteries and wonders you reveal in faith.
Thought for the day: The life of faith is a life of wonder and confirmation.
Saturday
Luke 2: 34, 35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother; “this child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Prayer: Almighty God, you loved us in Christ Jesus with a love that gave all.
Thought for the day: We find the true joy of Christmas, when we understand God’s love is a sacrificial love.
Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com
Why shepherds? Yes, God could have chosen to send the message of Jesus birth to others, but it was shepherds who received the message.
Like you I have heard the adjectives used to describe shepherds. Simple, boring, smelly. After hearing an expositor report these same traits, one begins to wonder if the choice of giving the Christmas message to shepherds was a mistake.
It was no mistake. For the moment put the demeaning adjectives out of your mind. Consider a different description. Shepherds were ready. And Shepherds were men of action.
Isn’t that what God is searching for today? Our readiness. Our action.
Luke 2: 16, 17 says
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, as we receive this loaf and cup in memory of your precious body and blood we give our thanks to you. May we be people or readiness and action to bring you honor and glory. Amen.
When I had the opportunity to visit my late mother-in-law, I would place a call at the time I would start the journey to her house. “Are you on the way?” she asked. “Yes, just starting,” I would reply.
The mother-in-law had a good sense of timing. She knew when to bake the bread for the meal we would share when I arrived at the end of my three and a half hour journey. She prepared for my arrival by preparing as I was coming.
When we share the Lord’s supper we are reminded that Christ is coming. We have the opportunity to prepare for his arrival by preparing while he is on the way. As we remember his promise to return, we can prepare ourselves and others for his arrival.
I Corinthians 11: 23-26 says:
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “this is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “this cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, at this time of holy communion we give thanks that you came and gave your life as a sacrifice for our salvation. With this loaf and cup we remember, and we look forward to your return for your chosen people. Thanks unto God for your precious gift. Amen.
Note: In the previous lessons we studied prophesies about Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. This week we look at a prophesy about the preparation for his coming.
Adult PM Bible Study: L – E – V – E – L – Malachi 3: 16 – 4:5
L – Listening v. 16 God is always listening. In the moments when we pray in praise or in desperation God hears.
E – Eventuality vs. 17, 18 God does plan to reward the faithful in God’s time. Those who have been faithful will enjoy the uninterrupted attention and blessings of God.
V – Vengeance v. 4:1 God is love, yet in God’s love there is a place to avenge those who have dishonored God or disrespected God’s children. We must honor both.
E – Elijah vs. 4: 2-4 God knows just how unprepared we may be to meet God. For that reason, God send a forerunner to forewarn the multitudes that this is their final wake-up call. We need that wake-up call. We need to stop pressing the snooze button, when God calls.
L – Leniency v. 4:5-6 There is leniency and grace in God’s call. God would bless all who would honor God and respect God’s children. There is hope with God.
Exemplary story: I learned so much from watching craftsmen who were house builders when I worked in construction. The carpenter George was an old man, but he knew exactly how to make a level driveway. From scrap wood he constructed a “bull-float.” It looked like a modern floor sweeper. After the concrete was poured on the sloping drive, he carefully caressed the concrete with the float. Soon after the new homeowners had a level driveway that sloped upward to meet the garage. Elijah was a social leveler who made the pathway smooth for the Lord. We need to listen to the levelers who are preparing for the return of Christ today.
Sunday
Malachi 3: 16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.
Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we do honor you as our creator and Lord.
Thought for the day: The Heavenly Father is the father who knows best.
Monday
Malachi 3: 17 They will be mine, says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasure possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, we are so grateful that God has chosen to save all your followers.
Thought for the day: God would save all those who love the Son, Jesus.
Tuesday
Malachi 3:18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
Prayer: Lord God, may we live in faith and obedience as we prepare to live with you in eternity.
Thought for the day: Every day is a day to prepare to meet God.
Wednesday
Malachi 4:1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.
Prayer: Almighty God, we give thanks for a faith that gives us hope in the time of judgment.
Thought for the day: Those who want their day in court are rarely the perpetrators of harm.
Thursday
Malachi 4: 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Prayer: Lord Jesus when we are heavy-hearted, the thought of your return lifts our spirits.
Thought for the day: Real joy can go on and on.
