This week as I was praying about what to write, the Lord led me to James 1:27 which says this: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

This scripture actually gives us some amazing insight into the heart of true worship. It shows how God desires us to express our devotion by actively engaging in acts of compassion and righteousness. And to fully understand this scripture, we have to take a closer look at that word “religion”.

The Greek word used for “religion” in this verse, is the word “threskeia.” And Threskeia goes beyond the conventional understanding of religious activities. It’s this idea of expressing worship to God in every aspect of our lives. It encompasses a lifestyle that reflects our devotion to God in all we do, a worship that is genuine, pure, and untainted by the world.

The first aspect of true worship highlighted in James 1:27 is the act of visiting orphans and widows in their affliction. This is a powerful reminder of God’s heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. When we seek to care for the broken, we emulate the compassionate nature of our Heavenly Father, who faithfully cares for those in need. Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of caring for the least of these (Matthew 25:40), reinforcing this idea that our worship includes loving and reaching out to those society often overlooks.

The second aspect of true worship emphasizes the need to keep oneself unstained by the world. This involves living a life of righteousness through Jesus Christ. It’s seeking to pursue the things of God verses the things of the world. When we choose to walk in obedience, that’s worship. When we choose to show love, that’s worship. When we choose to bite our tongues instead of speaking harsh words, that’s worship. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. True worship involves a conscious effort to align our lives with God’s standards and to be a light in the midst of darkness.

James 1:27 invites us to redefine our understanding of worship. It challenges us to view worship not as something confined to the inside of a church building, but as a dynamic expression of our love for God in every aspect of our lives. As we embrace the marginalized and live holy lives, we participate in a worship that resonates with the heart of God. May our lives be a true reflection of pure and undefiled worship, a “threskeia” that honors our Heavenly Father in all we do.

Throughout this month our church family has been participating in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting with our Foursquare denomination. I know many of us make prayer a regular part of our lives, but fasting is one of those things many of us read about in the Bible, but haven’t necessarily participated in.

Fasting is when we willingly abstain from something for a set period of time—maybe food in general or a specific meal or type of food, social media, or TV—to instead spend time praying and seeking the Lord. It’s a conscious decision to set aside worldly distractions and draw closer to God. When we fast, we create space for divine revelation, allowing God to speak to us in the stillness of our hearts.

In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s so easy to get distracted and to focus on anything and everything but God. Those distractions may start off small, but they have a tendency to take us farther and farther away from Jesus. Like using a compass, if our bearing is off by one degree, it may not seem like a big deal at first. But the longer we travel off track, the farther we get from our intended destination.

When we find ourselves off track, a great way to get back on track is through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting. Consider a habit or routine that has subtly taken control of your life. Whether it’s the constant pull of social media, the comfort of indulging in certain foods, or the escape provided by television, these habits can become obstacles in our journey of following Jesus. Fasting from these distractions serves as a reset button, breaking those habits and bringing us back into right relationship with the Lord.

In Luke 4:1-2 we read: “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days.”

This account in Luke 4 reveals that even Jesus, the Son of God, engaged in a period of fasting. His example teaches us that fasting is not a sign of weakness but a source of spiritual strength. In the wilderness, Jesus overcame temptation and emerged stronger, ready to begin His ministry. I believe that times of prayer and fasting can do the same for us.

We don’t need a denominational campaign for us to pray and fast. We can do it anytime. Where are you in your relationship with Jesus? Do you feel far away from Him? Taking time to pray and fast is a great way to get back on track. And quieting some of our everyday distractions allows us to hear His voice more clearly as we seek Him and ask Him for guidance.

When I reflect on my life, it’s easy to see all the amazing blessings I have experienced from God. The problem, though, is that in the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget all the times and ways that God has come through for us. And when we experience challenges and difficulties, it’s hard to see beyond our immediate circumstances.

But I believe it’s in these times that we need to remember all that God has done. In the Bible, it talks about how the Israelites used to build altars as memorials to remember something significant or powerful that God had done. I believe we need memorials of our own to remember the moments where we’ve experienced God’s blessings.

The Psalms are filled with verses that encourage us to remember God’s goodness and blessings. Psalm 105:5 tells us: “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced.”

When we take time to remember all the ways we’ve experienced God’s blessings, it strengthens our faith in the present and builds up our hope for the future. When we remember God’s answered prayers, when we remember how He’s provided in unexpected ways, or how He’s carried us through challenging seasons—these memories become our own altars, our own testament to God’s enduring love and grace.

