It’s the LAST day of 2018!
 
I don’t think I’m the only one who can’t believe how quickly this year flew by, which makes it even more important to believe that each day matters, uniquely and greatly.
 
I also know I'm not the only one who experienced highs and lows. Some of us more highs than lows and others more lows than highs. Regardless, we are here, yet again, on the break of another year. All glory to God.
 
One of my favorite songs by the artist Johnnyswim has a verse that repeats the phrase, “I don’t know what’s coming, but I know it’s gunna be good…”
 
As believers this statement is ultimately and surely true in Christ, so while I can’t and won't predict the future or promise you anything specific about the coming year, here are a few truths that I pray will be good anchors for our heart and soul as we head into 2019:

1. God will be faithful to you. Regardless of the circumstances you encounter-highs and lows, excitements and disappointments, losses and gains, He will be faithful to you because it’s His work in you. My prayer for us is that we remain faithful to Him. (2 Timothy 2:13).

 

1. God’s Love will not run dry. This year will be filed with moments where the enemy will try and make us believe that His love is poured out only in our “good and obedient” moments. Don’t buy into the lie. His love is beyond any love we know because it doesn’t discriminate when to pour it out. It has been spilled for our lives once and for all. This truth is not so we can abuse God’s unconditional love, it’s so we can be radically transformed by it and motivated by it to live for Him. (Romans 5:8).

 

1. His Word is Life and Light. May this be a year where we truly believe that we can’t be sustained in our walk with the Lord without His Word and we can’t overcome darkness and the battle of sin without His Word. If we are going to know God deeply, His Word must be in our hearts. This year, WITHIN will provide more ways to cultivate your relationship with God’s eternal Word. (Psalm 19:7-14, Psalm 119)

 

1. His Holy Spirit is real and active. For those of us who confess Jesus as Lord and trust in Him for our salvation and sanctification, His Spirit lives inside of us and speaks His truth to us. Cultivate listening to the Holy Spirit. He will not lie to you. He will give you discernment for all choices you are faced with. He will lead you into all Truth. Cultivating this kind of listening requires time and patience. May we be intentional with both. (John 14:25-16)

 

1. In all things, God is for you! If you are in Christ, God has not only saved you in the moment you believed, but He also began a Good work, one that He will continue to move towards completion for His glory and your joy in 2019. Now this Good work (conforming you to the image of Christ) won’t always be easy, in fact part of it is putting to death our old self as we more clearly reflect Christ. We are called by Christ to 1) deny ourselves 2) pick up our cross 3) and follow Him. The good news is that He gives us the strength and grace to obey these three challenging commands daily because He is for us. So, whether you are navigating trials, hardships or blessings in 2019, know that God is for you. Because of that promise we always have reason to give thanks, regardless of the circumstance. (Phil 1:6, Luke 9:23)

"Joy to the world, the Lord has come..."
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If you’re like me, when I am asked between receiving good news or bad news first, I opt for the bad news first because it helps me appreciate the good news.

When we talk about the Good News of Jesus Christ, we must understand why it’s good news. It’s Good news because of the hopeless and dire situation we were and are in here on earth. You see, sin messed up and continues to mess up everything. Sin destroys and it destructs. Most tragically, sin separates us from a right relationship with God. Sin kept us out from entering His Holy presence.

And the Good News didn’t start at His death and resurrection, this Good News is because first and foremost, He chose to come-Immanuel-God with us. And we can rejoice in this time as we celebrate Christmas, despite the circumstances we may go through during the holidays, because of the powerful truth that God came. Here. To earth. God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, took on the form of flesh to dwell amongst His creation (John 1:14, Philippians 2:7).

He came into darkness to bring Light into our darkened hearts. His love for us sought reconciliation. Normally in a relationship, where there has been an offense, it’s the offender who should seek to make things right. Yet, with God, the One whom we offend because of our sins, sought the reconciliation. We aren’t even capable of reconciling on our own efforts. Not by our moralistic behaviors or by any sacrifice.

The truth is sin demands death. We rejoice in the Good News that it doesn’t have to be our death because Immanuel, God with us, chose for His Son Jesus to come, be born, and die as the perfect atonement.
And because He came, everything changes. For those of us who have put our trust in Him and received the gift of salvation He offers, we get God. How incredible is that? We get intimate relationship with the Holy, Majestic, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent God. This is no light matter. This is life altering truth. This is eternal assurance. This is Good News.

