Children First

In our family, children always come first. It was like that when my sisters and I were growing up and it continues with our children. My Granddaddy (Mom’s dad) grew up in a time when children ate last, after all the adults had finished eating. He always thought that was wrong because he never got the good pieces of chicken, mostly he got the neck. So, when we were growing up, he made sure his grandchildren ate first. I can remember many times eating at the table with only him, my sisters, and my cousins. If there was room, some of the adults could eat with us but we always got the best pieces of chicken.

Those “rules” continue today as our family increases. When we are all together sharing a meal, our children eat first. Someone helps each of the little ones fix their plate, makes sure they have something to drink, and finds them a seat at the table. They are the most important members of our family; they are the JOY in our lives.

We are very fortunate to have so many children in our family. We have three teenagers and eleven under the age of eleven. Of those fourteen, three are boys and the other eleven are girls. Our parents would be filled with joy at the love and laughter that abounds at family gatherings. It is sometimes chaos, but always fun.

A few weeks ago in church, I looked down our row and little hands were singing and doing the motions to “Yes, Lord.”  They were full of joy and our row was full of proud parents and grandparents. I am thankful they are surrounded by a church family that puts children first, just as my Granddaddy did when I was young.

Dear Lord, thank you for the joy you bring to us through our children. Help us to keep them first in our hearts and prayers and never forget the joy you brought to earth on the day that Christ was born. Yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes yes, Lord.  Amen

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. …”

Luke 10:21 (NIV)

Dianna Smith

Gifts of the Nativity: Preparation

Read Luke 1:5-17

What are the names of the two primary characters in this prelude to the Nativity story?

What gift was given to them?

What was the purpose of the gift given them?

Zechariah and Elizabeth are not found in a traditional Nativity scene, but they are primary in the preparation of the people to receive Jesus. Their son, John the Baptizer, made the way for hearts to be prepared for Jesus.

Who prepared the way for you to receive the gift of Jesus’s grace and salvation?

Give thanks for them today and consider how you might prepare the way for others to receive Him too.

Christmas Day: Jesus's Birthday

When we think of birthdays, we think of balloons, presents and cake surrounded by loved ones singing to us and telling us to “Make a Wish.”  

I wonder if Jesus ever had a birthday party? Did he have a cake? Did he get any presents? Did someone hug Him and tell Him they were glad He was in their life on His special day?  

If you could, if it were in the realm of a real, tangible, viable possibility, what would you give Jesus for a birthday gift?

Jesus gives me my whole life over again every single morning and he prayerfully tucks me in each evening. Any gift I could give Him would be woefully inadequate and yet He is pleased with even the least that I feel I have to offer. Even though I can’t give it to Him, I would like to make Him a card and write Him a letter to let Him know what He has meant to me. If it comes from my heart, He will be happy. I also believe that the gifts I can give Him manifest themselves in kindness to others, hugs to grandchildren, sitting still with those that are lost, rejoicing with those that are found, and praying for our nation.

Each day I ask Him to walk with me. And He does. Each day I ask him to help me understand. And he does. Do I wait for Jesus to return? Every day.  

If I could, I would give Jesus a hug, a homemade card and a handwritten letter to tell Him how glad I am He is my life. I am writing my letter to Him today. I hope you will too.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.  

Shirley Grote

Advent: First Sunday

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. Up through Christmas we will celebrate Advent with a series of devotionals focusing on Jesus's birth day. Events surrounding His birth, gifts He's given and gifts we give Him.

Sundays you will find a Nativity Reading taken from Scripture, which tell us of His birth from both the apostles and the prophets.

Monday through Friday devotionals will be written by members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church - Jacksonville.

Saturdays you will find a gift to give Jesus through prayer.

May you be blessed this season by His Word and the testimonies of those you worship with.

---Grow Team

First Sunday Nativity Reading: Luke 1:5-38

Don't read His Word without letting it have its effect on you. 

Consider what He's saying and how you will respond.

Grab a journal and a pen, or a sheet of paper and some colored pencils. Record your thoughts, insights, and inspirations regarding Jesus’s birth day using words and/or drawings.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 22:6-21
[It's the final reading of the New Testament. Maybe you should open your Bible today.]

