The Humble King.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

The Humble King

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

What a gift we have in the Christmas season. God himself took on flesh and dwelt among us that we might find eternal relationship in him. His coming serves as a continual reminder of his grace and pursuit of us who are lost without him. As we look to Jesus this week to celebrate who he is and what he’s done, may you find life-giving hope and foundational joy.

Scripture:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7

Devotional:

There has never been a greater depth of humility than what we find in Jesus. He was a man marked by astonishing sacrifice. He lived in utter devotion to God the Father and us, his undeserving people. Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

Jesus became a servant so we could be made sons and daughters. He took on flesh that our flesh might find true redemption. He emptied himself of that which he was rightfully owed that we might receive grace upon grace, which we’ve done nothing to deserve.

The coming of Christ we celebrate at Christmas is entirely descriptive of the heart of God. Just as Jesus came to make a way for us, he comes still. Just as Jesus came that fateful day millennia ago, he comes to meet with us still. And just as the world received its greatest gift in Jesus, we still find in the presence of God our greatest gift on a daily basis.

We can find hope and joy in the fact that we serve a humble King. Our King does nothing from selfish ambition. Unlike us, he does nothing to better himself or cover for his own inadequacies. Rather, because he is already entirely full and complete, he gives of himself freely that we might live in the light of his grace and love. He doesn’t use his deity to demand anything from us, but instead to give us life, breath, and meaning.

Take time today to rest in the humility of Jesus. Find hope for your past, present, and future in the simple truth that Jesus has and will continue to be everything you need. And open your heart to receive the life-giving presence of your humble King.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the humility of Jesus. Allow Scripture to paint a clear picture of the heart of God.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” Philippians 2:5-7

2. Choose to trust in the humble leadership of God. Give him every part of your life knowing that he doesn’t lead you out of selfish motive, but leads you entirely for your good.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

3. Take time to rest in the presence of Jesus. Receive the gift of his nearness. Find joy in the depth of his love.

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Philippians 2:9-11 illustrates a truth of the kingdom we as believers need to know:

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is the perfect example of the truth that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). The pathway to life in God is humility. When you seek to serve the Father and others as Jesus did, you will discover a wellspring of joy and life not found in prideful pursuits. Seek to live in humility today and find unfathomable grace and love in Jesus, your humble King.

Extended Reading: Philippians 2

Bethlehem Awaits..KAREN WINGATE

 Bethlehem Awaits

KAREN WINGATE

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

It hurt. My husband’s employers fired him without a word of warning. The next job required selling our beautiful home and moving several states away just as our daughters were entering high school and junior high.

How could God possibly be in this?

Only in hindsight did we realize God’s reasons for the move. Our new location was in a rural setting, which suited our family’s personality much better. Both girls thrived at their new schools, and all of us discovered long, enduring friendships. Then we understood how God had used my husband’s termination to bring us to a place where He had wonderful blessings waiting for us.

I wonder if Mary the mother of Jesus understood that her son had to be born in Bethlehem to fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah. When Joseph told her of the upcoming census that would require them to travel to his hometown, did her eyes light up with comprehension? But of course! The child I bear is the Messiah and He must be born in Bethlehem. And here God is using a Roman census to relocate us from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Isn’t God good?

Or was she clueless? She could have met Joseph’s announcement with this rebuttal:

“Are you serious? Dear heart, I am eight months pregnant. Bethlehem is 80 miles away. I am so NOT riding a donkey OR walking 80 miles in my condition.”

The Bible doesn’t specifically tell us whether Mary connected the dots between her baby’s identity as the Messiah and the location of His prophesied birth. But though Mary didn’t have specific details of the plan, her attitude of calm acceptance and hopeful assurance hints that she knew God was up to something amazing.

Her wide-eyed wonder and hope are expressed in the song of praise she shared with her cousin Elizabeth: “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:48b-49, NIV).

Today, as we count down the days until Christmas, we may not always feel like singing about “great things.” The month of December may hold all kinds of snags and detours that can complicate our plans. Have any of these happened to you right before Christmas?

• The serious illness of a family member.
• A canceled flight to visit family.
• A children’s Christmas program gone awry.
• Extra household expenses.

Mary’s trek to Bethlehem and my family’s move remind me that God can use what I consider aggravations and heartaches to reposition me so He can bless and use me more effectively.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD,” says Psalm 27:14. The Hebrew word for “wait” is closely related to the word for “hope,” and to hope means to look forward to the future with certainty and eager anticipation. Mary expressed this attitude when, after hearing the angel Gabriel’s message about Jesus, she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant … May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV).

As I approach each Christmas complication this year, I’d like to take on Mary’s attitude. I’d like to look at each change with anticipation spiced with a touch of hope-filled eagerness as I ask, OK, Lord, what do You have waiting for me?

Want to join me? Just think: Bethlehem awaits.

Lord, I invite You to show up in each difficulty I face over the next few weeks. Use these challenges to redirect me into Your glorious plan. Give me ideas of how I can make the most of change to honor and magnify You to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's School of Obedience..Charles Stanley

 God's School of Obedience

Charles Stanley

1 John 1:3-6

Starting at age five, our children are enrolled in school and given lessons to learn each year. We are students too. At salvation, we became participants in the Lord's school of obedience. There, we are discovering the necessity of trusting Him and waiting for His direction. We are taught the importance of commitment and learn to search His Word for guidance. God also wants us to learn these lessons:

• Listen attentively to the Spirit's promptings. Our God does not speak in an audible voice, but He makes Himself heard quite clearly through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit is our Helper who will bring to mind Scripture passages we have studied (John 14:26) and show us how they apply.

• Obey the next step. Abraham was called to leave his home and journey to an unknown destination (Gen. 12:1). He obeyed even though the way was unclear to his human mind. We, too, must step out in faith even when we do not know all the details of the itinerary.

• Expect conflict. We can't live obedient lives without having trouble with the world (John 16:33). Our friends or family may drift away when they realize certain interests of ours have changed. Some may hurl criticism our way or call us unkind names, while others may reject us completely.

Practicing a lifestyle of obedience doesn't mean we'll never make mistakes. But it does require diligence if we are to succeed. Obeying the Father was Jesus' priority and purpose in life, and we should make it ours as well. Which of these lessons do you want to tackle first?

The First Time Shepherds Heard about Jesus ..Lynette Kittle

 The First Time Shepherds Heard about Jesus (Luke 2:17)

by Lynette Kittle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” – Luke 2:17

Do you remember the first heard time you heard about Jesus? If so, what was your initial response? Did you want to run and go tell everyone you knew about Him?

Scripture describes how the shepherds in the fields reacted after being told about Jesus’ birth, “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2:15).

Luke 2:16 records what happened next “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

After seeing Jesus, the shepherds didn’t contain their excitement but starting telling everyone they knew about Him. Luke 2:18 describes how those they told received the news, “and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

Yet, so many in the culture today leave Jesus out of their Christmas celebrations. 2 Corinthians 4:4 explains why, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that display the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

However, because your mind has been opened to see Jesus, like the shepherds did on the night of his birth, you have the opportunity to tell everyone around you about Him.

And what better time to tell others about Jesus than at Christmas?

Decide to look at your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and others who seem oblivious to the true meaning of Christmas with compassion, realizing they are blinded to seeing Jesus as the true reason for the season.

Reach out to them in love, like God did to you. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”(John 3:16).

Choose to tell those you love, and those you meet along your way, how God gave the very first Christmas gift.

As Acts 10:35 reminds us, “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”

Ask God to give you the kind of joy and enthusiasm the shepherds had, to spread the Good News of Jesus’ birth to everyone you know and meet.

A Prayer to Prepare Our Hearts..Jessica Van Roekel

 A Prayer to Prepare Our Hearts

By Jessica Van Roekel

“A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low, the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” - Isaiah 40:3-5

Christmas is my favorite time of the year, but it’s Thanksgiving that prepares the way. I spend the month of November reflecting on all the Lord has done for me. By the time December rolls around, joy bubbles and bursts in my heart. I hang the twinkly lights and display the nativity. I sprinkle decorations throughout my home, and wherever I look, I’m reminded of why I celebrate Christmas—Jesus, Incarnate, God with us.

These verses from Isaiah have layers of meaning and application. They refer to the return of the Jews from exile after the Babylonian king deported them from their homeland. This deportation was a consequence of their disobedience and inability to consistently worship and live for God. Their time in Babylon was like a long wilderness journey.

That leads us to the next meaning of these verses—the Promised One who would make a way through the wilderness so that we might see God face to face. God promised a Messiah who would take away people’s sins for good and for always. His name is Jesus, and we celebrate and fall to our knees in worship because of the freedom he gives.

The final application of this passage points to God’s complete liberation of his people at the end of time when he establishes a new heaven and earth. The New Testament applies verse three to John the Baptist. John called people to prepare for the Lord by repenting, which indicates a complete change of heart and mind from our own way to God’s way.

When we consider our own preparations for Christmas, may we prepare our hearts to receive him. We can examine our thoughts and attitudes and eliminate the ones that turn our hearts toward doubt and despair. Our hardships don’t exclude God’s presence in our life. Like the Israelites, sinful habits can create a chasm between our hearts and God’s.

We don’t have to live with the gap; we can prepare to receive God’s forgiveness through repentance. Repentance prepares the way for our hearts to be united with God in our life’s journey. God is with us. He is everywhere all at once. This is a concept we sometimes forget because of the difficulties we face.

Journeys through difficult hills and valleys have a purpose. They are an opportunity for God’s glory to shine through us. Each time we choose to trust, we strengthen our faith. And our faith shines bright as a testimony to others and becomes a stone of remembrance for us. We can look back on the journey and use it to prepare our hearts to remember God’s faithfulness for the next time we face arduous burdens.

Our troubles can cause us to struggle with dissatisfaction in our lives. We are sojourners while we wait for our eternal home. We can use this present time to prepare our hearts for eternity. We can choose to grow in spiritual practices by throwing off the things that hinder us. We can sow habits and choose responses that indicate we live by the Spirit. Longing for the glory of God to be revealed is a way we prepare our hearts for heaven, our true home.

