Monday, November 30, 2020

Devotional 11-30-20

Stay the course!

Readings for the week: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15, Mark 1:1-8 CEB

This 2020 Advent season and year is like no other that most of us have ever seen in our lifetime.  We will probably not be celebrating Advent or even the Nativity, as in the past, with our families or our church family.  Stay the course!  

This second week of Advent is one of waiting or prophecy.  The Prophet Isaiah lived about 750 years prior to the birth of Christ.  In the writing from Isaiah 40:1-11 “all will be made straight” all rough places will be smooth, that the glory of the God will be seen by all humanity.  That God’s word will be forever.  Don’t be afraid for God’s strength was coming, that God will be like a Shepard to care for his flock and gently guide them.  Isaiah was speaking of one that is to come in the future of the Hebrews, this was their Advent.   

During our Advent Season we celebrate the time leading to the birth of Christ but it is the second coming of Christ that we await, 2 Peter 3:13 CEB “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.”  

As 2020 rolls on to 2021 and we await Christ second coming.  We also wait for many changes in our life and the future, ie;  An end to the Pandemic, getting back to normal life, in-person worship, an end to this year’s election process, a united humanity, love and caring for our neighbors, acceptance of all.  But in all of this we need to be patient.  Stay the course!

2 Peter 3:8-9 Don’t let it escape your notice, dear friends, that with the Lord a single day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a single day. The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives.

The day will come when all is straight.  2 Peter 3: 14-15 Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace—pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation.

Let us remember, my dear friends, Patience is a virtue !  As in Galatians 5:22 CEB But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

My friends I wish for you this year and always too, “Stay the Course”, be patient, stay in love with God, love one another and  look forward to the second coming of Christ when all will be made new! 

God bless all this Advent and to the future !

Prayer: Our Father thank you for the most wonderful gift of all, your Son the Christ.  Whom you sent to take away our sins and not judge.  Thank you for his teachings of love, caring, acceptance and compassion for all.  Please lead us as we Stay the Course though theses days and until Christ comes again.  In Christ Holy name, Amen!

Fred Herr

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