And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. ..."

He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon."

Revelation 22:6, 20

If you're holding your Bible, feel its weight. Run your hand across the words on the page. What you're holding is trustworthy and true. It is to be handled with care. Not added to. Not detracted from. We need to tend to His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit, letting Him tend to our soul through Scripture.

His Word prepares us for His coming. And it is something we need to prepare for. 

"Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me,

to repay each one for what he has done. ...
Revelation 22:12

Grow Team hopes our journey through the Gospels and beyond has whetted your appetite for the Word. We pray you will keep seeking Him in it, with a heart prepared to obey. And as our Word says today: Worship God.

If you have completed the reading of the New Testament for the first time by following along since the 170 Challenge through the Gospels, we'd love to know. Use the Comment box below. [If you don't see it, click the post title and scroll to the bottom, the same is true if you're receiving it email. Clicking the title links to the blog.]

Even though we've finished the New Testament, you'll still be hearing from us.

Advent starts Sunday and so does the Advent Devotional.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5
[Click the reference above to read online.]

No longer will there be anything accursed...

Revelation 22:1-5

Do you see it?

He will bring us full circle.

No longer will anything be cursed.

What we broke will be fixed.

What we were ban from will be restored.

The tree of life will once again be available for us to eat from. The long night will be over. Once again we will be fully in God's presence. 

Amen.

What does His Word reveal to you about His character by bringing us from Genesis to Revelation?

Father God, Your grace and faithfulness is unbelievable.

What we broke You will restore. The price we couldn't pay, You did.

Holy is Your name. Awesome is Your character. Steadfast is Your love.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 21:9-27
[Open the Word today with your Bible or the link above.]

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain,

and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,

having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel...

Revelation 21:10-11

The new Jerusalem, the future home of the Bride, the wife of the Lamb. 

Its gates, the ways to enter in, are ascribed to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Its foundation, the strength and stability, found in the twelve apostles of Jesus.

God chose Abraham, and through him made the way for the twelve tribes of Israel to usher Jesus into the world as a blessing for all peoples.

Now the Lord said to Abram, "... I will bless those who bless you,

and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families

of the earth shall be blessed."

Genesis 12:1, 3 ESV

God's covenant with Abraham makes the way for us to enter His Kingdom, not as blood relatives, but as sons of faith. For it is Abraham's faith, which credited him with righteousness. The covenant holds true for us: By faith we are saved. 

The Twelve apostles represent the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. By His sacrifice and blood, His death and resurrection, the faithful are able to stand secure in God's Kingdom, without fear of condemnation.

The Old Testament and New. The prophets and apostles. Without both we cannot enter His presence. Still today, there are lessons to be learned, truths to be gleaned as we wait for the coming of His Kingdom.

Lord, move my heart to be in Your Word,

to see it as the entrance into faith,

and the secure footing I have in You.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Verses: Revelation 21:1-8
[Click the reference above to read online.]

And he who was seated on the throne said,

"Behold, I am making all things new."

Revelation 21:5 ESV

Jesus, the One on the throne, tells us to Behold! Look around you! I am making all things new...

Do you see it?

Can you even comprehend it?

He's taking tears... sorrows... injustice... oppression... affliction... evil... disease... horrors... atrocities... and making them new.

There is a new heaven and new earth on its way.

All this we live in now has come, simply to pass away, make the way for new.

But Believers, those who know Him, those who thirst for Him and His righteousness, can live in the old, broken, tainted, corrupt, as if it were already new.

A few years ago, the biblical phrase: And it came to pass... came to mean something new to me, besides the fulfillment of or the arrival of a certain time.

Pass also means continuing on, as in pass by. For me, when a difficult time or trial, an illness or injustice comes along, I say: And it came to pass... meaning, in His sovereignty it will come, it will go, and it will do its work of making all things new.

This first heaven and first earth have come to pass in order for us to be ready for the coming Kingdom which will never pass away.

Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are

trustworthy and true."

Revelation 21:5

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see the work You are doing now

in the process of making all things new. Keep me focused on

 Your coming Kingdom. Remind me all this around me now

has simply come to pass.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 20
[Read the passage in your Bible or online at BibleGateway.com.]

