Category: Devotion

An Introduction to the history of Christmas.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”             Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

“…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 (NKJV)

Reading: Luke 1: 1-4

As we approach Christmas, a very important holiday in the Christian tradition, we would like to share the story of how it all began. Christmas is not just about toys, gifts, and Santa Claus; it’s really about the coming of Jesus to the earth. It’s a story of love. Most religions claim their founders as men who became gods, but only Jesus is the God who became a man because of God’s great love to save people from sin. God knew there was no way people could reach Him and meet His standards, so He sent Jesus to reach down to us, His created beings.

Although I have not seen Jesus physically, I know He lives! His story of coming to earth from heaven as a baby, His life, death, and resurrection are true facts. The story of Jesus is not a myth, nor a legend, but a real story that was written in accurate and orderly narrative as shown in Luke 1:4, “…so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught” (Complete Jewish Bible). To give a short introduction to the writer of the third Gospel in the New Testament, here is a brief background of Luke who did a thorough investigation and research of the life of Jesus.

Luke the writer of this Gospel was a highly educated person. According to tradition, Luke was a medical doctor, perhaps a personal physician of Paul. According to the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), Theophilus was a high priest during or around the years 37-41 A.D. Theophilus may have been retired when Luke met him in A.D. 60. Other Bible scholars think Theophilus may have been a Roman official.

Luke was not around during the time of Jesus but had met some of His followers. He was taught by some of the followers of Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. Luke became a faithful companion of Paul in his missionary journeys, even during times of imprisonment. Paul, during his imprisonment and last days, wrote, “Only Luke is with me” 2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV). Luke later wrote the book of Acts.

In his Gospel, Luke wrote an orderly narrative from eyewitnesses of the life of Jesus when He was still on earth. (See Luke 1:2.) Luke did a systematic investigation and research of the life of Jesus through the personal testimonies of the people who had personally seen and known Jesus. Perhaps Luke interviewed some of the original disciples of Jesus, some of His friends, relatives, and family members such as His mother and other followers. Perhaps Luke even talked to some of those who had received healings and miracles directly from Jesus when He was still on earth.

So, from “word of mouth” oral tradition, Luke carefully investigated and wrote down testimonies and stories from eyewitnesses and from those who received teachings from Jesus.

Even though Luke did not meet Jesus in person, Luke heard many amazing stories about Jesus including His miraculous birth, teachings, healings, and miracles. According to some Bible scholars, Luke was a Gentile who became a Jewish convert. As mentioned earlier, He wrote the account of Jesus’ life to address a prominent person named Theophilus – to know for certain, to believe and receive Jesus as the Messiah, the Deliverer.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”                Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

Perhaps, Theophilus had already heard the Gospel of Jesus and was sincerely wanting to better understand who Jesus was. So, Luke took time to research, investigate, and write the story of Jesus from firsthand eyewitnesses.

Reflection:

God, in His providence, allowed Luke to write the account of Jesus’ life which was backed up by research, stories, and testimonies of eyewitnesses. It was written that we might believe Jesus is the Christ. (See John 20:31.) It was written and later translated into our language (English) so that we might understand. This was done at great cost. As we read in church history, some people risked their very lives and others lost their lives translating the Bible. They sacrificed their lives for these stories to be written, translated, and printed. Thus, we have a sure foundation for our faith in Jesus. Currently, after more than 2000 years, there are still Bible translators working diligently to get this story, the Gospel in other languages so that they may hear and know Him, Jesus, as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for your gift of faith. Thank you for your providence in having your story written and translated into many languages, so that every person in every tribe and nation can know You and have a well-founded faith.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Reading:  Acts 27

Key verse: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (v.25)

The Holy Spirit gives peace and encouragement in the midst of storms.

Last week, many people in the southern part of the United States experienced a strong category 4 hurricane. Many experienced damage to their homes, properties, and roads. Thousands lost electricity and experienced flooding. We saw on live TV news the strong winds due to the hurricane. Almost at the same time, in the Far East on the other side of the Pacific, a powerful typhoon hit some parts of the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

Perhaps some of you are experiencing some kind of storm in life, too.

In the Bible, a man named Paul also experienced all kinds of storms in life. Here is the story from the book of Acts:

Paul was falsely accused by some religious leaders in Israel and was put in jail (Acts 23). He was transferred from a prison in Jerusalem to Caesarea. For two years he went through court trials and testified before two governors and the king of Israel, Herod Agrippa (Acts 23-25).

