Author: Kerry

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
Titus 3:4,5

The Love of God

Daily Devotion – January 18, 2025

Devotion based on Titus 3:4,5


See series: Devotions

“Nobody loves me!” Very few phrases are more heart-wrenching than to hear someone say that no one loves them. Many of us have felt this way at one time or another—the teenager whose friends all seem to have abandoned her, the single person who cannot find that special someone, the divorcee whose world has collapsed, the widow who is suddenly all alone. But God has comfort for everyone who has ever felt unloved. He loves us.

God does not love us because we are lovable. In fact, Paul says, “when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done.” If God’s love for us depended on our being lovable, none of us would stand a chance. The things we have done are not lovable. They are unloving and cruel and hurtful. They are sins.

But God saved us from those sins, not because of what we’ve done, but despite what we’ve done. “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” God looked at us and said, “What poor, miserable creatures! Over and over again, they deny me and disobey me. They certainly don’t deserve anything from me. But I love them. And I am going to save them from the eternal punishment they deserve.” The fact that God saved us when we didn’t deserve it proves his love for us.

Do you think no one loves you? Look at that man on the cross. Jesus loves you. He loves you as much today as the day on which he was nailed to the cross for you. What wondrous love!

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord, for loving me and saving me because of your mercy. Amen.

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:5

Washed Downstream

Daily Devotion – January 17, 2025

Devotion based on Titus 3:5


See series: Devotions

On November 19, 1854, the legendary Texas general, Sam Houston, was baptized. He was known as a brutish man, a rabble-rouser, and a heavy drinker. Apparently, his wife, Margaret, had been praying for fourteen years that he would get baptized. As the story goes, after Sam Houston came up from the baptismal waters of a river in Texas, one of his friends said, “Well, General, all your sins have been washed away.” Houston replied, “If that be the case, God help the fish downstream…”

We could technically all say the same thing. At our baptisms, a whole lot of filth got washed off of us. Every sin we’d ever committed and every sin we’d commit in the future received a cleansing on that day. That’s a lot of sin. But it’s gone now. It’s washed downstream. This washing by the Holy Spirit has saved you. By your baptism, you’ve been tied into the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. You died with Christ and now also live with Christ.

The two words Paul uses in this verse to describe your baptism are “rebirth” and “renewal.” To be “reborn” means to be given new life. At baptism, the “old you” was washed downstream. That “old you” was a slave to sin, but you’ve been set free now. It’s like you get to start your life over now as someone born into God’s family.

You’ve also been “renewed.” You see the word new in that word. At baptism, you were given a “new self.” This new self wants to please God and live in harmony with him. The old self of sin wants to rebel against God, but in your baptism, that old self is drowned. The new self now rises each day to live with Christ.

So, live every day as the reborn and renewed child of God that you are. You’ve been washed clean!

Prayer:
Cleansing Lord, you have saved us through the gracious washing of our baptisms. Lead us to live renewed lives each and every day. Amen.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:22

Positively Delighted

Daily Devotion – January 16, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 3:22


See series: Devotions

Deep down, virtually every child wants to please their parents. When they’re still little, they want to hear their parents say, “Good job!” or “Wow, you are so big!” As they grow older, children crave to hear their parents say, “I’m so proud of you” or “You mean the world to me.” Children crave their parents’ approval and praise.

God the Father is well pleased, positively delighted, with his Son, Jesus. That’s good news for us who want to please our Father in heaven, too because Christ shares God’s delight with you. By faith in Jesus, you also gain access to God’s delight. The sins that make you look like worthless chaff are blown away. God sees you as good wheat to be stored with him. God is positively delighted with you because he’s positively delighted in what his Son has done and who he is—the substitute for sinners.

