Luke 21:25-36
“People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Be alert at all times, praying”
Luke 21:26-28,36 a Happy New Year! The church marks the new year with the start of Advent. Advent is the season set aside to reflect on the coming of the promised Messiah, the savior of the world. Our first reading for the season starts us near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We join Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and hear him speak of signs and people’s reaction as new creation begins.
This warning may not be the lights, signs, and prophecy you expect to kick off your Advent and Christmas meditations. But I think that is exactly what Jesus’ ministry is all about. Jesus is the Messiah and when the Messiah does his work, nothing will be as it was. The only steadfastness in the tumult of new creation is God’s steadfast love, grace, and mercy. This is the love, grace, and mercy we sign about in our favorite Christmas hymns.
Jesus is the living embodiment of steadfast love, grace, and mercy. It is why we love the signs of Christmas coming and can’t wait to put out our managers and trees and candles- all the signs of Christmas.
Reflection- What is your favorite sign of Christmas coming and Why? Prayer- Holy God, when we want to run and hide in fear or are crumpled in a heap from anxiety, remind us of your steadfast love, grace, and mercy. Remind us of Jesus and give us the strength to stand and to raise our heads and to lift our hands in praise and prayer to you. Come, Lord Jesus, thank you for drawing near! Amen!
“People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Be alert at all times, praying”
Luke 21:26-28,36 a Happy New Year! The church marks the new year with the start of Advent. Advent is the season set aside to reflect on the coming of the promised Messiah, the savior of the world. Our first reading for the season starts us near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We join Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and hear him speak of signs and people’s reaction as new creation begins.
This warning may not be the lights, signs, and prophecy you expect to kick off your Advent and Christmas meditations. But I think that is exactly what Jesus’ ministry is all about. Jesus is the Messiah and when the Messiah does his work, nothing will be as it was. The only steadfastness in the tumult of new creation is God’s steadfast love, grace, and mercy. This is the love, grace, and mercy we sign about in our favorite Christmas hymns.
Jesus is the living embodiment of steadfast love, grace, and mercy. It is why we love the signs of Christmas coming and can’t wait to put out our managers and trees and candles- all the signs of Christmas.
Reflection- What is your favorite sign of Christmas coming and Why? Prayer- Holy God, when we want to run and hide in fear or are crumpled in a heap from anxiety, remind us of your steadfast love, grace, and mercy. Remind us of Jesus and give us the strength to stand and to raise our heads and to lift our hands in praise and prayer to you. Come, Lord Jesus, thank you for drawing near! Amen!
Rachel Sosebee
Sunday, December 1st
Numbers 17:1-11
17 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name of each man on his staff."
Division. Derision. Politics. It's human nature. The Israelites were prone to it too.
Sure, Moses had delivered them from Egypt. But not everyone was pleased with the progress the leadership had made. They weren't listening to Moses. They had divided and were fighting with each other for the top spot.
So the Lord stepped in. He had quite enough of the people not listening to Moses, and the Lord himself. He had Moses have all the leaders throw their lot, or staff, into the circle and the Lord would end this squabbling once and for all. 12 staffs. 12 chiefs of 12 tribes. One was selected to be the one chief. To put an end to these power plays and politics. Select one leader who the people will follow. One voice to lead them. One person to make sure they listen. "And thus did Aaron's staff blossom"
The Lord made his pick in a powerful and miraculous way. Remember, a staff was just a sturdy piece of wood, an elaborate walking stick. A symbol of leadership and rank. And Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, had been the most powerful job of all, with a staff that not only had buds, but blossoms and fruit! Aaron, and the sons of Levi go on to be the priests, leaders, and important figures in the storyline of Israel.
Nice history lesson. But this was not a onetime thing for God. He kept it up, and keeps picking leaders in the church today. People from all walks of life hear the call, and step up to be leaders in our churches. Some, as Pastors, some as Deacons. Others as group leaders, readers, teachers, Choir members, or just regular folks that are always there to help, or greet a new member with a smile.
We all have that staff, that blossom filled, full of life and energy that we carry with us every day. It's called faith. Makes you a leader. Just like Aaron.