My encouragement for all of us is that we take time to build our own altars of remembrance. It may not be physical stones but perhaps a journal, a note on the bathroom mirror, or a special token of some kind that reminds us of those moments. And I think it’s important to share these blessings with others, especially with those who may be walking through similar struggles. Our testimony can be a source of encouragement, pointing others to the beautiful blessings of our God.

Lord, we thank You for Your countless blessings. Help us to hold them tight and to continue to remember how they have so wonderfully impacted our lives. May they give us hope and courage as we continue to live our lives for you. Amen.

As we begin new year, we are confronted by a world filled with misinformation, confusion, and deceit. It seems that the truth is often elusive and obscured by the noise of the world around us. In such a time, it becomes increasingly crucial for us, as followers of Jesus, to anchor ourselves in the unchanging and eternal truth found in Him.

In John 8:32, Jesus declares: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” These words resonate with a timeless truth that holds the key to deliverance from life’s falsehoods. The world may offer its version of truth, but it is in seeking God’s truth that we find genuine freedom.

Imagine a ship navigating through a stormy sea. In the darkness, it is the lighthouse that guides and keeps the vessel safe from the treacherous rocks. Similarly, Jesus serves as our guiding light, illuminating the path of righteousness and revealing the pitfalls of the worlds lies. As we embark on this new year, let us commit to seeking God’s truth with enthusiasm, allowing it to be the compass that directs our steps.

In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist gives us some insight to walking in truth as he shares: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Just as a lamp guides one’s steps in the darkness, God’s Word provides clarity and direction in this often confusing journey of life. This is why it’s so important that week seek to immerse ourselves in Scripture, and find the eternal and unchanging truth that transcends our worldly understanding. 

James 1:5 encourages us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” Prayer is our lifeline to God, a sacred space where we can talk with Him and seek His guidance. So as we seek God’s truth, let us also approach Him in prayer, asking for discernment and wisdom to navigate the complexities of our time.

Consider the story of Nathanael in John 1:45-49. When Philip invited him to meet Jesus, Nathanael doubted, asking: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Yet, when he encountered Jesus, he marveled at the depth of Christ’s knowledge. Jesus responded, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” This revelation convinced Nathanael that Jesus was the Son of God. Similarly, as we seek God’s truth, we may encounter doubts, but God’s personal revelations in our lives affirm the authenticity of His Word.

So, let this new year be a season of intentional seeking – seeking God’s truth through prayer, studying His Word, and listening for His voice. As Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” May this year be marked by a relentless pursuit of God’s truth, bringing forth a harvest of wisdom, discernment, and a deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Psalm 9:1 says: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I believe it’s important to reflect on the journey we have experienced over the past year. In the busyness of life, we often find ourselves caught up in our current situations, forgetting the importance of reflection. Yet, as followers of Christ, taking a moment to remember and recount God’s faithfulness in our lives is not just a suggestion, but a spiritual discipline that can strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.

In the midst of our reflections, it’s important to remember the countless moments when God’s goodness overshadowed our lives. His mercies were new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), sustaining us through both joys and trials. And it’s important that we take time to express gratitude for His unwavering love, provision, and guidance.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:3-4 that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” As we reflect on the challenges faced in the past year, let us recognize that God, in His sovereignty, uses difficulties to refine us. The struggles we faced were not in vain; rather, they contributed to our spiritual growth and equipped us for the journey ahead.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there is a time to laugh, a time to cry and a time to mourn. Reflecting on the past year allows us to discern the seasons of our lives—times of joy, sorrow, planting, and harvest. By learning from our experiences, we gain wisdom for the future. Let us not be forgetful hearers but doers of the Word, applying the lessons learned as we press on toward the upward call of God (James 1:22; Philippians 3:14).

Consider the analogy of a potter molding clay. In the process, the clay undergoes pressure, shaping, and refining. Similarly, God molds us, His children, through the pressures of life. The Potter’s hands skillfully craft us into vessels fit for His purpose. As we reflect, let’s appreciate the divine craftsmanship that has taken place, recognizing that each trial and triumph has contributed to our unique design.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness, for being our constant in every season. May You grant us the wisdom to learn from the challenges and give us the strength to face the future with hope and trust in Your unfailing love. Amen.