He remained steadfast in his faith and plea for innocence.   

Paul was granted his request to appeal to Caesar. “Then Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’” (Acts 26:32 NKJV)

Paul knew and was certain of the Lord’s will for him to go to Rome to witness for Him: “‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.’” (Acts 23:11 NKJV)

Preparations were made and logistics lined up for Paul and other prisoners to be transferred from Caesarea to Rome. They were under the care of Julius, a Roman official centurion ( a commander of 100 soldiers). “And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.” (Acts 27:1 NKJV)

They all sailed from the port of Caesarea to Sidon, Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Crete. As they set sail from Fair Havens, Crete they encountered strong winds and stormy seas. The captain of the ship and the crew did everything they could to keep sailing in the midst of the storm. (See Acts 27:2-21 for the full story.) In the meantime, Paul kept praying and encouraging everyone: 

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.”  (Acts 27:22-25 NKJV)   

The situation was dire with the strong winds and storm beating the ship. Most of the people in the ship were fearful and did not know how they would survive the strong storm in the middle of the sea. They even stopped eating. But Paul was at peace, as he trusted the words of God that were given to him by the angel (Acts 27:23-24). The Holy Spirit gave Paul peace and calmness during the tempestuous storm that threatened their lives. He even encouraged everyone in the ship:

“Therefore, I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” (Acts 27:34 NKJV)

Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ( John 14:26 27 NKJV)

Conclusion:

The Holy Spirit gives the followers of Jesus peace and calmness even in the midst of the storms of life, so we can encourage others.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to us as our Comforter. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving us Your peace and calmness in times of distress amidst the storms of life. Please give us your strength, courage, peace, and comfort so we can encourage others who are going through storms in life. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end;
 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22 NRSV

When the weather is fair, David and I enjoy walking around our neighborhood for exercise after a days’ work. On some weekends, we do our walking in the mornings. As we walk and stretch, we bask in the warmth of sunshine and blue sky. Sometimes we see white fluffy clouds. We also hear birds chirping and see squirrels running up and down big oak trees. At almost every corner we turn, we see huge, tall oak and pine trees. There are also some Crepe Myrtle trees with clusters of purple, pink, or white petals. During spring and early summer, we see lush green grass that carpets the neighborhood lawns. Some are covered with small white or red clover, and some with yellow and white dandelions. There are also different varieties of beautiful, colorful flowers on well-kept yards.

One morning, I noticed next to the sidewalk the green wild grass was covered with small droplets of water that glistened under the sun. At that time, it had been many days since we had rain. So, I knew the water was not from the rain; it was the morning dew. As I looked at the morning dew which moistens the thirsty and dry ground, I was reminded of today’s verse in the Bible that says, God’s love and faithfulness are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God takes care of the wild grass, the wild trees, and the wildflowers even though they do not receive care as part of someone’s yard. Sometimes we feel dry and weary from all the cares and concerns of this world.  However, like those wild grasses that God refreshes through the morning dew, God refreshes our souls too each morning. The Spirit of the Lord blesses us each morning as we spend time with Him in Bible reading and prayer. Each morning with God is a new beginning because of His mercy and love for us.

Reflection: Like the morning dew, God’s love and faithfulness refresh my soul every morning.

Prayer: Thank you dear Lord God for your mercies and steadfast love that renew my spirit every morning. Great is Your faithfulness!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

(The Triumphant Entry)

Reading: Luke 19:28-40

v.38 Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

// “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. ” Zechariah 9:9

Jesus started His journey from Capernaum to Jerusalem. After 3 years of teaching, preaching, healing sick people, and other miraculous acts of kindness in different parts of Israel, He was ready to go to the city of Jerusalem. He made some stops along the way in different cities like Jericho and Samaria, ministering to the people. He healed some blind people in Jericho and touched the family of Zacchaeus (Luke 19). However, Jesus was still focused on His final destination, Jerusalem, even though He made some stops and detours. Just before heading to Jerusalem, Jesus told His disciples the events that would take place there, His death on the cross and resurrection (Luke 18:31-33). Jesus knew what would take place in Jerusalem, His suffering on the cross, but He was determined to fulfill the call of God in His life.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem with His disciples, He instructed them to get a certain colt that nobody had ridden (Luke 19:29-34).

The disciples brought Him a colt, and Jesus rode on it as he entered Jerusalem.

And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road.

Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,saying:

“‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38)

The followers of Jesus believed He was their long-awaited Messiah, the Savior. So, they praised and worshiped Him. Jesus also fulfilled the words of the Prophet Zechariah which were written several hundred years earlier:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,  A colt, the foal of a donkey.”  (Zechariah 9:9)

In ancient history, when a king was inaugurated as the ruler of a land, they rode a mule or a colt and were paraded around the city. When Solomon was proclaimed king in Israel after his father David, it was written:

“…Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and took him to Gihon….And they blew the horn, and all the people said,  “Long live King Solomon!” (I Kings 1:38-40)

In fulfilling the words of God through Zechariah, Jesus made it public that He was the Messiah, the Savior and coming King. With this gesture, He gave opportunity for the people of Israel, especially the religious leaders (Pharisees, Scribes, Priests, Elders, etc.), to recognize Him as their Messiah. Sad to say, some religious people did not recognize Jesus:

“And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, ‘Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.’”     (Luke 19:39)

However, some of His followers believed and praised Jesus as their Messiah, the promised King from the line of King David. They may not have fully understood its full meaning; some of them thought Jesus would be their king to overthrow the Romans and the puppet King Herod.

But the mission and purpose of Jesus from the beginning was to seek and save the lost, to deliver people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Conclusion:

Jesus was and is indeed the King of Israel, if only they would allow Him to reign in their hearts. Jesus is indeed the Savior, King, and Lord for all people of every nation. The King is coming. Are you ready?  Is Jesus King and Lord of your life?

If you open your heart to Him, He wants to be your Savior and Lord, too. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Someday Jesus will come again here on earth and establish His kingdom. Jesus will come again to bring final justice on earth. Jesus will come again to execute justice and vengeance for the oppressed.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war….

And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

(Revelation 19:11-16)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, You are my King, the King of kings and Lord of lords! I praise and thank you for your words. Thank you that you came to seek and save the lost. Thank you that you are coming back to establish Your kingdom. Judge of the earth, ruler of all nations, please come. Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version (NKJV)

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A28-40&version=NKJV)

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Do you know that when you pray to Jesus, He also prays for you?

As a follower of Jesus, I pray to Him most of the time. I also ask others to pray for me. But today, in my study of Luke chapter 22, I learned that Jesus also prays for me. Here’s the story. For the past few months, I’ve been reading and studying the Gospel of Luke. My reading today was Luke 22:24-38. This is where Jesus is having the last supper with His disciples before the Passover Holiday. Passover is one of the most important religious holidays for the people of Israel as they commemorate the time when God freed them from Egyptian bondage. (See Exodus 12.)

During dinner, the disciples had a dispute about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27).  Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to show them that to be great means to serve (John 13:3-10). Since this was the last supper before the crucifixion of Jesus, He spent good quality time with His disciples. He loved them and encouraged them to be prepared for the time when He would not be with them physically. Jesus saved the last, but the best, teachings for His beloved disciples. The apostle John shares more details on the words of Jesus during that last supper in John 13-17.  Take note that these last teachings of Jesus were not given to the crowds but were reserved for His 12 disciples only. However, I believe these words are specifically for the followers of Jesus – both then and now – including us. Yes, you and me!

Then Jesus broke some bad news to Simon: “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22: 31)

Simon may have looked to the left, to the right, and at his back. Using my sanctified imagination, perhaps he said, “Me? Are you talking to me, Lord?”

“But he (Simon) said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

But then Jesus gave Simon some good news: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22: 32)

Most of us know the rest of the story:

 Then He (Jesus) said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” (v.34)

In this study, however, I’m not focusing on the failure and weakness of Peter. We all know that Peter denied Jesus – a big smashing failure! But again, my focus here is not on the humanity and failure of Peter, but on the love and care of Jesus for His followers.

Remember that Jesus assured and encouraged Peter: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…”

Jesus loved Peter, despite his weakness, and prayed for Him. But not just for Peter – Jesus prayed for all His followers. At the ‘last supper,’ the apostle John recorded these words, the prayer of Jesus for His disciples:  

-I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.  (John 17:9)

–  Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.  (John 17:11)

– I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.  (John 17: 15)

-Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.  (John 17:17)

Again, these prayers are for the followers of Jesus. He is praying for us! The writer of Hebrews also says:

“Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

And even the Holy Spirit prays for us! The apostle Paul said:

“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Jude, another follower of Jesus, said:

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless. Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy…” (Jude 24)

Reflection:

I don’t know about you, but I’m very encouraged by these words.  Jesus is praying and always interceding for His followers.  Jesus is praying for me!  No matter what the adversary and the evil ones do against the followers of Jesus, He has already covered us, just like He did for Simon Peter.  No matter what happens, Jesus has hold of me, so there is no need for worry or fear.  While we often think that we only pray to Jesus, Jesus is praying for us – with the full backup of the Holy Spirit and the love of our Father God.

