And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”  Galatians 3:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

    who walks in his ways! Psalm 128:1

Sparkling Advent #8: The Gift of Blessing (Galatians 3:8, 2 Corinthians 9:8-10, Psalm 128:1)

This Christmas season I have actually seen two different performances of musical versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In both versions, the famous line that Tiny Tim pronounces was turned into a song: “God bless us, everyone!” He invokes God’s blessing, which the Bible says we have as believers in Christ. 

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

    who walks in his ways! Psalm 128:1

The idea of blessing is confusing at first. In our modern culture, we don’t go around blessing others often (unless you count when your friends are sneezing). God’s blessing is a bit of a foreign concept. 

Blessing

However, back in the Old Testament, blessing was a cultural norm. Fathers blessed children in specific ways. God has always been in the business of blessing. 

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3

God’s blessing of Abraham was contingent upon Abraham’s obedience. In a similar way, our blessing is dependent on our belief in Jesus. When we choose to believe and follow Jesus, we are included in the blessing of Abraham. 

The Blessing of Abraham

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”  Galatians 3:8

Those of us who are not Jews are a part of “all the nations” who are blessed through the lineage of Abraham. This verse from Paul’s letter to the Galatians says that this blessing is preaching the Gospel. It is a prophecy of Jesus. Through Jesus, we are blessed with the favor, protection, and approval of God which we do not deserve.

Different kinds of blessings

Blessings can be large intangibles like favor, protection, and approval, or they can be seemingly small gifts. When I first went away to college for the first time, I was in the middle of a study called Experiencing God (Henry Blackaby). I was growing closer to God like never before and starting to pray about everything, big and small. That first semester God blessed me with good parking spots, hot water in the community bathrooms for showers, direction when I didn’t know where I was going, and more – all of which I prayed for. He grew my faith by responding quickly to small prayers – little gifts straight from heaven to remind me that I was loved and His child.

As I grew in my faith, I didn’t need the constant reinforcement from Him. He still answers my prayers. However, for my own good, my own growth, my own maturing in the faith, God delays sometimes or says no to me. Those are blessings too. 

Gifts from God

When we open our eyes to the many ways God is blessing us everyday, our gratitude enlarges. We start to see the presents He is sending down from heaven on us as believers. God’s gifts empower us to sparkle in good works that He has planned for us. 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

Action Step:

Look for how God has been sending the gift of blessing your way – the provision, the favor, the protection, the approval, the answered prayer, the character growth, the empowerment, and more! Then pray for the blessing of someone else. As Tiny Tim says, “God bless us, every one!”

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of Your blessing. We can’t even see all that You have blessed us with, but we know that we are blessed. Help us to sparkle with gratitude and to bless others. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17

Sparkling Advent #6: The Gift of Sonship (1 John 3:1; Romans 8:16-17)

I am the youngest daughter in my family…by a lot. My brother and sister are 10-12 years older than me. Growing up, I had a lot of “only child” tendencies because of this large gap. I also benefited from older parents who had more time to spend with me. I treasure the memories of my father reading and talking with me at breakfast or learning to sew and bake with my mother. They passed down wisdom to me. My name, Amanda, means “beloved” and I truly felt loved as their child. 

Blessed

When I think about the difference between my experience growing up and that of some people I know who were separated from their parents or had abusive childhoods, I am so grateful for my family and home. 

However, when I read today’s scriptures, I was struck by the idea that no matter what our backgrounds are, we are all blessed because God calls us His children. 

What kind of love?

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1

God’s love for us is so deep and so far beyond our comprehension that He, the Creator of the Universe, accepts us as His kids. What kind of love is this? It is hard for me to wrap my brain around this marvelous mystery. 

The Holy Spirit in Us

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:16-17

The Holy Spirit in us that we talked about in the last post – He connects with our spirits, reassuring us that we are children of God. He can remind us that we are no longer slaves to our natural desires or to sin. As believers in Jesus, we have been given the gift of sonship (or daughter-ship!).

