Advent Devotional Archives - Page 2 of 3

Twentieth Day of Advent | Colossians 3:3-4

Posted on Dec 16, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4 (Context: Colossians 3:1-17)

Here Paul gives us one of the central paradoxes of the Christian faith. How can I die and have life? Elsewhere Paul writes that he has been crucified with Christ, and yet nevertheless he still lives. Jesus prophecies much the same in Luke 21 – some believers will be killed before the destruction of the temple, but they won’t perish. How could they be killed, but not perish?

Part of the solution to the paradox is understanding that in salvation, we find ourselves united with Christ in such a foundational way that our lives are contained entirely in him. Our lives are not contained in our success or our emotional well-being or our popularity or anything else which can suffer loss. Because our lives are “hidden with Christ,” nothing can change around us that affects our true value and worth. This is why Paul tells us in Romans 8 that “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Seek to understand the security of knowing that your life is hidden with Christ in God.

James Manley

James was ordained a priest in the Anglican Church at Servants this past September. He frequently preaches and acts as celebrant at both our services; but he’s not just a priest, he’s also a professor of the humanities at the College of Central Florida in Ocala.

Nineteenth Day of Advent | Romans 5:1-5

Posted on Dec 15, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 (RSV) (Context: Romans 5)

This passage is a good “big picture” for believers. It has good Christian “keywords”: faith, peace, grace, rejoice, hope, glory. Then some harder words: suffering, endurance, character. Thankfully we finish with more great words: hope, love, the Holy Spirit.

Hope is mentioned several times. Humans need hope, and when hope is gone, we despair. When I find myself losing hope, it usually comes from focusing on specific, short-term situations. Even months- or years-long situations are short-term, in view of eternity. We are promised a share of God’s glory, through His grace!

“That’s great,” you say, “but I can’t always focus on the hope of eternal life and ignore the present.” This is our constant tension: the now and the not yet. It’s where the harder words come in: enduring suffering that builds character. In our instant gratification culture, we love to share glory. Endure suffering, rejoice in suffering? Not so much.

Truth be told, this cycle – suffering, enduring, building character, and obtaining hope – is the cycle of our Christian lives. We experience it in big and small ways, no matter our situation. If we rejoice in sufferings, knowing that the end result is the building of our character, this gives us hope. God is refining us!

Finally, sharing in God’s glory is not restricted to the future in heaven. We share in His glory now, in the present, as we receive His grace and peace, and trust Him for our hope in all things big and small, present and future.

Beth Kirby

Beth is a founding member of Servants. She has served in various roles over the years: Director of Children’s Ministry and Church Administrator to name a few. She has since stepped down from direct church ministry and now focuses her energies on caring for her family.

Eighteenth Day of Advent | Isaiah 30:21

Posted on Dec 14, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (Context: Isaiah 30:18-33)

As the year draws to a close, I wonder about the future. What new opportunities will the New Year bring and what decisions will I have to make? Some decisions can be hard, especially when they have long-term consequences. How can we make the right decision?

God promises in His Word that He has a plan for us and that He will guide us. When I begin to worry too much, I think back to the time I believe God clearly guided me. After medical school, I had to decide my area of specialization. I was set on pursuing Internal Medicine, but every time I would try to proceed with the application, Proverbs 14:12 would flash across my mind, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” As I prayed about it, I realized I was pursuing it for the wrong reasons. My alternative was Pathology. Pathologists make diagnoses based on tissue samples from patients, which decides treatment. I had loved Pathology in medical school, but hesitated as it is a behind-the-scenes kind of specialty and I am not exactly a behind-the-scenes kind of person. Though I initially missed the patient contact (or rather the recognition, admiration, and instant gratification) of Internal Medicine, as I spent time at the microscope, I realized God had equipped me for this field. I enjoyed examining tissues and making diagnoses. Every once in a while, I get to make a diagnosis that completely changes the direction of a patient’s care. I could not be happier, doing what God has called me to do, behind the scenes. I’m grateful God found a way to steer me onto the right path.

We are often confused and worried, but God does guide. He has promised to do so. Let us look forward to that!

Ruth Asirvatham

Ruth recently became a member of our Servants family. She moved here from Ann Arbor, MI a few months ago and has been attending since September. While she hasn’t yet found her place of service at Servants, she has a heart for ministering to the elderly and to single mothers.

Seventeenth Day of Advent | Philippians 2:1-11

Posted on Dec 13, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him that the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:1-11 (Context: Philippians 2:1-18)

Lately my attitude isn’t where it should be. I am tired, busy, feeling alone, and just plain blah. Sometimes it’s hard to see the sun through the clouds. My attitude is one of, “Why me?” instead of thankfulness.

I have three kids and a husband who works nights, so there isn’t much time for quiet prayer or reflection around here. I have to multitask. Five to six times a day I have to sit and pump milk for Jack. Sorry if this is too much information for some of you, but this is where I am. I was sitting there on my phone during this fifteen minutes, every four to six hours. I would look at Facebook or play games.

