The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Christmas Day" for Sunday, 25 December 2016 with Scripture: Luke 2:8 In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, 9 when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Sh’khinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; 10 but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day, in the town of David, there was born for you a Deliverer who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 Here is how you will know: you will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, along with the angel was a vast army from heaven praising God:
14 “In the highest heaven, glory to God!
And on earth, peace among people of good will!”
15 No sooner had the angels left them and gone back into heaven than the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go over to Beit-Lechem and see this thing that has happened, that Adonai has told us about.” 16 Hurrying off, they came and found Miryam and Yosef, and the baby lying in the feeding trough.
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Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”[Matthew 18:20 (CEB)]
As Americans living in Bangladesh, my husband and I longed to be with other Christians for the Christmas celebration. Since we were too far to travel home, we chose to visit London. On a sunny-but-crisp Christmas morning, we arrived at the site of our church denomination in London — only a block from Westminster Abbey.
The 100-year-old church had soaring ceilings, beautiful windows, creaky wooden floors — and about 30 people in attendance. The minister conducted the service with only an organist to help him, but he was so cordial and enthusiastic that we were humbled and grateful to be there. It had been too long since we had been in a place of Christian worship. As we sang carols and listened to the Christmas story, tears filled our eyes.
We still longed for our families, but we could feel the presence of God there in that London congregation who were looking after two homesick souls, so far away from all that was familiar. Afterward, as we walked through St. James Park, we were so moved that we could not speak. Even though we were in London and longing to be in the United States, our thoughts were in Bethlehem. My husband and I realized that it didn’t matter where we were located when we prayed. We were still in God’s care.
Read more from the author, here.
"More from Joanne Emmons"
Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”[Matthew 18:20 (CEB)]
As Americans living in Bangladesh, my husband and I longed to be with other Christians for the Christmas celebration. Since we were too far to travel home, we chose to visit London. On a sunny-but-crisp Christmas morning, we arrived at the site of our church denomination in London — only a block from Westminster Abbey.
The 100-year-old church had soaring ceilings, beautiful windows, creaky wooden floors — and about 30 people in attendance. The minister conducted the service with only an organist to help him, but he was so cordial and enthusiastic that we were humbled and grateful to be there. It had been too long since we had been in a place of Christian worship. As we sang carols and listened to the Christmas story, tears filled our eyes.
We still longed for our families, but we could feel the presence of God there in that London congregation who were looking after two homesick souls, so far away from all that was familiar. Afterward, as we walked through St. James Park, we were so moved that we could not speak. Even though we were in London and longing to be in the United States, our thoughts were in Bethlehem. My husband and I realized that it didn’t matter where we were located when we prayed. We were still in God’s care.
Read more from the author, here.
"More from Joanne Emmons"
After our time in Southeast Asia, the return to the United States brought us new eyes to view the world around us once again. We focused on the gentler, less obvious nuances of what it means to live in the U.S.--the clean air that allows us to watch a sunset, our ability to visit the doctor down the street and expect quality healthcare, the vegetables we find at the market and can eat without washing them in Clorox, and the phone systems that allow us to call the kids whenever we want.Returning to our home church brought the same tears as had that lovely church in London. There we sat, years later, looking around to see familiar faces who welcomed us back. We gloried in the beauty of our friends’ faces and familiar surroundings. Pictures we had taken with our hearts when we went away were replaced with the real thing. Everything was brighter, wider, more beautiful, more precious, more appreciated, and more valued.
One of our best trade-offs was the friends we made from all over the world. As they returned to their original homes, like an ever-widening circle, they became touchpoints--India, London, Paris, Kenya, Singapore, and points in between. Without our adventure we would have never met any of those fine folks.
As God’s grace settles across the world, we are rich with blessings that seemed to appear from nowhere when we arrived back home. Were they always there? Of course. Wherever home might be, may your journey--outbound and inbound--bring you trust in God’s care and hope for the future. [Joanne Emmons, The Author: Joanne Emmons (Oklahoma, USA)]
Thought for the Day: Wherever we are, we can celebrate the presence of God and the gift of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, bless those who show the Christmas spirit to the homesick and befriend the needy. Help us to reflect your love to all. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE FAR FROM FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Trusting Jesus" for Saturday, 24 December 2016 with Scripture: Matthew 10:1 Yeshua called his twelve talmidim and gave them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal every kind of disease and weakness. 2 These are the names of the twelve emissaries:First, Shim‘on, called Kefa, and Andrew his brother,
Ya‘akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan his brother,
3 Philip and Bar-Talmai,
T’oma and Mattityahu the tax-collector,
Ya‘akov Bar-Halfai and Taddai,
4 Shim‘on the Zealot, and Y’hudah from K’riot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Yeshua sent out with the following instructions: “Don’t go into the territory of the Goyim, and don’t enter any town in Shomron, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Isra’el. 7 As you go, proclaim, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near,’ 8 heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those afflicted with tzara’at, expel demons. You have received without paying, so give without asking payment.