Heirs

This passage in Romans goes one step farther. We are not just children, but also God’s heirs with Christ. When we believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we accept all of it – the suffering and the blessing. However, we know that even if our lives on this fallen world are filled with sadness and misery, our lives in eternity are full of the inheritance that we share with Jesus as children of God. 

Action Step:

Some of us act like we are slaves instead of sons. We walk around with our heads hanging down, assuming that we have no options or no power, but that is not how God sees us. He calls us His children and lavishes His gifts on us. We can stand tall and sparkle in this world because we know what is waiting for us in the next. 

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Reveal to us the depth of the blessing of this gift of sonship. Help us to see ourselves as you see us, our value in You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Sparkling Advent #5: The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 6:19)

Have you ever been reading the Bible and thought, “I wish I could have been there to see that!” I have several places in the Bible where I feel that way. One of them is in the second chapter of Acts. Jesus had told the disciples to wait for something that the Father would send. In fact, He said that it would be better for the disciples for Him to leave them so that they could receive this incredibly valuable gift. 

Suddenly!

So, his disciples are waiting, all gathered together in one place. They are hanging out together, just waiting, when BAM! 

“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4 ESV

Can you imagine?

I mean, can you imagine? Tongues of fire showing up on their heads as the Holy Spirit descends as this incredible gift from the Father! Fire! It had to be a sight to see! That fire is a symbol even today of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised would come arrives with an unforgettable entrance to fill the disciples. However, the Holy Spirit is not just all flash and no substance.  He helps us remember the word of God, teaches us all things, empowers us to do God’s will, prays for us, and more…

“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 that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 ESV

Temple of the Holy Spirit

It says that the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. Just like the temple was the earthly dwelling place of God for the children of Israel, each believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit – He dwells in and through us. 

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The Dove

Fire is not the only symbol of the Holy Spirit. He is also represented by the dove.

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”” Luke 3:21-22

What an amazing endorsement! Jesus comes out of the baptism waters and the Holy Spirit lands on Him like a dove, then the voice of God the Father from heaven assures that He is the Son of God! That would have been so cool to see!

The Gift

This Holy Spirit – the fire and the dove – the teacher of all things – the power – the indwelling presence of God – is a gift to us!

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

He is a gift to those who believe in Jesus. We can have the assurance of His presence in us, his power and wisdom guiding and directing us. 

Action Step:

Let’s ask ourselves a few questions:

-Do I live like the Holy Spirit of the Living God is inside me? 

-Do I ask for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit when I don’t know what to do?

-Am I relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God’s will?

-Does the Holy Spirit sparkle through me to everyone around me?

I know I can do better at these things. I forget sometimes that I have a Helper with me all the time. I try to do everything on my own and feel weighted down by the burden of it all. I need to rely on Him for my strength and sparkle on a daily basis. Maybe you do too!

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to rely more and more on Him. I want to love and speak wisdom and sparkle through the power of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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The post Sparkling Advent #5: The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 6:19) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Advent #4: The Gift of Purpose (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

One of the worst feelings in the world is to not know why you are doing something. This is the source of so many midlife crises. We start to feel like we are not making a difference in any arena of our lives. Maybe we are not married when we want to be, or we feel like we aren’t connecting with our spouse like we used to. Perhaps we see no purpose in our day-inday-out jobs. We simply go to work, put in our time, and go home. We drift through life increasingly depressed when we can’t see purpose in our lives and actions. 

Our Creator

God knows this about us. After all, He created us. So, He has given us the gift of purpose through Jesus. He has given everyone of us a ministry. We don’t have to be pastors, Sunday School teachers, televangelists, etc. Ordinary people who are saved by God’s grace have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. 

“Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18 CSB

All that we have

We will barely scratch the surface of all the gifts that God has already given us. Literally, “Everything is from God.” All that we have is because of His generosity. He is our source. We sometimes delude ourselves into thinking that we have earned our money and possessions or that we deserve something. The truth is that it is God’s mercy that we don’t receive the punishment we deserve. His grace allows us to have everything that we do. 

Reconciliation

Like we talked about in the last post, God has given us the open door of salvation, reconciling us to Himself through Jesus. Reconciliation is only possible because there is a problem in the relationship to begin with. All people are separated from God because of the sin of Adam. We are born with a sinful nature that can’t possibly be perfectly free from sin. 