Prayer:

Oh Lord Jesus, thank you for Your words and truth. Thank you for praying for me, interceding for me, holding me tight, and keeping me from falling. I love you Lord! Thank you for this assurance, that You won’t allow me to be given over to the adversary. Thank You, Jesus, for keeping me in the palm of your hand.  Thank you for praying for me.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Reading: Luke 12:35-56

Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40)

In Philippine history, when General Douglas MacArthur* told the people of the Philippines, “I shall return,” in 1944, after almost 3 years, he fulfilled his promise. He came and liberated the people of the Philippines from Japanese tyranny.

In the Bible, one time Jesus was talking to His followers, He said;

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning… (v.35)

He also told them earlier, not to worry about life’s concerns such as food, clothing, etc. He encouraged them instead, “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.” (v.31) Jesus was saying to His followers, if they pursue the will of God and His kingdom, then God will take care of their needs. And while serving Him and doing His will, be aware also that Jesus could come back anytime. Jesus told His followers, to be aware, watch, and wait for His return. “And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. “(v38)

“Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (v.40) What Jesus is talking about here is in the context of Jewish wedding customs. He said, “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. “(v.35-36)

In Jewish custom and tradition, when a man and a woman are engaged to be married, the man prepares a house for the future bride. After he has done this preparation, which takes about a year, the groom gets his wedding party, friends, and family, and walks together in a procession to get the bride from her house. The bride’s family knows this will happen, but they do not know the day or hour. During those days, they did not have a telephone or social media to send messages. The groom gets ready and goes to the bride’s house. So, the bride had better be ready when he comes!

In Matthew 25, Jesus talked about the parable of the foolish and wise brides or virgins. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps “(Matthew 25: 1-13).

In Matthew 24:27-28, Jesus spoke to His disciples about His return and the ingathering of His followers: “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”

Paul also says, “For the Lord, Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

For the past 2000 years, followers of Jesus have been eagerly waiting for His return. Paul also said, “…in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (I Corinthians 15:52)

This is our blessed hope, the return of our kings, the king of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

“Now, I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

(Revelation 19:11, 16)

Peter also said, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  (2 Peter 3:9-10)

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Lord Jesus promised His followers 2000 years ago that He would return. If General MacArthur fulfilled his words, “I shall return!”, how much more reliable are the words of Jesus! The words of Jesus are trustworthy, reliable, and sure. What He says, He will do. Jesus will come back again. Moreover, being ready to meet the Lord is also personal. Anytime, anywhere, death can happen to anyone. The question is, “Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus anytime?” “Therefore, you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your promises. I believe You. I believe Your words, and I look forward to Your return. Holy Spirit help us, Your Church (Your followers), know how to get ready. Help me, Holy Spirit, to get my oil lamp trimmed and ready. Lord, how do I get ready? How do we get ready for Your return?

*https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/macarthur-returns

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayers:

Reading: Luke 12:4-12

Title: Fear God, Fear Nothing and No one!

Key verse: “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.7)

Jesus continues to teach and exhort His disciples: “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has the power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (v.4-5)

God loves and takes care of His creation – animals, flowers, especially people. Jesus said to His followers, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” (v.6-7)

Therefore, do not worry and fear to confess Jesus before people. Do not fear false accusations on account of Jesus’ name because the Holy Spirit will give power and strength in times of persecution. Jesus said, “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (v.11-12) The Holy Spirit gives wisdom about what to say. And the Holy Spirit gives power, strength, and courage to withstand against all kinds of threats and intimidation.

Reflection:

Therefore, Jesus is saying, do not fear people but fear God only. Do not worry about life because God sees everything, and God cares for those who choose to follow His Son, Jesus. God loves Jesus, and God loves those whom Jesus loves. So, we are secure in the arms of God as we follow Jesus, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no need to worry, no one to fear – fear God alone!

Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank You for that because of Jesus, I am secure in your arms. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for your power, wisdom, and strength to follow Jesus – to fear nothing and no one, but God. In your powerful name, Jesus, I pray, amen!

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer: