Advent Devotional 12-14-25

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16: 9)

“Chance favors the prepared mind” is attributed to Louis Pasteur.

It is a motto I adopted early in my adult life and it has served me well.  Having an alternative to your decisions can help to even out the highs and lows that life brings.  As we age we can recall things that we achieved and planned for while also realizing those plans that never came to fruition.

During the Christmas season we expend a lot of time and effort organizing dinners. Shopping for that perfect gift or planning a road trip to visit family.  In the case of hosting a dinner we have to give thought to what we will serve, Who to invite, the date and time all come in to the decision not to mention the labor involved in buying the food. After all of that comes the cooking and clean-up (Whew)

For Christians, Advent is the reminder that we need to stop and prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of Jesus.  Ask yourself if you are making the same effort to read your Bible, engage in daily prayer and feeding your spirit?  

Advent can be a perfect time to focus on your spiritual self in the midst of all the commercial distractions we face as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father in the rush of daily living help us to find the time to feed our souls and let your plan take control of our lives.  Amen

Marv Jones

Advent Devotional 12-9-24

 “I see him , but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel…. A ruler will come out of Jacob...” Numbers 24: 17, 19

Recently, 2 hurricanes struck Florida and also caused damage in Central Appalachia. If you live in Florida, you probably know the plans to make if one is headed in your direction. Remove all outdoor furniture so they don’t become projectiles. Buy extra food. water and gasoline and place plywood over windows. If available. Sandbag around entry ways and tape doors/windows for rain. In most cases the National Weather Service can predict ahead of time so you can be prepared.

In North Carolina and Tennessee, rains and wind were predicted, but no one could envision the damage coming. Floods. Mudslides with homes and roads totally gone! Power outage for weeks. Businesses destroyed; a way of life and dreams destroyed.

In Florida, plans could be made to try to minimize the damage and loss. In Appalachia there was no way to make alternate plans as the destruction was unplanned and impossible to anticipate.

As Christians, we are fortunate to have Advent to remind us to prepare! I suspect most of us spend a good deal of time and money at Christmas looking for that perfect present or buying food/drink for a family get-together. However, how much time and effort do we expend in our spiritual journey as we approach the birth of Christ? Advent serves as our weather service reminder to get ready for his coming. Might I gently suggest we spend more time with the Bible and prayer during this Advent season because there is much to celebrate as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens! May it always be so.

Prayer:
Father help us to focus on your goodness and grace as we await your return. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotion - December 20, 2023

 Luke 11: 29-30 -- As the crowds increased, Jesus said, ”This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.  30 For As Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the son of Man be to this generation.

As I write this, it is late October and there are already signs up advertising Christmas items for sale. These include Christmas trees, decorations, lights…..you know the drill. As we travel over the Holidays, we depend on and look for signs telling us where we are and where we are headed.

Stop/Go/Yield/Merge all are signals designed to smooth out traffic flows and make us safer.

What about our faith travels? What are the signs we depend on to navigate our spiritual lives? In the scripture above. Jesus has been teaching and healing yet some in the crowds refused to believe and accused Jesus of driving out demons by Beelzebub! Others asked for further signs from Heaven. Even today we ask God for proof and question his goodness.

Advent arrives for us just in time! It reminds us of the many times in our life when we were downtrodden and suffered with doubts about our faith and where we were going. Advent serves as a gentle reminder of God’s goodness and unlimited gifts of never ending grace if we only slow down to read the signs in our life.

Advent offers us the perfect opportunity to slow down and yield to God’s will for each of us. Stop our busy, daily struggles long enough to GO to our heavenly father for a renewal of our spirit as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the Heavens! May it always be so.

Prayer: Father during this busy holiday season help us to navigate our daily travels so that we can remember your enduring promise of grace for each of us as we make this earthly journey. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 11-29-22

Read Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist Prepares the Way 

In today’s environment, there is a saying about speaking “truth to power.” 