"Lord, let me wield the flowering staff of your choice in me as a member of the church with wisdom, clarity and strength. Let me be the leader that people see all people of faith as, amen"
17 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name of each man on his staff."
Division. Derision. Politics. It's human nature. The Israelites were prone to it too.
Sure, Moses had delivered them from Egypt. But not everyone was pleased with the progress the leadership had made. They weren't listening to Moses. They had divided and were fighting with each other for the top spot.
So the Lord stepped in. He had quite enough of the people not listening to Moses, and the Lord himself. He had Moses have all the leaders throw their lot, or staff, into the circle and the Lord would end this squabbling once and for all. 12 staffs. 12 chiefs of 12 tribes. One was selected to be the one chief. To put an end to these power plays and politics. Select one leader who the people will follow. One voice to lead them. One person to make sure they listen. "And thus did Aaron's staff blossom"
The Lord made his pick in a powerful and miraculous way. Remember, a staff was just a sturdy piece of wood, an elaborate walking stick. A symbol of leadership and rank. And Aaron, from the tribe of Levi, had been the most powerful job of all, with a staff that not only had buds, but blossoms and fruit! Aaron, and the sons of Levi go on to be the priests, leaders, and important figures in the storyline of Israel.
Nice history lesson. But this was not a onetime thing for God. He kept it up, and keeps picking leaders in the church today. People from all walks of life hear the call, and step up to be leaders in our churches. Some, as Pastors, some as Deacons. Others as group leaders, readers, teachers, Choir members, or just regular folks that are always there to help, or greet a new member with a smile.
We all have that staff, that blossom filled, full of life and energy that we carry with us every day. It's called faith. Makes you a leader. Just like Aaron.
"Lord, let me wield the flowering staff of your choice in me as a member of the church with wisdom, clarity and strength. Let me be the leader that people see all people of faith as, amen"
Stuart Forsyth
Monday, December 2nd
Revelation 22:12-16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, [a] so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral[b] and murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
A quote from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol." “Jacob!” he said imploringly. “Old Jacob Marley, tell me more! Speak comfort to me, Jacob!” “I have none to give,” the Ghost replied. “It comes from other regions, Ebenezer Scrooge, and is conveyed by other ministers, to other kinds of men.
Trying to write a devotional on this passage from Revelation makes me empathize with Jacob Marley. What is there in that passage that someone like me could point out to give comfort to someone like you? I doubt it is comforting to say “You better wash your robes, or your reward will be to be left outside with the dogs and sorcerers and the other unsavories” to people who have dirty robes and lack any means to wash them.
Luckily, this is not the only passage in the Bible. A whole bunch of other passages preceded this one that tell us we aren’t being tasked with the washing of our own robes. We only need to run to Jesus, who will take care of the laundry for us. Then wearing our newly cleansed robes, which we had no hand in cleaning, we can turn our attention to doing whatever work we hope might be more suitable to a good reward.
Do not be afraid!
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, [a] so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral[b] and murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.16 “It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
A quote from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol." “Jacob!” he said imploringly. “Old Jacob Marley, tell me more! Speak comfort to me, Jacob!” “I have none to give,” the Ghost replied. “It comes from other regions, Ebenezer Scrooge, and is conveyed by other ministers, to other kinds of men.
Trying to write a devotional on this passage from Revelation makes me empathize with Jacob Marley. What is there in that passage that someone like me could point out to give comfort to someone like you? I doubt it is comforting to say “You better wash your robes, or your reward will be to be left outside with the dogs and sorcerers and the other unsavories” to people who have dirty robes and lack any means to wash them.
Luckily, this is not the only passage in the Bible. A whole bunch of other passages preceded this one that tell us we aren’t being tasked with the washing of our own robes. We only need to run to Jesus, who will take care of the laundry for us. Then wearing our newly cleansed robes, which we had no hand in cleaning, we can turn our attention to doing whatever work we hope might be more suitable to a good reward.
Do not be afraid!
John Kinney
Tuesday, December 3rd
Psalm 90
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rests on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
One secular definition of advent is - “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” Of course, Christians see Advent as referring to Jesus’s coming.
But Little “A” advents come all the time. Every day with the advent of a new morning. The advent of the start of a new week or month or season. It can be easy to get into a cycle whereby we take all these advents for granted.
