December 21

Zechariah 1:1-21, Revelation 12:1-17, Psalm 140:1-13, Proverbs 30:17

Pray: Dear Lord, we often think that we want more justice in our world where You right every wrong. This is appealing until our sin comes before You. Then we ask for grace instead of justice. We begin today by thanking You that You are a God of justice who cannot allow sin to go unpunished, yet You are also gracious and Your grace is extended to us who will receive it and apply grace to our lives. Thank You, oh God.

Read: As we read Zechariah and Revelation we are reminded that God is a just God and the story of the four Blacksmiths who took out the Four Horns for they had persecuted and divided Judah and Jerusalem. God’s justice prevails and He rights the wrongs. Likewise, there is a battle in heaven and Satan and his angels are cast out of heaven and are defeated by “the blood of the Lamb”. This was a cosmic clash and the good news is that God’s might prevailed. God has the power to protect us, to defeat that which seeks to destroy us.

Edify: Perhaps you have never been in a fist fight, a physical altercation, much less a battle. Yet, the words of the Psalmist are still as sobering for each of us as he declares the danger of the person who wishes to do us harm, “Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.” (vs. 3) To be hurt by the gossip, the lash of lies or the false accusations of a faithless foe. We have each been hurt by painful words. And, if we were to be honest, we have said some things which have offended others as well. Proverbs tells us that words can bring life and words can bring death. We must be careful to use our words to give life not destroy it.

Practice: Respect of spiritual authority begins in the home. Some parents are very intentional in demanding respect from their children. I say demand, because it has to be intentional. Respect has to be intentionally lifted up as a part of the DNA of a home. It can’t be some afterthought or it will never be observed. Likewise, we are called to respect God and spiritual overseers as mentioned in Romans 13. Here the writer of Proverbs stresses the vital importance of a person respecting their parents. Not to mock the father of the home nor disregard the instruction of the mother. Why this is such a valuable and life-changing principle is that Proverbs also speaks to the fact that a person will not be successful in life if she or he is not willing to receive instruction and healthy critique. When we are open to mentoring and getting honest feedback, then we will be stronger for it. When we apply the truth we receive, we have opportunity to grow. Are you open now for healthy feedback? Ask someone you trust, “If you had one prayer for me—what would it be for me to improve?”

December 20

Haggai 1:1-2:23, Revelation 11:1-19, Psalm 139:1-24, Proverbs 30:15-16

Pray: Lord, most of us reading this devotion live in reasonable comfort. If we had three meals yesterday and slept in our own bed, then we are considered better off than nearly 85% of the world’s population. We especially think of the words from Luke 2 this time of year “…and laid him in a manger for there was no room for them in the inn”.  In Haggai you came to dwell in a house built with human hands but in Luke 2 You Yourself came to dwell in a human body, so we could dwell with You forever. We are grateful.

Read: Haggai speaks clearly God’s frustrations when the Lord points out that the people are living in luxury while the house of God lies in ruins. While it is true that God doesn’t need nor truly dwell strictly in any human dwelling, but the Lord does, “Inhabit the praises of his people”. God will come and dwell among His people when they seek to dwell with Him through worship, praise, or in our hurt God draws close if we call upon His name.

Edify: Here in Psalm 139 we find what John Wesley called, “The Hound of Heaven” when referring to the Holy Spirit. When we were in our mother’s womb God was there knitting us together. If we climb to the highest mountain the Holy Spirit is there, if we descend into the valley, God is there. We cannot outrun God nor escape the far-reaching arm of God’s radical love. Let that just settle in for a few minutes. God pursues you because He values you. 

Practice: The wisdom literature speaks volumes here in just a few lines, “There are three things that are never satisfied—no, four that never say, “Enough!”: 16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.”  So here we find strong life application teaching as God’s Word reminds us that in the Christmas story we find that the world suffers from a thirst which cannot be satisfied---there is never enough. But, the birth of Christ fulfills the unmet expectations and dryness which people feel deep within them. There is a place in your heart and my heart that only Jesus can fill. A thirst that only Jesus can quench as He told the woman at the well in John 4, “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” In other words, “I am enough.” Jesus is more than enough. Right?

December 19

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, Revelation 10:1-11, Psalm 138:1-8, Proverbs 30:11-14

Pray: Gracious God, as we near the celebration of Christmas, draw us close to realize that with great celebration comes great sacrifice. Many will be with family, friends, and will enjoy this special day with people they love, while others will be separated from loved ones through estranged relationships or due to death. Let us remember to pray for and encourage those who find it hard to celebrate due to great loss. On the other hand, let us not be afraid to remind family and friends that death nor sin has the last word…Emmanuel is with us.

Read: Zephaniah is known as a minor prophet but let this not fool us into thinking that he is any less a 'mouthpiece' for God. We only read three chapters, but they are indeed powerful with God’s gutsy, truth-telling of how rebellious Jerusalem has been, yet God’s arm of mercy is long. We can repent—turn from our pride and wickedness and turn to God’s way which leads to freedom and healing. 

Edify: The words from Zephaniah ring true, “For the Lord God is living among you for he is a mighty savior.” Wow, God is living among us just as John 1:14 will say much later after Zephaniah is written, “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” Tangible, close-up and personal. This is our God. He is not distant nor removed from our suffering and our problems. He lives on the same street we do, He works in the same places we do, He attends the same schools and yes, He lives in the same home as we do. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is still present even now with you. Let us not shun Him but invite Him to remain, to prune us, to shape us into works of beauty for God.