I started reading my Bible app and I read the verses above. I heard that my attitude stinks. I was sitting there surrendering my time for Jack’s well-being, and I hated it. It’s painful, it takes so much time, and my schedule revolves around it. Then I read verses three through eight. It reminded me why I do what I do. I was sacrificing for Jack. Even though I can’t nurse Jack normally due to his cleft pallet, I can still provide the nutrients he needs to be healthy for his upcoming surgery. I needed to be grateful for the ability to sit, read, and supply for Jack’s needs.

We are called to serve. What that looks like is unique to us. Sometimes I throw myself a pity party. I scream, yell, and feel like I’m the family’s maid. Other times I count my blessings. I have been given a husband who works hard, three amazing children, family, and loving friends. Every day is different. Christ served first. He humbled himself by becoming man. I will have failures, but I will continue to serve. I am here to serve first, just as Jesus was.

How do you serve Him each day? What does your attitude look like while serving others?

Kim Harris

Kim has literally thrown herself into ministry at Servants from the moment she joined in 2013. She is a member of the church staff and serves as the Director of Children’s and Family Ministries. She and her husband John also frequently open their home for great times of fellowship such as last month’s Beer and Hymns and, coming in January, our Epiphany Bonfire.

Sixteenth Day of Advent | Jeremiah 9:23-24

Posted on Dec 12, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“Be Thou My Vision”

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart

……

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one

The song was written by St. Patrick. The verse that inspired the song was from Jeremiah 9:23-24. “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,’ declares the LORD.”

St. Patrick’s high regard for God is evident in the various titles ascribed to the Lord. He is our Vision, our Lord, our Best Thought, our Wisdom, our Word, our Great Father, our High King, our Inheritance, our Treasure, our Sun, our Ruler, our Heart.

So practically speaking how do I allow God to “be my Vision”? How do I turn my life and my will over to Him? The problem is when I take it back and try to do it my way. Every time I hear this song it reminds me to give my will and my life over to God.

Currently Mike and I have become caregivers. Thank heaven our children are independent and self-supporting for the most part. We are caregivers for my brother who had a stroke and a heart attack. Mike’s sister moved in with us, and needs help with her medication, her meals, and personal care. I had to place my Dad in a nursing home. The battle is with insurance companies and bills. We are financially drained. Spiritually and emotionally we work and we wonder at what point are we helping or are we enabling. We have to constantly remind ourselves this is only temporary. At times I wonder, “why me?” Then I realize to thank God for good jobs, that we are able to financially support my brother. Thank God that physically we are able to care for his sister. My dad is doing well in the nursing home.

Be Thou my vision, Lord, to do Your will, to seek Your word as guidance and to seek godly wisdom from other Christians. I am learning to pray and seek God first and to allow Him to be our Vision.

Jeannie Bey

Jeannie is a founding member of Servants of Christ and has always encouraged those considering attending A4D weekends and Alpha. She serves with her Community Group at Grace Marketplace and ushers on Sundays. She has been a valuable part of our children’s ministry, volunteering to teach and helping with events such as VBS.

Fifteenth Day of Advent | Romans 8:38-39

Posted on Dec 11, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Romans chapter 8, especially verses 38 and 39, has always been a comforting, ‘go-to’ passage for me since I became a Christian at the age of 19. It was my memorized reminder of Jesus’ great love for me. A reminder that no matter what was going on in life, I was His. Recently, I have been battling with depression and anxiety. I know that my life is blessed with two healthy boys and a wonderful husband and much more, but on my bad days everything felt off and wrong and all I could focus on was what I had done wrong in life and shame would follow. Even these verses couldn’t comfort me. Thankfully we attend a church with a strong community that doesn’t shrink away from those who are struggling or hurting. Instead of people shying away, I was met with hugs and comforting words and most importantly people prayed for me when I didn’t have the words to pray for myself. They were able to remind me of what I already knew through Romans 8. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus. As I experience healing and joy, I am thankful daily for our community which was a piece of this healing. The disciples urged Christians on to this kind of caring for one another in scriptures such as Hebrews 10 and James 5. Let us continue to live these scriptures in each other’s lives and in the lives of our neighbors.

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together, as is the habit, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16

Mary McCready

Mary joined Servants of Christ in 2012. She is a member of the vestry and has been a great help to our youth ministry over the last year.

Fourteenth Day of Advent | Isaiah 42:1-9

Posted on Dec 10, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:1-9 (Context: Isaiah 42)

What do we wait for, in Advent, but for Jesus to fulfill these promises? Everywhere we look are bruised reeds, and faint wicks, and we and those around us are tempted more than ever to either dwell in discouragement or to seek peace, justice, and encouragement in those things that are temporal and lacking, and which do not make these promises to us.

But in Advent we are called and we choose to lean in to our need, our discouragement, our faint-heartedness, and meet Jesus, who dwells in those places. He is making us and all things new, and in this season we pray, wait, and trust that He is returning to finish His work.

