Day 31 - January 31, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 4:2–18

Further Instructions

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Observation:

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful…. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4: 2,5-6)

Application:

There is an expectation that every believer should be devoted to prayer and that every believer is responsible for treating the others in our lives with grace and love so that we might make the most of every opportunity to spread the gospel of grace and forgiveness.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to be devoted to a prayer life that sees the others in our lives. Help us to lift them up in our prayers so that we might stand ready to bring the gospel of salvation into their presence. Help us to see each opportunity as we encounter others with grace and peace, so that we might know how to answer anyone. Amen.

Day 30 - January 30, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-17

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[a] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Observation:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

Application:

As members of the Body of Christ, we should always be thankful and full of peace with one another and whatever we do in whether in word or in deed we are representing Christ to the world. Therefore, we should do and say all things to the Glory of God the Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ and by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who is in and with us.

Prayer:

O Lord, bless us as your children that we might hold the treasures of Jesus Christ in our hearts and minds in such a way that we are reflective of your goodness, mercy and love at all times and in all places. Let us be thankful for your forgiveness and your presence as we delight to walk in the ways that lead to life eternal. Help others to know that you are God, all to your glory. Amen.

Day 29 - January 29, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 2:20-3:4

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Observation:

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Paul tells us not to labor under the old rules that were merely human commands, but rather as members of Christ’s Body, the church, we should focus things above not earthly things. We can do this is prayer, reading the bible, studying the word, singing spiritual songs to God’s glory.

Application:

As members of Christ Body, the Church, we have our life hidden in Christ’s life. So, let us embrace our new position and allow the Spirit of God in us to shape us after Christ’s way. let us become new creations in Christ Jesus, all to the glory of God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for giving us a new life in your love and grace. Help us to grow daily in every aspect that you lead us. Allow us to inspire others to come to your grace and love. Help us not to focus on the things of this world although we are in need of earthly things, but allow us to seek you first, your kingdom and righteousness, then everything else will be added unto us as well. (Matthew 6:33) Amen.

Day 28, January 28, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-19

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self-ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Freedom From Human Rules

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

Observation:

“6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands.

Circumcision was a sign of the covenant made with Abraham for inclusion into the family of God. it was an act performed by human hands. Later on, in the church when the Jewish followers of Christ wanted the Gentile believers to go through a circumcision, Paul argued that the new Gentle believers were circumcised in the heart by Jesus. No other act of circumcision was necessary other than Baptism which Jesus had asked the followers to do for those coming to faith in Christ.

Application:

Since we as believers have undergone a circumcision of the heart by Jesus, let us then live into the fullness of Christ in us, focussing on the things above, the heavenly things rather than being tossed to and fro by every deceitful philosophy. “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, lover of our souls, thank you for the circumcision of our hearts that enters us into your eternal kingdom. Thank you for your forgiveness by your sacrifice on the cross while we were yet in our sins. Help us to live holy and pleasing as we worship you in Spirit and in Truth. Inspire us to make a difference in this world helping others to understand and accept your love for them. Amen

Day 27, January 27, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Paul’s Labor for the Church

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Observation:

Paul’s commission was to present “…the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  (Colossians 1:25-27)

So, if the fullness of God dwells in Jesus (Colossians 1:19), and if Christ is in us, the hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), then we have everything we need to be faithful followers of the Living God.

Application:

As followers of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and with Christ being in us, the hope of glory, let us then be faithful in all things.

Prayer:

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus, may we present ourselves in our lives as people having a certain treasure in these jars of clay. Help us to live thankful lives reflecting the light of your love to a world that needs to see that. Help us to be servants of your word that others may come to know of your saving grace and powerful love. Show us where you would like us to serve you. Amen.

Day 26, January 26, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 1-15-23

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Observation:

19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

The fullness of God dwells in Jesus Christ who “…in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

We can have a certainty in following Jesus as Lord and God, because Jesus is God, not created but creating. He was born into human flesh through the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary so that we might see and follow the invisible God, made visible by Jesus.

Application:

So, if the fullness of God dwells in Jesus, we can be certain that we can follow Jesus and listen to him, for he is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through him. Jesus is above all things and every knee will one day bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. So, why wait for that time. We are blessed beyond comparison when we are a faithful follower of the Living Lord, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, fully God and fully man, thank you for loving us so much that you came to show us the way, the truth and the life. Thank you for our forgiveness through your perfect sacrifice on the cross and thank you that you have made yourself known through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit who proceeds from you and the Father. Help us to be faithful followers, listening to and incorporating your words of life into our lives. This is all to the glory of the Father who is well pleased in you. Amen!

Day 25, January 25, 2025

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Observation:

It is customary of Paul to begin one of his letters to the churches with a salutation and a thanksgiving for what God is doing in the church to which he is writing. His letter to the Colossians is no different. Paul is thankful for the Colossians faithfulness and growth in Christ Jesus.

Paul Writes: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,  because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—  the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel  that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” (Colossians 1:3-6)

Application:

We too, like Paul, should be thankful for the spread of the gospel message of grace and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. When we witness transformed lives and the works that are inspired by faith and grace, we should join God in God’s work by praying for the faith of the people that we see in our lives. In much the same way, I am thankful for the people of Rock Church, for your love of God and for your love of God’s people. I pray that we all will “… live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,  and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:10-12)

Prayer:

Dear Lord and Father of us All, I thank you for the people of Rock Church. I thank you for their love of God and love of people that inspires them to do good in our church, community, and our world. Bless them with the power and the presence of your Holy Spirit that their faith in Jesus Christ may grow exponentially and that the good news of the gospel of grace may expand in our community that we might reach others with your love and grace. Amen.

Day 24 - January 24, 2025

Scripture: John 17:1-26

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Observation:

Jesus is praying the High Priestly Prayer, for his followers that the Father had given to Jesus, and not only those followers but all who come to believe in Jesus being sent from the Father because of his followers’ testimony. Jesus prays, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.  Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.  For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.  I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.  I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.” (John 17:6-12a)

Jesus’ prayer reveals the power in the Name that God the Father and Jesus the Son share together. There is no greater power than in the Name. The Name that reveals all Authority, Power and Glory. Jesus also wants to protect those followers that come because of the testimony of his followers. In another words, Jesus also prays for us who believe that Jesus was sent by the Father and that Jesus followers were sent by Jesus. As a follower and believer in Jesus Christ, we too are sent so that the world may know that Jesus is the Son of God, sent by the Father and that those who accept that message will also be one.

Application:

Because Jesus is the Living Word of God and because we accept that Jesus is one with the Father, we too have an awesome power in sharing the Good News of the Bible with all that we know. By the power of Jesus Name the Name that the Father gave to Jesus, we can bring others into the oneness with God that Jesus prays for all future believers. Jesus told his followers, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22) As believers in Jesus’ Authority, we too are sent by Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. So go.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for praying for us in your High Priestly Prayer. Thank you for protecting us by the Power of your Name, the Name that you share with the Father. Help us as your followers to receive your orders to go out into the world and profess and proclaim the good news of the Gospel that you have given us. Help us to do this so that others may know that you are the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing in you they may receive eternal life in you. Amen.

Day 23-January 23, 2025

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Observation:

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

This alabaster jar of perfume was very expensive outpouring from a woman who was consider very sinful. To be touched by an unclean person would make the person touched ceremonially unclean themselves.

But Jesus accepts her outpouring of the expensive perfume along with her wetting his feet with her tears and wiping his feet with her hair. He tells her that her many sins are forgiven.

Application:

Jesus knows the motives of our heart. He understands when we are thankful for his forgiveness and are generous towards God for his love. Let us be like the woman in the Gospel message today and be thankful for our salvation and be generous towards God.

Prayer:

Lord God, Father in Heaven, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son, Jesus so that we might be forgiven and saved by his loving act of sacrifice. Help us to remember by the power and the presence of your Holy Spirit your great love. Help us to show our thanfulness in living transformed lives of generosity and joy, all to your Glory. Amen.

Day 22–January 22, 2025

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Jesus and John the Baptist

18 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:

“‘We played the pipe for you,
    and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
    and you did not cry.’

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

Observation:

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. - Luke 7:29-30

Have you ever wondered why the Pharisees and the experts in the law were so against Jesus? I believe we have a clue in the above two verses.

Even the tax collectors were baptized by John’s baptism of repentance preparing the way for them to fully accept God’s way. John was sent to prepare the way of the Lord, but the Pharisees and the experts in the law did not see their own need for repentance and therefore believed that they were righteous on their own.

No one is ever righteous on their own accord, we are all in need of a Savior. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law had hardened their own hearts toward Jesus, by not admitting their own need of repentance.

Application:

Since we are all in need of a Savior, we need to submit our own wills to our Heavenly Father’s will. Even Jesus, although he was sinless and perfect, still submitted himself to a baptism of repentance, accepting his Father’s will above his own. We are wise when we follow Jesus and submit our wills to our Father’s will for our lives.

Prayer:

Father God, you know the plans that you have made for us, plans not to harm us but to give us a hope and a future. Bless us as your children to submit our lives to the Lordship of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Work your will in us through the power and the presence of your Holy Spirit, as we walk in the ways that you have planned for us. Grant us the will to put our faith into action, all to your Glory, Amen!

Day 21–January 21, 2025

Scripture: Luke 7:1-17

The Faith of the Centurion

7 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum. 2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Observation:

“Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

The Centurian considers himself unworthy to even approach Jesus to ask for his servant to be healed. But sends his servants to Jesus to let Jesus know that he understands that Jesus has the authority to heal his servant without physical contact and from afar. Jesus responds that greater faith he had not seen in all of Israel, and immediately from afar the Centurian’s servant was healed.

Application:

Jesus would often say to someone whom he had healed that, “Your faith has made you whole.” Faith recognizes that Jesus has the authority to heal. When we ask for healing believing that Jesus has the authority to heal, we often times experience a physical healing. When we sek Jesus believing in him as Jesus Messiah, we have the ultimate healing and that is our salvation.

The person who was healed in today’s scripture was healed because of another man’s faith, the Centurian. That is intercessory faith, similar to the four men who bring their friend to Jesus on a mat and Jesus seeing their faith responds with Salvation, saying, “Your sins are forgiven.”

We then can be instrumental in another person’s healing and salvation when we in faith make a plea to Jesus for healing and wholeness. When we pray earnestly with faith for the others in our lives, we are fulfilling one of Jesus commands to love the other as ourselves.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for this scripture today. Thank you for showing us that we can be like the Centurian and care for the others in our lives. Help us to trust your authority as the Centurian did and help us to see the needs of others that we might approach your throne of grace in our petitions for our friends and neighbors.

Day 20–January 20, 2025

Scripture: Luke 6:27-49

Love for Enemies

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

43 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

The Wise & Foolish Builders

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Observation:

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. (Luke 6:46-48)

Application:

Jesus has a lot to say in the above daily reading which includes being merciful and forgiving. He also counsels us to not be judging of others, for we all have faults. He counsels us to treat the others in our life including our enemies with love which conquers all. But what I want to focus on is that we take all of the words of Jesus and put them into practice.

When we listen to Jesus and are guided by The Holy Spirit who reminds us of everything Jesus ever taught, we live our lives on a firm foundation. Jesus is the solid rock foundation on which we should model our lives.

Prayer:

Lord, your words are intended to move us and shape us after your ways. Inspire us by your words Lord, to put what you tell us to do into a faith practice that shapes our lives. For as Peter tells you, only you have the words that to life everlasting. Lead us with your words to be the people of God that you intend us to be. Amen.

Day 19–January 19, 2025

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Blessings and Woes

17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon, 18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

20 Looking at his disciples, he said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
    for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now,
    for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
    for you will laugh.
22 Blessed are you when people hate you,
    when they exclude you and insult you
    and reject your name as evil,
        because of the Son of Man.

23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.

24 “But woe to you who are rich,
    for you have already received your comfort.
25 Woe to you who are well fed now,
    for you will go hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
    for you will mourn and weep.
26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
    for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

Observation:

“and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.” (Luke 6:19)

Jesus is delivering the “Sermon on the Plain” which is similar to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount” where Jesus preaches the Beatitudes. Even in the event of his preaching, people were trying to touch Jesus because the power was going out from him and people were being healed of every type of sickness.

Application:

The power still goes out from Jesus as The Holy Spirit still touches people’s lives with grace, healing, wholeness and transformation. The Holy Spirit informs us of Jesus, The Son of Man and the Son of God, and invites us in to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, you are still healing people today as we believe in you and receive the Healing Power and Presence of your Holy Spirit. Allows to seek you daily and allow your presence in us to be a power that can go out from us. We know the power is not ours but yours at work through us. This is all to the Glory of God the Father, through Jesus Christ and in the Power and the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Amen!

Day 18–January 18, 2025

Scripture:

6 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.

9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?”

10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles

12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. 13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: 14 Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Observation:

Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9)

Jesus was in the synagogue on the Sabbath, and he knew that the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were watching him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabboth.

Jesus, knowing their minds asked them, “which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” They could not answer him so Jesus healed the man, making his point again that The Son of Man was indeed, “Lord of the Sabboth and as Lord of the Sabboth, Jesus healed the man with the withered hand.

Application:

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law hardened their hearts and minds towards Jesus. They elevated laws above kindness and care for one-another. Jesus direct question about doing good or evil on the Sabboth, elevates are attitude towards others over keeping the law and not the spirit of the law. we should always be mindful of Jesus command to love God and to love others, If we are able to help the others in our lives, we should follow Jesus’ example.

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, help us to love you with our whole hearts, minds and strength; then help us to be concerned for and to love the others in our lives. Help us to follow Jesus example to do good, no matter what day it is. Amen!

Day 7–January 7, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Instructions for Christian Living

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Observation:

21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Because of our Salvation in Christ Jesus and because of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are being taught to put off our old selves with our sinful nature and to put on our new selves, being made in God’s image and likeness to be righteous and holy. We do this by getting rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice. Then we can be kind, compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgives us. Also, we are never to “…let the sun go down while you are still angry….” (Ephesians 4:26) We are encouraged not to let anger stew in us which could cause us to sin, but rather resolve your anger with love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. We are not quite able to do this on our own and in our own power, but as we remember the Holy Spirit in us, we are empowered to be forgivers, because God forgave us in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, You are Holy and Merciful. You have forgiven me of my inequities and have given me a new life in Christ Jesus. Your Holy Spirit reminds me of everything that Jesus had taught his disciples and you are always with me to remind me of your word and your way. Help me to walk in the light of your word. Help me to put off my old sinful self and help me to made new each day as I live to reflect your love, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to the people who intersect my life on a daily basis. May I live into the grace that you have shown me. Help me to be an extender of your grace to the others in my life and may I be and become all that you desire of me. Amen!

Day 6–January 6, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV)

Observation:

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all…. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

We are called to live a life worthy of the calling that we have received through grace; a life of grace, unity in the Spirit, speaking the truth in love, and not being swayed by every changing teaching being offered by crafty and cunning people. We stand firm then on God’s unchanging word, becoming mature in our faith and actions. All of this is to God’s Glory through Jeus Christ and by the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us.

Application:

We have everything we need to live the life that is worthy of our calling by studying the Word and cooperating with the Holy Spirit in our lives. When the word seems counter to our own beliefs, our role then is to accept God’s Word without exception and live into the truth of scripture. The Holy Spirit, who is always with us, will encourage us to be transformed by the word that we have encountered and then we will find unity and maturity in the Spirit.