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The psalmist wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”[Psalm 51:10 (NRSV)]
I conducted the Christmas morning service at a country church in New South Wales. Following the service I was greeting the people at the door. A neatly dressed young man with long blond hair greeted me by calling me “Mr. Mac.” I did not recognize him and he said, “Have you forgotten me? I was the worst kid in your scripture class in high school.” I remembered and then called him by name. We talked for a while, and he told me that he was grateful for my putting up with him. He had made a decision to follow Christ and became secretary of the student Christian movement at his university.
I congratulated him on his decision and wished him well in his future studies and as a Christian. I learned a valuable lesson that day: we may never know what awaits those who hear God’s word. When we share the messages of the Bible, we can rely on God to use our constant proclamation of faith to do the converting and the calling.
The Author: Jim MacLean (Queensland, Australia)
Thought for the Day: Today I will thank someone who shaped my faith.
Prayer: Dear God of compassion, help us to see the potential you see in others and to be an example for those around us. Amen.
Prayer focus: YOUNG PEOPLE HEARING GOD’S WORD
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God Hears Our Prayers" for Friday, 23 December 2016 with Scripture: Romans 8:18 I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. 19 The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; 20 for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope 21 that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have. 22 We know that until now, the whole creation has been groaning as with the pains of childbirth; 23 and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free. 24 It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.
26 Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; 27 and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God’s people accord with God’s will.
The psalmist wrote, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”[Psalm 51:10 (NRSV)]
I conducted the Christmas morning service at a country church in New South Wales. Following the service I was greeting the people at the door. A neatly dressed young man with long blond hair greeted me by calling me “Mr. Mac.” I did not recognize him and he said, “Have you forgotten me? I was the worst kid in your scripture class in high school.” I remembered and then called him by name. We talked for a while, and he told me that he was grateful for my putting up with him. He had made a decision to follow Christ and became secretary of the student Christian movement at his university.
I congratulated him on his decision and wished him well in his future studies and as a Christian. I learned a valuable lesson that day: we may never know what awaits those who hear God’s word. When we share the messages of the Bible, we can rely on God to use our constant proclamation of faith to do the converting and the calling.
The Author: Jim MacLean (Queensland, Australia)
Thought for the Day: Today I will thank someone who shaped my faith.
Prayer: Dear God of compassion, help us to see the potential you see in others and to be an example for those around us. Amen.
Prayer focus: YOUNG PEOPLE HEARING GOD’S WORD
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God Hears Our Prayers" for Friday, 23 December 2016 with Scripture: Romans 8:18 I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. 19 The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; 20 for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope 21 that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have. 22 We know that until now, the whole creation has been groaning as with the pains of childbirth; 23 and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free. 24 It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.26 Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don’t know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words; 27 and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God’s people accord with God’s will.
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The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.[Romans 8:26 (NIV)]
Our Bible study leader makes a list of our prayer requests so that we can pray for one another’s specific needs. I recently asked the group to pray that God would help me in becoming a friend to my ex-husband. Then I began to worry that I was praying for the wrong thing and that I had encouraged several other people to pray amiss as well.
Troubled about this situation, I told my fears to God. The words from Romans 8:26 came to mind and reassured me that I can trust God to sort out my prayers. God continues to bring about changes in our relationship. I pray for God’s will to be done and for my heart to be willing to follow where God leads me.
When I don’t know what to pray for, I can trust that the Holy Spirit will intercede.
Read more from the author, here.
The Author: Connie L. Miller (Indiana, USA)
Thought for the Day: God hears us even when we do not know what to pray for.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers always, even when we struggle to pray. Thank you for Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KLV). Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE GOING THROUGH DIVORCE-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Time For Everything" for Thursday, 22 December 2016 with Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season,
a right time for every intention under heaven —
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to discard,
7 a time to tear and a time to sew,
a time to keep silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
I am working on a series of Advent devotions. This one is part of it:
"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)
It was our first Christmas since my 27-year-old niece, Jen, had died unexpectedly. The past year seemed only a blur--a flurry of images empty of any depth or meaning. We had prayed continually, cried often, and found solace in God and each other. Sometimes, it felt like Jen had been gone just a few days. Other times, it seemed like light-years since we had enjoyed that silly voice, radiant smile, and quirky sense of humor.
And now Christmas was approaching. It would never be the same. There would always be that vacant chair at the dining room table. Every person and family handles their grief differently. There is no right way or wrong way. But I want to share some decisions our family made.
