Devo | Jan • Feb • March • April • May • June • July • Aug • Sept • Oct • Nov • Dec

December 1

Forgiveness of Sin

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

In Christ our sin is dead, so we don’t need to be resuscitating it when we can live in faith of Calvary’s forgiveness. We may war with our sinful flesh because our behaviors are habits we’ve woven over time, but faith in what Jesus Christ did for us on Calvary is stronger. We may battle separately, but alike we stand in conviction that in Christ we have forgiveness of sins.

Because of Calvary we can live the victorious life in Christ through faith. We may stumble and slip in our fallen nature but as we fix our eyes on the Savior we become changed into His likeness.

Let’s pray today that we may run to the foot of the cross regardless of how often it takes.

December 2

End-Time Prayer

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” 1 Peter 4:7

These times may be unsettling for our future, but prayer remains God’s channel for personal peace. Sin has been welcomed in the highest levels of society. Morals have been discredited. Common sense has even been swept under the rug of political correctness. While the demise of righteousness seems to be all around us, we still have prayer and that is God’s ordained means of finding peace despite troubling times.

Stay above the confusion of worldly thinking through prayer so you will stay grounded on truth. Constant communion with the Lord in prayer is where your encouragement will thrive and your fear will fade.

Let’s pray today that when fear creeps into our hearts we may turn to our Lord in prayer.

December 3

God’s Timing

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

Some are quick to magnify themselves, usually at the expense of others, but not the follower of Christ. We should not get discouraged when we are overlooked for promotions or are not acknowledged by others for our accomplishments. Our life is not dependent on accolades of men, but on humbleness before our God and yielding to His timing.

God knows and does not forget what we go through or what we give for others. Heaven may be the first we may feel recognized for our efforts and work for others here on earth, but that is exactly when it counts most.

Let’s pray today for patience and a willingness to depend on God’s exaltation, not man’s.

December 4

Jesus Cares

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

The anxieties of life will choke you unless you give it over to Jesus Christ, the only One who truly cares. Jesus cares for you, and the proof is at Calvary’s cross. He willingly died for you and He will willingly take your fears, panic, and worries from you. Let anxiety be a reminder that Jesus is waiting with open arms to embrace your burdens, to hear your prayers, and to care for you.

When we withhold our cares from the Lord we are not being strong but weak in our faith in Him. Exercise your faith in the Lord and allow Him to bear what you can’t and carry you through what worries you.

Let’s pray today for the power of the Holy Spirit to lift the cares of our life from our shoulder to the cross of Christ.

December 5

Witness About Jesus

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

We must remind ourselves that the delay of our Lord’s return is an extension of time to witness about Jesus. Our Father, the God of the Bible, wants all who will be saved to be ready for that day. Jesus has promised to come back for His church, and that promise is sure and soon, but until then our witness for Christ must go forth.

While time remains we can witness before others about our Savior. While probation’s door remains open the lost can still be found, those who strayed can still return to the fold, and the lukewarm disciple can still wake out of their slumber.

Let’s pray today that we may be faithful to point others to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.

December 6

Kingdom of Truth

“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:13

The political order of these times will not last, because God has promised a soon coming Kingdom of righteousness. The Lord Jesus will return to establish His eternal rule of justice, truth, and faithfulness. Never again will godly men be subject to ungodly laws or oppressive prejudice against biblical beliefs. Our Lord Jesus will return as King of Kings.

Righteousness will be the order of the Kingdom of God on the earth made new and evil will not rear its ugly head ever again. When we get discouraged with the ways of man in this world, we have hope in the promise of a coming new Kingdom.

Let’s pray today that we may look beyond the discouragement of the headlines to faith in our coming Lord.

December 7

Personal Experience

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18

God does not ask that we grow in a spiritual intellectualism, but in a personal experience of Calvary’s forgiveness. The greater our need for Christ’s grace, the greater our knowledge of Christ’s work of redemption for mankind. We do not study the Bible to be wiser for debate, but to grow closer in our personal relationship with our Lord God Jesus Christ.

We ought to have a growing deeper knowledge of the things of God, but along with that is our need to grow deeper in our relationship with Him and the first hand experience that can only come by investing time in communion together.

Let’s pray today that we may find satisfaction in Calvary and growing in His grace.

December 8

Cleansing Blood

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

The common bond of Christian fellowship is the cleansing forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ. We walk in the light of His grace, not in the darkness of our sin. Yes, in our human nature we sin but because we know the light of Christ’s grace we are not beaten down or obsessed with beating others down to our level. The shed blood of Calvary has cleansed us.

