Day by Day

[Soldier4Christ]

"The Lord's Will Accomplished"

“What the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45
   

Elizabeth’s words affirmed the blessing of God through what the Lord would accomplish in Mary’s life. It is always a blessing when the Lord accomplishes His purposes in our lives.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 16
It was now only nine days until Christmas, and Bill hadn’t done any Christmas shopping. That evening, he went to the mall. As he walked and looked at the people, the sermon from two Sundays ago came to mind. “Look and wonder if that person knows Jesus as Lord and Savior.” He wondered if they understood the real gift of Christmas—Jesus.

He saw people carrying bags filled with Christmas presents. He saw boxes wrapped in brightly colored paper. Bill thought about Christmases past. He remembered how the children were just as enthralled with the paper as the gift. He smiled and thought, “Maybe I should just buy boxes with pretty wrapping paper and put inside the message, ‘Jesus is your Gift from God.’”

He wished there was some way to gift-wrap Jesus, so Chuck would want to look inside. At first, the idea sounded ridiculous. Then, he thought maybe Chuck would look at Jesus if He were “wrapped” differently. He knew Chuck needed to see Jesus for the Lord’s will to be accomplished.

Bill left the mall without buying anything. Yet, he did leave with a gift-wrapping idea.

REALITY JOURNEY
In order for God to accomplish His mission, people need to see Jesus. Are there different ways to “wrap” the message of the Gospel to reach new people for Christ? Do you need to try something new in your witness?

[Soldier4Christ]

"In God's Favor"

“But why am I so favored?” Luke 1:43
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She realized God’s favor in her life through the blessing of God’s presence.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 15
During the drive to church on Sunday morning, Bill asked his family to think about the blessings they had received from God. “At lunch today, we’ll each share a blessing and say why we are thankful for it.”

At worship, the congregation received new members, with one man being baptized. During the sermon, the pastor remarked how this man had received an early Christmas present through the water of Baptism. He spoke about how God chooses us in Christ and how each of us is chosen for a special purpose in His kingdom and mission.

Bill thought about how special he was to have been chosen by God and about the special mission in which he was involved with Chuck. He hoped someday Chuck would be baptized, too.

At lunch, Jenny talked about the blessing of her new friend, Sam talked about the blessing of helping the homeless, and Julie shared the blessing of family. Bill shared that one of the blessings for which he was thankful was the opportunity to be God’s witness for Chuck. He felt favored that God would allow him to have such an important role in His kingdom.

REALITY JOURNEY
We receive God’s favor in Baptism. Through the Holy Spirit, He pours out His gifts in us through this sacred act. We are blessed to be His children and blessed to be in His mission to others who have yet to receive His favor in Baptism.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Support for the Journey"

Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country. Luke 1:39
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

As part of her mission as the mother of Jesus, Mary went to the hill country to spend some time with Elizabeth. They were encouraged in their unique roles in God’s mission plan for the world.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 14
Bill visited Pastor Greer on Saturday morning. Pastor Greer told him, “The mission of our Lord is not the task of only one person. It is the function of the whole the body of Christ—His Church. It is our Lord’s will that the gifts of each of us be used together for fulfilling His mission.”

He offered Bill advice. Among the things Bill remembered were to rely upon the Holy Spirit in his witness, that God’s unconditional love was a model for Bill in his friendship with Chuck, and that Bill’s role was to take Chuck to “see Jesus”—Jesus would do the rest.

He said, “Bill, you cannot be Chuck’s savior. Jesus is the only Savior of the world. However, you can ‘show’ him Jesus by living a life that reflects Christ’s love, by being a sincere Christian friend, and as opportunities arise, by telling him more about what Jesus has fulfilled in your life and what he has already done for Chuck. That is the gift—that God sent His Son to save the world—to save Chuck. Bill, you can always count on me and the other church members to support you, too.”

Bill was truly encouraged. It was helpful to share the journey.

