A Work in Progress….

Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant.”
I will admit that I often fall into the trap of the way things “ought to be.” It is easy to bemoan the state of my house, the frustrations of my job, the losses I’ve suffered because things “ought to be” different. But there is prodigious danger in the specter of what “ought to be,” most especially the danger of missing the beauty and grace of what is.
Luke 1:51b-53 …He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
Mary, an unwed, pregnant teen, could have easily bemoaned her circumstances. In the blink of an angel’s visit, her entire world of “ought to be” was shattered. But Mary doesn’t sulk and moan at the life she envisioned, now irrevocably altered. She rejoices and praises God, who “looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant.”
Matt 1:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the birth of Your Son, a gift utterly undeserved and deeply precious. Thank You for loving us, even at our worst, and for subverting our notions of what “ought to be” through the birth of Your Son, our Savior, to an unwed teenage mother, in a stable of all places, with announcement of the good news to lowly shepherds watching their flocks. Help us to see what “ought to be” through the lens of Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Draw us closer. Amen.
Isaiah 9:6 For into us a child is born, unto us a son is given….And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Have a blessed day.

Deut 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
This morning I am rejoicing in the approachable nature of our Savior. He doesn’t hide, reserving Himself for a select few. He patiently waits for us to seek Him, and when we earnestly seek Him, we find Him. He is infinite and multifaceted. His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:23), and His word is alive and active (Heb 4:12), so even if we have been studying Him and getting to know Him for years, there is always something new to discover.
2 Chron 15:4 But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.
It is true that times of trouble send me seeking Him with renewed focus, for He is always willing to fight for me (Exodus 14:14). It is true that times of sorrow and broken-heartedness cause me to hide in the shelter of His wings (Psalm 147:3, Psalm 91:4). But He isn’t only a Savior for those in distress. 
Jer 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your desire to be in relationship with Your people. Thank You for Your fierce love, Your unfathomable mercy, and Your unending grace. Thank You that we can find You, draw closer to You, when we earnestly seek You. Help us, daily, to seek You. Help us, daily, to spend time in Your word. Draw us closer. Amen.
Deut 4:31 For the LORD your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors….
Have a blessed day.

Heb 2:14a Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. 
In yesterday’s reading I stumbled upon an article entitled “What those who have recently lost someone wish you knew.” What struck me about the title was the word “recently.” My dad has been gone over nine years and my mom almost two, and I still miss them terribly. Christmas is no exception. But this scripture gives me renewed hope.
Heb 2:14b For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
This scripture is not a telling of the Christmas story, but it is a very important reminder to me that love was born that day in a manger. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Himself, in human form because He wanted to restore us to Himself once and for all. The Christmas miracle is that this tiny baby was born to willingly suffer and die for us, so that we could be eternally restored to Him. But this story doesn’t end in death. It ends in His resurrection, in His power over the grave, in His fierce, all-consuming love for us.
Heb 2:15 Only in this way could He set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, and for the love and hope that was born in a manger, born out of Your deep love for us, and Your desire for a restored relationship. Thank You for relationships that are so powerful that years later we still feel the ache of their absence. Perhaps that ache is a glimpse into Your heart when You think of Your children who are still separated from You? Thank You that death is not the end, that Your love wins, and that Your hope springs eternally. Draw us closer as we anticipate the coming of our Savior, Your Son. Amen.
Heb 2:18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested.
Have a blessed day.

1 Peter 4:19 If you suffer for obeying God, you must have complete faith in your faithful Creator and keep on doing right.
This morning, as I read commentary on this verse, there was talk of missionaries suffering for their Savior in foreign lands under harsh conditions, which is definitely applicable, but I feel like even those of us who are never called in that way can learn from this text. A line from John Piper’s commentary resonated deeply: “If we become embittered at life and the pain it deals us, we are not preparing to rejoice at the revelation of Christ’s glory.” 
Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters….
We don’t have to be foreign missionaries to understand the pain life deals us. If we are simply trying to follow God’s will for our lives, we are sure to run headlong into pain at some point—the loss of a loved one far too soon, the difficult transition to a new job or routine, the doubts and fears that come from physically relocating, the heartache of betrayal, anger, bitterness, and trying to let it go because it is not of Him nor from Him. Suffering happens as easily here as abroad, but I think the secret to finding His joy is two-fold: 1. Seeking, earnestly, His will for your life, and 2. Seeking to draw closer to Him and trust Him more deeply, no matter the situation.
1 Cor 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, and the knowledge that we can seek You and serve You anywhere. Thank You for wanting the best for us, for wanting us to grow and mature in our faith, in our relationship with You. When we face trials in this life, help us to seek You and to rejoice as we draw closer to You. No matter our circumstances, help us to seek You, always, with our whole hearts. Amen.
Jer 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Have a blessed day.