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” Romans 5:12 NLT

Reconciliation means that relationship and peace are restored to a relationship that is broken. 

“That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19 ESV

The whole world in His hands

God’s hands are stretched out toward the world, yet the world can’t see it without messengers of reconciliation. I remember an old song that we sang when I was a child, “He’s got the whole world in His hands…” God’s hands are big enough for everyone in the world to be safe within them. However, not everyone has heard about the incredible gift God is extending to us all. 

That’s where we come in! We have been given a job and purpose: we are ambassadors bringing Christ to the world. We have a job to do, but we are not reliant on our own power. God is working through us. 

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”” 2 Corinthians 5:20 CSB

God-Given Purpose

God has not only given us a purpose for life – sharing the gift of Jesus with others – but He also empowers us and does the work through us. He gives us the shimmer of Jesus and calls us to sparkle in this world for His glory and the reconciliation of people to Himself.

Action Step:

Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? We can sparkle by bringing peace to our earthly relationships. In our world today, it is unusual for people to live in harmony with those around them. How we handle our relationships can be a light for others. 

Is there someone who came to mind as you were reading or listening to this devotional? You are an ambassador of Christ to this person! You have purpose and calling to help them reconcile to God. Sparkle in their direction by lovingly sharing the gift of Jesus with them. 

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Help us to embrace the purpose you have given us in Jesus. Give us wisdom about when to speak and what words to say. Sparkle through us for Your glory. Enable us to bring peace and reconciliation in this world. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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The post Sparkling Advent #4: The Gift of Purpose (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Sparkling Advent #3: The Gift of Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

With Jesus, we receive so many gifts. We will dig a little deeper into several of those gifts with each post. However, we touched on the greatest of these gifts last time – eternal life. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Sin = Death

Sin yields death. It leads us down a path that may feel good here on earth but is headed directly to hell, and eternal separation from God. He is holy and our sin creates a chasm between us and Him. We cannot conquer our sin on our own because none of us is perfect. 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

“As it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;

    no one understands;
    no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
    no one does good,
    not even one.” ” Romans 3:10-12

Connection Between Heaven and Earth

Yet, God made a way to bridge the gap between us that was created by our sin. That gap between heaven and earth is impossible for us, but nothing is impossible for God. He established Christ Jesus as the stairway between people and Himself.

“Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” “ John 1:51

God’s Gift of Eternal Life

Jesus even said that He is the Way! 

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” “ John 14:6

We come to God the Father through the staircase of Jesus, and He mends our broken relationships with God. He is the only way to heaven, and eternal life. 

Free Gift

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God’s gift to us is eternal life. It is free and we just need to accept it. 

Action Step:

If you have already accepted God’s gift of eternal life, take some time today to think about what an amazing blessing and gift that is for us. 

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, We are overwhelmed by the gift that we do not deserve. Eternal life in Your presence is more than we can imagine. Thank you for Jesus, the Way to You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

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The post Sparkling Advent #3: The Gift of Eternal Life (Romans 6:23) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

A man’s gift makes room for him

    and brings him before the great. Proverbs 18:16

Advent #2: The Door-Opening Gift (Proverbs 18:16)

We are focusing on gifts this Advent season. What is the best Christmas gift you have ever received? There are a few from my childhood that really stand out. I remember the year that my parents surprised me with a totally new room: new comforter set and curtains, new paint, and even some new furniture. I was so excited. I will also never forget the year that I received a cedar hope chest that my grandfather made in shop class in the 1920’s. But, the year that takes the cake happened when I was in high school. We had basically finished opening all our presents and my dad looked around with a puzzled expression. “Amanda, can you run out to the garage? I think I left something on the freezer.”

The Big Surprise

Now, my dad was known for his incredible gifts to my mother. No one ever knew the secret of what Daddy was getting Mom for Christmas, and it was always over-the-top! So, I immediately assumed that I was being sent for one more amazing gift for my mother that was a huge secret. I jumped up and ran toward the door into the garage. I threw it open and right in front of me was a little white car with a big red bow. I didn’t even realize that everyone had followed me, but my parents have a picture of me jumping up and down in excitement over my first car. 

