Advent Devotional – Week 2
November 28 – Our Remedy
Who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father. —GALATIANS 1:4
Our Lord did not come into the world 2,000 years ago to launch Christianity as a new religion or a new system. He came into this world with eternal purpose. He came as the center of all things. Actually, He came to be our religion, if you wish to put it that way. He came in person, in the flesh, to be God’s salvation to the very ends of the earth. He did not come just to delegate power to others to heal or cure or bless. He came to be the blessing, for all the blessings and the full glory of God are to be found in His person. Because Jesus Christ is the center of all things, He offers deliverance for the human soul and mind by His direct, personal, and intimate touch. This is not my one-man interpretation. It is the basic teaching of salvation through the Messiah-Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a teaching that runs throughout the Bible! … Into the midst of all this came the Light that was able to light every man that was to come into the world. He could say and teach, “I am the light of the world,” because He shone so brightly, dispelling the darkness. Jesus Christ came in the fullness of time to be God’s salvation. He was to be God’s cure for all that was wrong with the human race.
Lord Jesus, may I always turn only to You for all my needs. You are my remedy, my life, my salvation. Amen.
A. W. Tozer on the Son of God (p. 367). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.
November 29 – The Great Physician
When Jesus saw him … he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” —JOHN 5:6
If you are a discouraged and defeated Christian believer, you may have accepted the rationalization that your condition is “normal for all Christians.” You may now be content with the position that the progressive, victorious Christian life may be suitable for a few Christians—but not for you! You have been to Bible conferences; you have been to the altar—but the blessings are for someone else. Now, that attitude on the part of Christian believers is neither modesty nor meekness. It is a chronic discouragement resulting from unbelief. It is rather like those who have been sick for so long that they no longer believe they can get well. Jesus is still saying, as He said to the man lying by the gate at the Jerusalem pool, “Do you want to be made whole?” (see John 5:6). Jesus made him whole—because of his desire! His need was great, but he had never lapsed into that state of chronic discouragement.
Thank You, Lord Christ, that a victorious Christian life can be the norm—even in the midst of this chaotic, malevolent world. Fill me anew with Your Spirit, and shine through me today. Amen.
A. W. Tozer on the Son of God (p. 368). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.
November 30 – Listen to God
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —JOHN 8:12
If while hearing a sermon we can fix on but one real jewel of truth, we may consider ourselves well rewarded for the time we have spent. One such gem was uncovered during a sermon which I heard some time ago. From the sermon I got one worthy sentence and no more, but it was so good that I regret that I cannot remember who the preacher was, that I might give him credit. Here is what he said, “Listen to no man who fails to listen to God.” … No man has any right to offer advice who has not first heard God speak. No man has any right to counsel others who is not ready to hear and follow the counsel of the Lord. True moral wisdom must always be an echo of God’s voice. The only safe light for our path is the light which is reflected from Christ, the Light of the World…. God has His chosen men still, and they are without exception good listeners. They can hear when the Lord speaks. We may safely listen to such men. But to no others.
Don’t ever let me speak empty, worthless words, Lord. I pray that whenever I open my mouth, I would speak truth that accords with the revelation You have given in Jesus Christ. Amen.
A. W. Tozer on the Son of God (p. 369). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.
December 1 – God’s Sovereign Plan
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God … For he must reign. —1 CORINTHIANS 15:24–25
Many people continue to live in daily fear that the world “is coming to an end.” Only in the Scriptures do we have the description and prediction of the age-ending heavenly and earthly events when our Lord and Savior will be universally acknowledged as King of kings and Lord of lords. God’s revelation makes it plain that in “that day” all will acclaim Him “victor”! Human society, generally, refuses to recognize God’s sovereignty or His plan for His redeemed people. But no human being or world government will have any control in that fiery day of judgment yet to come. John’s vision of things to come tells us clearly and openly that at the appropriate time this world will be taken away from men and placed in the hands of the only Man who has the wisdom and authority to rightly govern. That Man is the eternal Son of God, the worthy Lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ!
Dear Lord, I pray today for the remaining people groups in the world who have not yet heard the gospel message. Without knowing You, Father, many will be lost eternally when the end of the world comes. Lord, raise up specific individuals to take Your Word to those remaining peoples. Amen.
A. W. Tozer on the Son of God (p. 372). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.
December 2 – The Worth of a Soul
Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? —MATTHEW 16:26
We may learn how dear and precious we are to Christ by what He was willing to give for us! Many Christians are tempted to downgrade themselves too much. I am not arguing against true humility and my word to you is this: Think as little of yourself as you want to, but always remember that our Lord Jesus Christ thought very highly of you—enough to give Himself for you in death and sacrifice! If the devil comes to you and whispers that you are no good, don’t argue with him. In fact, you may as well admit it, but then remind the devil: “Regardless of what you say about me, I must tell you how the Lord feels about me. He tells me that I am so valuable to Him that He gave Himself for me on the cross!” So the value is set by the price paid—and in our case, the price paid was our Lord Himself, and the end that the Savior had in view was that He might redeem us from all iniquity, that is, from the power and consequences of iniquity. One of Wesley’s hymns speaks of “the double cure” for sin. The wrath of God against sin and the power of sin in the human life—both of these were dealt with when Christ gave Himself for us. He redeemed us with a double cure!
Lord Christ, thank You for coming to earth and saving me! The price You paid was great, and I give my life to You anew today. Amen.
A. W. Tozer on the Son of God (p. 373). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.
December 3 – Blue Grass Testimony – Mindy Humphrey
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV) – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Jesus called–HE CHOSE– 12 men from various different walks of life-even enemies and created in them new identities. In so doing, 11 were transformed into HIs likeness so that they were free, chosen, holy and beloved. (Col 3:12-13)
They put on a new self, renewed in the knowledge of the image of God. Being confident in their identity in Christ helped them advance the cause of Christ. Being obedient to Christ requires a new identity-one of humility.
However, may we remember that just like the original 12, we are a work in progress. But God promises to complete the work He began in you and in me! (Phil 1:6)
Go live as a confident and humble child of Christ because you are called just like the original 12 apostles; one that is chosen, called, kept, beloved and holy advancing the cause of Christ in your circle of influence!
December 4 – Blue Grass Testimony – Laura Dwyer
Paul, writing to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6-9):“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.”
Sometimes I fall into foolish thinking, along the lines of “I wish I lived in a nicer neighborhood or on a prettier street,” or even, “I sure would like to win that Powerball drawing!” The Scripture above is re-centering for me. It reminds me to be content with what I have, and to be a more ‘cheerful giver’ to help others and the church’s work. Above all, it reminds me to be grateful for how richly God has blessed me in so many ways that have nothing to do with material riches.
Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the many gifts you have given me. I know I have been extraordinarily blessed by you in so many ways throughout my life. Please forgive me for those moments when I forget, and I instead let my thoughts linger on worldly desires and the accumulation of things. Nudge me through your Spirit to remember that all I have comes from you, is more than enough, and I should share it generously with others and the church.