As we journey through the season of Advent, we reflect on the profound meaning of Christmas—the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s love. Over the last several weeks, we’ve focused on a different Advent theme: hope, peace, joy, and today, love. Love, the pinnacle of God’s character, is at the heart of the Christmas story.

In 1 John 4:7-12, we’re told: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…”

Love is the essence of Christmas, for in the humblest of settings, God expressed His unconditional love by sending His Son into the world. The birth of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of divine love, a love that reaches out to the broken, the weary, and the lost. It’s a love that transcends time and culture, inviting us into a relationship with the One who is Love itself.

Consider the shepherds on that holy night. They were among society’s outcasts, yet the angels appeared to them first, announcing the Savior’s birth. God’s love broke through the darkness and touched the lives of those often overlooked. In the same way, God’s love seeks us out in the midst of our struggles and shortcomings, offering hope and redemption.

In Luke 2:10-11, it says: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'”

The birth of Jesus brings not only joy but the assurance of God’s everlasting love. The angels proclaimed this good news to the shepherds, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a baby in a manger but the Savior, the embodiment of God’s love, who came to reconcile humanity to Himself.

In the Christmas story, we read of the Magi who traveled from the East, guided by a star. Their journey was an expression of love and devotion, as they sought the newborn King to offer Him gifts. In their actions, we see the response to the love that God initiated—a journey of faith and worship. Like the Magi, may our lives reflect a continual seeking and offering of ourselves to the One who is Love.

As we celebrate the Advent of Love, let’s thank God for the incredible gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Let’s allow His love to transform our hearts and overflow into our relationships with others. And let’s learn to love as He loved, unconditionally and sacrificially. In this season of hope, peace, joy, and love, may we be beacons of His light, sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need. Amen.

In keeping with the spirit of advent and the lighting of the joy candle this week , I wanted to share a devotional that my wife shared with our Church.

In Luke 2:8-11 we read: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Joy. It’s a word that has become more elusive to me with age. I don’t necessarily think it’s harder to have joy, but it is harder for me to define joy. Because, with added years, I have experienced added heartbreak, suffering, pain, and death. And suffering doesn’t seem conducive to joy.

But James 1:2-4 says this:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

As a child who grew up in a loving home, joy seemed easy to me. It seemed a given. It didn’t seem like something you chose, it seemed like something you had.

The thing we learn about joy, though, is that it’s not a given. We don’t all automatically have joy: we choose it. 

What would you say is the opposite of joy? If we don’t have joy, what do we have? Despair? Misery? 

So then, if we don’t choose joy, does that mean we choose misery? I don’t know. It seems it may be so.

What I do know is the angel told the shepherds on that first Christmas that the good news of the birth of Jesus would cause great joy for all the people. 

That’s it? That’s all we need?…A birth announcement?

You may question that. There was a time when I certainly did. But I now believe that Jesus is the answer to every human need. I believe it wholly: figuratively and literally.

The birth of Jesus changed the trajectory of mankind. 

Why? What changed? Fundamentally, everything changed. Love—true love—arrived on the scene when Jesus made Himself like us, so that He could make a way for us. The misery we had experienced because we were separated from God and trying to live up to standards that were not achievable or sustainable by mere humans was replaced with hope, because Jesus—fully God and fully human—came to redeem and restore us. And hope gave way to peace because we were no longer toiling for something unachievable in our brokenness.

Love arrived, hope was given, and peace was extended to earth. But joy? We choose Joy. We step into joy whenever we look at our lives with hearts of gratitude to God for making a way for us. It’s impossible to give thanks to God and simultaneously feel abandoned or hopeless. When we remember that Jesus came so that no heartbreak or hardship would be the end of the story, we write joy into our lives. It’s perspective, really, but it’s so much more.

When Christmas hits different because life has been hard and we still choose to trust that God is good and Jesus is with us and hope is real, we choose joy. It is our choice. Let’s let the Good News of Jesus bring great joy—it is, after all, for all of us.

This Sunday at our church we will light the second candle of the Advent season. So let us turn our hearts and minds to the theme of Peace. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the true essence of Christmas beckons us to find a profound and lasting peace. 

In Isaiah 9:6 the prophet foretold of Jesus when he wrote these words: “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.”

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Isaiah painted a vivid picture of the Messiah who would come to bring peace. The title “Prince of Peace” encompasses not just a temporary ceasefire or a momentary calm, but a deep and abiding peace that resonates in the hearts of God’s people.