The Ultimate Gift-Giver

Since we are talking about gifts this advent, particularly ones that come packaged with the Gift of Jesus, I thought it would be good to address the Gift-Giver. Proverbs 18:16 reveals a truth about society in general. Gifts entice others to make opportunities for us, to open doors that would have remained closed. 

However, at Christmas, we should remember that God is the ultimate gift giver. He gave us Jesus, the ultimate gift. He is the only gift I can think of that does not diminish when we regift Him. We should be sharing this Gift with everyone we meet, and yet we still retain the benefits of having Him as a Gift as well. 

A Gift that Opens Doors

God has given us the Gift that opens the door to eternal life for us!  This Gift restores our relationship with God that is broken by sin. 

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12

If you have never accepted this gift for yourself, this is your year – it is not too late to secure eternal life and a relationship with God through His Son Jesus. In fact, Romans 10:9-10 tells us how to do that. 

“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10

You can pray right now and tell God that you believe that Jesus is Lord, that He died for your sins and was raised from the dead. Confess with your mouth  and believe in your heart and you will be saved. The Gift of Jesus, of relationship with God, can be yours. 

Action Step:

If you accepted Jesus for the first time today, tell someone! Message me, or post on my Facebook page, or tell someone in a local church. 

If you already know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, share the gift with someone else today. Tell them who the ultimate Christmas Gift is! 

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you for this indescribable gift of Jesus. Help us to see those around us that need to hear about the ultimate Christmas Gift from the greatest Gift-Giver ever. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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The post Sparkling Advent #2: The Door-Opening Gift (Proverbs 18:16) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
    Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
    righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
    and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
    and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double.
 

For I have bent Judah as my bow;
    I have made Ephraim its arrow.
I will stir up your sons, O Zion,
    against your sons, O Greece,
    and wield you like a warrior’s sword.

Then the Lord will appear over them,
    and his arrow will go forth like lightning;
the Lord God will sound the trumpet
    and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.

The Lord of hosts will protect them,
    and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones,
and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine,
    and be full like a bowl,
    drenched like the corners of the altar.

On that day the Lord their God will save them,
    as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown
    they shall shine on his land. Zechariah 9:9-16

Advent #1: Sparkling Advent (Zechariah 9:9-16)

Advent is the season before Christmas where we look forward in anticipation of His coming. This year, I am calling our series Sparking Advent. It refers to this passage in Zechariah 9:

“On that day the Lord their God will save them,
    as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown
    they shall shine on his land.” Zechariah 9:16

God’s people are sparkling like jewels, not because of who they are, but because of the generosity and character of God. Jesus is the Gift from God. Wrapped up in Jesus, numerous gifts are given to us as believers. 

This Advent season, we will examine some of these gifts that we receive through the Gift of Jesus. 

Sparkle for God

This jeweled snowflake charm reminds me that Jesus’ blood (red jewels) has washed me whiter than snow (snowflake shape and clear jewels) to grow (green jewels) in Him and display Him to the world around me. We are set on earth to sparkle for God. 

Prophecy of the Messiah

The prophet Zechariah from the Old Testament tells of the awaited Messiah. The beginning of this section in Zechariah 9 prophesies of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on the donkey as people cry Hosanna during the triumphal entry. 

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
    Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
    righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

Jesus, our King is coming to save us. He fulfilled all the Messianic prophecies recorded in the Law and the Prophets. The next segment of verses speaks of how the rule of Jesus will encompass the whole world and bring peace to the nations. And then, in verse 11, we see something I find really interesting.

Blood of My Covenant

“As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double.” Zechariah 9:11

Jesus’ blood forms a new covenant with us and sets us free from sin and hell. We are prisoners who have hope in Jesus, King and Messiah. 

The Lord Appears on the Scene

“Then the Lord will appear over them,
    and his arrow will go forth like lightning;
the Lord God will sound the trumpet
    and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.