Because we get God, 

We are reconciled once and for all (2 Corinthians 5:18). We were once far off but He brought us near to Him (Colossians 1:22, Ephesians 2:17). We can enter His presence with confidence. (1 John 3:21).

Because we get God,

We are redeemed. The stains of sin don’t keep us in bondage. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and our new identity is children of God. Not sinners of God.

Because we get God,

We are secure. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8: 35-39). Literally nothing. Why? Because it’s His love that holds us. Not our own. And nothing can overpower His love.

Because we get God,

We lack nothing. He has given us everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 2:13). He gives us every spiritual blessing. He will supply everything according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19).

 Because we get God,

We are free. Not senseless and irresponsible, but free to live godly lives (1 Peter 2:16). Free from shame. Free from guilt. Free to let down our guards. Free to extend mercy and grace to our offenders. Free to not be in bondage to our selfish ways. Free to serve (Galatians 5:13).

Because we get God,

We are joyful. Not naïve and immune to tribulations and hardships (1 Peter 4:16). But we are not shaken. Not moved (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Isaiah 40:31). We can be found on the Rock.

Because we get God,

We aren’t consumed or choked by the worries of this life. We are more valuable than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field whom God lovingly takes care of. How much more us? (Luke 12: 25-31).

Ladies, I can go on and on and it wouldn’t end. The greatest point is that WE GET GOD. As we prepare for Christmas next week, let’s meditate on these glorious truths: He came. He is here, in us. And He will come again.

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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:John 1:14
Luke 12: 25-31
2 Corinthians 4:8-9,
Isaiah 40:31
1 Peter 4:16
1 Peter 2:16
Galatians 5:13
Romans 8: 35-39
2 Corinthians 5:17
1 John 3:21
Colossians 1:22,
Ephesians 2:17
2 Corinthians 5:18
John 1:14,
Philippians 2:7


Questions to reflect on:

1. How have you found yourself distracted by the commercialization of Christmas?
2. How will you use the truth found in God’s Word through this devotional to focus on what it means for God to be with us during this Christmas season?

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious,
long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” 
(Psalm 86:15)
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One of the greatest gifts we have being in Christ Jesus is the gift to be authentic with who we are. We live in a world that loves to present the best “version” of self and gives us many ways to do so but feel afraid to be authentic with their brokenness. I’m sure many of us have bought into the many ways to present ourselves better than we are because of fear. This is something I struggled with for a long time. And at many points in my life, I’ve had to ask why I was afraid of being real to others with my brokenness?

I believe Scripture gives us that answer. It starts all the way back in the book of Genesis, in the garden of Eden. God created us to be in perfect fellowship with Him (Genesis 3:8) --without brokenness as part of our story; unstained by sin or its consequences. However, we know what happened – the fall (Genesis 3). We see this perfect fellowship broken by mankind’s desire to lean on their understanding of what was good. When Adam and Eve realized they disobeyed and rebelled against God, their brokenness made them believe they could run from God where He won’t find them, they could hide from God thinking He doesn’t see them, and they could cover themselves thinking that He can’t cover them—all because of what brokenness brings upon us: shame. And ever since then, we have followed in those footsteps by running, hiding and covering our brokenness because of shame. Consequently, shame has distorted the way we look at God, others and ourselves.

Furthermore, at the root of our running, hiding and covering our brokenness from God and others is the pride we desperately want to hold onto that wants to keep up the appearance of perfection. It wants to present ourselves as the way we were created to be- without brokenness. But because of the fall, we aren’t perfect nor can we be.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Here is the freeing news: we can let go of that pride and those attempts to appear a certain way. Praise God for the work of Jesus! We can lay down the burden of perfectionism. Christ not only became sin on the cross so our sins could no longer keep us away from God, but even more amazing, He was perfect doing it so we no longer have to strive for perfection. He was the Perfect atonement. We become His redeemed children. (Hebrews 4-6)

Even more freeing news is that He doesn’t show us our deepest places of brokenness to leave us exposed. No, He shows us our brokenness to cover what once covered us in shame, with His grace-once and for all.
One of the most powerful encounters in Scripture that clearly shows us this truth is found in John 4-the story of the woman at the well. Jesus encountered her with truth and grace. In their exchange, He showed her brokenness to her but He didn’t leave her brokenness exposed. He extended living water that quenched her thirst. The grace He covered her with led her to eagerly run down the hill into the city center to yell “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done…” (John 4:29)  

Clearly something happened in showing her brokenness that she was given the courage to run down and tell men, for that matter, that she was free from shame and guilt. Her brokenness was great but His covering was greater (1 Peter 4:8). This is what gives us the boldness to be real and authentic with every single thing we deal with.

