Have you enjoyed the devotions over the past few months? I hope you have been encouraged and strengthened by God’s message in the New Testament books of Romans through Revelation.
But maybe now you are thinking, “So what should I do now? I have studied the entire Bible. What do I do next?” The answer is that you keep on studying the Bible. God’s Word has the answers to all of life’s questions. The more we study the Bible, the more we learn. God doesn’t want us to study through the Bible and then forget it. He wants us to read it again and again and keep learning more and more.
Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:17 why studying the Bible is important. “Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” Reading and studying the Bible will prepare you to live in the world and help you do good things for God.
Tomorrow a new year is starting. Make a plan to keep on studying the Bible every day of 2020. Pray and ask God to encourage you through His Word. And then share what you have learned with others!
Good-bye 2019!
December 30, 2019 • Cathy Garvin
We can look back over the past year of 2019 and remember the good things that have happened. We may also remember times of frustration, sickness, loneliness or sadness.
We know what has happened during the past year. But we do not know what will happen in the future. Only God knows what will happen to us in 2020. Maybe exciting things will happen to us next year. Maybe we will face difficult times and decisions. Or maybe Jesus will return in 2020 and take us to live with Him forever.
We may not know what will happen in 2020. But we can know how we should act as Christians in 2020. Paul talked about this in Colossians 2:7. “You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God.”
Paul’s words in Colossians are wonderful advice for us as we begin a new year — depend on Jesus, study the Bible so that you can understand it well, and never stop giving thanks to God.
Stay close to God, and He will bless you and provide for you in the new year!
True Statements (4)
December 29, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
Today we will look at Paul’s final “true statement” which we can find in Titus 3:7-8. “We were made right with God by his grace. God saved us so that we could be his children and look forward to receiving life that never ends. This is a true statement. And I want you to be sure that the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.”
How does Paul say that God makes us right with Him? We are made right through His grace. Why does God want to save us? Because He wants us to be His children and share eternal life with Him.
When we realize how we can become right with God and why He wants to save us, we will want to use our lives for doing good things. These good things are not for ourselves. We do these good things to help other people and show them God’s love.
Take time today to think about how God has saved you. Next, think about how wonderful it will be to live with Him in heaven. And finally, use your life to do good things that lead other people to know about God.
True Statements (3)
December 28, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
It is believed that Paul’s encouraging words in 2 Timothy, chapter 2, were used as songs of praise by early Christians. In 2 Timothy 2:11-12, we find Paul’s third “true statement.” “Here is a true statement: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we remain faithful even in suffering, we will also rule with him. If we refuse to say we know him, he will refuse to say he knows us.”
When Paul was writing his second letter to Timothy, he was in prison. Probably Paul thought a lot about his life and the many struggles he had faced while serving God — beatings, hunger, loneliness and imprisonment. Paul knew he had served God the best that he could. He also knew that God would have a reward waiting for him at the end of his life.
Paul realized that God had called him to encourage people to follow and serve Jesus. Through his experiences, Paul also learned that it was important to help these people understand about suffering for God. He told them that God would guide them and allow them to rule with Him in heaven.
You may face challenges in your Christian life. But don’t give up. Stay faithful and look forward to being with God forever.
True Statements (2)
December 27, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
In 1 Timothy 4:9-10, we can read the second of Paul’s “true statements.” “Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. That is why we work and struggle.”
Maybe you need a new job to help you pay your bills. So you study articles on the Internet or go back to college or learn a new skill from someone. You use all the resources available to you so you can prepare yourself for the hard work and struggles of the new job you want.
Being a Christian often requires hard work and struggle, too. But how do we prepare for the job of following Jesus? We use the resources that are available to us — we read and study the Bible, we learn from mature Christians, we depend on encouragement from other Christians, and we ask God to strengthen us and give us wisdom.
Do you want to be devoted to God? As you learn more from God’s Word and from other Christians, God will bless you and help you train your body and your mind to serve Him.
True Statements (1)
December 26, 2019 • Bonnie Hall
In 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul shared four statements that he called “true statements.” These statements are an important part of our Christian faith. Today and over the next few days we will look at these true statements.
The first true statement is found in 1 Timothy 1:15. “Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them.” When was Paul the “worst sinner”? Before he became a Christian, Paul did terrible things to Christians. He took Christians and put them in jail and even helped others who were killing Christians.