This usually refers to calling out the powerful when they abuse their position or those less fortunate. 
In today’s reading, John the Baptist is out in the desert baptizing sinners when some of Israel’s Pharisees and Sadducees came by to watch and judge his actions.  John does not hesitate to call them out for their hypocrisy!  They were confident in their beliefs and decisions of faith because they were sons of Abraham!  John confronts them about their attitude and warns them that the day of reckoning is coming and that God could raise up children of Abraham from stones.  As you might imagine this did not sit well with them. 

During Advent we are challenged.  How do we prepare to meet Jesus? When have we acted like the Pharisees and stood confident in our stance that we were right?  How can we humbly be reminded that we are all children of God and gifted with forgiveness no matter our sins? 

Might I gently remind us all that Advent serves as a time to prepare our lives for service to him in his kingdom here on earth as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens!  May it always be so! 

Prayer: Father thank you for the your gift of grace and forgiveness.  Help us to walk in humility and confidence in your promises. In Jesus name we pray. Amen  

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-3-21

Read John 3:1-6 -- John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In these verses John goes out into the desert and preaching baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He quotes the words of Isaiah that call for preparing the way for the Lord and make straight paths for him.

John’s message was well received as most everyone( from tax collectors to soldiers) came forward to be baptized.  People were aware of their sinful ways and were open to his message of repentance!

These verses serve to remind us again during this Advent season that we are called to get ready!  In today’s world we have so many conveniences and distractions that we can be easily be distracted and get off track.  Advent presents us with both a challenge and a opportunity.  The challenge is to have the discipline to invest our time in bible study, prayer and reflection in anticipation of Christmas.

The opportunity is that if we do, then we will reap the benefits of a stronger faith and deeper understanding of John’s call for repentance and the receiving of grace!

It is interesting to note that Jesus does not start his public ministry until John’s ministry has concluded.  This Advent season presents all of us the opportunity to share the good news of forgiveness and the promise of life everlasting in Gods’ kingdom here on earth as we await that house not built with hands but eternal to the heavens. May it always be so!

Prayer: Father help us to focus on you this Advent.  Forgive us when we get confused and place emphasis on the commercial side of the season and lose sight of the true celebration. Help us to do your will and not ours. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Marv Jones 

Devotional 12-23-20

 Read Luke 2: 1-20   This is Luke’s telling of the birth of Jesus and the shepherds and angels at Jesus birth.

Everyone has a birthday but not everyone celebrates their birthday. 

Do you remember when you were young what is was like to look forward to a birthday celebration?

Unfortunately for me, I was born on December 31 so I was a tax deduction!  However, the kid beside me was the first born of the New Year and he received a $500 Savings Bond (trust me- back then that was a lot of money), diaper service for a year and a encyclopedia set.  My Dad always claimed I cost him money from the day I was born!

When I read this passage, I always wonder what Joseph and Mary must have been feeling.

Joseph had been told in a dream what was to happen and Mary had the angel Garbriel announcing God’s plan.  The trip to Bethlehem must have been a challenge physically and emotionally for both.

So it is, as we approach Christmas, I ask you what effect has the news of Christ’s birth had on you?  Is it same as last year, has it awakened a new sense of joy in your spiritual life, given you hope for the future, or caused you to thank God for his grace and forgiveness?

On our spiritual walk, we “grow” from infancy to adulthood.  I challenge you to take time from your work/play schedule this Holiday Season and spend time developing a deeper desire to know God, have a love for others, know the joy of God’s grace, his strength through tough times and true peace which this world does not offer!

My hope for each of us this Advent Season is to prepare ourselves both physically and emotionally to Know God/Know Peace

Prayer: Heavenly Father as we approach Christmas Day let us stop and remember.  Remember we are forgiven/We are loved/We are blessed/We are imperfect/Yet we are instruments here in God’s Kingdom on Earth!  May it always be so.

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-6-19

1 John 5: 1-5

¹ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves his child as well. ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his command. ³ This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is Son of God.