But Moses reminds us, earthly life is short and precious.
He also says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” But, on those grey, gloomy mornings don’t we sometimes wake up and say, in effect, “sheesh God, is this it today”? Or do we indeed wake up and know that each day is a gift?
Is our attitude, “dang, it’s cold outside, I don’t want to take the dog out for a walk today”? Or is our attitude, “Thank you Father for my beautiful puppy, my warm jacket and my comfortable home”?
Without question, I have been in “glass half empty” ruts in my life but I’m really glad that my immediate family, my Zion family and my close friends usually don’t let me stay there long. Thanks to all who tweak my ear once in a while to remind me that my glass isn’t in need of a refill, but rather it’s overflowing every day. Seeing anything besides a daily dose of great Grace is a poor choice on my part.
Gracious Father, I want to thank You today and every day for Your gifts in my life. Thank You for the giving me reason for singing and for the joy you constantly provide.
A prayer of Moses the man of God.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
3 You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.”
4 A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.
5 Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning:
6 In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered.
7 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation.
8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
9 All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan.
10 Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants.
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
16 May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
17 May the favor of the Lord our God rests on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
One secular definition of advent is - “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” Of course, Christians see Advent as referring to Jesus’s coming.
But Little “A” advents come all the time. Every day with the advent of a new morning. The advent of the start of a new week or month or season. It can be easy to get into a cycle whereby we take all these advents for granted.
But Moses reminds us, earthly life is short and precious.
He also says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” But, on those grey, gloomy mornings don’t we sometimes wake up and say, in effect, “sheesh God, is this it today”? Or do we indeed wake up and know that each day is a gift?
Is our attitude, “dang, it’s cold outside, I don’t want to take the dog out for a walk today”? Or is our attitude, “Thank you Father for my beautiful puppy, my warm jacket and my comfortable home”?
Without question, I have been in “glass half empty” ruts in my life but I’m really glad that my immediate family, my Zion family and my close friends usually don’t let me stay there long. Thanks to all who tweak my ear once in a while to remind me that my glass isn’t in need of a refill, but rather it’s overflowing every day. Seeing anything besides a daily dose of great Grace is a poor choice on my part.
Gracious Father, I want to thank You today and every day for Your gifts in my life. Thank You for the giving me reason for singing and for the joy you constantly provide.
Jeff Aichinger
Wednesday, December 4th
Reflection on Malachi 3:5-12
In this passage, God speaks through the prophet Malachi to call His people to repentance and renewed faithfulness. The Lord warns against sin—against sorcery, adultery, false witnessing, oppression, and withholding justice. He reminds His people that He is unchanging, preserving His covenant mercy despite their waywardness.
At the heart of the passage is God’s challenge to “return to Me, and I will return to you” (v. 7). The people question how they should return, and God points to their failure in tithing, highlighting their lack of trust and obedience. This unfaithfulness has brought a curse on the land. Yet, God’s call is not one of condemnation but of grace: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put Me to the test” (v. 10). Here, God invites His people to experience His abundant blessings through faithful stewardship.
This passage reminds us that all we have comes from the Lord. Our offerings are not merely financial transactions but acts of worship, trust, and thanksgiving. When we give, we acknowledge God as the provider of all things and declare our dependence on Him. This text also challenges us to consider where we might be holding back from God—whether in our resources, time, or obedience—and to return to Him with our whole hearts.
The Lord’s promise is remarkable: if we respond faithfully, He will “open the windows of heaven” and pour out blessings beyond measure. These blessings may not always be material but will reflect the richness of life in His kingdom—peace, joy, and spiritual fruitfulness.
Malachi’s words ultimately point us to Jesus, who gave Himself fully for us, bearing the curse of sin so that we might receive the blessing of eternal life. Trusting in Christ, we are free to live generously and joyfully, knowing that God’s faithfulness never fails.
Prayer
Gracious and unchanging God, We praise You for Your mercy and steadfast love. Though we have often strayed from you, you call us to return and promise to bless us abundantly. Forgive us for the ways we have withheld from You—our trust, our obedience, and our worship. Help us to give freely, knowing that all we have comes from Your hand. Teach us to trust in Your promises, and shape our hearts to reflect Your generosity.
