DEVOTION, 12/26/2020, Pride

Proverbs 16:18: Pride leads to destruction; a proud attitude brings ruin (NCV).

When Israel defeated the great walled city of Jericho, they realized that God had won the victory. Next, they went up against the little town of AI. They assumed AI would be a piece of cake. They forgot that God had won Jericho’s victory, and even little AI could defeat them if they failed to depend on God. That is what happened. Pride entered the picture. “How can little AI defeat our superior army?” Israel suffered a humiliating defeat for one reason – – – pride.

We can handle so many routine things in life; we begin to think we don’t need God’s help. As we make major life decisions without looking for God’s guidance, we are headed for a fall. As we face a new year (one that we hope will be much better than 2020!) we need to resolve to depend more on God and less on ourselves. Pride will lead to only one inevitable outcome – – – ruin. We pray that 2021 will be a better year, and it will be for those who live by faith. Father in heaven, help me to realize each day that I need Your guidance. I need thee every hour! Sometimes I make decisions thinking I am adequate in myself. Help me to swallow my pride and to depend upon You. In Jesus Name, Amen

DEVOTION 12/24, Mighty God.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

Isaiah not only prophesied that the coming Messiah would be wonderful (yesterday’s devotion) but also said of the Messiah that He is the mighty God.  Here we are introduced to the doctrine of the Trinity. There is but one God, but He exists eternally in three Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The babe born in a manger that first Christmas is the mighty God. Our minds stagger at that truth. God Himself, in the person of God the Son, came to earth to redeem us. The mighty Son of God was willing to come to us in humble circumstances. Paul says He emptied Himself and took the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5ff). While Jesus was God, He did not always use His divine power while on earth.  He lived as we do, dependent on the Father.

As God, He could have destroyed those who nailed Him to a cross. He voluntarily went to the cross to atone for our sins. The God we offended is the same God who acted to save us. What amazing love! There is a line in the hymn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” that says it all. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity.” What a fantastic story and the good news is that it is true.

Lord Jesus, I thank You that You were willing to leave the glories of heaven for a time to redeem me. Your love overwhelms me. I praise Your holy name now and forever. Amen.

DEVOTION, 12/23, WONDERFUL

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

When you think of Jesus, does the word “Wonderful” ever come to mind? It really should. The Hebrew word means that which is amazing, beyond anything we can imagine; extraordinary, so much so that we can never probe fully the depths of who Jesus is. He is beyond all human expectations.

It began with His birth in Bethlehem. How can God take on human nature? It is a wonder to us. How can a virgin conceive and bear a son? It is an inexplicable wonder. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see” we sing during the Christmas season. If you try to fit the birth of Jesus into your brain so that everything is neat and tidy, you will fail. His birth is truly WONDERFUL. It inspires wonder and awe. 

What began at His birth continues throughout His life. Jesus, the Son of God, understands our plight and cares about us (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7). Why does God care about people who have rebelled against His will?  It is too wonderful for words. Why did Jesus endure the Cross for us? He is the glorious Son of God. Why did He humble Himself in this way to redeem us?  It is too wonderful for words.

As Son of God, He has the right to say, “If you want forgiveness, you have to get it the old fashioned way. You have to earn it.” Instead, we hear that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. By grace, we find favor with God through faith. It isn’t easy to find words to describe this reality. It is too wonderful for words. Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah would be wonderful, and He is.

Father, in this Christmas season, we remember the birth of our Savior. His name is “wonderful.” From His birth through His life to His resurrection, Jesus is truly wonderful. I struggle to wrap my mind around all the wonders that are associated with Jesus. I thank You that He came and redeemed all who trust in Him. I pray in His wonderful name, Amen.

It’s Christmas week, a very different Christmas because of COVID. Marie and I want to thank the congregation for our Christmas gifts. Your kindness and generosity are much appreciated. We wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. Because of Jesus, we have reason to celebrate and rejoice in spite of the pandemic.

We were saddened to hear from Jack and Nancy concerning the tragic death of their son, Randy. For those who have misplaced your Courier and want to send a card, the address is 300 SE 27th Street, # 23, Oak Grove, MO 64075.

I am looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight/Communion Service at 7 PM. The message will focus on the strange genealogy of Jesus.

The sermon on 12/27 is entitled “Come Unto Me.” It will deal with various ways people try to handle stress and will focus on the one solution that actually works.

Beginning in January I will be doing a sermon series on the book of Genesis.

Pastor Bowman

DEVOTION, 12/21/20, Christ in you

The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:26-27).

We continue the Christmas theme. What is a mystery?  It refers to truth previously hidden under the Old Covenant,  revealed for the first time to the saints (believers in Jesus) under the New Covenant. The New Covenant blessings far surpass the blessings of the Old Covenant. This mystery, hidden from us in times past, is now revealed. Part of the mystery is that God wills to redeem Gentiles (that’s us). Under the Old Covenant, God worked exclusively with the Jews. Now we Gentiles hear the fantastic news that the Jewish Messiah is also the Messiah and Savior for Gentiles.

That is part one of the mystery. Part two is that Christ dwells within those who trust in Him. There are no words to describe this incredible blessing. The Son of God, who lived within the womb of Mary, now dwells within the souls of His people. It just doesn’t get any better than that! We have hope that we will inherit the eternal glory of God because Jesus lives within our hearts. Remember the hymn we sing at Easter? “You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.”

Christmas reveals to us two mysteries. God loves all people, Jews, Gentiles, black, white, Asian, etc.. All are invited to receive Jesus and all the blessings He brings. And if we abide in faith, He abides with us, forever.

Father in heaven, thank you for bringing to light these two marvelous mysteries. How thankful I am to know that You love all people because that means I am included. Thank You, Jesus, for condescending to send Your Spirit to dwell in my spirit. Your presence with me gives me the strength and courage to face life with confidence. May Your name be blessed forever. Amen.