The Lord of hosts will protect them,
    and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones,
and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine,
    and be full like a bowl,
    drenched like the corners of the altar.

On that day the Lord their God will save them,
    as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown
    they shall shine on his land.” Zechariah 9:13-16

God goes on the offense, fighting for His people and coming in power to protect and defend us. Through Jesus, God saves us, makes us His own, and sets us as jewels, “shining on His land.”

Action Step:

As you go about your day today, remember to sparkle because God has given the gift of Jesus this Christmas, which means you have many other gifts too! Smile at others. Remind someone that Jesus loves them. Share what God is doing in your life with those around you.

Follow @devoinaction on Facebook and join in the conversation about each post in this series. Introduce yourself in the comments and welcome others. Please feel free to share a pic of your Bible entry and share your thoughts on the scripture in each devotional. Or, tag me @devoinaction on Instagram. The hashtag for this series is #sparklingadvent

Prayer:

Dear God, As we look forward to Christmas Day, help us remember that the gifts around the tree are not the point. The Gift of Your Son is the greatest joy of this season. Enable us to sparkle for You this Christmas.  In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

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The post Sparkling Advent #1: Sparkling Advent (Zechariah 9:9-16) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.”

Psalm 107:1-3

Give Thanks! (Psalm 107)

When I was growing up, my mother always used what she called “Indian corn” (now called flint corn) in her fall decorating. When I see it, I instantly think of Thanksgiving Day. In the United States, Thanksgiving celebrates when the Native Americans and the colonists came together to thank God for a bountiful harvest.

In Plymouth Colony, the native Americans helped the colonists to successfully grow and harvest flint corn. After the harvest, the colonists and the native Americans gathered together to eat the the first Thanksgiving meal. They ate corn and other foods that the Native Americans taught the starving colonists to grow or hunt so they could survive.

Flint Corn

Flint corn is very distinctive because of its different colored kernels on the same ear. Different variations of corn are planted together, which results in multi-colored, or calico-colored, ears. The result is a beautiful tapestry of colors that is also edible and provides nourishment. 

Planted Together

As I was thinking about that, it occurred to me that God has designed the local church to do something very similar to this flint corn. Planted together in the house of the Lord, we gather together to make a beautiful tapestry that provides food for the hungry. 

“Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in; 

hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.

He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!

For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Psalm 107:4-9

Thanksgiving

Though the Thanksgiving holiday commemorates the past, we have so much to be thankful for in the present. We were in darkness and the Light of the World came to redeem us. He set us free from the chains of sin and reconciled us to our Creator. His steadfast love never gives up on us!

“Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,

for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High.

So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
    they fell down, with none to help.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!” Psalm 107:10-15

Songs of Joy

Our gratitude should drive us to worship with songs of joy. In fact, one of my favorite worship songs is called “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. I love that thankfulness prompts hallelujahs, or praise the Lord! Also, I love the bridge of the song, in which the singer stirs up his own soul to worship God. 

“For he shatters the doors of bronze
    and cuts in two the bars of iron.

Some were fools through their sinful ways,
    and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;

they loathed any kind of food,
    and they drew near to the gates of death.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress. 

He sent out his word and healed them,
    and delivered them from their destruction.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!

And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!” Psalm 107:16-22

By His Blessing

It is by God’s blessing that we ever prosper or have what we need. As a loving Father, He provides for us and gives beyond what we need. For all that He has done, we give thanks and offer up songs of praise.

“He turns rivers into a desert,
    springs of water into thirsty ground,

a fruitful land into a salty waste,
    because of the evil of its inhabitants.

He turns a desert into pools of water,
    a parched land into springs of water.
And there he lets the hungry dwell,
    and they establish a city to live in;

they sow fields and plant vineyards
    and get a fruitful yield.

By his blessing they multiply greatly,
    and he does not let their livestock diminish.

When they are diminished and brought low
    through oppression, evil, and sorrow,

he pours contempt on princes
    and makes them wander in trackless wastes;

but he raises up the needy out of affliction
    and makes their families like flocks.

