November 28 | Philippians 4:4-7

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DAILY READING

Philippians 4:4-7

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Joy Starts With Vigorous Praise

by Judy Webb

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

When reading this scripture passage, it was fun to study the word: rejoice. Specifically, the joy part. While there is much more to this section, it is the word joy that caught my eye. I learned, while studying this verse:

• Joy is something we cannot produce ourselves; it is a Fruit of the Spirit.

• There is no power in a Christian life if he has no joy. The Devil attempts to take away our joy because it is the source of power.

• No matter how dark the circumstances of life may be, it is always possible for the Christian to rejoice in the Lord. Christian joy can be persistent.

• Worldly happiness depends on circumstances and can change without warning. When things are going well, you feel upbeat and happy. If not, the opposite feeling rules—creating an emotional roller coaster.

• Biblical joy has to do with stability and celebration on the inside regardless of circumstances on the outside. We must choose to rejoice! (Psalm 30:11,15)

• Our Joy depends on the presence of God with us. Not a continuous smile, but a satisfaction in what the Lord has done.

Vines Expository Bible notes teaches: joy is an attitude of the heart; joy is not a guarantee. Joy requires peace. Worry stints peace, so conquer worry and peace with joy will flow. How?

Refresh yourself with vigorous praise.

Each morning, I begin my journal entries with, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6)

PRAYER

Thank you Father, for this gift of Joy. Open our eyes to all the Spiritual Gifts you have bestowed on us, Your children. Teach us to utilize and practice each of them, but especially JOY. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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November 27 | Micah 6:6-8

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DAILY READING

Micah 6:6-8

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REFLECTION

He Has Shown You What Is Good

By Beth Voltmann

Pause for a moment today as you read, and allow yourself to be amazed by God.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.”

(Micah 6:8)

These inspired words were given to Micah over 700 years before the birth of Christ. Some translations interpret the Hebrew to read that God has “told” us what is good and other interpretations suggest that God has “shown” us.

It astounds me how timeless God’s Word is.

God told his people to seek justice, mercy, and humility through the leaders and prophets of the Old Testament...

But then...the Father sent his only Son, Jesus, to show us how to live a godly life.

Does he desire a specific offering from us? No. He sent his only Son to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Instead, he simply asks believers to trust and obey - to walk as Jesus walked. This is why Jesus left his Holy Spirit with us – to give us the strength to follow the will of God.

“If you love me, keep my commands.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate

 to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.”

(John 14:15-17)

God loves us and “has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Pet 1:3)

Today, turn your heart to follow God: read his Word, follow the example of  Jesus, and trust the Holy Spirit to help you.

·      Act justly – “Maintain justice and do what is right.” (Isaiah 56:1)

·      Love mercy – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

·      Walk humbly with your God – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

PRAYER

Lord,

Thank you for your goodness and your love. You not only told us how to live as your holy people, but you sent your only Son to show us. May we walk In a manner pleasing to you as we follow Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.

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November 26 | Psalm 40

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DAILY READING

Psalm 40

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REFLECTION

Honest to God

By Pam Mann

We’re taught from a young age to take shelter when a storm is coming. Especially in an electrical storm or high winds, individual raingear will not suffice. You need shelter, a safe place bigger than you!

And what about the more intimate storms which weather stations cannot detect? Where is shelter from mounting work stress, vindictive neighbors, cutthroat co-workers, inner anxiety, or poor physical health? How similar to the safety plan for major weather storms is the believer’s plan for personal storms?  What is the spiritual lightning rod against the shocks that come out of nowhere to strike us? What is our high place against the rising flood? What keeps us anchored in high winds, safe in pounding rain, and calm whatever the ups and downs of life?

Such questions sent King David to his lyre and a quiet place where he could sing his heart. Literally. In Psalm 40, David sings out all his mixed-up hurt and hope. He loves God; he trusts God. But he also grapples with God and questions Him. Then David remembers all that God has done and proclaims Him great.

There’s nothing like a fierce storm to make David (and us!) speak “honest to God.” David sings of how well God equips us. God gives us an open ear (verse 6) to hear and obey.  God gives a heart to delight in His will (verse 8). God gives us a mouth to boldly proclaim His faithfulness (verses 9-10). God gives us eyes, but David honestly describes these eyes made blind by sin (verse 12).

David complains of his adversaries and is not shy to offer suggestions to God on dealing with them. (verses 14-15) What greater confidante than the Almighty for unloading such anger?

After all the praises, petitions, rants and confessions, David offers a precious blessings on believers (verse 16): May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”

Honestly, what would it take to be among the believers experiencing today that very blessing? Simply seek God whatever the challenges you face today. Simply long for God’s rescue in your situation. What believer doesn’t want God’s rescue? While we’re waiting as David waited, we rejoice in God. We’re celebrating God’s presence, even before any sign of rescue, or, especially before the sign of rescue.

PRAYER

Give us grace, Lord, to pray honestly to You as David did. We pour out to You the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the midst of the storm, give us joyous confidence in Your redemption. Whatever our outer condition is, let our inner being rest solidly in glad peace.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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