Prayer:

Dear Lord and Father of us all, grant that we grow in our understanding of your Word through the faith you have gifted us in your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for the Gift of the Holy Spirit that we might stay ever close to you. Raise us up in the faith that we might be unmoved by the changing tides and differing world views. Help us to stand firm in your word, speaking the truth in love, for you are a graceful and loving God who desires us to know and love you better. Help us to be extenders of the grace that you have given us so that the Body of Christ will be built up in Jesus Christ. “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.“ Amen!

Day 5–January 5, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-21

God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Observation:

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus that Gentiles are included in God’s plan for salvation. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we can be confident in approaching God’s throne of grace. “12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12) That is the good news of the Gospel, that God has made a way for us.

Prayer:

We thank you Lord, that you have included the Gentiles in your plan of Salvation and that we can be confident approaching your throne of grace through our faith in your Son, our Lord and Savior. Allow us to cooperate with your Holy Spirit as you reveal scriptural truth to us, transforming us into the people you created us to become, people of faith and confidence. Amen!

Day 4–January 4, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (NIV)

Observation:

Christ is our peace, bringing us together in one body through one Spirit by the blood of Christ. “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Once we were no people, but through Christ suffering and sacrifice we have been made new creations, holy and sanctified. We are being built up together into one body, the temple of Our Lord Jesus, who dwells in us richly. Our lives matter then and what we do with our lives is important. So be holy as your father in heaven is holy. Let people see the goodness of our Lord in everything we do.

Application:

Since we are new creations in Christ Jesus, and since the Holy Spirit of Christ dwells in us richly, let us be confident in our faith and put our faith into action on a daily basis. Let us not be afraid to be the holy people of God, not in an off-putting way, but in a way that allows the people that we might to see the love, compassion, and grace that our Lord has displayed to us.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for the Peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for including me in your Kingdom plan for the Salvation of the world. Help me then through your grace to be compassionate, loving and graceful with everyone i meet today. Allow the people that I encounter to recognize you in me and allow me to be confident in my faith that my body would truly be a temple for You, all to your glory. Amen!

DAY 3–January 3, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Observation:

Each one of us were dead in our transgressions, but because of God’s great love for us, through his great mercy made us alive in Christ. “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”” There is nothing that we can do or have done to merit our own salvation. Our very faith in Christ is a gift from God so that no one can boast about their own saving faith. Our salvation is what God does in us because we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

Application:

Therefore, since God gives us faith in Christ to become new creations, we are then encouraged and expected to do the good works in our lives that God has prepared in advance for us to do. We then need to live into the grace that we have received and become extenders of grace to the others in our lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to be ever mindful of your all-sufficient grace that we do not deserve, but you grant to us because of your great mercy and love. Enable us then to live into the grace that you have provided and use that blessing in our lives to be a blessing in the world. Help us to be ever mindful of your love and help us to accomplish the works that you have planned for us to do in your honor and all to your glory. Amen!

DAY 2–January 2, 2025

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Thanksgiving and Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (NIV)

Observation:

“17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,…”

Like Paul, I too am praying for you, the people of Rock Church to first of all receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and then for the Spirit of God to enlighten you, opening your eyes and your hearts to his plan for your life. And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him above the heavenly realm is at work in you. Can you imagine the power of the Holy Spirit to move in people’s lives is available to all who believe that Jesus is the Christ. This power can move mountains and can influence lives all to the Glory of God! Do not be afraid to use the power of the Spirit in you to make a difference in this world.

Application:

The “Spirit of wisdom and revelation,” (Ephesians 1:17) The Spirit of God is given to every believer so that we might know God better. As we cooperate with God’s Spirit in us, God will reveal God’s Self to the believer so that the believer may be built up in their faith and actions. As we trust God and move in God’ Spirit we can be very powerful influencers in the world, bringing people to faith in God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I give thanks for the people at Rock Church. I give thanks for their faith in you as Lord and God of their lives. My prayer is that the Power of the Holy Spirit in them will encourage them to be bold in their faith and cause their faith to move into action. All this through the Power and the Presence of Your Holy Spirit in them. Allow others that know them to know you as well because they will be able to see You in them. May we all be better reflections of your love, grace, and justice all to the Glory of God. Amen!