A first resurrection.
A second death.
A temporary reprieve from evil.
A final judgment.

What does it mean?

When I consider prophetic words, I always remind myself of the prophecies of Jesus and how those interpreted it during His first coming. Most missed Him. Those who thought they knew exactly what to look for, were the ones who killed Him. His closest disciples didn't even get what was happening until after it was all said and done. Then He had to explain it to them.

I think it's a mistake to take prophecy and try to figure out what it all means. What it will look like when it happens. But what we can learn from prophecy, what we can glean from prophetic writings with accuracy, is God's character. What does He reveal about Himself in the words and things to come?

• He has complete power over the devil.
• He has a special place for those who overcome the world, give their lives for His Word, and resist the beast.
• He has power to resurrect the dead.
• He has the authority and power to judge every person whoever lived. He judges each justly.
• He is the Author of Life.

What have you learned about His character through the reading of Revelation?
How has it affected your faith?

Lord, let me see who You are in Your Word.

Grow my faith by what You reveal.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Reading: Revelation 19:11-21
[Open your Bible or open the Word online by clicking the reference above.]

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse!

The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True,

and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Revelation 19:11

The Hero comes riding in on a white horse!

I wonder if this is the origin of heroes riding in on white horses to save the day. Our Hero, Jesus, is invincible. His Day is coming to set all things right! He is King of kings and Lord of lords. And like many heroes, He has a secret identity only He knows.

What is most revealing about His power and the name He is known by?

He is The Word Of God. The same Word who came as a Babe, incognito, into a world of darkness. He came quietly into enemy territory. The first time He came to seek and save the lost. Next time, He comes in full force. The full weight and fire of the Word will have its way. The Word both saves and judges.

We have the Word of God available to us today. What came in the flesh we have in written form, on paper and digitally. Through Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the Word which judges, saves, and comes to our rescue. It's far better to be judged by His Word now, while there is still time to repent, then on the Day He comes riding in on His white horse.

What weight does His Word have in your life today?
Do you think you should give it greater attention? before He comes riding in the final time? on the final Day?

Jesus, You are The Word of God. You came to make the Way for salvation.

You came to seek and save the lost. But the Day is coming where God's Word

will come with its full wrath for those who continually reject and neglect His Word.

Stir my heart for Your Word. May I know its saving power now, in my daily life.

Power to save others and me.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Verses: Revelation 19:1-10
[Open up the Word, in your Bible, or online by clicking the reference above.]

"...Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,

for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his Bride has made herself ready;

it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"---

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

Revelation 19:7-8

Weddings. Most of us have been involved in a few. Brides ourselves or grooms. Mothers of the bride, fathers of the bride. Best men. Maids of honor. Groomsmen and bridesmaids.

Most put a lot of preparation into this once in a lifetime event. Here we have the marriage of the Lamb, Jesus, to His Bride, the Church. This too a once in a lifetime event. The fulfillment of all His promises.

In preparing for their marriage, brides take a lot of time and energy to find the right dress. The cut and fabric must be perfect. Accessories are carefully chosen: shoes, veil, headpiece, jewelry, flowers. So much goes into the attire of the bride. 

Here, at the marriage of the Lamb, we see the Bride, like all brides, is granted the privilege of making herself ready for the special Day. She can clothe herself in fine linen, bright pure linen, which is the righteous deeds of the saints.

I've always thought the wedding imagery might make it difficult for men to embrace the idea of being Christ's Bride, but remembering the Church universal is His Bride should help. And our pursuit of righteousness, not vanity, should capture men's hearts in preparing for this great Day.

So saints, how much time and energy are you putting into preparing for this Day. The once in a lifetime marriage of the Church to our Savior?

Consider the wedding preparations you've been involved in before... and now translate those to your spiritual life... 

Where does the work of righteousness need to be tended to in your life?

How can you be part of preparing the Bride for her special day?

Lord, help me to put more energy into preparing

for Your marriage to the Church. I want to contribute

to the deeds of righteousness, making her pure and bright.