If you want further proof that you are God’s delight, look to your own baptism! Baptism is your connection to Christ and his saving work. In baptism, your sinful identity, your chaff-like appearance, is put to death, and your sins are hidden in Jesus’ tomb. But even as your sins are washed away in baptism, you are also being raised with Christ to walk in his footsteps, bringing delight to God. In baptism, God the Father’s voice calls out to you like it did for Jesus, “You are my son, my daughter, whom I love. With you, I am well pleased. You are my delight.”

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for delighting in me so much that you sent your one and only Son to claim me as one of your children. Now let your Holy Spirit guide me in serving you with my life—since you are now my joy and delight. Amen.

John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Luke 3:16

Harsh or Hippie?

Daily Devotion – January 15, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 3:16


See series: Devotions

There seems to be an interesting flip-flop of expectations for Jesus between the Jewish people of his day and us today. The Jewish people of that time wanted a fiery figure like John the Baptist, one with power who would bring heat on the elite. Jesus seemed too ordinary, humble, and uninterested in being a powerful leader.

But now it’s flipped. It seems that more and more people today would prefer to have a hippie Jesus who’s cool with whatever we feel like doing or whoever we feel like being. A Jesus who always throws up peace signs and “hang loose” signs. Many want a Jesus who doesn’t confront sin and doesn’t come to separate the chaff from the wheat and bring judgment like John was talking about because that sounds too harsh and unloving.

While it’s true that Jesus is the greatest expression of God’s love, he also wasn’t just some pushover hippie. Jesus brought fire to those who thought they were secure in their own righteousness. He came because there was a serious problem to address—our sin. And Jesus didn’t back down from talking about it and calling it out.

So, is Jesus harsh or a hippie? He’s neither. He is just and powerful yet also humble and merciful. Jesus didn’t come to say, “You’re all good just the way you are.” Instead, he came to prove, “I’ve made you good by my perfect life, innocent death, and powerful resurrection.” Jesus was harsh in his answer against sin, death, and the devil. He showed his full power in defeating our enemies. And he has shown his overwhelming grace in loving us who didn’t deserve God’s mercy because of our sin.

We thank our God that he’s given us a mighty Savior who is mighty in power and even mightier in love.

Prayer:
Dear mighty Savior, I am not worthy to approach you, but you approached me in love. I praise you for your acts of mighty love on my behalf. Amen.

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.
1 Samuel 16:13

You Are Anointed

Daily Devotion – January 14, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 16:13


See series: Devotions

When was the last time you anointed something? Do you get up in the morning and say, “I shall now anoint this pan with oil before I scramble my eggs for breakfast”? Or do you go to the beach and say, “Before sitting in the sun, I shall anoint my skin with SPF 50 sunscreen”? We don’t talk about anointing things or people. It’s not a thing we do. Anointing sounds like something reserved for kings and Old Testament prophets, but nothing to do with you or me.

Anointing is kind of a big concept in the Bible, though. It comes up frequently. The name “Christ” even means “The Anointed One.” And really, it’s because of Christ, that “Anointed One,” that you also get tied into an anointing of your own. That’s essentially what your baptism is—an anointing by the Holy Spirit.

At your baptism, the Spirit of the Lord rushes on you with power from that day forward, echoing what happened to David when he was anointed by Samuel. At your baptism, the Holy Spirit stirs and strengthens his gift of faith in your heart. At your baptism, you’re anointed with the cleansing forgiveness of sins. At your baptism, you’re anointed into Christ and his redeeming work on your behalf. At your baptism, you’re anointed into office—the office of the priesthood of all believers, as you now take up the role of being a messenger of good news for broken sinners.

That’s the anointing we still take part in today. At your baptism, you’re anointed—not just with water but with the Holy Spirit. God knew we humans are creatures who rely on our senses, and so he connects his grace, power, and blessing to something we can see—visible and concrete: the anointing waters of baptism.