During the Christmas season it is not uncommon to see signs proclaiming “Believe” but in this case it refers to Santa Claus!  This scripture serves to remind us that Advent is a time to believe! Belief in God the father and also his son- Jesus Christ.  For most of us, if we grew up in the church, we sometimes take our faith for granted .  Advent season is a good time to pause and reflect on where we are and what we represent.  How are we doing at showing love to God’s children, obeying his commands and worshiping his creation?  The secular Christmas rush can cloud our thoughts and actions.  However, I hope this scripture serves to remind all of us of the eternal gift of grace that Jesus represents on Christmas morning and the promise of eternal life that awaits each of us as we prepare for that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens!  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father help us this day  to remember amidst all of the “noise” of this Holiday Season that the true gift we receive is not purchased but given in a act of true love and may we open our hearts to serving your Kingdom here on earth.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-5-18

Philippians 1:3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.

Paul is writing this letter to the church in Phillippi from prison (probably Rome).  He has just received a gift sent to him from this church. It is a letter of thanks and also a reminder to keep the faith!  Paul mentions that we are in “partnership” with the gospel but what does that mean?  This scripture serves as a reminder that we have a obligation as Christians to show Christ’s love through actions.  Paul states that whether in chains or defending the faith in public we all share in God’s grace.  In your spiritual walk, what chains are keeping you from doing the Lord’s work?

How are you moving to gain knowledge and depth of faith?  Advent serves as a time of preparation.  It offers each of us the opportunity to get ready!  We can begin anew in our relationship with Jesus to be the living body of grace to those who are lost, forgotten or ignored by this world as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens.  May it always be so!

Prayer: Father be with us and give us the confidence to share your word with others.  Free us from the chains that may hold us back from doing your work and help us to share the fruit of righteousness that comes from knowing Jesus. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-22-17

God’s Promise to David

Lectionary Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11

At this point in scripture, David has emerged as a warrior. Winning battles against his enemies then being anointed King over Judah.  In addition, he was able to get Israel to join with him and conquer the Jebusites in Jerusalem.  This is why Jerusalem is sometimes called the city of David.  Once all this was done, David settles into his palace and enjoys rest from his enemies.  It is at this juncture that David reflects on living in splendor while the ark of God remains in a tent.  David makes plans to build the temple in Jerusalem so that God might have a proper house to dwell in.  However, God has other plans and has Nathan, the prophet, declare that David will not build the temple but his offspring will.

I suspect most of us are sometimes like David- at least during Advent ! While we may not be engaged in battles or uniting tribes I think we all have a tendency to get our own jobs, cares or dreams taken care of first. Only after we have achieved what WE want- do we begin to think about what God may want from us!  During the secular Christmas Season we get bleary-eyed from all of the advertising, promotions and sentiments that come our way. This can serve to distract us from God’s plan for us.  Like David, we tend to make decisions for God that we think is right.

However, Advent calls us to a higher purpose. During these turbulent times we must ask ourselves this question.  Do we favor God by working for him or do we savor God  by worshipping him?  Your answer will dictate how you feel on Christmas morning.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for our time on earth. We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed on each of us.  Help us to respond to your gift of grace, your gift of living water, your promise of everlasting life as we await that house not made with hands but eternal to the heavens.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-12-16

Romans 1: 1-7

¹ Paul a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God- ² the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures ³ regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, ⁴ and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Through him and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. ⁶ And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. ⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Rome to introduce himself.  He had not been to Rome yet and did not start this church. However, even in the early days there was friction between the Jews & Gentiles in the early Christian Church.  In the scripture reading we can see Paul appealing to the Jewish sense of tradition referencing the prophets and David’s lineage while also reminding the Gentiles that through Jesus death and resurrection they were receivers of the same grace.

As we prepare for Christmas I hope these few verses speak to you. How? Well- Paul reminds us that we too are called to Christ!  We are called to serve, we are called to witness, we are called to love and we are called to forgive.  Paul states that obedience to Christ comes via faith.  So during this time of Advent why not take the time to prepare yourself both physically and spiritually to be called to do God’s work here on his Kingdom on Earth!  Grace and peace awaits all who do!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day.  We ask that you help to strengthen us in faith and obedience so that when called we can be your servant while we await that house not built with hands but eternal to the Heavens. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-23-15

Read Luke 2: 1-20   This is Luke’s telling of the birth of Jesus and the shepherds and angels at Jesus birth.