Practice: The writer of Proverbs declares that those who disrespect their parents are right and clean in their own eyes but in their hearts, they are deceitful. What a tragedy to believe that I am fine, without fault, honorable and clean before God when I am in fact justifying my sin and brokenness. This is very, very dangerous ground to stand on yet many people build their entire lives upon such faulty footing. They gather people around them who will tell them what they want to hear, who will live under the same deceit as they do and declare that their friend is without fault when she or he is blatantly living contrary to God’s Living Word. This is not only dangerous, but it is a path of destruction. May we all humble ourselves and seek to be open for revelation when we sin and willing to receive correction, so we don’t blow up our lives. 

December 18

Habakkuk 1:1-3:19, Revelation 9:1-21, Psalm 137:1-9, Proverbs 30:10

Pray: Lord, this holy season has the capacity to remind us of what is temporary and what is eternal, what is minor and what is major in our lives. Above all, we ask that we might experience You fresh and new like never before. Let it begin today.

Read: Habakkuk begins to speak the truth in the futility of people worshiping things that they themselves have created. One could say that the sin in this is that we worship something or someone that we have created in our image vs. worshiping the God of the heavens and the earth who has created us in His image. So who do you worship? The Creator or the creation?

Edify: These words are haunting and perplexing. Why? You have to ask why? Any reasonable person would ask why did they not repent when 1/3 of the population died in these horrific plagues. Yet, they did not repent, they did not yield their rebellious lifestyle and turn back to the Living God. Frankly you have to ask, “Why so stupid?” Then, “Why so stubborn?” Could it be that our pride causes us to be willing to face condemnation before we will admit that we were wrong?

Practice: So, how do we respond to such a prophetic invitation to repent, to admit our pride and self-destructive behavior so God can redeem us and make us whole? Will you admit today that you don’t have all the answers, that you need a Savior? God did not come to make humans better people. God came to make dead men and women live again.

December 17

Nahum 1:1-3:19, Revelation 8:1-13, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 30:7-9 

Pray: The Psalms teach us how to pray and today’s Psalm introduces us to a liturgy (a form of worship and prayer). Make a list of what you are thankful for. Then tell God what you are thankful for one item at a time on that list. After each item of thanksgiving, take a moment to adore Him by reciting, “His faithful love endures forever.” (see Psalm 136 for the structure of this liturgy)

Read: Consider the urgency and power of prayer as you read some tough Scriptures today.

Edify: Amidst the terror, judgment, and pain in Nahum and Revelation, there’s a beautiful silence. It’s a deep breath and peaceful silence. It is also purposeful from heaven’s throne. Between the scrolls of judgment being opened is a 30 minute silence as God pauses to give full attention to the prayers of God’s people. So many have turned from Him, but yet those who earnestly seek Him and pray to Him have His full embrace and attention. The angel brings the golden incense burner to mix with the prayers of God’s people so they may rise to the very throne of God. No thunder. No trumpets. Only God listening to the needs of His children. Rejoice!

Practice: Make a written prayer list today. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe, the One who will judge the quick and the dead, hears your earnest prayers. So take this labor of love through prayer seriously and make your list so that no petition is forgotten or overlooked.

December 16

Micah 5:1-7:20, Revelation 7:1-17, Psalm 135:1-21, Proverbs 30:5-6

Pray: Micah prompts us to “look to the Lord for help…wait confidently for God to save” (7:7). Micah then reminds us of the promise that the Lord hears our prayers. Bring your petitions to the Lord today. Consider if the Lord answers each petition, then what difference would it make in the world today and how would it matter eternally.

Read: Entertain the question in Micah 6:6 “What can I (we) bring the Lord (the God Most High)?”

Edify: The entire reading today reinforces that the Lord will preserve and protect His own people. There will be a remnant restored no matter how bad it gets. Remember how God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt and then out of exile from Babylon. God preserves and provides for His people. Knowing God’s faithfulness, you can confidently live differently than the rest of the world. What does that look like? Instead of pursuing your own fame, wealth, and success at the expense of others; you can do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). With the vision of Revelation of singing about the strong one who sits on the throne and brings salvation, we can live differently on this earth. 

Practice: What is your next humble step as you walk out this life of faith with God? What is the next best thing God has called you to do or say in your workplace, home, or ministry? Write it down and prepare to act on it.

December 15

Micah 1:1-4:13, Revelation 6:1-17, Psalm 134:1-3, Proverbs 30:1-4 

Pray: Take the Psalmist’s direction and physically lift your hands in prayer. Ask Him for mercy. Praise Him for both His power and His presence in your life.

Read: Take a moment to tremble at the thought of the judgment, sorrow, and suffering that has been withheld from you. Your life most likely isn’t devoid of pain, however imagine being born in a different era or different country. Imagine the difficulty that could have been and suffering that still could be as you read what has and will happen upon the earth. 

Edify: Micah is a prophet who brings to light our propensity to listen to news that tickles our ears and affirms our preconceived agendas. The people preferred a prophet full of easy to digest lies, much like we like our slanted 24 news cycle shows. Micah speaks of the Lord’s restoration for Israel someday as He “will bring (them) together again like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture” (2:12). The shepherd heart of God doesn’t stand idly by while the people ruin the land they were given with their sin and oppression of the vulnerable. Instead, He uses His staff to discipline and guide the sheep as His true prophets give difficult truths and hold the mirror up to the people to see the truth.

Practice: Everyone has opinions on how a nation should be led, and many are shouting these opinions through every avenue. Cut yourself off from the tv, social media, and newspapers for a day. Then, with truths about how Israel had gone wrong as a people communicated through Micah, consider a Word-shaped short list of policies that you prayerfully support regardless of party and platform. Micah addresses social, financial, and international politics, so what are some things that God values when it comes to politics?