Thank You for sending Jesus, who gave His life for us, that we might live as Your redeemed people. By Your Spirit, help us walk in faithfulness and share Your blessings with others, to the glory of Your name. Open the windows of heaven, Lord, and pour out Your grace upon us, that we may be a blessing in Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
In this passage, God speaks through the prophet Malachi to call His people to repentance and renewed faithfulness. The Lord warns against sin—against sorcery, adultery, false witnessing, oppression, and withholding justice. He reminds His people that He is unchanging, preserving His covenant mercy despite their waywardness.
At the heart of the passage is God’s challenge to “return to Me, and I will return to you” (v. 7). The people question how they should return, and God points to their failure in tithing, highlighting their lack of trust and obedience. This unfaithfulness has brought a curse on the land. Yet, God’s call is not one of condemnation but of grace: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put Me to the test” (v. 10). Here, God invites His people to experience His abundant blessings through faithful stewardship.
This passage reminds us that all we have comes from the Lord. Our offerings are not merely financial transactions but acts of worship, trust, and thanksgiving. When we give, we acknowledge God as the provider of all things and declare our dependence on Him. This text also challenges us to consider where we might be holding back from God—whether in our resources, time, or obedience—and to return to Him with our whole hearts.
The Lord’s promise is remarkable: if we respond faithfully, He will “open the windows of heaven” and pour out blessings beyond measure. These blessings may not always be material but will reflect the richness of life in His kingdom—peace, joy, and spiritual fruitfulness.
Malachi’s words ultimately point us to Jesus, who gave Himself fully for us, bearing the curse of sin so that we might receive the blessing of eternal life. Trusting in Christ, we are free to live generously and joyfully, knowing that God’s faithfulness never fails.
Prayer
Gracious and unchanging God, We praise You for Your mercy and steadfast love. Though we have often strayed from you, you call us to return and promise to bless us abundantly. Forgive us for the ways we have withheld from You—our trust, our obedience, and our worship. Help us to give freely, knowing that all we have comes from Your hand. Teach us to trust in Your promises, and shape our hearts to reflect Your generosity.
Thank You for sending Jesus, who gave His life for us, that we might live as Your redeemed people. By Your Spirit, help us walk in faithfulness and share Your blessings with others, to the glory of Your name. Open the windows of heaven, Lord, and pour out Your grace upon us, that we may be a blessing in Your kingdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Anonymous
Thursday, December 5th
Philippians 1: 12 - 26
When I feel trapped, I have not taken the opportunity to speak about Christ to those that trapped me. I instead ask "Why me? What am I going to do to take care of me?"
Paul was not thinking of himself. Even while under house arrest Paul preached, he wrote letters, he continued to spread the gospel, the very thing he was under house arrest for.
How often do we use adversity to proclaim God's love, to tell others about Christ?
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." We have a purpose -- to live a life that shows those around us we are blessed by the grace of God. Like Paul, we should take each opportunity, whether good or bad, to proclaim the good news.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace you have shown me. Help me to reach out to others to proclaim the good news. Amen
When I feel trapped, I have not taken the opportunity to speak about Christ to those that trapped me. I instead ask "Why me? What am I going to do to take care of me?"
Paul was not thinking of himself. Even while under house arrest Paul preached, he wrote letters, he continued to spread the gospel, the very thing he was under house arrest for.
How often do we use adversity to proclaim God's love, to tell others about Christ?
"That which does not kill us makes us stronger." We have a purpose -- to live a life that shows those around us we are blessed by the grace of God. Like Paul, we should take each opportunity, whether good or bad, to proclaim the good news.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the grace you have shown me. Help me to reach out to others to proclaim the good news. Amen
Cindy Draper
Friday, December 6th
Luke 1:68-79
Zechariah’s Prophecy
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were without children and getting on in years. One day, God sent the angel Gabriel to Zechariah and told him that Elizabeth would bear a son and they would name him John. Zechariah questioned how this could happen, and because of this disbelief, he became mute and was unable to speak. After Elizabeth gave birth, the people expected the baby’s name to be Zechariah, after his father. Elizabeth said, no, that his name would be John. So, the people asked Zechariah what he wanted the baby to be named. Zechariah motioned for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John”. Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was opened and he began to speak, praising God. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy as recorded in Luke.
