DEVOTIOIN MONDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 2010

MONDAY,  DECEMBER 27^TH,  2010

“CAN YOU HEAR THE ANGELS?”

BY

Daniel Darling

Luke 2:8-14

When I read Luke's account of the Christmas story every year, a question lingers in my mind. I wonder, who heard the angels sing?

This was arguably the greatest celebration in the history of the world, a choir, a presentation that would make the grandest human ceremony seem like a cheap stage production.

There are several interesting things about the angelic celebration. First, this was one of only three such celebrations. First, the angels celebrated the Creation of the world. Job 38:7 tells us that while the Master Artist of Heaven painted, sculpted, and fashioned this world, "the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy."  I suspect the chorus reached its climax when God reached down, gathered a handful of dust, and breathed life into a new kind of creature, man. Man was created in the image of God and given something unique: a soul.

Then, on an otherwise ordinary night, in a dark field, among common shepherds, the Heavens once again opened and all across the horizon, filling the low hills and pasture fields were innumerable angels. And once again in Revelation, we find that same celebration occurring in Heaven.

But let's return to that field. The angels came specifically to the shepherds. Why the shepherds? Why did they not announce in a more big, public venue like Herod's Temple or His palace. Why did they not enter the grand palaces of Caesar in Rome?

The answer, quite simply, is that God visits those who are looking for him. Those that seek find. And so the angels visited upon a young teenage girl, her confused fiancé, a common, elderly prophet, and the shepherds.

So who heard the angels? The shepherds did. Mary did. Joseph did. The wise men did. Anna and Simeon did. Zacharias and Elisabeth did.

Herod didn't hear. The religious establishment didn't hear. Most of God's chosen people didn't hear. Even some in Jesus' own family wouldn't hear.

Today, the message of the angels still rings. A Messiah has come. God has entered our world, lowered Himself and became a baby. God visited us—Immanuel is here.

This season we celebrate Christmas, but most of the world skips right over the baby in the manger. Even many Christians are stressed, angered, and flustered. They too miss the singing of the angels.

Don't let that be you this Christmas. Because God has come for you, to be your Savior, your Redeemer, your Lord.

The angels are singing. Are you listening?

DEVOTION SAT 12-25-2010 - CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY, SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 25TH, 2010

“Gold, Frankincense & Smurfs"

BY

Skip Heitzig

A Sunday School teacher was teaching her class the Christmas story, and she stopped part way through and asked the kids some questions, to make sure they understood it. She asked, "What were the gifts that the three magi brought to Jesus?" A five-year-old piped up and said, "Gold, frankincense, and Smurfs." Well unfortunately, theologically-inclined adults haven't done a whole lot better than that kid.

The story in Matthew 2 goes, "And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense and myrrh."

These three noble gifts were predictive of His life. Gold was the metal of kings. The ancient custom was when you stand before a king you must always bring a gift, and the best thing to give a king would be gold. Second on the list was frankincense, a very costly fragrance from the east. Frankincense was used in the meal offering by the priesthood of Israel. And so as gold reminds us that Jesus is the King, frankincense speaks of the great High Priesthood of Jesus Christ.

And finally, not "smurfs" but myrrh. This was a curious gift. But in ancient times myrrh was mixed with aloes to make an embalming fluid (see John 19:39), so this was predictive as well. For the angel said, "You will call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins." And how would He do that? He would die on a cross.

What I want you to notice here is that their worship began before they gave any gifts (Matthew 2:11). Just picture these royal, esteemed visitors getting on their knees and bowing. They prostrated themselves before that little Child, as an act of worship and humility. They gave themselves in worship before they gave any kind of gift.

Now understand something: God is way more interested in your heart than He is your money. God wants you more than He wants any gift. He wants your heart, He wants you to commit your life to Him personally and do what these wise men did. There's an old song by Keith Green with a classic line in it. "To obey is better than sacrifice. I don't need your money, I want your life." And that's what these wise men were saying. "We have come to worship Him."

Their gifts were appropriate. But even more appropriate was their worship. It was their "reasonable service." I invite you to look at Romans 12:1-2 as you celebrate this season. And Merry Christmas!

Copyright © 2010 by Connection Communications. All rights reserved.

DEVOTION FRI 12-24-2010

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24TH, 2010

“THE REVELTION OF GOD”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

"All things are delivered unto Me of my Father, and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father except the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." Matthew 11:27

Do you want to know God? Friend, Jesus Christ has cornered the market. He has a monopoly on revealing the Father. Jesus Christ Himself said, "…neither knoweth any man the Father except the Son, and he to whomsoever the son will reveal Him."

