December 16 | Psalm 89:19-37

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DAILY READING

Psalm 89:19-37

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REFLECTION

Praying God's Promises

By Dave Mann

God promised to David that his lineage would have a descendant on the throne into eternity.

The prophet Nathan declared God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:14-16, probably written around 1000 B.C.  See how these verses are echoed in Psalm 89:30-37. 

• God loves his chosen one.

• If the son of the chosen one is unfaithful, God will punish him.

• But God’s love is sure.

• David’s line will endure forever.

• David’s throne is established forever.

However, God’s fulfillment of his promises often takes a shape different from what we expect.  Psalm 89 was written during the exile when there was no longer a descendant of David sitting on the throne in Jerusalem.   How could this promise of a descendant of David be seated on the throne forever be true, when the capital city of Jerusalem was burning, the treasury plundered, and the people led off into captivity in 586 B.C.?  Have you had situations in your life when you questioned the integrity of God’s promises?  How can you pray when you doubt God’s promises?

Pray through the promises of God.  Ask God to open your heart to learn what his promises mean.  God’s people in Babylon kept on praying the promises that they knew from 2 Samuel 7.  Psalm 89 is such a situation.  This psalm is a mixture of God singing to his people, and God’s people singing to Him.  How could they celebrate God’s faithfulness when they were in Babylon?  Little did they know that the descendant of David who would be king of God’s people forever would be born in Bethlehem hundreds of years later.  God was indeed faithful to his promises but in a way that would be even better than their wildest dreams.

After God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar II to take the Jews into captivity, many Jews felt despondent. Some questioned whether God would free His rebellious people. Here, the psalmist appeals to God to remember His eternal covenant with David. The psalm reveals seven reasons to praise God. We can praise him for his: 1) loving grace, 2) sovereignty, 3) righteousness, 4) faithfulness, 5) loving correction, 6) mercy, and 7) deliverance.

No matter what difficult circumstances you are in currently, God’s promises are true for you.  Pray through the hard times and open your heart to learn how God’s love will be expressed for you in a way greater than you can imagine.

PRAYER

As our prayer today, let’s sing this worship song based on Psalm 89.  Click here, and then scroll down until you see the image above. That is our sung prayer.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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December 15 | Luke 1:26-38

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DAILY READING

Luke 1:26-38

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REFLECTION

It's Possible!

By Elaine Pierce

"With God All Things are Possible" has been the state of Ohio's motto since 1959. (I checked: we're the only state with this motto). The motto was adopted by our state legislature after a 10-year-old Cincinnati boy advocated for his mom's favorite saying (he didn't know it was in the Bible). He gathered thousands of signatures from all over the state and was invited to speak to the lawmakers in the state capitol. The motto survived a court challenge in 2000.

"With God all things are possible" is found in Matthew 19:26 and also in today's reading in verse 37: "For nothing is impossible with God." In Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples that eternal life is possible - but not because of anything that we do. It is only possible through Jesus and his death on the cross. In today's passage, the angel tells Mary that she will have a baby even though she is a virgin - and this is only possible because of God's intervention.

God makes the impossible a reality. He created this world. He gives us life, and he offers eternal life to all who believe and call him Lord. What impossible situation are you facing right now? Is your health failing? Are you struggling at work? Is your to do list longer than the hours in the day? Are you dreading a Christmas gathering with a challenging family member? Is your financial situation less than ideal - where will the money come from for all the gifts you want to give?

Mary was a young woman engaged to be married. The angel Gabriel visited her. This was shocking in and of itself - can you imagine what that must have been like! After the angel assured her that 'nothing is impossible with God' she responded in faith: "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said (v. 38)." God does the impossible every day. While our situation might not change - our health, our job, our relationships, our finances - but our attitude and our outlook as we look to our creator - makes all the difference. As we walk through Advent, take time each day to thank God for what he is doing to bring us from impossible situations to possibilities of grace, peace, and life.

PRAYER

Lord, you are in the business of changing lives. I so often focus on what's wrong, and you help me see that all that is good, all that is pure, all that is holy comes from you. Thank you for Mary's humble spirit, and I pray that I, too, can see "May it be to me as you have said." Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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December 14 | Daniel 7:13-14, 27

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DAILY READING

Daniel 7:13-14

Daniel 7:27

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REFLECTION

EVERLASTING KINGDOM

By Terry Starr

The people of Israel loved God and were waiting for a Lord and Savior. They were seeking a King, a mighty warrior, one who would come to earth with all power, sovereignty and glory. A mighty warrior coming on a stallion, leading an army to conquer all of their oppressors and set them free. But God sent His Son to a common woman who gave birth in a manager in a stable. A lowly, humble birth.... not one fitting a King. No wonder most of the people of Israel rejected this baby as the Son of God. Jesus walked the earth as a carpenter, preacher and teacher. He was a man in fully human form who shared about God and His story.

The second coming of Christ will be the triumphant entry of a King with trumpets blaring and in a blaze of glory. The King Jesus will establish His Everlasting Kingdom and will rule over all the earth with His Holy people as part of His dominion. All the rulers and people of the earth will worship and obey Him.

An Everlasting Kingdom... the concept of an eternal kingdom is a challenging one for our human minds. The God who is the "Ancient of Days" tells us that Jesus is given all power, authority and glory and will have an eternal kingdom. God's people will be part of this Holy Kingdom, and will worship and rule with Christ forever. We will be spending eternity in His presence, worshipping and praising Him! What a glorious hope. And all of the rulers of this earth will worship and obey Him.

But we seek a King today. A Savior--someone who will fix our problems, take away our troubles, and give us the peace and hope for our minds and souls.

God gives us everything we need in Christ. Jesus is given all of the power, sovereignty, and glory of God Himself. He comes to give us hope and peace, knowing that we will be part of His eternal Kingdom.

God's holy people who serve and worship Him will be given eternal life in His everlasting kingdom. Our omnipotent and holy God who reigns with "sovereignty, power and greatness" loves us so much that He sent His only Son to carry the sin of this world on his back to the cross. Jesus is given all power, authority and sovereignty over all nations and people. Jesus who is given everlasting dominion over all of creation invites us to live in His everlasting kingdom.

Isaiah 9:6-7

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

Can we truly understand His sovereignty and power? God has dominion is over all the earth and He will reign forevermore. He invites us to live in His everlasting kingdom through Christ. God has given us the free gift of eternal life through Christ who was given all power and authority. His everlasting kingdom is ours for the taking. The only way to know and understand this glorious gift from God is to accept Christ as our personal Savior and to live for Him.

"Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.' " DANIEL 7:27

PRAYER

LORD JESUS, We thank you for coming into the world to save us. May we worship you every day of Advent as we wait to celebrate your birth. Help us to understand the depth of your love and your power and glory. Open our hearts and minds to the true meaning of your gift of everlasting life in your kingdom. We pray that we will set aside the busyness of the season and spend dedicated time with you in prayer and in the Word. Bless our lives with your love, joy and peace as we worship you and focus on YOU above the activities of this world. We long to be with you in your everlasting kingdom forever. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TERRY STARR

I am a longtime member of UALC, along with my husband Alan. We raised our four children here and have seven grandchildren. At God's calling, I started a non-profit named Divine Dignity, which gives free hygiene to our neighbors in need while sharing God's love. I retired as an administrator from the UA Schools after 25 years.

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