Jesus Calling: December 20

When I joined the ranks of humanity, born into the humblest conditions, My Glory was hidden from all but few people. Occasionally, streaks of Glory shone out of Me, especially when I began to do miracles. Toward the end of My life, I was taunted and tempted to display more of My awesome Power than My Father's plan permitted. I could have called down legions of angels to rescue Me at any point. Imagine the self-control required of a martyr who could free Himself at will! All of this was necessary to provide the relationship with Me that you now enjoy. Let your life become a praise song to Me by proclaiming My glorious Presence in the world. 

John 2:11
English Standard Version
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
 
Luke 23:35-36
English Standard Version
³⁵ And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 

Psalm 92:1-5
English Standard Version
¹ It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
² to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
³ to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
⁴ For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

⁵ How great are your works, O Lord!
    Your thoughts are very deep!

Thoughts on December 20, 2018
Today's reading reminds me that the Jesus we have before us is not always the Jesus that people want. Jesus, on this earth, was a man of humility. He didn't answer His accusers maybe in the same way that Hollywood would script it. He remained humble and He remained a servant. His death and resurrection were his mission. His focus was redemption and saving me and you and bridging the gap between us and God that we are incapable of bridging (though we still try and try, but remain unsuccessful). On this earth, he lived as a man and took on the pain of a man. Yes, he could have gotten out of it but He didn't. And yes our Praise of Him should be present even more than it is. By Grace, through faith, we are united and have peace.

My Prayer on December 20, 2018
Lord, as I inch toward Christmas Day, I hate that getting gifts bought, wrapped, and mailed often is my mission and then I want to sit back and enjoy the day. But I want to thank you for providing me that enjoyment. I don't deserve it. I never will. But you continually show me that you are in the redemption business and You will always shower Your love on me to free me both now, today, and for all eternity to Rest with You. You have Lord made me glad by Your work and the works of your hands I sing for Joy. O How Great are your works, O Lord! O How Great. Keep me focused on those works as I work, as I enjoy, as I receive gifts, as I give gifts, as I gather with people I love, as I walk by people I don't even know. Lord, I need You and need Your strength in me. Thank you for saving me. I'm still not understanding why you saved me but I'm not going to focus on that, but instead focus on praising Your name.

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

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