I Believe in Jesus…Mercy Made Flesh
This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”
The Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus was “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary.” For many people, those words feel like a detail to believe rather than a truth to treasure. Yet these words reveal something beautiful about the heart of God.
They tell us that God came to us.
Most people assume that faith is about climbing. Climbing toward God. Climbing toward goodness. Climbing toward enlightenment. Climbing toward acceptance.
The problem is that no matter how hard we climb, we never seem to get high enough. We know our failures too well. We know our selfishness, impatience, fears, and regrets. Deep down, we know we fall short.
That is why the incarnation is such good news.
God did not wait for us to find our way to Him.
He came to us.
John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Think about that. The eternal Son of God stepped into our world. He experienced hunger, fatigue, grief, rejection, temptation, and suffering. He entered the very mess we created.
Imagine a child trapped in a deep pit. A crowd gathers around the edge. Some offer advice. Others offer encouragement. A few explain how the child got there in the first place. But advice and explanations cannot rescue the child. Someone must climb down into the pit.
That is what God has done for us in Christ.
Jesus did not remain distant. He entered our broken world. He stepped into our pain. He took on our humanity so that He could carry our sin and bear our judgment.
The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Not God observing us. Not God tolerating us. Not God waiting for us to improve ourselves.
God with us.
And because He is with us, we are never alone.
Perhaps today you feel overwhelmed by circumstances, burdened by guilt, or weary from trying to hold everything together. Remember that the God who created the universe willingly entered His creation. The Savior who was laid in a manger is the same Lord who now reigns over heaven and earth.
He knows your struggles.
He understands your weakness.
He has not abandoned you.
The incarnation reminds us that God’s response to our brokenness was not distance but presence. His answer was not merely a command but a Savior.
Jesus is not simply an example to follow.
He is mercy made flesh.
Reflect: In what ways have you been trying to “climb” your way toward God through your own efforts? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus entered our world and understands our struggles firsthand?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son into our world. Thank You that when we could not come to You, You came to us. Help me rest in Your grace rather than my efforts. Remind me today that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us, and that I am never beyond His love and care. Amen.
I Believe in Jesus…More Than a Helper—My Lord
This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Mark 10: 28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Most people have no problem asking Jesus for help.
The harder question is whether we are willing to follow Him.
Peter once reminded Jesus of everything the disciples had left behind. Homes, occupations, security, and familiar routines had all been surrendered to follow their Lord. Peter was not boasting as much as he was wondering whether the sacrifice was worth it.
Jesus assured him that following Him would never be a loss.
That promise still holds true today.
Yet our culture often prefers a Jesus who assists rather than a Jesus who leads. We like the idea of divine guidance when it confirms our plans. We appreciate God’s blessings when they support our goals. But lordship means something deeper.
To confess “Jesus is Lord” means that He does not merely fit into our lives. Our lives belong to Him.
Imagine boarding an airplane. Once the flight begins, passengers do not vote on altitude, route, or destination. They entrust themselves to the pilot because he sees what they cannot see and knows what they do not know.
Faith works much the same way.
We often want God to hand us the controls while He serves as our advisor. Yet Jesus calls us to trust Him enough to let Him lead.
This is not because He desires to take away joy but because He desires to give it.
The Lord who calls us to follow Him is the same Lord who gave His life for us. His authority is not harsh. His rule is not selfish. His commands are not burdensome. The One seated on heaven’s throne is the same One who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet.
That changes everything.
We do not obey Jesus in order to earn His favor. We obey because His favor has already been given through grace. We do not follow Him in hopes that He will love us. We follow because He first loved us.
Every day presents opportunities to surrender control. Sometimes it is through decisions about money, relationships, priorities, or forgiveness. Sometimes it is simply choosing to trust God’s wisdom when our own understanding seems more appealing.
Following Jesus is not always easy.
Neither was carrying a cross.
Yet the path of discipleship always leads us closer to the One who is both Savior and Lord.
Today, ask yourself not merely whether Jesus is helpful, but whether He is Lord.
Because when Jesus leads, He never leads His people astray.
Reflect: What area of your life is most difficult to surrender to Christ’s leadership? How does remembering Christ’s sacrificial love make it easier to trust His authority?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are not only my Savior but my Lord. Forgive me for the times I cling to control instead of trusting You. Give me faith to follow where You lead and confidence that Your ways are always good. Shape my heart to gladly submit to Your will, knowing that You love me and gave Yourself for me. Amen.
I Believe in Jesus…More Than a Miracle Worker
This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Mark 5:21 When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
…
35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher any more?”
36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue ruler, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
Jairus had a problem only Jesus could solve.
His daughter was dying. Nothing else mattered. Status, reputation, possessions, and accomplishments suddenly became insignificant. So Jairus did what desperate people often do. He ran to Jesus.
Many of us can relate.
When life falls apart, when a diagnosis comes, when a relationship breaks, or when anxiety overwhelms us, we naturally turn to God for help. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, Scripture repeatedly invites us to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us.
Yet there is something interesting about Jairus’s story. He came to Jesus because he wanted healing, but he received much more than healing. Before the story ends, Jairus sees Jesus reveal His authority not only over sickness but even over death itself.
Sometimes we approach Jesus like a specialist. We bring Him the one problem we need fixed. We ask Him to solve our immediate concern and then return life to normal.
But Jesus never came merely to solve temporary problems.
The crowds often followed Jesus because of His miracles. They loved the healings, the multiplied bread, and the dramatic displays of power. Yet many of those same people walked away when Jesus called them to trust Him, follow Him, and believe in Him.
It is possible to want what Jesus can give without wanting Jesus Himself.