James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds….
This passage has always been a bit difficult for me because I often equate happiness with joy. Happiness is more earthly, temporary. Joy is more eternal and is rooted in my Savior. And while I still can’t honestly say I rejoice in suffering and trials, I absolutely understand that these difficult periods draw me closer to God in a way that easier seasons can’t.
James 1:3-4 …because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I have waded through wildernesses where the only thing that kept me going was my utter conviction that, even though I could not see or feel Him, I knew that my Savior was present and at work in the situation because of His promises to never leave me nor forsake me. 
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the reminder of Your steadfast love. Thank You for the conviction that You are with me, even in trying times, even when I can’t feel Your presence. In every situation, Lord, help me to cling to Your steadfast love. Give me wisdom and discernment, Lord, and help me tap into the joy that can only come from You. Draw me closer through every trial. Amen.
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory….
Have a blessed day.

Luke 1:18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”
I have mentioned before my deep connection to “why” questions. I seek to understand fully, which means exploring a situation fully. To me, it seems smart to find answers to pressing questions to be sure I am not led astray. But this scene with Zechariah gives me pause. 
Luke 1:20 “And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”
I don’t consider my quest for understanding to be a sign of doubt and unbelief. I consider the quest for answers to be more a course of due diligence, of making sure I understand. But is understanding the nature of faith? Or is faith more about saying, “Lord, I do not get this, but I trust You, I trust that You’ve got this, even if I don’t understand”?
Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the ability to believe in You, Your word, and Your promises even when I do not understand. I believe in You, Lord. Help my unbelief. Strengthen my faith. Draw me closer. Amen.
Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way….
Have a blessed day.

1 Samuel 17:37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” ….
I love David’s confidence in this verse. He has faced lions and bears while protecting sheep. He knows the LORD protected him during those encounters, and he has every confidence that the LORD will protect him from Goliath as well. David’s attitude is not cockiness. It is total confidence in God.
1 Samuel 17:38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail….
Saul’s clothing David in his, Saul’s, armor reminds me of my fears. “Yes, I trust God, but what about this and this and this? I’d better trust myself, too.” Thankfully, David quickly realizes it is unwise to go to battle in untested armor. Better to go with what works, with what’s tried and true, a pocket full of stones and an unshakable faith.
1 Samuel 17:39-40 …And he tried in vain to go for he had not tested them. So David took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five small stones…. His sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for Your presence in my life, and for fighting my battles. Help me remember that the fight is not mine, it is Yours. Arm me with an unshakable faith, even in the face of giants. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 17:46-47 “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand….for the battle is the LORD‘s….”
Have a blessed day.

1 Cor 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
One of the things I love about running is that I am competing against myself. I try to be a little faster, a little better with each race. Yes, there is one overall winner, but there are also category winners (for each gender and age category), and, ultimately, if I improve from one race to the next, I definitely consider it a win. I think there are lessons in this attitude for my faith “race” as well.
Phil 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Some runs, some races, are just bad. Sometimes my legs feel leaden, my breathing is labored, my celebration is in finishing the run and nothing else. Some days are like that, too. I get to the end and am just thankful I survived, I did it, and I can try again tomorrow. God is good like that. He wants me to keep pressing on toward Him. 
2 Tim 1:9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your saving grace, mercy, and love. Thank You for those days where I feel like my light is on point, like all those who see me can’t help but see You through me. And thank You for those days where just surviving is a victory. Help me to remember that it is always You holding me together. You are my light and my hope. Draw me closer. Amen.
Heb 12:2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith….
Have a blessed day.

Luke 3:8 Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor;’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Again today’s readings bring me back to the idea of bearing fruit. Again I see in my mind’s eye the image of the two vibrant fuchsia buds from my Christmas cactus lying futilely on the dark countertop, their promise destroyed. When I read this scripture today, it put me in mind of folks who revel in their glory days instead of continuing to do great things. Like the memories of riotous blooms in the past, which do nothing to revive the fallen buds, sometimes it is easy to slip into habits of memory instead of action. 
Luke 3:10-11 And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.”
Here is the pressing lesson that I take from today’s musings—I must, every day, seek to glorify my Lord and Savior. I can’t rest on my laurels—yesterday, last week, last year, I did this great thing for God. Each morning, my thought should be, “What can I do today, right now, to glorify my Lord and to shine His light, to comfort His people?”
Luke 3:15 The people were waiting expectantly and were wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for revealing Yourself as the Messiah. Thank You for this season of expectant waiting and for the reminder that every day I need to seek to glorify You, to shine Your light. Help me, never, to underestimate the power of Your light within me. Help me, always, to draw closer to You. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Have a blessed day.

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last….
I have a Christmas cactus in the back of my classroom. Most of the time, it is extraordinarily plain to look at, but at this time of year, it is breathtaking. Bright fuchsia buds are abundant. I moved the plant to a very prominent place just so I could enjoy the riotous blooms. But when I walked in yesterday morning, two of the buds lay futilely on the counter, their promise never to be fulfilled.
John 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in Him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing,
I’ve been reading about being fruitful the past several days during my devotional time, and those beautiful buds, now utterly without promise, put me in mind of those passages. When we remain connected to Christ, rooted in Him, our promise, our potential, can become a reality. We can bloom—in Him, through Him, because of Him. But if we lose our anchor in Him, we become like those buds—futile, potential that can never come to fruition.
Matt 13:21 But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for the scripture You have placed in my path, for these lessons on promise, fruitfulness, and futility. Help me, daily, to root myself deeply in Your word, Your truth, Your love. Help me to bear Your fruit in my life. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
Have a blessed day.