Zechariah’s Prophecy always reminds me of Godspell and the singing of “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” which becomes the cry of John the Baptist.
“Prepare the way of the Lord” is our anthem as we enter the Season of Advent. We strive to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day. As much as this is a hectic time, it’s also a time of great joy. Will we be ready in less than three weeks when the Birth of Jesus is recited in Luke 2 Zechariah’s Prophecy is a wakeup call to get our priorities straight, prepare our hearts and minds, and to spread light and peace to those around us.
Zechariah’s Prophecy
Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were without children and getting on in years. One day, God sent the angel Gabriel to Zechariah and told him that Elizabeth would bear a son and they would name him John. Zechariah questioned how this could happen, and because of this disbelief, he became mute and was unable to speak. After Elizabeth gave birth, the people expected the baby’s name to be Zechariah, after his father. Elizabeth said, no, that his name would be John. So, the people asked Zechariah what he wanted the baby to be named. Zechariah motioned for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John”. Immediately, Zechariah’s mouth was opened and he began to speak, praising God. Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy as recorded in Luke.
Zechariah’s Prophecy always reminds me of Godspell and the singing of “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” which becomes the cry of John the Baptist.
“Prepare the way of the Lord” is our anthem as we enter the Season of Advent. We strive to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day. As much as this is a hectic time, it’s also a time of great joy. Will we be ready in less than three weeks when the Birth of Jesus is recited in Luke 2 Zechariah’s Prophecy is a wakeup call to get our priorities straight, prepare our hearts and minds, and to spread light and peace to those around us.
Wendy O'Connor
Saturday December 7th
Luke 3:1-6
A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation. It's the voice of Isaiah, coming thru John the Baptist.
"The Lord is coming" We are saved! Things will be right! The time is at hand!
Not so fast folks. Nowhere in this message does it say God is going to do anything. All that work mentioned? Yeah...about that. It's all on us. If we want to see that promised salvation, We have to roll up our sleeves, put on our work boots and get to doing some serious work. We have straight paths to make out of our winding interpretations of the gospel. We have valleys of doubt to fill in. We have mountains of disbelief to level. And the rough paths of our own distrust and bias to make smooth. And that crooked way of our lives? Yeah, that's gotta go. God is handing us the instructions. He's leaving the grunt work to us. It's what my mother called "sweat equity" You want it? Work for it. It means so much more when you're done and stand back and can say, "I made this" And the reward? Everything. That salvation is at hand. Grab a shovel and get to it. It's gonna be worth it. Lord, I've got the tools, I've got the drive, I've got everything I need. You gave me the instructions You gave me the job To make myself ready. To pave the way for my own salvation I know it's hard work but I'm worth it. Your grace is the ultimate reward. Thank you, Lord, for letting me do this.
A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation. It's the voice of Isaiah, coming thru John the Baptist.
"The Lord is coming" We are saved! Things will be right! The time is at hand!
Not so fast folks. Nowhere in this message does it say God is going to do anything. All that work mentioned? Yeah...about that. It's all on us. If we want to see that promised salvation, We have to roll up our sleeves, put on our work boots and get to doing some serious work. We have straight paths to make out of our winding interpretations of the gospel. We have valleys of doubt to fill in. We have mountains of disbelief to level. And the rough paths of our own distrust and bias to make smooth. And that crooked way of our lives? Yeah, that's gotta go. God is handing us the instructions. He's leaving the grunt work to us. It's what my mother called "sweat equity" You want it? Work for it. It means so much more when you're done and stand back and can say, "I made this" And the reward? Everything. That salvation is at hand. Grab a shovel and get to it. It's gonna be worth it. Lord, I've got the tools, I've got the drive, I've got everything I need. You gave me the instructions You gave me the job To make myself ready. To pave the way for my own salvation I know it's hard work but I'm worth it. Your grace is the ultimate reward. Thank you, Lord, for letting me do this.
Stuart Forsyth
Sunday, December 8th