REALITY JOURNEY
Do you have someone supporting you in your witness and mission for Jesus? The other person, or persons, can be in prayer, help discuss situations, and provide spiritual counsel and direction. Rely upon your Lord and His Church.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Being God's Servant"

“May it be to me as You have said.” Luke 1:38
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, Mary understood her role as the mother of Jesus. In faithful response, she accepted her role as “the Lord’s servant.”

THE JOURNEY—DAY 13
While Bill was certain that Chuck needed Jesus, he wondered if he had destroyed his opportunity to be an effective witness. He was questioning his role in this particular situation.

After dinner that evening, Bill began to talk about the situation with Julie. He expressed his concerns; she didn’t really know what to say either. She suggested, “Call Pastor Greer. Maybe he can offer some advice.”

Bill called. He shared with Pastor Greer the ways God had been working in his life. He explained the situation about Chuck. Pastor Greer responded, “Until Chuck closes a door in your face, you may be the only servant of God who has the opportunity to share Jesus with him. Come by my office tomorrow. We can discuss this some more.”

Chuck gained new resolve in his role in this matter. He prayed, “Lord, use me as You want in making Your love in Jesus known to Chuck.”

Then, as was their custom, he loaded up the family in the car to drive around town to look at the Christmas lights on the decorated homes and stores. They stopped for hot chocolate on the way back home.

REALITY JOURNEY
Is witnessing a role you accept willingly? Witnessing about our faith is a response of service to God in Christ Jesus. He said, “You will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Nothing is Impossible"

“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

To Mary, giving birth to the Son of God seemed impossible. “How will this be… since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). Yet, it would happen by the power of the Holy Spirit. Nothing is impossible with God.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 12
Bill had not expected Chuck’s reaction about Jesus. He wondered if there was even any reason to continue trying to talk to Chuck about God and His love.

Bill knew that his own relationship with God had been growing stronger and stronger. He really wanted Chuck to know about God’s love. Yet, how could he talk to him now, especially knowing how Chuck felt?

Should he have handled the whole situation differently? After all, he was really new at this. Had he talked about Jesus too soon? Did he say the wrong thing? Questions kept running through his mind. He wasn’t sure if he should even bring up the subject of Jesus again. “Was it even possible for Chuck to believe?”

Yet, Bill couldn’t keep from thinking, “Chuck really needs ‘the gift of Jesus.’” He finally determined that if Jesus could die on the cross for people who hated Him, that he wasn’t going to give up on Chuck just because he didn’t care about Jesus right now. He thought, “Surely, all things are possible for God.”

REALITY JOURNEY
Moving from spiritual death to spiritual life is impossible without the Holy Spirit. In “impossible” witnessing situations, the Holy Spirit does amazing things. We are to continue and be faithful in our role as His witnesses.

[Soldier4Christ]

"A Troubling Word"

Mary was greatly troubled at his words. Luke 1:29
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

The angel’s greeting troubled Mary. Her fears would be relieved as she began to understand God’s purpose for her life—to give birth to Jesus.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 11
It had been a couple of days since Bill had seen Chuck. Bill wanted to see him; he felt like he was overcoming his fear of witnessing and wanted to share God’s love with Chuck.

On his break, Bill walked to Chuck’s department and found him at his desk. When Chuck saw Bill, he smiled.

Bill asked, “How’s your son?” Chuck replied, “He’s okay. He had to stay for detention after school the past two days; but, everything will be all right.”

Bill anxiously said, “Chuck, I want to tell you about someone who can help you and your son.” Chuck sat up. Listening intently, he inquired, “Who is it?” Bill answered, “I believe it is Jesus. Jesus can help you and your son.”

Chuck tensed and looked troubled. Bill noticed the obvious change and immediately asked, “What’s wrong, Chuck?”

Chuck replied, “My wife called herself a Christian. She divorced me and left me alone to raise our son. If you ask me, Jesus hasn’t helped me one bit. Quite frankly, I don’t think I want to have anything to do with Jesus!”

Bill didn’t know what to say.