The upright see it and are glad,
    and all wickedness shuts its mouth.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;
    let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.” Psalm 107:33-43

Action Step:

Make a list of everything you can think of to be thankful for – once I get started, it seems like one idea sparks another. We have so much for which to be grateful: the breath in our lungs, all of creation, salvation, deliverance, family, friends, jobs, homes, food, etc. Be specific and, like we talked about last time, joyful, as we worship God with our gratitude. And, if you haven’t heard the Brandon Lake song “Gratitude”, give it a listen today!

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank You! You have done so much for us! We cannot even begin to thank you enough. Everything we have and everything we are is from Your Hand. Thank You for planting us in the church with so many different people. Together, we are beautiful and display Your goodness to the world. We bring our gratitude to you today! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

For access to the free printables to use in Bible art journaling, click here: https://www.devotioninaction.com/resourcelibrary/

If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

The post Give Thanks! (Psalm 107) appeared first on Devotion in Action.

“Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

    his praise in the assembly of the godly! 

Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

Let them praise his name with dancing,

    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! 

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

    he adorns the humble with salvation.

Let the godly exult in glory;

    let them sing for joy on their beds.

Let the high praises of God be in their throats

    and two-edged swords in their hands,

to execute vengeance on the nations

    and punishments on the peoples,

to bind their kings with chains

    and their nobles with fetters of iron, 

to execute on them the judgment written!

    This is honor for all his godly ones.

Praise the Lord!” Psalm 149:1-9

Make Music to Him (Psalm 149)

I have an amazing niece who had an interesting request for Christmas last year – she wanted a real (not toy) tambourine. When we asked her why, she replied matter-of-factly, “To praise the Lord!” Oh, if we were all a little more like her! 

If you haven’t known me long, you may not know that I lead worship at my church with my husband who is a worship arts pastor. My daughter is a singer on our worship team, and when my son is not at college, he plays the keyboard for us. Obviously, music and worship is a big part of our lives, yet I still forget to rejoice and make music to God. 

Stir Up the Joy

I forget the importance of stirring up joy inside myself at the thought of God’s attributes and His gifts and mercies to me. I don’t remember to be consistently thankful and filled with delight during my daily life. Instead, I get wrapped up in the day-to-day responsibilities. I am often consumed with my to-do list and go about sighing with the weight of all that has yet to be accomplished. 

Called to Rejoice

However, we are called to rejoice! 

“Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

    his praise in the assembly of the godly! 

Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

    let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

Let them praise his name with dancing,

    making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” Psalm 149:1-3

This Psalm uses words like “rejoice”, “be glad”, “exult”, and “sing for joy”. We are supposed to be finding our joy not in the things of this world, but in the God who created them. Not in the people around us but in the One who fashioned them and brought them into our lives. We are to turn our thoughts to Him and be spurred on to “Praise the Lord!” 

Why should we be glad?

Why? Because He finds joy in us – His creation! 

“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

    he adorns the humble with salvation.” Psalm 149:4

God “takes pleasure” in us! Wow! Think about that. We routinely disregard Him, put other things above Him in priority, and sin against Him, and yet, He still delights in us! That alone should make us be glad!

Action Step:

Turn on some worship music, put a smile on your face, and get up! Sing and dance with joy to the Lord! If you play an instrument (like my niece with her tambourine), play it with gladness in your Creator! Let’s sprinkle moments of rejoicing in God throughout our day, each day this week! Even if it is singing in the car (or the shower) at the top of our lungs, dancing a short jig on the way through an empty hallway, or pausing in the middle of everything to tell God how much you enjoy Him for who He is… let’s begin to build a habit of making music to Him in our spirits!

Prayer:

Dear God, Thank you for finding joy in us even when we do not deserve it. Help me to remember to find my joy in You every single day! Remind me to take those moments to enjoy who You are and be glad in You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Check out the video on YouTube:

Don’t miss out on all the freebies!

For access to the free printables to use in Bible art journaling, click here: https://www.devotioninaction.com/resourcelibrary/

If you don’t have access yet to the Resource Library, find out how to get free access HERE!

The post Make Music to Him (Psalm 149) appeared first on Devotion in Action.