Everyone has a birthday but not everyone celebrates their birthday.

Do you remember when you were young what is was like to look forward to a birthday celebration?  Unfortunately for me, I was born on December 31 so I was a tax deduction!  However, the kid beside me was the first born of the New Year and he received a $500 Savings Bond (trust me- back then that was a lot of money), diaper service for a year and a encyclopedia set.  My Dad always claimed I cost him money from the day I was born!

When I read this passage, I always wonder what Joseph and Mary must have been feeling.  Joseph had been told in a dream what was to happen and Mary had the angel Gabriel announcing God’s plan. The trip to Bethlehem must have been a challenge physically and emotionally for both.

So it is, as we approach Christmas, I ask you what effect has the news of Christ’s birth had on you?  Is it same as last year, has it awakened a new sense of joy in your spiritual life, given you hope for the future, or caused you to thank God for his grace and forgiveness?

On our spiritual walk, we “grow” from infancy to adulthood.  I challenge you to take time from your work/play schedule this Holiday Season and spend time developing a deeper desire to know God, have a love for others, know the joy of God’s grace, his strength through tough times and true peace which this world does not offer!

My hope for each of us this Advent Season is to prepare ourselves both physically and emotionally to Know God/Know Peace

Prayer: Heavenly Father as we approch Christmas Day let us stop and remember.  Remember we are forgiven/We are loved/We are blessed/We are imperfect/Yet we are instruments here in God’s Kingdom on Earth!  May it always be so.

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-7-14

Mark 1: 1-8
¹The beginning of the gospel abount Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  ²It is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way.  ³A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”  ⁴And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  ⁵The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him.  Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  ⁶John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.  ⁷And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  ⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”.
Advent is a time for reflection and preparation.  As Christians, we are good at celebrating Christmas Day and Christ’s birth!  However, how much effort do we expend in spiritual readiness?  I suspect no more than the well meaning folks of Jerusalem.  John understood this and so he tried to warn people that it was necessary to radically change not only their way of living but also their way of thinking!  This is the true purpose of Advent!  John is calling out today to the Tri-State region to not only confess our sins but change how we view this world.  Being baptized with the spirtual waters through Jesus’ birth - we are a changed people. It is quite easy to love family and friends during this Holiday season, but Christ’s life example requires us to love those whom we dis-like, fear or find repulsive. This is not easy. That is why we NEED Advent! To get ourselves spiritually right so that we can live as God intended. That is what I hope we all celebrate on Christmas Day!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for every day!  We confess that we have sinned yet know that you still Love us and forgive us.  Help us to make a straight path and live a life filled with the Spirit so that we may reflect your way.  Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-10-13

  

James 5:7  —  Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.  

The Jones’ family farm is located in Spout Springs, Virginia (near Appomattox).  Every Summer my parents would drive me up to the farm from Princeton, West Virginia to spend a week with my cousins and also to get a taste of farm living (read hard/hot/manual labor)!  I can recall looking at a row of beans that looked as if it went from Spout Springs to the Atlantic Ocean!  It did not take long for me to know I never wanted to work or own a farm!  However, it did give me a great appreciation for farming and the fruits of that labor.

James’ admonition to the Christians to be patient and wait is just as true today as it was 2,000 years ago.  Many people (Christians included), can not wait for Christmas to arrive.  They enjoy the presents, the food, the family and the fellowship.  Yet, they feel empty when the day is done.  Why is this?

I believe it is because they did not take the time to “plant” the proper spiritual seed. Advent is the time for planting and feeding your soul as you prepare yourself for the spiritual journey towards Christmas!  Daily prayer, scripture readings and active participation in Worship are all part of the “rains” that nourish our spiritual walk.

We can not expect to harvest growth with the Holy Spirit unless we are willing to invest our time and talents in preparation for the coming of our Lord!