The greatest gift Jesus offers is not a healthier body, a better job, or an easier life. The greatest gift He offers is Himself.
Think about a child who wakes up frightened during a storm. The child may ask for a nightlight, a blanket, or a favorite stuffed animal. But what usually brings the deepest comfort? The presence of a loving parent sitting beside the bed.
In much the same way, Jesus often gives us His greatest gift even before He changes our circumstances—His presence.
The Lord who calmed storms still walks with His people through storms. The Lord who raised Jairus’s daughter still promises that death will not have the final word for those who belong to Him.
Whatever concern weighs on your heart today, bring it to Jesus. Ask boldly. Pray honestly. Trust Him completely.
But remember that the greatest miracle He has already accomplished. Through His death and resurrection, He has conquered sin, death, and the grave. Because of that victory, even when life does not unfold according to our plans, we can rest in the One who holds us securely in His hands.
Jesus is not merely a miracle worker.
He is your Savior.
Reflect: What need or burden are you bringing to Jesus today? Are you seeking primarily what Jesus can do for you, or are you learning to trust Him for who He is?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the worries, fears, and burdens I carry. Thank You for inviting me to bring them all before You. Help me trust You not only for the things I want You to do, but for who You are. Remind me that Your greatest gift is not simply Your help, but Your presence and Your salvation. Amen.
I Believe in Jesus…Who do YOU say he is?
This week’s devotions are based on Week 2 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Matthew 16:13-16 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Every generation must answer the question Jesus asked at Caesarea Philippi. It is the most important question anyone will ever face: Who is Jesus?
Notice that Jesus first asked His disciples what other people were saying about Him. Their answers sound surprisingly familiar. Some thought He was a prophet. Others thought He was a great religious leader. Some believed He was a special messenger from God. The crowds had plenty of opinions, but Jesus wasn’t ultimately interested in public opinion polls. He turned the question personal: “Who do you say I am?”
Our culture is not much different. People describe Jesus in many ways. Some see Him as a moral teacher. Others admire Him as a revolutionary, philosopher, or spiritual guide. Many appreciate His teachings while ignoring His claims. Yet Jesus never left us the option of reducing Him to merely a good teacher.
The Apostles’ Creed begins with a bold confession: “I believe in Jesus Christ.” The title “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It means Messiah—God’s promised Savior. Peter wasn’t simply saying Jesus was wise or inspiring. He was declaring that Jesus was the One God had promised from the beginning, the Savior who would rescue His people from sin and death.
Imagine being lost in a vast wilderness with no map, no phone signal, and no idea how to get home. What you need most is not advice about survival. You need a rescuer who knows the way. In the same way, Jesus did not come merely to give us helpful instructions for life. He came to save us. He is not simply a messenger pointing toward salvation. He is the Messiah who accomplishes salvation.
John explains the purpose of his Gospel this way: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Life is found not merely in admiring Jesus but in trusting Him.
Today, remember that Christianity is not primarily about following a set of principles. It is about knowing a person—the Messiah, God’s Son, who came to seek and save the lost. The question Jesus asked Peter is still His question for you. Not what your family believes. Not what your church believes. Not what culture says. Who do you say He is?
When you confess Jesus as the Christ, you are not merely agreeing with a doctrine. You are placing your hope in the One who came to rescue you.
Reflect: When you think about Jesus, do you focus more on His teachings or on His saving work as the Messiah? How would you answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” if someone asked you today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being more than a teacher or example. Thank You for being the Messiah, the Savior You promised from the beginning. Strengthen my faith to trust You more fully and help me confess You boldly in a world filled with confusion. Remind me today that my hope is not in my efforts but in Your finished work. Amen.
I Believe in God…the Creator…who gives me purpose!
This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Confessing Christ in a Confused World (WATCH HERE)
Created on Purpose
Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
One of the most common questions people ask is, “Why am I here?”
Some spend their entire lives searching for an answer. They pursue success, relationships, experiences, and achievements, hoping to discover meaning and purpose. Yet many still find themselves wondering whether their lives truly matter.
The Bible begins with a profound truth. You are not an accident. You are not the result of random chance. You were created by God and for God.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
The word translated “workmanship” can also mean masterpiece. Imagine that. The Creator of heaven and earth looks at His redeemed people and calls them His workmanship. He is actively shaping and forming them according to His purposes.
This truth gives us both value and direction. Because God created us, our lives have intrinsic worth. We do not earn value through success, popularity, wealth, or achievement. Our value comes from bearing the image of God.
Because God created us, our purpose is also given rather than invented. The world often says, “Create your own meaning.” Scripture says, “Discover the purpose your Creator has already prepared for you.”
This does not mean every detail of your future is mapped out for you. It does mean that God has designed you to know Him, love Him, serve others, and participate in His mission in the world. Your purpose begins with relationship before it moves into activity.
Sometimes we think purpose must involve something extraordinary. Yet many of the good works God prepares for us are found in ordinary faithfulness. Encouraging a friend. Serving a neighbor. Sharing our faith. Loving our family. Using our gifts to bless others. These seemingly ordinary acts become extraordinary when they are done for God’s glory.
Today, remember that your life matters because your Creator says it matters. You have been intentionally made, deeply loved, and purposefully placed where you are. Ask God to help you see the opportunities He has prepared for you to serve Him today.
Reflect: Where are you most tempted to find your value apart from being created by God? What opportunities has God placed before you right now to live out His purpose for your life?
Prayer: Creator God, thank You for making me in Your image and giving my life meaning and purpose. Forgive me for looking to other things to define my worth. Help me remember that I am Your workmanship, created to glorify You and serve others. Open my eyes to the opportunities You have prepared for me today, and give me the courage to walk faithfully in them. Amen.