Either that's true or it's not true. Jesus has said, "Nobody knows My Father but Myself, and you can't know Him unless I introduce Him to you."

You want to know what the great, invisible God is like? Would you like to know His heart? Friend, Jesus reveals the Father.

DEVOTION THUR 12-23-2010

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23RD, 2010

“THE FIRST TO KNOW”

WISDOM FROM

THE PSALMS

Psalm 148:5

Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.

The shepherds sat in their fields, watching over their flocks. The evening was mild, and the night sky was clear. The stars shone brilliantly, especially the one toward Bethlehem. The sheep were calm and silent.

Little did the band of shepherds know that a visit was being planned for them. So great was their devotion, belief, and faithfulness, that they were to be among the first to know of the Messiah's birth. The shepherds had a special tie with their God. They lived each day of their lives close to His creation. The depended upon Him to provide for their needs. They continually praised the name of the Lord, for He took good care of them.

Those who live in close communion with God have a better understanding of His will and His ways. If we will devote ourselves to God, He will reveal Himself to us in so many ways. Rejoice in God's creation. Embrace it, and know God.

Prayer: I wait in anxious anticipation of the coming of Your Son once more. Reveal Him to me in new ways, Lord. Let Him be born in my heart anew. Amen.

DEVOTION WED 12-22-2010

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 2010

“THE SACRIFICE OF FOOLS”

BY

DR ED YOUNG

Once I spent a fabulous morning of private worship in my study at home. God came down in a wonderful way and gave me fresh new insight in my study time, and a renewed energy for the day. I showered, dressed, kissed Jo Beth at the door and said "Have a great day!" She stopped me and asked, "Would you mind taking out the trash?" Is there anyone on this planet who actually enjoys taking out the trash? I was irritated, and she could tell. For one thing, the trash was overflowing. And I couldn't find the little "twistie thing" to tie the bag.

Here I am, the spiritual leader of this home, the head of this household, elbow-deep in garbage. I was mad about it. Then it hit me: How can it be that the man who was so prayed up and carefree five minutes ago is now fit to be tied? How could this be the same guy? All that praying, all that listening, all that studying and crying and cleansing and confessing…how can it be? Nothing that I got in the quiet of the study had transferred to the chaos of my kitchen. Not one thing.

A fool gives God the sacrifice of singing and praying and giving and sharing, then goes out and lives as he pleases. The fool's worship never changes him. When we go through the motions of church and Christianity and our hearts remain the same, we have offered the sacrifice of fools.

MEMORY VERSE

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

DEVOTION TUES 12-21-2010

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21ST, 2010

“Never Another Like the Lord Jesus Christ”

BY

ADRIAN ROGERS

"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands." Hebrews 1:10

Nobody knows the exact date of Jesus' birth, and yet His birth has divided all of history into B.C. and A.D. So far as we know, He never wrote a book, and yet more books have been written about Him than any other person. He never painted a picture or composed any poetry or music that we know of, and yet He has been the inspiration of the greatest music, art, and poetry the world has ever known. He never had any formal education, yet more schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries have been founded in His name than any other person who ever lived.

That's who the Lord Jesus is, and never has there been another like the Lord Jesus Christ!

Read Hebrews 1:1-14. Marvel at His majesty! Praise His omnipotence!

DEVOTION MON 12-20-2010

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2010

“"HIS BOOK ON YOU”

BY

PASTOR BOB COY

By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. Psalms 71:6 (NKJV)

It's always interesting to compare siblings' scrapbooks. For the most part, you can tell which one is the firstborn, because he or she tends to have more pictures and mementos than the others. Photos are taken of every imaginable "first," "second," and "third" in that baby's life. But when it comes to the kids who follow…let's just say things tend to be less extensive.

Now, here's a wonderful fact when it comes to God: If He had a scrapbook on your life, it wouldn't only be extensive, it would be exhaustive! He was there from your very first moment of existence. Absolutely everything you've ever experienced—your first breath, the first time you opened your eyes, the first time you discovered your fingers, your first step, your first word—all of it was captured and framed in the heart of God!

Meditate on that for a moment. He has been there from the beginning of your existence, fully aware of you before you were ever aware of yourself. And not only that, but He's been with you every step of your life since then. There's nothing about you—no detail, no decision, nor date that escapes or eludes His attention. He took you from your mother's womb and has upheld you ever since. Just imagine the book He has on you!

Nobody knows you like God does. Not your spouse, not your children, not your best friend, not even your own mother. He knows all the good—and the not-so-good, and yet He still loves and accepts you unconditionally. This day, celebrate the fact that you're fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted by the Father!

Our great God and Father, in light of Your place and presence in our lives, we just want to thank You for being who You are. Thank you!

Think about it…