Fellowship with like believers who equally find forgiveness in Jesus is a pure relationship, not motivated by self-exaltation or means of personal profiting. We do not walk in our light but in the light of our Savior and that is our common ground.

Let’s pray today for an opportunity to share the wonderful news of Christ’s cleansing forgiveness.

December 9

Forgiveness for Sins

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Don’t hide from Christ, as our first parents did when they sinned, but run to Him to find grace and forgiveness. Don’t be ignorant of the Savior’s love for you and His desire to forgive you and restore you to all righteousness in His sight. Satan is perfectly happy to make you think that God is against you, but He is not. God loves you and wants to forgive you.

The Savior is faithful to His promise to forgive us of our sins, but He can not if we keep running from Him and pretending that we are not in need of forgiveness. Confess and confess often, as often as you may need.

Let’s pray today that as sin arises in our life we will run to the Savior and accept His forgiveness.

December 10

Christ’s Righteousness

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins by trading His Heavenly glory for our earthly limitations. Jesus did what we could not and would not, in meeting the sacrifice for humanity’s fall, in order that we may be redeemed for eternity. Our Savior understands our frailty and advocates on our behalf, pleading His righteousness in our judgment.

We have a fallen human nature with sinful propensities, but the closer we walk with the Savior the closer we become like Him. In this way, sin begins to lose its grip as our default position, but when it does surface in our behavior, we know to turn to our Advocate.

Let’s pray today that we may trust in Christ’s righteousness and be confident in His willingness to advocate on our behalf.

December 11

Lifestyle Sinfulness

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8

It is one thing to fall into sin and another thing to make sinfulness an intentional habitual lifestyle. We may sin and walk away from sin, although in weakness fall back, but conviction leads us to repent, despite how many times we repeat it. Jesus came to give us freedom from the continual practice of sinning without repentance.

We have to remember that Jesus did not come to save us in our sin but to save us from our sin. While we await our immortal sinless bodies and a future Kingdom where sin won’t exist, we will continue to die to the practice of sin.

Let’s pray today that we may be quick to repent from sin and slow to return to it.

December 12

No Fear of Haters

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

We should not be intimidated by the haters of Christianity because there is no promise of life in them. We already have the victory over those who deny that Jesus is the Son of God. We have been promised eternal life, we have been promised deliverance from God’s wrath of judgment, we have been promised His love despite what persecution evil doers may devise.

We will do well to keep in mind that the Spirit of God dwells within us and He is greater than any spirit of man that may be against us. He who is within us is eternal while he who is against us is temporal.

Let’s pray today that we may not shrink or give in to the enemy of souls but live by His Spirit.

December 13

The Bible God

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9

The Bible God is Love, so when others see Him in us it stands in contrast with their own impersonal exacting religion. Words mean little if the message is not communicated through a life of personal experience. Anybody can claim to know, but the one who has been there and done that and redeemed from that is the one who gets the ears of those in need of Christ.

Our physical birth gave us sinful human selfish tendencies but when we are born again through faith we adapt by His Spirit to the selfless characteristic of agape love that comes from our Father God.

Let’s pray today that the light of the gospel may shine from our life that others would also believe.

December 14

The War of Faith

“for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4

The godless battle with lies, blaming, and shaming, but our war is won by a firm faith in the word of God. Don’t be discouraged by slander or assault from evil doers, instead stand firm in the armor of your Lord. Stay steadfast in faith knowing that the King is coming, that the day of His wrath will clear the way for your eternity of peace without wickedness.

The Christian journey can be likened unto a march and a battle, high peaks of joy and low valley’s of darkness, showers of blessings and unexpected trials, but it is always a life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray today that we may not falter in our faith in the promise of our Lord’s return.

December 15

It’s Not Complicated

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12

The gospel is not complicated; believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and be redeemed from death. Every one of us deserves hell because everyone of us has sinned. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot suddenly become righteous enough to deserve eternity in heaven. We are fallen, sinful, wayward humans in need of a Savior and He is Jesus.

The simple gospel is meant to be simply explained and all of us either have the Lord as our Savior or we don’t. If you are still sitting on the fence about Jesus as the Christ, get off and take Him into your heart, mind, and life now.

Let’s pray today that we may be humble enough to continue calling on the grace of God for our salvation.