I make myself available for Your use until the coming Day.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 18:14-24
[Click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

"The fruit for which your soul longed has gone from you,

and all your delicacies and your splendors are lost to you,

never to be found again!"

Revelation 18:14

Those whose hearts are tied up in the wealth of the world will find themselves at great loss on the coming Day. Fine clothes, gold and jewels, all wealth will go up in smoke in a single hour. A lifetime of pursuit and longing, lost in sixty minutes.

It makes me wonder about storing up treasure and His Word comes to mind:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust

destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves

treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where

thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is,

there your hearts will be also. ..." ---Jesus

Matthew 6:19-21 ESV

There is a treasure we can pursue with all our hearts, which will never be lost, never be destroyed, never found lacking. His Kingdom. His heart. His Way.

What do you treasure? and where are you storing it up?

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul

he fills with good things.

Psalm 107:8-9 ESV

Father God, redirect the longing of my heart toward You,

Your Kingdom, Your Love, and Your Way.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 18:1-13
[Open the Word today, in your Bible or click above to open it on the web.]

"Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins..."

Revelation 18:4

The fall of Babylon will be great. And those who take part in her sin -- kings and merchants -- will be filled with grief at the sight of her destruction.

I can't help but notice the primary cause of Babylon's destruction, her primary sin, is sexual immorality. Especially in our culture today, where people are divided over whether or not there is such a thing as sexual immorality. The church dividing over the legitimacy or immorality of same sex relations and unions. The general acceptance of couples living out of wedlock. This used to be called the sin of fornication. The disposable nature of marriage. It boggles my mind as one who believes His Word.

And reading His Word to us today, I wonder if we should begin to take a look at just what constitutes sexual immorality. Who does truly get to define right and wrong? moral and immoral?

Then the question comes to mind: When the call comes for His people to come out of Babylon, will they hear it? Or will Babylon's deception cause them to miss it? If there is no fear of sexual immorality, will it mean anything when He calls: Come out of her, My people, lest you take part in her sins? Will some of us think: Sin? What sin?

Sexual immorality. According to Him who established the world says there is such a thing. Maybe we would be wise to consider the question. Bring it to Him. And let Him define sin.

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.

Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

The King in his might loves justice.

You have established equity; you have executed justice

and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God;

worship at his footstool! Holy is he!

Psalm 99:1-5 ESV

Father God I praise You as holy! The One who defines righteousness.

Let me not be deceived by the ways of the world. Open my heart to Your truth.

I do not want to miss Your call.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 17
[Click above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them,

for he is Lord of lords and King of kings...

Revelation 17:14

Power, sex, corruption. It's rampant among the leaders of the world. Sometimes it seems like no one is in charge and justice, integrity, honor, and peace are long gone.

But that's just not true. There is One on the throne, who will make His Way known, and when He does, woe to those who have been deceived by power, sex, and corruption.

The beast on which the world's powers sit will go to destruction. 

The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise

from the bottomless pit and go to destruction.

Revelation 17:8

He will be conquered by the One who was, and is, and is to come!

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

who was and is and is to come!"

Revelation 4:8 ESV

Lord God Almighty, continue to remind me You are on the throne.

No matter what corruption I see in national leadership, at home

or abroad, keep my eyes on You. The One who was, and is, and is to come.

Let me not be deceived by the one who is not, and is about to go to destruction.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 16:17-21
[Open up His Word today. Click above or flip open your Bible.]

The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice

came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 

And there were flashes of lighting, rumblings, peals of thunder,

and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on earth,

so great was that earthquake.

Revelation 16:17-18

Great will be the fall of Babylon.

Babylon. The kingdom used by God to punish His people for their rebellion. The country to which they were exiled. Separated from their promised land. Separated from the presence of God.

Babylon. The picture of all things esteemed and pursued by man. Void of God.

"...For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. ..."

Luke 16:15 ESV

Babylon. A place built solely on the ways of man.

A song came to mind as I read today's words...

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand;

All other ground is sinking sand.

                                       ---Edward Mote, 1797-1874

Building our lives on the things of this world will end in ruin.

The time is coming. Each day brings us closer to His return.

