January 2: Psalm 124:1-8
Key Verse: Psalm 124:2
if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
Devotion:
Something struck me when I read this Psalm... How many disaster movies have you watched where it ends up with the earth being all but destroyed, including pandemic movies where most of the world is wiped out... We have just lived through one of these scenarios, but most of the world is still surviving and we are seeing the end of the ‘movie’ where the vaccines have been discovered and are now starting to be rolled out...
Can you imagine what could have happened if God had not been with us? Can you imagine just how far this could have gone? But God is with us, God continues to watch over us and is in this with us! Yes, we have lost loved ones, including our family, but God continues to be with us and protects us from so much more than we realise!
I really am thankful we have a God who is not just faithful, but merciful and loving; a God who wants us to survive and to prosper so we can pass on the good news to others. God wants us talking to each other and telling each other of the good things He has done in our lives! Let’s talk!
God has protected us from the worst. People are the problem here because they don’t see the immediate danger and they let their guard down and that brings the danger in, not just to themselves, but to us as well. Yes, God is watching over us and protecting us, but people continue to do their own thing and break the rules – even those God has asked us to keep to.
Points to Ponder:
Look back over last year and think what has happened...
Aren’t you glad God is on your side!
January 1: Luke 2:15-18
Key Verse: Luke 2:15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’
Devotion:
Happy New Year! What are you going to be doing differently this year? I start out this New Year in a new home with a lot of new work to do for the church. It may not seem like the best time to try and start off something new, but when you look back on things, how many times do you think “I should have done a bit more planning!”
There is a lot of things we can still do for the church and for the people around us even in lock-down. I know not everyone is tech-savvy and many are daunted by the thought of having to try and do something online – but have you reached out to someone who is tech-savvy and maybe not a part of your church yet?
When Nehemiah went back to rebuild the walls, he approached anyone who was willing to do some work, citing that the repairs would benefit everyone! When we build a real church community, it does benefit everyone. I have seen this first-hand in London and I really want to show people how true this is not matter where we live!
God does not just want us to grow an insular group of people who become stronger in their relationship with Him, but to reach out to others and allow them to become part of the church because they feel like they have something to offer – the best way to engage people is to allow them to see how much they are appreciated and how much they can do things for others!
Points to Ponder:
What are your goals this year?
Will you reach out and get someone new involved?
December 31: Psalm 58:1-2
Key Verse: Psalm 58:1
Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity?
Devotion:
I started out watching the news and ended up switching everything off because of the constant bickering going on amongst the politicians who all say they are doing the best for the country, but cannot seem to agree on what is best! Too many of them seem to be focused on what other people are going to say and think of them rather than what is best for the country as a whole!
God is nothing like that. He created the world and continues to watch over us every step of the way. It may seem like He has lost touch with us, but this is due to the way people are acting and promoting everything else under the sun rather than the truth and God! Needless to say I switched over to listening to some worshipful music instead!
We don’t have to focus on the bad and evil things in this world – not saying all politicians are bad, we just see the worst of them because that is what the news portrays! We can focus on the good and righteous things of this world and lift up the truth, sharing God’s love instead.
I have been pleasantly surprised to find out how many people are willing to help out when you ask. I am also hopeful we will be able to share a bit more of the gospel openly over the coming months – heads ducked down during lock-down and social distancing until we get to a safer point in time...
Let us end this year with a high note by praising God for all He has done to keep us alive despite all the wrangling of the people in power!
Points to Ponder:
What do you think of your local politicians?
What do you think you would do in their place?
December 30: Psalms 96:1-3
Key Verse: Psalms 96:3
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples.
Devotion:
It is very strange to walk around with nobody on the streets when you are so used to them being crowded... Also the traffic noise here in the countryside is nothing compared to the noise in London... Yes, I have moved house and living in a large village in the countryside again... But, no matter where we are in the world, we need to sing out our praises to God!
We need to make time for God, not just go about our daily life as if we have no hope or no time; we need to make time and space to worship God. I stopped and had a good chat with someone on the way back from the shops (at a distance) about how different this Christmas has been, but also how good it is to sing carols even after Christmas is officially over!
Each day we face, we are facing another day with God, not another day alone or away from God and His protection. God is with us wherever and whenever we are. He continues to watch over us and try to guide us in the best way forward. If we stop listening to Him and focus on the world, the world is all we will notice. But, by singing praises to Him, we continue to focus on Him and His ways and not on the world and all its ailments!
Part of this is communicating with others about the things we do and why we do them – whether it is stopping for a few minutes and singing carols, or getting down on your knees and praying like mad, others will see what we do and be encourage by it. We tell others about God in so many more ways than we realise!
Points to Ponder:
How often do you sing or hum Christian music?
Will you stop for 5 minutes today and sing to God?