Paul realized how much God loved Him, and he knew that he was saved only by God’s grace. That helped Paul in his ministry. When he told someone about Jesus, he also shared how God’s love and grace had saved him.
Jesus came to earth to show us a better way to live. But more importantly, He came to bring us forgiveness and salvation. That is the Good News we need to share with other people.
Tell someone about God’s love and grace today!
Christmas Story (6)
December 25, 2019 • Jo Krueger
A woman named Anna lived at the Temple in Jerusalem. She was very old, and she was a widow. She worshiped God at the Temple by fasting and praying. She was at the Temple when Joseph and Mary came to present baby Jesus to the Lord. When Anna saw Jesus, she praised God. She also talked to people about Jesus and told them that He was the One they had been waiting for.
When Jesus was ready to leave earth and return to heaven, He commanded His followers to share the Good News about salvation with everyone. That command is for us today, too. We have the job of telling everyone we meet about salvation through Jesus.
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he reminded him about Jesus’ command. Here is what Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5. “But you should control yourself at all times. When troubles come, accept them. Do the work of telling the Good News. Do all the duties of a servant of God.”
Anna knew that Jesus was God’s Son. What did she do? She told everyone about Jesus. We know that Jesus is God’s Son. So what should we do? We should talk about Jesus and share His plan of salvation.
Give someone a Christmas gift today — tell them about Jesus!
Christmas Story (5)
December 24, 2019 • Jo Krueger
Joseph and Mary were Jesus’ earthly parents. They were not rich or famous. But God still chose them to raise His Son, Jesus. Why did God choose them? Because Joseph and Mary were willing to obey and serve Him.
When the angel told Mary that she would have a son, Mary did not complain and ask a lot of questions. Instead, she said that she was willing to be God’s servant. Then God’s angel came to Joseph in a dream. The angel told Joseph that Mary’s baby was God’s Son and that he should become Mary’s husband. Joseph could have released Mary from their engagement. But instead, Joseph obeyed God and did what the angel told him to do.
Peter wrote the New Testament letter of 1 Peter to Christians. He encouraged these Christians to continue serving God. In 1 Peter 1:14, Peter reminded them what they should do. “In the past you did not have the understanding you have now, so you did the evil things you wanted to do. But now you are children of God, so you should obey him and not live the way you did before.”
Be like Joseph and Mary today. Obey God and do what He wants you to do!
Christmas Story (4)
December 23, 2019 • Jo Krueger
The wise men of the Christmas story studied the stars. They saw a special star which showed that the King of the Jews had been born. The wise men probably traveled a long way to find Jesus, and their journey may have been filled with hard times. But they did not give up. They searched and searched until they found Jesus. Why? Because they wanted to worship Jesus and give Him gifts.
Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We should want to worship Him and give Him our lives so we can serve Him every day. But many people on earth today do not believe Jesus is their Lord and Savior. These people may laugh at Jesus and do bad things to His followers.
But someday every person who has ever lived will bow down and worship Jesus. Paul explained this in Philippians 2:9-10. “So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow.”
How can you worship Jesus today? You can read about Him in the Bible and praise Him for what He has done for you. You can also share the Good News about salvation with your friends and family.
Christmas Story (3)
December 22, 2019 • Jo Krueger
Have you ever waited a long time for something to happen? Maybe you waited for your birthday to arrive. Or maybe you waited for a package to come in the mail.
We read in the Old Testament that God promised the Israelites that He would send His Son. The people waited thousands of years for this to happen. When the angel announced to the shepherds outside Bethlehem that their Savior had finally been born, they must have been very excited. They were so excited that they went right away to find baby Jesus.
The shepherds were happy that Jesus had been born, and we should be excited that Jesus is coming back someday. Paul talked about this in Titus 2:13. “We should live like that while we are waiting for the coming of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our great hope, and he will come with glory.”
We should look forward to the time when Jesus will fulfill His promise and come back to earth. But there are many people in the world today who do not know Jesus. It is our job to help them be ready for Jesus’ return. Who will you tell about Jesus today?
Christmas Story (2)
December 21, 2019 • Jo Krueger
When a baby is born to a king and queen, it is a very exciting time. The baby's birth is announced on TV and in the newspapers. Famous people from all over the world travel many miles to bring expensive gifts for the baby. And the baby lives in a beautifully decorated nursery in the place.