Today, let’s try to refrain from making our voices heard in the streets, but rather let’s quiet our hearts and wait for Jesus. Let’s meditate on His meekness, His kindness, and the tenacious sacrificial spirit with which He came and will come again to save and heal us.

Those around us wait impatiently for justice, hope, and encouragement in temporal things. Let us meditate today on Jesus’ approach to need; not in lifting our voices in the streets, or in strife, but in enduring patience let us, in Him, take the hands of those around us and love them in gentleness.

Only in receiving Him, as the faint wicks and bruised reeds that we are, can we offer hope to those around us. Let’s start there.

Ethan Stonerook

Ethan began attending Servants in 2012 and he currently serves on the vestry and as a prayer reader.

Thirteenth Day of Advent | Mark 6:30-44

Posted on Dec 9, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered them, ‘You give them something to eat.’ And they said to him, ‘Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?’ And he said to them, ‘How many loaves do you have? Go and see.’ And when they had found out, they said, ‘Five, and two fish.’ Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.” Mark 6:30-44 (Context: Mark 6:7-44)

We find the disciples knee-deep in the work of proclaiming Jesus’ teaching. They are exhausted, famished. Jesus calls them to come away and rest. However, the crowds catch wind of their plan and run to get there ahead of them. Alas, no rest for the exhausted disciples. Jesus has compassion on the crowds because they are wandering, in need of a leader. He teaches them through supper time. The disciples suggest Jesus send them away to buy food. “No,” Jesus tells them, “you feed them.’’

This is the moment when I can relate most to the disciples. My calling is before me: feed them, hold them, change the diapers, help with homework, listen, be patient, fold the laundry, be available and loving to your spouse, to your neighbors. I’ve already sacrificed. How can I now do the impossible?

Notice Jesus does not put them at ease by revealing the big picture. He nudges them to respond in faith, to evaluate the resources at hand, however insufficient they may seem.

The disciples come back with a report – they have 5 loaves and 2 fish. Undeterred, Jesus directs His attention to the crowds. He takes the food, looks to heaven, says a blessing, breaks the loaves, and gives the meal to the disciples to set before the people. What a gift to the disciples! They have little to do with the provision, but they still get to participate in the blessing. They have the honor of setting the food before the people. All the people eat to satisfaction! 5,000 men are fed and still 12 baskets are left over! Oh, lovely, glorious leftovers.

Lord, you are not limited by the resources within our reach. You are a God of abundance. I am quick to forget this, to crumble in defeat. Please forgive me. Thank you that you would use us, even though you are the one who deserves the glory. Help us to carefully evaluate the resources available to us and lay them at your feet.

Valerie Stonerook

Valerie came to the SOC family in 2012, and when she isn’t taking care of her children, you can find her cheerfully engaged with her brothers and sisters in the Gainesville community. She currently leads The Share, a weekly women’s Bible study.

Twelfth Day of Advent | Matthew 6:34

Posted on Dec 8, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.’” Matthew 6:34 (Context: Matthew 6:25-34)

This verse is certainly universally recognizable as wisdom, and could be loosely translated into a saying like “take things one day at a time.” A great platitude no doubt, but so common that there are multiple copies of it filed in an overstuffed junk drawer, deep in my mind’s repository and probably yours. It’s the kind of one-liner, conversation-ending advice you dispense when you just don’t know what to say in response to someone’s personal turmoil.

I first heard this verse when I wasn’t looking for it, and I chose the King James Version because of the beauty of the verse spoken this way. Sometimes the medium is the message. And sometimes the person is the message. These words spoken by someone who would confront evil itself and overcome it gave me unspeakable peace and joy. Knowing the magnitude of Christ’s sacrificial love gives dimension to words that could easily be reduced into mere folk wisdom.

I find myself particularly battling this kind of worry during Advent. Usually far more time is devoted to managing Christmas expectations in the form of shopping lists, menus, travel plans (not to mention all the work that will be piling up on my desk while I’m out for two weeks). The worries of one day roll over and compound “the morrow.” I am humbled by the fact that I cannot even begin to “do” Advent without God’s help, and I cannot begin to recognize or heed His wisdom but through His generous mercy and help.

Kate Becker

Kate is an active member of our vestry whose term comes to a close in 2017.

Eleventh Day of Advent | Galatians 5:22-23

Posted on Dec 8, 2016 in Advent Devotional, Blog, Devotions, Guest Blogger |

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (Context: Galatians 5:16-24)

These verses are a usual part of my day. I pray frequently to love all those that I come in contact with daily and for the self-control not to wallow in my sin nature: my all-too-frequent tendency to speak in anger or frustration, to be judgmental, to respond quickly before listening fully. Love and self-control are the bookends with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness completing that set of spiritual fruits. The beginning is love. God loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son for us. As He gives me the ability to love people that way, good fruit will follow.

As I prepare to celebrate the birth of my Savior during this season of Advent I pray that I will allow the Holy Spirit to work within me so that good fruit is increased.

Libby King

Libby has been a member of Servants of Christ since 2010. She sings on the worship team and serves on the vestry.