Jesus is at the Door

Romans 8:19 says, ‘For the earnest expectation of the creation
eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.’

Revelation 3:20-22 says, ‘Behold, I (Jesus) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Embracing Divine Understanding

1. His calling for us and what He has/is calling us to accomplish.

2. The richness of the inheritance He has for “the saints.”

3. The extraordinary greatness of His power towards us.

He is the source of wisdom, revelation and understanding

“17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”

Isn’t it amazing? The Lord desires to inform us. While we may sometimes perceive His Word and plans as a mystery to solve, He wants to share them with us. He waits with longsuffering for us to listen, and once we hear, to obey.

Embrace Understanding

Yet, we must acknowledge that the Lord already expects much from us. He expects maturity, some understanding, and the ability to discern what is right. He is the all-knowing God, and He knows what we have learned and what whether we are being lazy or ignorant. Luke 12:48 reminds us that more is required from those who know. Ignorance is not an excuse because the Word is accessible for all to explore.

Luke 12:48 says, “ But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.

What has the Lord given you? What is expected of you?

Don’t follow your own desires in 2024!

Timothy 3:16-17, says

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete thoroughly equipped for every good work. “

According to this, all scripture is inspired by God, beneficial for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in how to live a righteousness life. It equips believers for every good work the Lord has planned for our lives. Therefore, the way we become equipped for the calling the Lord has placed upon  our lives is found in His Word.

In 2 Timothy 4:2-5 says,

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longs suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. But you, be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

In this scripture we discover guidance and instruction for the new year ahead.

Guidance and instruction for the new year:

1. Preach the Word:
   be ready in and out of season. When the Lord gives you a Word, share it! Don’t hold on to it.
   This year’s directive is clear: Preach the Word and be prepared.
2. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering:
   Regardless of the situation’s demands, persevere with patience. Even when things get hard, endure. When things are trying, don’t give up. Maintain focus on the task given you, remember Nehemiah’s determination, let it inspire you to never give up, for the Lord has great plans for you!
3. Some will reject sound doctrine, enticed by their own desires:
   Beware of turning away from truth due to personal desires. Submit worldly desires to the Lord’s guidance.
4. Be watchful:
   Remember the enemy is prowling around seeking who he may devour. Recognize that the enemy seeks vulnerabilities. Fortify weak spots, mirroring Nehemiah’s vigilance in protecting the city of Jerusalem. Stay alert!
5. Endure afflictions:
   Remember that other believers worldwide share similar struggles. We are not alone. Persevere, knowing the Lord is with you. Endure, push through to your breakthrough!
6. Do the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry:
   We have spoken of this quite a bit in our meetings and bible studies. Seek the Lord for His will, His plans, His ministry he has for you. Discern the Lord’s calling, respond to His beckoning, and fulfill your ministry. He is cheering for you, rooting you on, you can do this! Success awaits as you align with Him in the journey ahead!

Equipped for 2024

Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; James 1:14-15; Matthew 13:16; 13:11-13

As we step into the uncharted territories of 2024, let us ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, we are reminded that our weapons are not ordinary; they are mighty in God for tearing down strongholds and aligning our thoughts with Christ. How can we intentionally prepare ourselves for what the Lord has in store?

“When desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin, sin when full grown brings forth death. “

Remembering that our tools are not carnal but mighty in God, we have the ability to cast down evil thoughts. In Matthew 13:16, we are reminded of the blessing of our eyes and ears that perceive the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

“To You it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven”

Equipped for 2024

As we enter 2024, reflect on your stewardship of God’s Word. How can you better equip yourself with His truth? Let this year be a journey of deepening your connection with God’s Word, allowing His wisdom to guide your steps.

Choose Life

Life is a journey filled with challenges, and at times, it may seem overwhelming. The struggles of daily existence can lead to feelings of sadness, stress, and worry. However, as we navigate through these challenges, let us remember the promise found in John 10:9, where Jesus declares, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Remember

Similarly, Elijah, on Mount Carmel, posed a question to the people of Israel in 1 Kings 18:21: “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” Today, we face the same choice—life more abundantly with God or a path leading to death and destruction.

Choose Life

Throughout Scripture, the Lord reassures us not to fear, promising His presence through all trials. As we lean on Him, spending time in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, He will guide and bless us and that blessing is promised to pour out even onto our descendants.

What will we choose?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we immerse ourselves in the joy and wonder of the holiday season, let us pause and fix our gaze upon the true reason for the season—the precious gift of Jesus Christ. Amidst the festive lights, the joyous melodies of Christmas carols, and the warmth of our gatherings, let us intentionally direct our hearts towards the miracle of Christ’s birth.

