Joyful Moment: Walking in Faith

In John 6, we read that the disciples had gotten into the boat and started across the sea, and here comes Jesus. Can you imagine? He's walking across water like it's a street of gold - what he's used to walking on, you know.

Jesus gets into the boat and verse 21 says, "Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going."

They are in the boat and then they are at the shore.

I couldn't help but think how confused and amazed those in the boat had to be. They didn't have the hindsight that we do - Jesus would do much more amazing things than that in the future. Rising from the dead comes to mind.

Are you still a bit confused and amazed that Jesus could walk on water? I am! But that's where faith come into being. I have not seen Jesus walk on water with my own eyes, but I believe it happened. I believe that the same Jesus who was present at the creation of water could decide to walk on it - and did. 

How about you? Have you read a familiar passage in the Bible lately and discovered something new or had the Lord speak to you through a verse lately? 

Let's pray: Lord, thank You for your mighty power to create and sustain the heavens and the earth and all that is in it - including me. To think that You are Lord of all, yet Lord of one. I pray for eyes to see what faith has in store. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen. 

Note: The art is generally attributed as Mark Mabry who created it as part of his "Reflections of Christ" project. 

Moment of Devotion: Indescribable Gift

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! – 1 Corinthians 9:15

For many Christmases, I decorated a tree for every room – even the bathrooms. I had a tree with kitchen items, one with intricate, old-fashioned ornaments, another with all the ornaments my children made, and a teeny tiny tree in the bathroom with miniature ornaments. The trees were of all shapes and sizes and colors, like all white lights or big fat colorful bulbs or fiber optic trees with changing lights.

Of all the trees, my favorite was the one with ornaments my children and I made like felt crafts with school pictures inside or sloppily painted candy canes. Most visitors oohed and complimented the big, gold, fancy tree in the family room, but the most beautiful tree in the house held the handmade ornaments that brought back memories of wonderful times spent with my family.

What part of the holidays is most beautiful to you? The smiles on your children or grandchildren’s faces? The parks with thousands of lights strung for miles on end? The warms glow of Christmas trees with lovingly wrapped gifts underneath? Or it might be a table of food spread for your family to enjoy.

All these things are beautiful, but the most beautiful sight is the Nativity. I have many throughout my house and one in the front yard to remind all who come to my home that the holiday is beautiful because a Savior was born and laid in a not-so-beautiful manger in a smelly stable. Jesus brought grace and salvation to an ugly world. He is the Gift. Let us not forget His love and grace that’s indescribable.

Dear Lord, thank You for the precious and holy gift in the form of a baby that we celebrate this CHRISTmas. In Jesus' sweet and beautiful Name, I pray. Amen. 

Devotion: Let's Go to Church!

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

How about this for a change? Instead of thinking, "Oh, man, I SHOULD go to church today..." why not flip that around to "I GET to go to church today!" It's a privilege and a blessing to get to be with like-minded believers, worship God. get re-charged, and come away REVIVED.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that I can worship You any place, any time, but today, I make the choice to be with brothers and sisters to praise You as a member of the Body of Christ. Bless this day and Your Church. We honor You. In Jesus' precious, sweet, holy Name I pray. Amen.