REALITY JOURNEY
What would you have said? People who do not believe in Jesus do not understand God’s plan or know the purpose of faith. Thus, our witness might fall on “deaf ears.” Yet, our witness is to continue with gentleness and respect. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Unlikely Candidates"

The virgin’s name was Mary. Luke 1:27
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Mary was a young virgin, not seemingly a likely candidate for the mission she would soon learn from the angel. Yet, God calls unlikely candidates, like us, for His mission.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 10
Bill was overwhelmed with God’s love. He shared with Julie how God released his guilt through the simple e-mail reminder Jenny had sent. He was overwhelmed that God could still love him, even after all the missed chances for witness he had let pass him by.

He said to Julie, “I’m just an ordinary guy. I haven’t done anything that special. In fact, I feel like I’ve wasted my time for God. Yet, He still loves me so much.”

She responded, “I’ve always loved you just for who you are. What makes you think God doesn’t love you in the same way?” His eyes welled up with tears. God loved him, this ordinary guy. With all of his imperfections and missed opportunities, God’s love remained.

Bill replied, “I never really considered how big God’s love was for me. The more I realize it, the more I find myself loving God, too. Like the Bible passage states: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

The more God deepened Bill’s understanding of His love, the more Bill wanted to share God’s love with Chuck and whomever else he could. He said, “All people should have the love of God in their lives.”

REALITY JOURNEY
When you feel like an unlikely candidate for serving God, remember His overwhelming love for you in Christ. By His Spirit, He called you by name and placed you in His service.

[Soldier4Christ]

"My Disgrace is Removed"

“He has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace.” Luke 1:25
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Elizabeth had lived most of her life feeling out of grace with God and disgraced among people until she recognized the Lord’s favor resting upon her.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 9
Bill’s awareness about people needing Jesus was increasing. On Sunday, the pastor had talked about looking at people differently. “Look at every person you meet through new eyes,” he said. “Look and wonder if that person knows Jesus as Lord and Savior.” Bill pondered, “That must be how God views us.”

Arriving at work Monday, he wondered, “If Chuck doesn’t go to church, how many others at work don’t either?” He began to think about people from his past who could have used “the gift of Jesus for Christmas.”

As he thought about the past, he began to feel guilty that he had not been interested in the spiritual lives of others. Most of Bill’s life, he had steered clear of religious conversations that might involve talking about God. He felt guilty for his past omissions. “How could Jesus entrust this important task to a sinful guy like me?”

He noticed an e-mail his daughter, Jenny, had sent on Sunday. It read, “Daddy, God loves you and so do I. Jenny.” How could she have known?!? His heart melted as he remembered God’s forgiving love in Christ.

REALITY JOURNEY
Do past sins of omission make you feel guilty or unfit for service to God? Know His promise in forgiveness: Your sins are removed "as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Pursue your life and mission for Christ anew. Your disgrace has been removed.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Sent to Speak Good News"

“I have been sent to speak to you.” Luke 1:19
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

The angel spoke good news to Zechariah. Though Zechariah did not believe it, the good news remained true. After his son’s birth, Zechariah would speak good news, too.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 8
The phone call with Chuck went well. When Chuck asked Bill why he had called, he simply replied, “I believe God wanted me to call and let you know I care.” Chuck didn’t comment about God, but told Bill it meant a lot to know he cared. Bill knew the conversation hadn’t been highly religious; yet, he was glad he had called.

Sunday morning, the pastor asked if anyone had been thinking about the “Advent Challenge.” Bill tentatively raised his hand. He felt uneasy—he’d never before attempted to witness about his faith. Yet, he felt he was the person God had sent to tell Chuck about Jesus.

The pastor reminded the congregation that God sends them to be the speakers, not the converters. Only the Holy Spirit can accomplish conversion through faith in Christ. He stressed, “The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for all who believe. The Gospel remains the good news, even if those who hear it do not believe.”

Bill understood that truth. He had been sent to speak the Gospel. The rest relied upon the Holy Spirit. He prayed for such an opportunity with Chuck.

REALITY JOURNEY
The good news is that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Have you been thinking about the “Advent Challenge?” (Reference November 30th devotion.) To whom is God sending you to speak the good news about Jesus?

[Soldier4Christ]

"How Can I Be Sure?"