Won’t you join me this Advent in working the fields with our labors and waiting on the “Spiritual Rains” to grow in faith?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for the season of Advent.  Help us to prepare ourselves again for the coming of your son Jesus Christ.  Allow your Spirit to rain down on us and feed us with that living water so that we will never thirst again.  Amen  

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-24-12

Christmas Eve

Titus 2:11-14: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men it teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

For a child, Christmas Eve is the day to point toward. It is the signature date on the calendar when all of the gifts are under the tree; all of the guessing about what Santa will bring and all of the “buzz” of the Holiday Season comes to an end. Children everywhere know when they go to bed that night there will be surprises for them under the tree. No wonder that for some, it is the only day of the year they arise early with no prompting! They are eager for this day to arrive!

For adults, the Christmas season can be filled with anxiety! Questions as to what gifts to purchase for family and friends, will they like what I selected, where are we spending Christmas and what did I forget can all combine to make the Holiday stressful.

Paul’s letter to Titus serves to remind Christians everywhere that God’s grace is for all people. Through Jesus Christ, it is the source of forgiveness and the foundation that we build upon to live a Godly life. Christ makes all things possible!

Tonight, when you lay your head down, do not be anxious about the trials and tribulations that daily living brings. Instead, be eager and look forward to the coming Christmas celebration and be thankful for God’s promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ!

Now that is a present worth waiting for!!!!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the present you sent to each of us. Let us prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and always to be mindful of the hope he brings. Empower us to do your work in a way that is pleasing to you. Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-10-11

John 1: 19-28
Who are You?

In this passage, the Jewish leaders are confused and unsure who John is and what he is doing. The scribes question him as to whether he is the Christ……Elijah……..or a Prophet. When John answers no each question they demand an answer to take back to Jerusalem.

I think this question is central to our spiritual journey during Advent. This is a time of preparation!

As we “walk” toward Christmas, it is the time spent in prayer, bible-study, reflection and service that paves the road to a closer relationship with Jesus. I don’t think we can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas without Advent!

God revealed to John the Messiah! When John spoke of the lamb of God he knew what was ahead for Jesus. Yet he also rejoiced for the Light of the World gave way to eternal life! God with us!

I LOVE the Christmas season. The decorations, the parties, the search for that perfect gift. I DREADthe work of putting up decorations, cleaning the house before hosting a party and receiving another set of color-coordinated running clothes. I think you get my point. I enjoy the end result but not the effort required to get there.

If you are like me, I challenge you to embrace the work of Advent so that you can truly enjoy the Christmas season.

Who are you…………?

Prayer: Heavenly father we thank you for the many blessings you have given us. Life, family, friends and church. We thank you for this time of preparation as we point toward Christmas. Thank you for your son, thank you for his sacrifice and thank you for the promise of eternal life! Be with us as we search for the answers as to who we are.
Amen

Marv Jones

Devotional 12-7-09

Philippians 4: 4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

There are many adjectives and adverbs that come to mind when I think of Advent, but Rejoice is not one of them! I fear that is because I tend to confuse the secular Christmas Holiday season with the Church’s Advent. How can we rejoice when there are purchases to make, travel plans to schedule and budgets to be met? There are decorations, parties, cards and dinners to be enjoyed but……..Rejoice?

Paul’s advice to the Church in Philippi is as true today as it was then. We should Rejoice In the Lord! It is through this act of faith that we can begin the Advent season. Rejoice for the Lord is near is what Advent is all about. If we concentrate on this - then we will not be anxious about all the “noise” that the Holidays can bring.

My hope and prayer for each of us at Johnson Memorial is that this Advent season will be one where we can truly know God’s peace in our heart and when we do - then we will know Paul’s exhortation to REJOICE!

Prayer: Heavenly Father as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we stop to ponder the many blessings you have bestowed on us. The gift of grace and forgiveness is free and yet we struggle! Help us to open our minds and hearts to your word and then we can be open to true Rejoicing in the Lord! Amen

Marv Jones