Let’s pray:

Lord, as we consider this holiday season, may we prepare our hearts to receive more of you. Our lives sometimes lead us down rocky paths into steep ravines that seem impossible to climb out of. Remind us of your presence in our lives. Help us make our hearts ready. You have good in store for us. You long to reveal your glory in our lives. We praise you for who you are and what you can do. Come, Lord Jesus, into our prepared hearts.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

For Further Reading:
Isaiah 40

A God Who Delivers..Lynette Kittle

 A God Who Delivers

By Lynette Kittle

“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again. On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us” - 2 Corinthians 1:10

Do you believe you can only ask God for so much help so many times, and then you’re out of luck, cut loose on your own because you’ve used up all your requests? If so, it’s just not true. Although most people and organizations tend to reach a limit where they are no longer willing to continue helping someone out of continual jams, there is no limit to the times we can turn to God for help.

As well, God doesn’t limit His help to those who deserve to be helped. He is compassionate, merciful, and tenderhearted, willing to reach out to those who have chosen their own destructive paths, individuals who many have given up on, believing they don’t deserve to be helped.

Like so many people nowadays encourage others to cut “toxic” people out of their lives, God doesn’t turn His back on even those deemed the most “toxic” of all. If so, there would have been no hope for any of us because each one of us was born with a lethal dose of sin in our bloodstream, “toxic” and tainted to the point of eternal death. Yet we can’t ever be too toxic for God to love us. Romans 5:8 explains, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God Delivers Those Who Stray
As well, no matter how far we choose to stray away from God, even in the most drastic situations where all seems hopeless, He is willing to deliver us when we turn toward Him. Consider Jonah who disobeyed and ran from God, finding himself caught in the deepest, darkest despair in a hopeless situation. Jonah 2:1,2 “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: ‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.’” Even there, God delivered him from the belly of a big fish when he cried out and repented of his sinfulness. “And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land” (Jonah 2:10)

God Delivers the Righteous
As well, those who devoutly serve God are sometimes caught in the hands of wicked men where there seems no possible earthly escape from their dilemma, like the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego facing an evil King. As Daniel 3:14 describes, “And Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?’”

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand’” (Daniel 3:16,17).

And we know, as the story goes, God not only helped them but was present with them in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25).   

Asking for Deliverance
Sometimes we believe we can’t ask God to deliver us when we’re facing troubles due to our own doings, but God is merciful, and even in the worst situations, whether we created them ourselves or caught the hands of evil men, we can ask God for help.

• As Psalm 34:17 describes, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”
• Likewise, Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;”
• Furthermore, Psalm 37:40 assures, “The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.”

Intersecting Faith and Life:
What are you facing today, this week, or this coming year? Does it seem too much for you to handle? Are evil people backing you into a corner? Or maybe you have gotten yourself into a terrible situation? If so, know God is waiting, willing, and ready to answer your cries when you turn to Him for deliverance.

A Prayer to Stay Christ-focused at Christmas..Meg Bucher

 A Prayer to Stay Christ-focused at Christmas

 By Meg Bucher

The modern rush to reach the next big door-buster has stolen our ability to relax through Thanksgiving dinner. There’s no deal greater than Jesus’ birth, and we don’t have to wait in line for it.

“And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28

Christmas gives us the opportunity to reflect upon the plight of the last year of life. John encourages us to stay focused on what’s important, the long journey of our earthly lives to be more like Christ. We can aim right at that goal, because He was born to earth as an example of what to shoot for. Christmas is an encouraging reminder to stay focused on the reason for the season.  The simple joys connect us to the One who once walked where we trod.

Take Action

“ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” - Romans 12:10

When my children were growing up, one of their favorite stories was about a llama that lost sight of the season, and melted down to the gourd in a tantrum of lost holiday priorities. Sometimes, we have to schedule-out our selfishness, and get busy loving other people. Compassion towards others extends His love to them.

Be Quiet

Time in God’s Word is especially important amidst the commercialism of the season. He promises to reveal new layers of the same Christmas story that we can apply to this season of our lives. When we offer Him our first minutes, we being to see Him throughout the day.

Re-program

The surrounding soundtrack of our lives can take a toll on our hearts, especially if we spend most of our time drenched in secular media. Christmas is a great time to reboot our thoughts by adjusting the message we are tune into. The Word weaved into Christmas carols has the power to move our hearts into the correct place.

Say “No”

Before squeezing other event onto a calendar square, we can pause to pray for discernment on whether an additional event or commitment is necessary. “Thank you for thinking of me!” we can reply in the meantime, “I’ll get back to you.” This Christmas, let’s put the magnitude and majesty of the King of Kings at the center of our holiday planner.

Father, Praise You for Christmas! Thank You for Jesus, born to earth to live among us and pay the ultimate price for our sin. Along the way, He lived a life that we can look to as an example of how to navigate human life on earth. Belief in Him reaches beyond this life, and unto heaven. This Christmas, we ask your forgiveness for getting caught up in the hustle of commercialism, and ask that You re-focus our hearts to Christ. Help us to experience His presence and revel in His closeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.