Jesus is God’s only Son. But when Jesus was born, it was not like a royal birth today. Jesus was born in a place where animals were kept. His parents were poor people. Only a few people knew about His birth. Jesus’ birth was very humble. And Jesus continued to show humility throughout His life on earth. He lived His life as a servant.
Paul explained about Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2:7-8. “Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death — death on a cross.” Jesus humbly gave up His life. Why? So we can have our sins forgiven.
Wow! Thank Jesus today for coming from the glory of heaven to live and die on earth. And follow His example of love and humility.
Christmas Story (1)
December 20, 2019 • Jo Krueger
The story about Jesus’ birth is found in the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke. For the next few days we will look at some other New Testament verses that will help us understand more about the Christmas story.
Let’s review what happened when Jesus was born. God chose Mary and Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly parents. An angel told Mary that she would give birth to God’s Son. Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem. An angel appeared to some shepherds and told them that Jesus, their Savior, had been born in Bethlehem. The shepherds went right away to Bethlehem to see the baby. Later, wise men traveled from another country to worship Jesus and give Him special gifts.
All these things that happened were part of God’s plan of salvation for you and me. Paul explained about this in Galatians 4:4-5. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children.”
If you are obeying Jesus, you are one of God’s children, too. Praise Him and thank Him today for sending Jesus so you can be forgiven and live forever with Him.
Come, Lord Jesus
December 19, 2019 • Bob La Forge
What will it be like to live forever with God? It is hard for our minds to imagine that. But chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation give us many beautiful pictures of what it will be like. God will live with His people forever. There will be no more tears, death, sadness, crying or pain. This will be a wonderful place!
The holy city, the New Jerusalem, will come down out of heaven from God. This city will be made of glass and precious stones. There will no need for lights there because God’s glory will fill the city. The river of the water of life will flow down the middle of the street of the city. We can’t even imagine how beautiful and magnificent this city will be!
Here on earth we are surrounded by evil and sin. But when we live with God, we will be surrounded by honor, holiness, joy and peace. We will see Jesus’ face and stand before God’s throne. He will reign forever and forever.
In Revelation 22:20, John ends his book of prophecy. “Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true. Now he says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
Jesus is coming soon, and we should be excited and look forward to the time when He will come to reign as our King forever.
Jesus' Coming
December 18, 2019 • Bob La Forge
Yesterday we learned from Revelation, chapter 19, about the wedding meal of the Lamb. Next, Revelation 19 tells us that a rider will come on a white horse. His eyes will be like burning fire. He will have many crowns on his head. The rider’s robe will be dipped in blood. And He will be called the Word of God. Behind the rider will be the armies of heaven. These riders will also be riding white horses and will be dressed in clean white linen.
Who is this first rider? It is Jesus! He will come as the bridegroom to join with the church at the great wedding meal. Revelation 19:16 tells us more about this rider. “On his robe and on his leg was written this name: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” All the people on earth will see Him and know that He is Lord!
Those verses in Revelation 19 are some of the most glorious verses in the Bible. Jesus will come with all His majesty and power. He will be filled with justice, holiness and glory. He will come to reign forever. Nothing will ever be the same again.
We don’t know when Jesus will come again. That means that we need to always be ready to meet Him and live with Him forever. Are you ready to meet Jesus today?
Wedding Meal
December 17, 2019 • Bob La Forge
A man went camping with his friends. They went on a long hike, but they forget to take food with them. They were gone for many hours. The man felt like he was starving. He was so hungry that he started to feel weak and sick. All he could think about was getting back to the campsite and eating.
Food is very important to us. It keeps us alive! But there is one very important meal that we should be thinking about all the time. Revelation 19:9 calls this meal the wedding meal of the Lamb. “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Great blessings belong to those who are invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!’ Then the angel said, ‘These are the true words of God.’”
This meal will celebrate the wedding of Jesus, who is the groom, and the church, who is the bride. This meal will be the happiest and most wonderful meal ever imagined. People who have loved and faithfully served God will be there.
Our life on earth may be filled with suffering and sadness. We may feel tired and want to give up. But we need to keep our mind focused on God’s true words and on that great wedding meal. It will be the most satisfying and joyous meal ever. And most important, we will be with Jesus forever and ever and ever!