Where do you stand?

Lord Jesus, show me the places in my life where I am 

building on the things of the world. I want to begin today

moving the sole foundation of my life to the only

Sure Foundation. You.

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Verses: Revelation 16:1-16
[Open up the Word today, click above or flip open your Bible.]

"Yes, Lord God the Almighty,

true and just are your judgments!"

Revelation 6:7

God's wrath poured out in seven plagues.
Just judgments, on hard hearts, who will never turn to God.

One thing we can fully trust are His judgments. He alone sees the hearts of man and fully understands the intention behind every word and deed. He is coming like a thief, which seems unjust. No final warning bell. No time to get it right. But in a way, His wrath poured out, these plagues, are a warning. Even though those living in the world will not repent, but curse God instead, it implies there will be time to turn. If they choose.

Yes. His judgments are always just. Always right. Always true.
Those who know Him, see Him as good. See grace in the plagues.
They know He will come like a thief in the night. Unexpected. Unbidden.
And there is a blessing for those who are prepared. Who keep their garments on in the midst of judgment. In the midst of plagues poured out.

We wear the garments of grace.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,

compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience,

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another,

forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect

harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed

you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:12-15

The time of judgment is coming like a thief in the night. Stay awake. Keep on the garment of grace. And just maybe, those whose hard hearts cannot be turned with judgment, just might be softened with grace.

Father God, let me not grow weary or cynical while I wait for You.

Keep me awake and alert covered in Your grace and love.

Remind me it is not my place to judge and condemn. That is Your job,

which You do perfectly. Mine is to offer grace. Bless me with the faith

to love in the face of darkness.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 15
[Click the reference above to read on BibleGateway.com.]

...and the sanctuary was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power,

and no one could enter the sanctuary until the seven plagues

of the seven angels were finished.

Revelation 15:8 ESV

Seven angels, with seven plagues, will bring the end of God's wrath against those who continue to refuse His grace.

And I can't help but think of Jesus. His words on the cross: It is finished.

The Lamb of God came to take away the sins of the world. To drink the cup of His wrath so we would not have to. So we could enter His sanctuary. And I wonder at those who refuse His grace.

For those who believe, it is already finished. Our lives are hidden with God in Christ. Already we dwell in His sanctuary.

But for those who have to do it their way. They will have to drink the cup of His wrath themselves. And it will be their undoing.

Thank God today for the new and living Way He made through Jesus.

Thank Him for enduring what we could not.

Thank Him for those in Christ: It. Is. Finished.

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking what I could not.

Thank You for the gift of faith.

Use me to help others receive Your great gift

before it's too late.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 14:6-20
[Open up your Bible or open up the link above to read today's passage.]

A fast moving full reading:
Three angels with important messages.
A call for the saints to endure.
The torment of those who die serving the beast.
The rest for those who die in the Lord, serving Him.
Then the great harvest.
Those reaped for the King and those reaped for wrath.
Blood flowing for 1600 stadia --- 184 miles --- deep as a horse's bridle is high.

Quickly moving from one thing to the next, a full day, ending with His wrath.
But the Day begins with grace.

By the grace of God the first angel proclaims the eternal gospel --- the timeless good news --- for all nations and peoples who dwell on earth. The next two angels proclaim the fall of those who live for the flesh and the endless torment in store for those who worship the beast, bear his mark. But first, the grace. The timeless good news and how to receive it:

• Fear God
• Glorify Him
• Worship Him

His judgment has come, but it brings with it grace. One final moment. One last chance. For those who live on earth to choose their Creator!

This Revelation message calls for endurance of the saints. Do not grow tired, weary, discouraged. Continue to live in the Lord. Serve Him daily with all your heart, no matter what the rest of the world is doing. For only those who die in the Lord will find rest at the end of the Day.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,

if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good

to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:9-10 ESV

There are those who choose the mark of the beast, and those who bear the mark of His grace. 

From now on let no one cause me trouble,

for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Galatians 6:17 ESV

Lord, may I see Your grace each day as we approach the great harvest

and the day of judgment. Bless me with endurance and remind me

of the rest to come and the covering of Your grace.