“How can I be sure of this?” Luke 1:18
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Zechariah was questioning how he could be certain of these things. After all, it was not normal for an elderly man and his wife to have children. How could he be sure God would bring this to pass? God had promised.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 7
It was a cold Saturday morning. Out of concern, Bill picked up the phone to call Chuck. He didn’t want to be perceived as somebody who meddled in other people’s business. He hesitated and wondered, “How can I be sure this is the right thing to do?”

As he was debating the issue, his son, Sam, came in, dressed in a coat and cap. He was going with the youth group to collect canned goods in the neighborhood for the homeless.

Bill asked, “Why in the world would the group collect food on a cold Saturday morning?” Sam replied, “Because the need is greater in the winter.” He explained how the director of the homeless shelter had told them that more people seek shelter when the weather is cold. Some even feel so helpless they don’t know where to ask for food. Volunteers seek them out to offer food and shelter.

Bill began to wonder if Chuck felt helpless in his situation. What if he didn’t know how to ask for help? Bill dialed his number. Chuck answered and said, “Thanks for calling.”

REALITY JOURNEY
How can you be sure of the right approach toward someone you feel needs the love of God? Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. Let Christian love be your guide for helping others.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Now What?"

“To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

The angel unveiled to Zechariah the role his son, John, would fulfill for the mission of the Messiah. John’s message and work would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

THE JOURNEY—DAY 6
Bill was anxious about what he would say when he saw Chuck. He realized all he knew about Chuck was that he didn’t go to church and that he was struggling with his son’s choice of friends. He wasn’t sure if Chuck was a Christian, if he had ever been to church, or if he knew anything about Jesus. He didn’t know how Chuck would react to a conversation about church or God. He didn’t want to scare him away.

Bill received a call about a computer problem in Chuck’s department. He pondered how he would approach the subject of church and God with him. When he arrived at Chuck’s desk, he wasn’t there. So, he began working, hoping to see him before he left. However, Chuck didn’t return.

Bill discovered Chuck’s son had been in trouble at school. Nobody had any details, but he was told, “Chuck’s been having problems with his son ever since his wife left. Since the divorce, things have only gotten worse.”

Bill was concerned. On the way back to his office, he began praying for Chuck and his son. He wondered if Chuck had any friends with whom he could talk and how he coped without a church or faith in Jesus? He decided to call him.

REALITY JOURNEY
How much do you know about the unchurched people with whom you are acquainted? What avenues may have been prepared for you to share God’s love with them?

[Soldier4Christ]

"Why am I afraid?"

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” Luke 1:13
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

God was unfolding His plan before Zechariah. When he was “gripped with fear,” the angel’s message was, “Do not be afraid. This is the answer to your prayers.”

THE JOURNEY—DAY 5
Bill could not believe he had frozen when Chuck told him he didn’t go to church. What if Chuck needed Jesus for Christmas? Why didn’t he say anything? He thought about his boastfulness: “I know what I know and what I know, I apply!” Now it seemed like simple arrogance. All he could muster was “Oh.” How profound was that!?

Why had he been afraid to witness when the opportunity presented itself? Earlier in the week he had wondered if he knew anybody who needed Jesus for Christmas. God had answered and shown him Chuck. Yet, being gripped with fear, Bill was sure he had wasted the chance.

“How can I fulfill my mission for Jesus if all I can say is, ‘Oh?’ Why am I afraid in my witness? Why did I fail in my mission?” As he reflected, he began to realize his focus had been on “my mission,” not “Christ’s mission.” He was concerned about how his witness would reflect on him, rather than reflecting Christ. “If it’s Jesus’ mission, then why am I afraid?” Chuck mused, “Jesus will give me power.” Still, what would he do now?


REALITY JOURNEY
How do you respond when God gives you opportunity for verbal witness? Do you feel like you have failed God in missed opportunities? Ask and receive His forgiveness in Christ. Do not be afraid. Speak what the Lord places on your lips when witness opportunities arise. It is His mission.

[Soldier4Christ]

"Where is My Mission?"

Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty. Luke 1:8
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

God calls us to different roles in His mission as we go about our everyday vocations, even as He did with an “on duty” Zechariah. Our mission of vocation is vital and instrumental in the work of His kingdom expansion.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 4
Something Julie said stuck in Bill’s mind: “I’m not some holy person who has given up her career for Christ.” Bill wondered if he was supposed to give up his career to do something else for God? “What can I do for the mission as a systems analyst? Convert computers for Jesus?”

Bill felt anxious. He went to work pondering what the Lord had in mind for his life. He wasn’t sure where his mission was.

As Bill went about his duties, he found himself in a discussion about children with one of his co-workers. Chuck was troubled by the “bad crowd” with whom his young teenage son, Bobby, spent some time. Yet, he wasn’t sure what to do. In his words, “There just doesn’t seem to be any place for him to meet good kids.”

Bill thought about it and replied, “My church has a youth group that’s filled with positive kids. What about the youth group at your church?” Chuck responded, “I don’t go to church.”

Suddenly, Bill found himself in his mission field while on duty as a systems analyst. He froze and, for some reason, could only say, “Oh.” He silently wondered, “Does Chuck need Jesus for Christmas?”

REALITY JOURNEY
Where does God call you to be in mission? Right where you are! Be faithful in your daily duties—ready to serve in God’s mission in every way possible when called on to do so.

[Soldier4Christ]

"God Uses Me?"

Upright in the sight of God. Luke 1:6
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

God uses upright people for fulfilling His mission. We are upright, not of our own accord, rather through the redemption that is ours through Jesus. As upright, yet still sinful people, we follow God’s commands.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 3
Bill told Julie what God had caused him to realize regarding what to say about Jesus. She laughed when he told her about the application of his favorite phrase. “I didn’t know I was married to someone so profound!”

She continued with a concern that had been on her mind. “I’m not sure I’m qualified to talk about Jesus,” she said. “After all, I’m not some holy person who has given up her career for Christ, or something like that. Why would God use me?”

Bill then reflected about himself. Sure, he went to church every Sunday. But, he wasn’t a perfect saint, either. He remembered how he had lost his temper at work and how he had broken his promise to Jenny, working late and missing her performance in the school play. How could God use someone so imperfect in His mission?

As he drove home from work, he noted a bumper sticker that read, “I’m Not Perfect—Just Forgiven.” Bill recognized he wasn’t qualified because he was perfect, but because, through Christ, he was holy and upright in the sight of God. That was the only prerequisite necessary for God to use him. Bill chuckled, thinking, “Who knew I’d realize something so profound from a bumper sticker?”

REALITY JOURNEY
Do you feel unqualified to be involved in God’s Mission? Realize the forgiveness of God in your life. Christ uses you because you are upright in the sight of God through His atoning sacrifice.

[Soldier4Christ]

"What Would I Say?"

Know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4
   

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Our faith is grounded in the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth causing us to know the certainty of God’s promises and their fulfillment in Christ.

THE JOURNEY—DAY 2
It had been a restless night for Bill. He talked with Julie about the “Advent Challenge” over morning coffee. They both felt that people needed to believe in Jesus. Yet, the thought of talking to an unbeliever made them nervous. What would they say?

Bill headed off to take Sam to school. Julie left for the school where she taught 4th grade, with their 8-year-old daughter, Jenny, in tow. The question lingered in Bill’s head, “What would I say?”

Bill had the reputation of being the best systems analyst at his company. He never met a computer problem he couldn’t solve. When asked the secret to his success, he would reply, “I know what I know and what I know, I apply!” Then he would smile, confident in his abilities.

Today, when he made that very statement, it occurred to him—that’s what he would say about Jesus. He knew what he knew. He had been taught the stories of Jesus and the truth of God’s Word. Through faith, he was certain of his beliefs—He only needed to say what he knew.

The Spirit affirmed this in him. Bill smiled and thought, “I know what I know and what I know, I apply.”

REALITY JOURNEY
Witness and application are based in the certainty of the things you have been taught about Jesus from God’s Word. What would you say about Jesus to someone else?