Every time we run, hide and cover from Him and others, it’s because we have not chosen to really believe Christ has covered our shame with His love and grace (Psalm 86:15) Furthermore, we have chosen to believe people will identify us by that brokenness rather than be encouraged to share their own. But every time we are free to share our brokenness, it’s because we believe we are no longer bound by it.

Do you believe that your brokenness is not your identity? Do you believe that brokenness isn’t there to be left exposed but Christ has covered it with His love and He’s redeemed it and continues to redeem it? He calls us to leave our bondage to brokenness and walk freely in Him.

We are free beloved…free to be real.

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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:Genesis chapter 3
Psalm 86:15
Hebrews chapters 4-6
John 4:1-46
1 Peter 4:8

Questions to reflect on:

1. Have you felt afraid to share your brokenness with others? Why?
2. What has shame made you believe about God and about yourself?
3. In what ways has this devotional made you think about the freedom you have in Christ to be free with your brokenness?
4. When you’ve shared your brokenness with others, what were the results?
5. What do we learn about God in the way He forgives us and covers our shame?

"And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,
and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
(Luke 1:16-17)
This is my favorite time of the year. I love the sights, the sounds and the smells of this season. And to be honest, I’ve often found myself focusing more on the outward things like decorating, Christmas parties, food, hot cocoa, Christmas movies, and everything that makes this season love-able rather than truly preparing my heart for what is the most incredible truth we have for us Believers: God CHOSE to be WITH US. To walk among us. To know us. To touch us. To hear us. To SAVE us through the life of Jesus Christ.

With God's help, I want to change my perspective this year. As tempting as it is to get consumed by the pretty things of this season and the gifts we buy for one another, I want to spend more time being consumed by the beautiful and hard truths of what we are really celebrating during Christmas. And I want to encourage you to do the same.

I want to share this article below written by John Piper to help us prepare our hearts and change our perspective during this season. May we be led to prepare in a way that magnifies Him.
 
"And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,
and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."
(Luke 1:16-17)
 
What John the Baptist did for Israel, Advent can do for us. Don't let Christmas find you unprepared. I mean spiritually unprepared. Its joy and impact will be so much greater if you are ready!
 
That you might be a people prepared. . .

1. Decide early whether this is the year to abolish Santa Claus out of your decorations and celebrations and narrations. If you are ever going to be a God-centered family, this American substitute for Christ has got to go. If the truth of God becoming man does not feel more thrilling than the fiction of Santa Claus, then we are blind leading the blind. Where will our children ever learn that none can compare with Christ!!!
2. Meditate on the fact that we need a savior. Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight. It will not have its intended effect until we feel desperately the need for a Savior. Let the Sunday messages help awaken in you a bitter-sweet sense of need for the Savior.
3. Engage in sober self-examination. Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter. “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Let every heart prepare him room...by cleaning house.
4. Build God-centered anticipation and expectancy and excitement into your home—especially for the children. If you are excited about Christ, they will be too. If you can only make Christmas exciting with material things how will the children get a thirst for God? Bend the efforts of your imagination to make the wonder of the King's arrival visible for the children.
5. Be much in the Word, and memorize the great passages! “Is not my word like fire, says the Lord!” Gather 'round that fire this Advent season. It is warm. It is sparkling with colors of grace. It is healing for a thousand hurts. It is light for dark nights.

 This is indeed a beautiful season that is to be enjoyed. Don't think you aren't supposed to enjoy the various things that surround what we are truly celebrating. I want to make sure that our focus is upward. 
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The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:7
Isaiah 11:1
Jeremiah 23:5
Micah 5:2
Matthew 1
Luke 1:39-45
John 1:9-14
Questions to reflect on:

1. What's been the biggest focus for you during this season? 
   
2. How will you implement ways to focus more on the "reason for the season?