Friday
Malachi 4:3,4 then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,” says the Lord Almighty. “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees, and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
Prayer: Lord God, though the world groans with injustice, we believe your justice will prevail.
Thought for the day: Injustice may be a battle lost, but it shall not be a war that is won in eternity.
Saturday
Malachi 4: 5,6 See I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, may you send your messengers to prepare us for eternity.
Thought for the day: It pays to read product warning labels early rather than late.
See also: Gal. 3:27, 28; I Cor. 3:11; I Peter 2:6; Rms. 12. 1, 2; I Cor. 12:14-15; Is. 28:16; Ps. 118: 22
Blood that bonds – v. 13 – Ever watch an old western? You might have seen the ceremony of two men becoming blood brothers. When we were immersed into Christ we became brothers and sisters by a bond of blood.
Unity – v. 14, 18 — There is a strength in unity, and there is a unity in the body of Christ. We are united with Christians across the world, and we are united with Christians through the ages. The voices of Christian leaders echo over the ages. They thrill us with their love of God. They shame us with their absolute devotion.
Intertwining – v. 19 – In Christ we are a body knit together. The aches and pains of one are those of the body.
Leadership – v. 20 – The church is built on one cornerstone, Christ. Its support is the apostles and prophets. As I rest my hand on the Bible with its New Testament I have the apostles with me. They are no farther than arm’s reach. These apostles – Matthew, Mark, John, James, Peter, Paul – and these prophets – Luke and the writer of Hebrews – still offer that leadership and order that the church needs.
Dwelling – v. 22 – When Jesus left, he gave a promise that he would send the Comforter. That Holy Spirit abides in the church, since we are intended to be the dwelling place of God. When the sick, poor, and lonely turn to the church for refuge, the church must respond in the loving spirit of Christ.
Exemplary story: No doubt you have heard of how Sam pieced together the map of the world. For her geography lesson one teacher distributed to her pupils copies of a world map from an activity book. The teacher cut each sheet of paper into a dozen or so pieces. She asked her class to reassemble the map. The challenge seemed formidable.
Sam completed his puzzle first. The teacher praised for his accomplishment. Then she asked how he had finished his work so quickly.
He replied, “I just put Jesus together and then the world fell in place.” Sam saw something the teacher had overlooked. On the reverse side of the map was a picture of Jesus.
Identification through investigation v. 12 Elisha, the man who. The man they fingered was the man who – the man who made an ax head float, the man who fed a multitude, the man who turned poison stew into edible soup, the man who saw his master leave, the man who could call down fire from heaven if he so chose.
Night v. 14 A night ambush was held. Ever notice all the mischief that is worked at night?
Divine Deliverance v. 16-17 The chariots of fire stood at hand to deliver God’s children. They were always there. Like the servant we just need our eyes opened to see the God’s chariots of fire surrounding us.
Exemplary story: One of my former students, Gloria, says something told her to drag in the trash toter before she left for work. She was ready to leave for work, and her daughter was leaving for a very important test. When she retrieved the trash toter, she discovered that her daughter had a flat. What a disaster would have ensued, if she had resisted the still small voice. God’s angels were watching over her, and I remarked that it was her obedience that made the difference.
Note: There are numerous scary Bible stories. In many we can find inspiration to live a better, higher life for God.
See also: Ps. 32:5; I John 1:9; Luke 5:21; Jer. 25:11-12; Gen. 2:3
S-E-V-E-N
Shame of Sin, v. 8, 9 The righteous Daniel has a burden for his people and their sin.
Ear of God v. 18 God has heard Daniel from the moment he prayed.
Vision v. 21-23 Daniel is given a vision of renewal and restoration.
End of Sin v. 24 The awful tribulation of the people of faith will come to an end.
Numbers 7 and 62 and 1 lead to hope v. 25 When we count the number of years we are led to the beginning of the life of Christ in 26 AD. The ministry of Christ traditionally was spread over three and a half years, that is, time-times-and-half-a-time.
Note: From 457 BC to 26 AD there are 483 years. We arrive at the prophetic number of 483 when we add 62 weeks and 7 weeks for a total of 69 weeks and multiply 69 by 7.
Exemplary story: Not long ago I spotted a poster that said, “When you add three nails plus one cross you get ‘4-given’.” What a wonderful addition forgiveness makes to our lives.
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