Devotional 12-9-21

 Read Luke18: 1-8

This is the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow.  The judge feared not God nor respected man. The widow was persistent in asking for justice. Finally, the judge was worn down and granted her justice.

So, what’s this to do with the coming of our Lord’s birthday celebration?

Many years ago and my children were quite small, my son, Scotty, asked for a tape recorder.  Jean and I decided to surprise him with one. This was 46 years ago, and we got him the latest technology recorder. It used cassettes and was battery operated. Wow. The batteries were wrapped in one package, the cassettes in another, and the recorder in another separate package.

On Christmas morning, he opened his first package and lo and behold, it was the battery package. One look at this and his only comment was “How generous.” If he had given up at that time, he wouldn’t have found the big gift and resulted in a happy ending.

So many times we face disappointment and failure. But you can’t give up. Keep praying and hoping, and eventually you’ll be better off than giving up.

Merry Christmas, one and all

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 12-8-19

Read Romans 15: 1-13

This a letter from Paul trying to explain how a Christian should live, every day, not just at Christmas season. He writes beautiful and thought provoking messages. I don’t. I believe that he is telling us that we must help those of a weaker faith, not by condemnation, but by actually doing something positive for them. We are to do this even when it is not convenient. Jesus took on the problems of others without thinking of himself. We are to do likewise.

Our goal in the Christian life is to bring the Hope of the Holy Spirit to our brethren.

If Jesus said it, we had better do it.

Amen

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 12-17-18

Hebrews 10:5-10

That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You do not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, “Look, I have come to do your will, 0 God-as is written about me in the scriptures.” First Christ said,” You did do not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses).Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for Us to be made Holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

After reading this scripture, I wondered, what does this have to do with the Advent story? It is a story about the end of the journey and not the beginning. Then I began thinking about other birthdays and events we celebrate or acknowledge during the year. We celebrate events or birthdays of people who have made a significant difference in the lives of many people. Had Christ not given his life for our sins, he would have just been a a prophet or Rabbi, or other people who might have played a significant role in someone’s life, but hardly worth celebrating. That, I believe, is the reason for its inclusion this Advent season.

Let’s look at the scripture. It was written to the Hebrews who had accepted Jesus. They accepted him as their savior but thought they had to continue with the traditions of Mosaic Law. Paul tells them that the first covenant required burnt offerings and sin offerings to please God and to atone for their sins. This required frequent burnt flesh and sprinkling of fresh blood. Pretty messy.

Jesus came with a second covenant which cancelled the first. Jesus said the Lord does not want and is not pleased by these offerings. Jesus offered up his life as a sacrifice, once for all time, for our sins.

Thanks be to God!

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 12-11-17

Thessalonians 5:16-24
Rejoice always,pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus...

Paul has some very strange commands for us in this scripture. Rejoice always- if he had to live through my trials and tribulations, he wouldn’t expect me to live up to be ever rejoicing. Give thanks in all things? I just hit my thumb with a hammer, not something I am especially  thankful for. Pray continually? When would I ever get any work done or get to have fun? Way too much to expect, I’m only human you know.

 As I wrote the above words, it started me thinking. Every concern mentioned was centered on me. As Christians, we are supposed to think of others more and ourselves less.

My trials and tribulations , in fact , are child’s play compared to the things Paul suffered. Paul’s sufferings were child play compared to the sacrifice Jesus Christ suffered for my sake.

 Everyone goes through life, sometimes on the mountain top, sometimes in the valley. No one is immune from these ups and downs. If I followed Paul’s commands, I’d live a better life, not constantly focusing on self.

I’m not there, but am working on it.

Blessings in this Advent season.

Scott Ramsey

Devotional 12-13-11

A couple weeks ago, Steve Matthews gave a wonderful sermon about getting out of your comfort zone, which must have made some impact on me. Kim was later whining about needing Advent devotions writers . I have successfully ignored her til now, but in the back of my mind Steve was saying "do it". So I reluctantly am giving it a try.

Christmas is approaching and everyone is busy buying gifts for people, either because they want to, or feel guilty about not buying them. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. I love a cheerful giver too. However, for there to be a cheerful giver, there must be a cheerful receiver.

Several years ago my Mother was very sick. She made many trips to the hospital for treatment. As she could no longer drive, and I was also retired and had plenty of time, I drove her to and from her appointments. I was so pleased that I was able to do this for her. Early on, she asked to give me money to help with the gasoline. What are you thinking Mother? I can certainly buy my own gasoline. I thought I was being kind to her by not taking her money. In fact, her feelings were hurt. Although she was very sick, she still needed to do this, not because I needed it, but she wanted to contribute to the cause. This was my pride which was hurting her feelings, very selfish on my part. This is when I discovered the concept of the "Cheerful Receiver". I finally let her make a contribution for the gasoline. This pleased her, and that was what I wanted to for Mother.

So remember, if someone wants to do something for you, don't brush it aside because of your pride. Be a cheerful receiver.

Scott Ramsey