This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of something greater — the presence of Christ Himself. The birth of Jesus marks the arrival of true and lasting peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

In Luke 2:13-14 it tells us: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

This heavenly announcement to the shepherds on that holy night proclaimed the birth of the Savior with the promise of peace. The very presence of Jesus brought a chorus of Angels singing about the reconciliation between God and humanity. Through Jesus, God extends His favor, and with it, the gift of peace.

This peace is not conditional on our circumstances but is grounded in the unchanging nature of God’s love. It is a peace that surpasses earthly understanding because it is anchored in the eternal truth of God’s faithfulness.

Imagine being on a storm-tossed sea, surrounded by turbulent waves and relentless winds. In the midst of the darkness, a lighthouse stands tall, guiding ships safely to shore. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is our lighthouse in life’s storms. He guides us with the assurance that, no matter how fierce the storms, His peace will lead us to safety.

As we journey through this Advent season, I pray that we all can learn to embrace the peace that only comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. May His peace guard our hearts and minds, and may we be ambassadors of that peace this Christmas season.

This Sunday kicks off the season of Advent, a time that represents the expectation and celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ. One of the traditions we have at our church is the lighting of the Advent candles. The first candle we will light this week represents the Hope we have in Jesus.

Isaiah foretold of this hope hundreds of years before Jesus arrived on this earth. Listen to what he prophesied in Isaiah 9:2 & 6: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned… 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.”

In the midst of darkness and uncertainty, Isaiah shared of the arrival of a great light—a light that would dispel the shadows of darkness and bring hope to a weary world. As we light the first Advent candle this week, we are reminded that our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the promise of a Savior who has brought everlasting light and peace.

Imagine a clear, starlit night—each star is a beacon of hope in the vast darkness. The Wise Men, guided by the extraordinary Star of Bethlehem, followed its light with anticipation. In the same way, we follow the light of Jesus, our guiding star, as we journey through this season, trusting in Him and the hope He brings.

Our hope is not wishful thinking but grounded in the one, true God who brought hope to all as He sent His Son to this earth. And now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are filled with joy and peace as we place our trust in Him. As we enter this Advent season, let us be vessels overflowing with hope, radiating the light of Jesus in a world that is always looking for a glimpse of something greater.

And, if hope is something that is hard for you to access in this season, whether because of difficult circumstances or for reasons you can’t quite pinpoint, seek the source. Jesus is our hope. And He wants us to invite Him into every part of our lives so that we can live with hope. He will bring hope if we just tell Him our need.

And a little hope goes a long way. Consider a flickering candle in a dark room. Though small, its light pierces the darkness. Likewise, our hope, though sometimes feeble, has the power to illuminate the lives of those around us. As we share the hope found in Christ, our collective light grows, dispelling darkness and drawing others toward the warmth of His love.

In the glow of the Advent candles, we find a tangible representation of the hope that Christ brings. As we journey through this season, may we be reminded that our hope is not just for a day or a season but is anchored in the eternal promise of a Savior who brings light to our dark world.

In a world that celebrates strength, power, and self-promotion, the concept of humility is counter-cultural. However, as followers of Jesus, we’re called to a different standard—one that seeks to put others first.
 
In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul tells us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

The Apostle Paul urges believers here to adopt an attitude of Christ—an attitude characterized by selflessness and deep compassion for others. When we choose to walk in humility, we’re making a conscious decision to serve others and recognize their worth and importance in the eyes of God.

Jesus is our ultimate example when it comes to humility. When He came to earth, He didn’t come as a conquering king but as a humble servant. A few verses later in Philippians 2:7, Paul tells us this about Jesus: “he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…” Despite His divine nature, He willingly became a servant to all: washing the feet of His disciples and even laying down His own life to show us what true humility looks like. 

Our humility opens the door to a deeper relationship with God, as we acknowledge our dependence on Him and submit ourselves to His will. And it fosters unity within the body of believers, creating a community marked by love, grace, and mutual respect.

Embracing humility is a journey, not a destination. It requires a constant surrender of our pride, ambitions, and desires to God. James 4:10 encourages us with these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” As we humble ourselves before God, He promises to exalt us in due time. It is in surrendering our will to His that we find true fulfillment and purpose.

Heavenly Father, help us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, embracing humility as a way of life. May we value others above ourselves and seek to serve one another with the love and compassion that Christ demonstrated. Give us the strength to lay aside our pride and selfish ambitions, trusting in Your wisdom and guidance. Amen.