Prayer:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing Spirit to sustain me. Amen. (Psalm 51:10-12)

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”. . . He sent for him and had him brought in. [David] was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
1 Samuel 16:10-12

Not an Afterthought

Daily Devotion – January 13, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 16:10-12


See series: Devotions

The prophet Samuel had come to Bethlehem so that God could choose the next king of Israel. The king would be one of the sons of Jesse. So, Jesse had seven of his sons pass in front of Samuel. Right away, Samuel noticed Eliab, who likely had a tall, kingly stature. Samuel thought to himself, “Surely this man will be the one God chooses.” But God wasn’t choosing Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, or any of the other four sons Jesse had with him that day.

Samuel said, “Are all your sons here?” Jesse replied, “Well, there’s still the youngest.” Jesse didn’t even think it was worth bringing his youngest son, David, in from the field for the prophet’s visit. He was an afterthought. But David was not an afterthought to God. He was the next king of Israel.

God doesn’t always operate the way we think he would. He doesn’t choose or prefer only those who have high earthly standing. He cherishes the lowly, the afflicted, the humble. The afterthoughts of the world are not afterthoughts to God.

No matter who you were or where you stood in the pecking order of life, at your baptism, God lifted you up as his own. He claimed you as his child. Even if you feel like an afterthought to the world, you are God’s treasured possession and an heir of his kingdom. You’re never an afterthought for God!

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, thank you for lifting me up. Thank you for never treating me like an afterthought. Thank you for choosing me to be your own and live under you in your kingdom. Amen.

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:22

My Son!

Daily Devotion – January 12, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 3:22


See series: Devotions

John’s parents were bursting with pride. Their son had finally obtained his high school diploma. Although this may not seem like an extraordinary accomplishment, for John, it was the triumph of a lifetime.

He was never a model student. As a matter of fact, he despised school. Before he completed three years of high school, he dropped out. This led to a series of failures. Dead-end jobs, battles with alcohol and drugs, even a little time on the streets—these were all part of his resume.

John’s parents were cautious when he showed up on their doorstep and announced he was going back to school. Still, they supported him. In the end, he gave them something to be proud of. He not only graduated with honors, but he also kept his promise to change his life.

God the Father announced his pleasure with his Son. But this was no ordinary parent’s proud proclamation. This was the Almighty God acknowledging the perfect obedience of his Son.

Jesus came at his Father’s command to live the life we could never live. He was perfect. No sin, charge, or blame could ever be brought against him. At the Jordan River, God the Father put his stamp of approval on everything Jesus had done and would continue to do.

Jesus came to be our substitute to secure what we could never achieve—God’s pleasure. Because of Jesus’ sinless life and the gift of faith, which takes his life and makes it ours, God now declares us sinless and announces his love for us. God’s pleasure in Jesus is our guarantee of God’s pleasure in us. Through Jesus, God says to you and me, “You are my child whom I love.” Through Jesus, God declares, “With you I am well-pleased.”

Prayer:
O precious Savior, words can never express the deep debt of gratitude I owe you. You came to live for me, to die for me, and to secure for me God’s love and good pleasure. Keep me in your love, so that I can look forward to the home you have prepared for me in heaven. Amen

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said . . . “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.”
Genesis 17:1,4,5

An Everlasting Covenant

Daily Devotion – January 11, 2025

Devotion based on Genesis 17:1,4,5


See series: Devotions

In the past, the Lord made covenants with his people. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord renewed that covenant he made a quarter century before. Abram and his wife would have a son, even though his wife was barren, and he was ninety-nine. Not only would they have a child, but many nations would come from him. Kings would also be among his descendants.

The Lord then assured Abram that this covenant would take place. Only instead of signing his name to it, he changed Abram’s name as an assurance that what was promised would happen. So, the Lord changed his name from Abram, which means ‘exalted father,’ to Abraham, which means ‘father of many nations.’ What a testimony this name change would be to everyone Abraham met.