We chose to remember. Every holiday or birthday we placed a single, lone rose in a vase on the table in honor of our missing family member, Jen.
We chose to love. We made a point of saying, "I love you. " Although we had often said those words in the past, they became even more significant because we recognized the fleeting nature of life and the importance of valuing today. Not only did we speak the words, "I love you," but we showed them in action by checking in often with each other, sharing our struggles, and offering encouragement.
And we chose to look towards God. No matter the circumstances, we always have a decision: to move toward God or turn away. God alone knows the aching of our souls--a grief often hidden from others. God watched his own son, Jesus, die on the cross. That thought brought a comfort and peace to me beyond what words can express--an assuredness that God understood my deep pain and will tenderly care for our fragile hearts as we embrace him.
May we offer our grief and sorrow to the only one who can truly carry it. And may we accept what God offers in return: hope, love, and perseverance.
Prayer: O God, who knows our grief, comfort us as only you can. Sustain our hearts and souls as we look to you. Amen.[Lin Daniels]
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.[Romans 8:26 (NIV)]
Our Bible study leader makes a list of our prayer requests so that we can pray for one another’s specific needs. I recently asked the group to pray that God would help me in becoming a friend to my ex-husband. Then I began to worry that I was praying for the wrong thing and that I had encouraged several other people to pray amiss as well.
Troubled about this situation, I told my fears to God. The words from Romans 8:26 came to mind and reassured me that I can trust God to sort out my prayers. God continues to bring about changes in our relationship. I pray for God’s will to be done and for my heart to be willing to follow where God leads me.
When I don’t know what to pray for, I can trust that the Holy Spirit will intercede.
Read more from the author, here.
The Author: Connie L. Miller (Indiana, USA)
Thought for the Day: God hears us even when we do not know what to pray for.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for hearing our prayers always, even when we struggle to pray. Thank you for Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KLV). Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE GOING THROUGH DIVORCE-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Time For Everything" for Thursday, 22 December 2016 with Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season,a right time for every intention under heaven —
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to discard,
7 a time to tear and a time to sew,
a time to keep silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
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There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.[Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)]
When my nephew called to tell me that my 27-year-old niece, Jen, had died suddenly and unexpectedly, my whole body began to shake. She had been like a daughter to me. During the agonizing days after her death, I wondered if I would ever smile again. I wanted to be transported many years down the road where I hoped the pain might be less. My heart was broken, and I was not sure it could ever be repaired.
Today’s reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that some seasons of our lives bring sorrow, but some bring joy. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of heartbreak, we are filled with unrelenting pain. We find it hard to imagine a less-painful time in the future. We feel trapped in sorrow with no hope.
I have found that although I still carry a heaviness about my niece’s death, I am now able to smile again and enjoy those blessings that God has so graciously given to me. God’s word gives us hope for another season after sorrow, a season of joy and celebration — reminding us that God will walk with us in both seasons and bring healing as we go forward. We will not always stay in that season of grief; we will be able to rejoice again.
Read more from the author, here.
"More from Lin Daniels"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.[Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)]
When my nephew called to tell me that my 27-year-old niece, Jen, had died suddenly and unexpectedly, my whole body began to shake. She had been like a daughter to me. During the agonizing days after her death, I wondered if I would ever smile again. I wanted to be transported many years down the road where I hoped the pain might be less. My heart was broken, and I was not sure it could ever be repaired.
Today’s reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that some seasons of our lives bring sorrow, but some bring joy. Sometimes, when we are in the midst of heartbreak, we are filled with unrelenting pain. We find it hard to imagine a less-painful time in the future. We feel trapped in sorrow with no hope.
I have found that although I still carry a heaviness about my niece’s death, I am now able to smile again and enjoy those blessings that God has so graciously given to me. God’s word gives us hope for another season after sorrow, a season of joy and celebration — reminding us that God will walk with us in both seasons and bring healing as we go forward. We will not always stay in that season of grief; we will be able to rejoice again.
Read more from the author, here.
I am working on a series of Advent devotions. This one is part of it:
"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me." Psalm 86:6-7 (NIV)
It was our first Christmas since my 27-year-old niece, Jen, had died unexpectedly. The past year seemed only a blur--a flurry of images empty of any depth or meaning. We had prayed continually, cried often, and found solace in God and each other. Sometimes, it felt like Jen had been gone just a few days. Other times, it seemed like light-years since we had enjoyed that silly voice, radiant smile, and quirky sense of humor.
And now Christmas was approaching. It would never be the same. There would always be that vacant chair at the dining room table. Every person and family handles their grief differently. There is no right way or wrong way. But I want to share some decisions our family made.