I choose to serve You with every day I have, until I die.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Verses: Revelation 14:1-5
[Open up the Word with your Bible or by clicking the link above.]

...they were singing a new song before the throne...

Revelation 14:3

The 144,000 before the Lamb. An elite group of Believers redeemed from mankind. It appears they lived life differently than most. And reminds us there are rewards and consequences for all our actions and words during this life.

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time,

before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things

now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.

Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

1 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

Believers in Jesus will all be included in His Kingdom, but each will have a different place before Him. Each, I think, will also have their own new song to sing before the throne.

Each of us live our lives before God. Make our own choices along the way. And along the way He appoints a time, maybe several different times, where we can choose His Way. I believe our story becomes our own personal song of praise before His throne.

The way we wandered. The way He saved. It's personal. No two stories are the same. No two songs exactly alike. Similarities in our stories become harmonious before the throne. For they will all glorify Him.

 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog,

and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3 ESV

What's your story? what's your song?

Are you prepared to share it? for His glory and praise?

Father God, fill me with a new song! Use my story

to bring You praise and glory. May others see and fear

and put their trust in You.

Inspire Others: Write an Advent Devotional

We know you who are faithful to Growing in Faith at FUMC have seen the impact of devotionals in your life. Here's an opportunity to share part of your story by writing an Advent devotional. Thanks for your consideration.

In anticipation of Christmas this year the Advent Devotional will focus on the Good News born in the manger, the joy He brings you, and what you will give Him in response to all He’s done for you.

What are you giving Jesus? After all, it is His birthday.

Write your thoughts in the form of a devotional. Tell us what joy He’s brought you, what you give in response, a bit of God’s Word and a prayer. Bring them to the church office or email your writing to Carol Weaver: cbweaver@suddenlink.net or Stacy Boyer: stacy@jacksonvillemethodist.org.

Devotionals need to be received by November 10, 2016.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 13
[Click the reference above to read online at BibleGateway.com.]

Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

Revelation 13:10

There was a season in my walk with God where I would remind myself when things didn't go right or just seemed difficult: This is a test, this is only a test.

For you know that when your faith is tested,

your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow,

for when your endurance is fully developed,

you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:3-4 NLT

The Christian walk is a walk of continual testing. For the testing and trials of faith lead to spiritual maturity. And here we read of a very big test of faith. Two great beasts alongside the dragon.

These beasts are given authority to persecute Christians. Kill Christians. The biggest test of faith we will face is believing in the goodness and sovereignty of God while His people are being targeted and murdered. But note. These beasts have no authority of their own. It is given to them. Who's the only One who can give authority? God.

Who has spoken and it came to pass,

unless the Lord has commanded it?

Lamentations 3:37 ESV

Understanding God is still the One in authority and gives authority is a place we need to stand in faith. Trusting He has our good and His glory at the core of all He allows.

Another test of faith: fear. Fear of death. Having the belief and faith to trust God in the face of death, continue to fear Him more than man. This was a lesson Jesus taught His disciples and still teaches through His Word.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body,

and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you

whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority

to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him!..."

Luke 12:4-5 ESV

Yes. Big beastly tests of faith are on the horizon. So how do we prepare? Daily. With each little test of faith. With each little temptation. Each little trial. Each little slight. Choose to put your faith in Him and the work He is doing in you through it: This is a test, this is only a test.

Lord, may I receive each testing of faith remembering You are behind it,

in authority over all things. Remind me You are preparing me for bigger

battles, greater tests of faith. I choose to trust You and fear You above all else.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 12
[Grab your Bible or click the reference above to read the Word today.]

Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off

to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep

the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 12:17 ESV

If you haven't noticed, we're at war. At least those of us who obey God and believe in Jesus. We have an enemy, a great red dragon named Satan, who longs to devour us.

Metaphor is often used in revelations, visions from God. There are no human words to explain deep spiritual truths to our finite human minds. But God reveals His truth, often times, in pictures. Here we see a great sign appearing in heaven. Perhaps a glimpse of the spiritual reality of what has been going on in history.