Many different nations did come from Abraham. But it wasn’t until almost 2,000 years after God made this covenant with Abraham that the Lord completed it. One of Abraham’s many descendants was born. He was a king named Jesus. Jesus came to fight the battle against evil and win the victory over death. He brought peace between God and people through the forgiveness of sins, and he establishes his kingdom in the hearts of people as he turns them to faith in him as their Savior.

Through Jesus, we also become descendants of Abraham, spiritual children who trust in God by faith, just as Abraham lived by faith. As descendants of Abraham, we share in the everlasting covenant the Lord made that he is our God. What a comfort it is to know that the God who fulfilled his covenant with Abraham by making him the father of many nations is the same God who is our God through the forgiveness of sins given through Jesus!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you for fulfilling your covenant with Abraham by sending Jesus to be my Savior and King. Give me the peaceful assurance that he rules in my heart by faith to guard and guide me as one of your own dear children. Amen.

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:47

A Gift To Share With All

Daily Devotion – January 10, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 13:47


See series: Devotions

A friend has Christmas gifts for your whole family, but they won’t be there to deliver them, so they put the gifts into a box and ask you to give them to your family.

What would you do? You would share those gifts with the people for whom they are intended, right? They are counting on you to deliver the gifts.

The gift of God has come into the world in the person of Jesus Christ. The words of our Bible verse for today were first spoken about him: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” God gave us Jesus to be a light for all people living in the darkness of sin. God gave us Jesus to bring salvation—rescue from death and eternal punishment—to the ends of the earth. God sent his Son to be a gift for all people.

But how do they receive that gift, especially now that Jesus has risen from the dead and ascended into heaven? Early Christian missionaries, Paul and Barnabas, recognized that God spoke these words to them. They were not the light themselves. They could not save anyone from death and hell. But God had a mission for them—to shine the light of Jesus for all to see, to hand out the gift of salvation to the whole world.

Think about the person who first told you about who Jesus really was. Think about all the people who have given you the gift of helping you see more clearly how Jesus saved you and forgives all your sins. Jesus is God’s gift for all the world, and those people made sure to deliver the gift specifically to you. Like them, you now get to give others the greatest gift of all—life and hope through Jesus their Savior. With whom will you share that gift today?

Prayer:
Jesus, use me to share you with others as the greatest gift of all. Amen.

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Acts 13:47

Light for All

Daily Devotion – January 9, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 13:47


See series: Devotions

Are your Christmas lights still up? Many turn them off in the few days after Christmas. For others, their tradition is to leave them up until the New Year begins or until the Festival of Epiphany. But now we are past New Year’s and the Festival of Epiphany. If I drove around my community, I’m guessing I’d find a few homes still lit up, but not many.

On Christmas night, the brilliant light of the glory of the Lord appeared over Bethlehem, as angels announced the birth of the Savior to lowly shepherds. But only a few saw the light that night, and it was gone almost as quickly as it appeared.

Later, the Magi followed a star in the sky to find the child and worship him. But they may have been the only ones who noticed that unique messenger star that served as their GPS.

But the light that appeared to Jewish shepherds and the light that led non-Jewish or Gentile Magi to Jesus illustrates a truth predicted by prophets centuries earlier. The Messiah—the Savior the Lord promised to send—would be a light for all people.

Outdoor Christmas lights may be especially enjoyed because they light up homes and streets when the days are short and the nights are long in the northern hemisphere.

Without the Messiah, we live in spiritual darkness. We know there is a God out there, but we can’t see him on our own. And so, we foolishly make up our own paths out of the darkness. Prideful paths that are paved with our own best efforts and that define right and wrong by how it feels. Those dark ways of our own making will only lead to one deadly dead-end after another.

But Jesus came into the world to be light. The light that reveals the perfection God requires of us. But, also, the light that lives out that perfection in our place and destroys sin’s darkness as it does. Jesus is the light we need because he is the path out of this world’s darkness into heaven’s eternal light that will never go out.

Prayer:
Jesus, be the light in my heart every day. Amen.