We chose to remember. Every holiday or birthday we placed a single, lone rose in a vase on the table in honor of our missing family member, Jen.
We chose to love. We made a point of saying, "I love you. " Although we had often said those words in the past, they became even more significant because we recognized the fleeting nature of life and the importance of valuing today. Not only did we speak the words, "I love you," but we showed them in action by checking in often with each other, sharing our struggles, and offering encouragement.
And we chose to look towards God. No matter the circumstances, we always have a decision: to move toward God or turn away. God alone knows the aching of our souls--a grief often hidden from others. God watched his own son, Jesus, die on the cross. That thought brought a comfort and peace to me beyond what words can express--an assuredness that God understood my deep pain and will tenderly care for our fragile hearts as we embrace him.
May we offer our grief and sorrow to the only one who can truly carry it. And may we accept what God offers in return: hope, love, and perseverance.
Prayer: O God, who knows our grief, comfort us as only you can. Sustain our hearts and souls as we look to you. Amen.[Lin Daniels]
See pictures of Lin and Jen, here.
"Link2Life for December 22, 2016"
Thought for the Day: Because God is with me, even in grief I can have hope. (See 1 Thess. 4:13.)
Prayer: Dear God, thank you that even in seasons of deepest sorrow you are nearby and your love will see us through. Give us hope for the future, that we may persevere. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Living in Harmony" for Wednesday, 21 December 2016 with Scripture: John 13:33 Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and, as I said to the Judeans, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ now I say it to you as well.
34 “I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are also to keep on loving each other. 35 Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other.”
"Link2Life for December 22, 2016"
Lin and Jen
Lin and Jen
Lin’s twin (Jen's mother, Patty), Jen's brother (Joe), Lin and Jen- celebrating Jen's birthday. (It turned out to be her last birthday celebration.)
The Author: Lin Daniels (Massachusetts, USA)Thought for the Day: Because God is with me, even in grief I can have hope. (See 1 Thess. 4:13.)
Prayer: Dear God, thank you that even in seasons of deepest sorrow you are nearby and your love will see us through. Give us hope for the future, that we may persevere. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Living in Harmony" for Wednesday, 21 December 2016 with Scripture: John 13:33 Little children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and, as I said to the Judeans, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ now I say it to you as well.34 “I am giving you a new command: that you keep on loving each other. In the same way that I have loved you, you are also to keep on loving each other. 35 Everyone will know that you are my talmidim by the fact that you have love for each other.”
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Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. “[John 13:34 (NRSV)]
My daughter and granddaughter met a woman named Sophia who needed somewhere to live that was nearer to her place of employment. After discussing cost, rules, and responsibilities, they reached an agreement for Sophia to live with them.
Sophia is an Orthodox Jew, while our daughter and granddaughter are Christians. Yet a trusting and loving friendship has come from sharing their religious faiths and backgrounds. Certain areas of the kitchen have been set apart for Sophia to prepare and store her kosher food. As they celebrate their religious holidays, they share knowledge of these holidays with one another. This has led to many good conversations and deeper understanding.
My daughter and granddaughter have had an opportunity to enjoy a rewarding friendship by following Jesus’ example and his command for us to love our neighbors as ourselves. (See Matt. 22:39.) By sharing and respecting others’ beliefs, we can build relationships filled with harmony, love, and trust.
The Author: Shirley R. Cottle (North Carolina, USA)
Thought for the Day: With God’s help, I can live in unity and peace with others.
Prayer: Dear God of all, help us to understand and show love to everyone so that we may share your peace with those around us. Amen.
Prayer focus: FRIENDS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS
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Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. “[John 13:34 (NRSV)]
My daughter and granddaughter met a woman named Sophia who needed somewhere to live that was nearer to her place of employment. After discussing cost, rules, and responsibilities, they reached an agreement for Sophia to live with them.
Sophia is an Orthodox Jew, while our daughter and granddaughter are Christians. Yet a trusting and loving friendship has come from sharing their religious faiths and backgrounds. Certain areas of the kitchen have been set apart for Sophia to prepare and store her kosher food. As they celebrate their religious holidays, they share knowledge of these holidays with one another. This has led to many good conversations and deeper understanding.
My daughter and granddaughter have had an opportunity to enjoy a rewarding friendship by following Jesus’ example and his command for us to love our neighbors as ourselves. (See Matt. 22:39.) By sharing and respecting others’ beliefs, we can build relationships filled with harmony, love, and trust.
The Author: Shirley R. Cottle (North Carolina, USA)
Thought for the Day: With God’s help, I can live in unity and peace with others.
Prayer: Dear God of all, help us to understand and show love to everyone so that we may share your peace with those around us. Amen.
Prayer focus: FRIENDS OF DIFFERENT FAITHS
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