I'm not about to explain it, or even pretend to think I understand it, but some of it seems clear. The pregnant woman with the twelve starred crown giving birth to a Son who will rule all nations with an iron rod could be Israel.

The red dragon is named and we might even imagine him standing before this woman Israel in labor since the Fall in the garden when God said an offspring would come to crush his head. Waiting, standing before her thousands of years through Egyptian enslavement, Exodus and forty years of wandering, Judges and Kings, exile and return, 400 years of silence, then Jesus.

And somewhere along the way a great war broke out in heaven over this sign. The dragon and his angels against Michael and his angels. The good guys won! The bad news, the dragon was thrown down to earth furious and at war with those of us who believe. This is perhaps the spiritual picture of what we deal with every day.

But in all this, whatever it means, and even if I'm way off base in what I see in these words, the important thing to know, the hope on which we stand: God wins! His people win! The accuser no longer stands before God accusing us. He is conquered by those covered in the blood of the Lamb and by their word of testimony.

Ephesians tells us our battle is not against flesh and blood. Revelation tells us who we are waging war against and exactly how he is defeated. By the blood of the Lamb. And the witness of His people.

How will you go out and fight the battle today? (Remember, you've already won!)

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution,

or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ...

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us.

Romans 8:35, 37 ESV

Father God, remind me today I am a conqueror in Christ Jesus.

I choose to battle the enemy today when he throws temptation,

lies, and trouble my way. I choose to believe in the blood of the Lamb,

His strength, power,and love in order to stand firm. And I choose

to share my testimony, my confession of belief, with those whom

You call me to. Today I will fight for Your Kingdom.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 11:15-19
[Click the link above to read online.]

The seventh angel blew his trumpet. At its sound the heavens sang out good news:

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord

and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."

Revelation 11:15

The announcement of His Kingdom coming to earth.
Recognize the answer to the prayer we pray each week in worship?

Your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10 ESV

This is good news! His Kingdom will come to earth at the sound of the seventh trumpet. But for now we still wait. Yet we can live today as if His Kingdom has already come. His Kingdom rules our lives if not the nations of the earth. His Spirit lives in our hearts in Jesus's name.

We can live before Him now, as the twenty-four elders before His throne:

"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,

who is and who was, for you have taken your great power

and begun to reign. ..."

Let us live each day, waiting for His return as those currently in His presence, with thanksgiving and obedience. Giving thanks for His coming Kingdom, giving thanks for His reign on earth, which begins in our lives with obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, fill my heart with thanksgiving as I wait for Your answer to prayer:

Your Kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Teach me to live in Your Kingdom now, thankful and obedient,

under Your reign by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Beyond the Gospels: Revelation

Today's Scripture: Revelation 11:1-14

The Lord measures what's His. Takes account of it. The rest of the holy city He gives over to the nations. He allows the lost to do what they will. Reveal where they stand before Him. This is the second woe. But in this woe, there is grace.

At the same time God allows the trampling of the holy city, He provides two witnesses to share testimony. 1260 days. 42 months. (Go ahead, divide 1260 by 30. There you find 42.) These are no ordinary witnesses. Protected by God they have power to reveal Who it is they serve.

The two witnesses are called olive trees and lampstands. This is their purpose before the Lord on earth, to bear fruit and give light. And this is where we see His grace. As the world runs amok against God, He provides witnesses to reveal who He is to those who are blind. The One who offers good fruit and light. No one has to receive, but it's their's for the taking if they will. This is the same grace His witnesses are called to offer today to those who don't know Him. His followers are to be a testimony of good fruit and light in a world of unbelievers running crazy in the dark.

Like Jesus, their end seemed a great loss. A powerful witness to the world, destroyed by those of the world. Killed by the beast. Celebrated over. Gloated over. But the world didn't get the last word.

After three and a half days, God breathed life into the two and called them up. This was their final testimony, emphasized with the exclamation point of a great earthquake. Seven thousand died. But because of the witness provided by God the rest were terrified -- awestruck! -- and gave glory to God.

Grace.

Lord, in Your great wisdom You let darkness run crazy in the world.

Let me not be undone by it, but stand firm as Your witness offering grace,

so those who are lost might be saved.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 2:7