Community Devotions

Christmas was just the beginning

The birth of Christ is definitely "good news of great joy...for all people" (Luke 2:10). Yet Jesus did not remain a baby. His birth was only the beginning. Jesus grew to be a man "in wisdom and in stature" (Luke 2:52). He lived a life of perfection in order to fulfill the law, died our death on the cross as a payment for our sin and was resurrected from the dead to cause, "us to be born again to a living hope" (1 Pet. 1:3).

Still it does not end there. He ascended to sit on the right hand of the Father so that the Holy Spirit may come to empower us to be His witnesses here on earth. Pastor Mark Batterson succinctly captures this initial work of Christmas, "at Bethlehem, He is GOD WITH US. At Calvary, He is GOD IS FOR US. At Pentecost, He is GOD IN US". Seen in this light, we realize the triune work of God in our great salvation!

Avoiding Condemnation

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation”. (James 5:12) 

The book of James seems like a series of sermons covering everything from trials and perseverance to authentic religion and materialism. Yet in the last chapter James warns us that above all these things we must people who keep our word so that we may avoid condemnation. James’ quoting his more famous half brother Jesus, says that our simple “yeses” and “no’s” should be good enough. We don’t need to swear or make an oath by heaven or earth.

The bible says that I shouldn’t make promises before God too hastily. As 2015 is coming to a close and 2016’s resolutions are coming up. I must really be careful in the promises and resolutions that I am making before God and the commitments that I want to make or else I will fall under condemnation. Points of Obediene:

• Thoughtfully and prayerfully think about my goals and plan of action for 2016.
• Finish well and follow through on my 5%.
  • Devotion to prayer and worship.
  • Meaningful time with wife through engaging conversations and date nights
  • Healthy family life with family fun days, enjoyable dinners and serving together.
  • Fruitful ministry that loves people.
  • Physically healthy.
  • Enjoy life.
  • Faithfulness and growth in inner self development.

Heavenly Father,

You are God in heaven, here am I on earth. Let my words be few yet meaningful.