In our recent Sunday service, as we lifted our voices in praise and Christmas carols, I found myself contemplating the profound significance of the Lord’s mercy. God, in His infinite love, chose to send His only Son into the world for us. The magnitude of this sacrifice is beyond comprehension—our Savior, Jesus Christ, coming down to earth as a humble baby, born in a manger.

The angel’s proclamation echoes in our hearts: “He shall be called Immanuel,” which translates to “God with us.” Consider this divine plan—God, in His majestic glory, choosing to dwell among us. A portion of God Himself, descending to earth to walk alongside humanity, to intimately connect with our lives, joys, and struggles.

This Christmas, as we exchange gifts and share laughter with loved ones, let us not forget the greatest gift of all—Jesus. He is the embodiment of God’s love, a bridge between heaven and earth, and the ultimate expression of grace. Reflect on the profound truth that God orchestrated a way for us to enter into eternal communion with Him through His Son.

Take a moment to envision the extraordinary scene—the Creator of the universe wrapped in human flesh, lying in a humble manger. Ponder the purpose behind His arrival: to pave the way for our redemption, to offer forgiveness for our sins, and to secure a place for us in the everlasting presence of the Father.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, let our hearts resound with praise, glory, and honor for the precious gift of Jesus. He willingly bore the weight of our sins, offering us the opportunity to be reconciled with our Heavenly Father. Let every carol sung, every gift exchanged, and every moment of joy be a testimony to the immeasurable love and grace extended to us through Christ.

May the wonder of His birth fill your hearts with gratitude and joy. Have a blessed and meaningful Christmas, rejoicing in the presence of the One who is, and forever will be, the true reason for the season.

Scriptural Foundation:

1. Loving God:
   • Our foundational holy habit is to love God the Father, His Son Jesus, and welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives. This love is a catalyst for transformation (John 14:15-31).
2. Obedience to God’s Teachings:
   • Obedience is a demonstration of our love for God. Following His commands aligns us with His divine will and ensures His favor (John 14:15-31).
3. Putting God First:
   • Prioritizing God in our lives brings order and purpose. Proverbs 3:6 assures us that submitting our ways to Him leads to a straight path.
4. Drawing Near to God:
   • James 4:8 invites us to draw near to God, assuring us that as we seek Him, He will draw near to us.
5. Humility:
   • Humility opens the door to God’s favor. Recognizing our dependence on Him, we position ourselves to receive His grace (James 4:6).
6. Communication through Prayer:
   • Prayer is more than a monologue; it’s a dialogue with our Creator. Spending time in both speaking and listening strengthens our relationship with Him.

Embracing Refreshment in God’s Presence: A Devotional for Joy and Renewal

1. Fullness of Joy in His Presence:
   • Encounter the overflow of joy that saturates your soul when you immerse yourself in the sanctuary of God’s presence.
2. Creator of All Things New:
   • Explore the profound impact of God’s creative power, shaping your life’s journey and unveiling paths of purpose and promise.
3. Guidance and Assurance:
   • Hear His reassuring voice guiding you through life’s uncertainties, affirming, “I am with you; do not fear.”
4. Rest in His Glory:
   • Embrace the invitation to take a deep breath, finding solace and rest in the glorious embrace of God’s presence.
5. Relief for the Weary:
   • Respond to His call, “Come to me, all who are weary,” and discover the restorative rest that only God can provide.
6. Release and Step Into the New:
   • Let go of burdens that weigh you down, stepping boldly into the “New Thing” that God has prepared for you.

As you breathe in the peace surpassing all our understanding, rest assured in His love that holds your weary soul. In His presence, fear dissipates, and strength for the journey ahead is found. Trust in His promises, and let the refreshing waters of His presence renew your spirit today. 

Action:

Connect with us for more uplifting devotionals and insights into experiencing God’s joy and renewal in your life. If you need prayer simply click here and let us know how we can pray for you.

Work out your Salvation

Philippians 2:12-16

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Here, Paul is encouraging the church in Philippi, ‘you have always done well to obey the word of God, not only when I am there watching and correcting you, but even when I am gone. “great job kids! You’re doing great! I’m so proud of you”

Work out your salvation

“work out your salvation: they were not being called upon to produce for themselves salvation, but instead to develop and cultivate their God-given salvation. Keep it, protect it, nurture it, produce and keep an environment for it to grow and become fruitful. To work to bring it to completion or fruition.
We do this by actively pursuing obedience in the process of sanctification. Pressing on toward to goal of Christlikeness.

With fear and trembling

All Glory to God

Let’s Pray

Searching the Scriptures to Obey them

  James 1:25But He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this one, will be blessed in what he does.

Thank You Holy Spirit for your words of wisdom, correction, and encouragement. Help us to have ears to hear your words to us today. Amen.

We should be:

Let’s pray