December 16

Anticipation of Grace

“keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” Jude 21

We should live in anticipation of God’s outpouring of today’s grace and of tomorrow’s eternal glory in heaven. What makes us saved is an intentional faith that believes and thinks in terms of biblical truth. We may see evil around us, but in faith we keep ourselves focused on the promises of a loving, merciful, faithful God.

Each day we wait for the return of our Savior is a day of opportunity to grow in His grace and reflect in gratefulness for His blessings of mercy. We have eternal life now by faith, but on that day we will have eternal life by immortality.

Let’s pray today that our heart, mind, and soul would be fixed in faith on God’s love for us through Jesus.

December 17

Prophecy of Revelation

“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.” Revelation 1:1

The prophecy of Revelation is to assure us that we will be delivered from the wrath that will destroy God’s enemies. The oppressors of His saints will be judged, and thankfully God is not keeping us in the dark in regard to His future plans of justice, though we may not fully understand all the details we can trust in the Lord who will deliver.

In Revelation we have the big picture of the plan of redemption and should have peace that the prophecy underscores the promised Savior, His ministry of empowering the church in a wicked age, and His ultimate deliverance of those who long for His appearing.

Let’s pray today that as we face the headlines of our day, we will turn to the returning Prince of Peace.

December 18

Our Returning Lord

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18

Don’t be afraid of getting face to face with Jesus because you can be at peace knowing He has been where you are and He is returning to end Satan’s reign. Doubters criticize Jesus from afar, but if they would only pause to look upon Him and grasp the fact that He is the One who was and is, and is to come, they would fall in humbleness before Him.

Jesus has the authority to forever end the injustices of this world, and soon He will. His return is soon and certain, just as assuredly as He came the first time to pay the price of forgiveness for sins He will come back a second time to redeem us.

Let’s pray today for our hearts to be at peace knowing that death and hell is at the mercy of our returning Lord.

December 19

Trusting in Faith

“To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations” Revelation 2:26

Our battle is over us trusting in our works of religion or God’s work of believing in Jesus Christ through faith. Unlike things of this world that require our best performance, maximum productivity, or some great accomplishment in order to be elevated or recognized, only those who trust in Jesus through faith alone will reign with Him in His Kingdom.

Heaven will not risk the entrance of anyone who thinks eternity is their right or deserved or even owed to them because of their own religious works. All who are saved will have completely laid self aside to worship humbly before their Savior.

Let’s pray today that we may find our faith in God’s work of grace, not our religious efforts.

December 20

Delivered from Wrath

“Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” Revelation 3:10

Don’t confuse Satan’s persecution of the saints with God’s wrath against the wicked, because the church will not suffer that punishment. Bible prophecy assures the persecuted followers of Christ that God will not let the deeds of evil men go unanswered. Justice will be met in the judgment of God’s wrath and Jesus will soon rapture His church to Heaven with Him.

The Bridegroom is coming to deliver His bride and He will no longer tolerate the wicked’s infliction of harm, abuse, and persecution. The judgment meant for those who have been persecuting His bride and rejecting His grace will fall and vindicate the church.

Let’s pray today that our faith may be strengthened in the Blessed Hope of our Lord’s return.

December 21

The Personal God

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20

Jesus is not a distant deity, He wants a personal relationship with you like a close friend or family member. He is not an untouchable, He is not too good to be close to you, in fact consider this: Jesus knows you’re a sinner and He is fully aware of your sins and yet He wants a relationship with you. He’s not going to badger you about changing, but as you sit with Him day by day, His grace will change you.

The Lord is not hiding from you or trying to avoid you. He is at your front door. So when Jesus knocks on your heart with conviction, let Him in and He will dine with you, He will sit with you, and He will listen to you and help with the burdens of your life.

Let’s pray today that we may not keep Jesus away but allow Him to come into our lives and be with us.

December 22

The Sovereign Owner

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

Our God rightfully deserves all worship because He is the Sovereign Owner and all is subject to Him. During the tribulation of God’s wrath, all heaven will acknowledge God’s right to bring Satan’s reign of sin on earth to close. Even in that process, as a parent disciplines a child, our God will not shorten the opportunities for sin hardened men to humble their souls before Him.

The holy angels exclaim the justice of God’s wrath upon the evil doers and disbelievers who reached the point of no return in their rejection of Heaven. God’s judgment is not measured out in unrighteous vindictaness but in evidence of His Sovereign ownership.

Let’s pray today that our family and friends will accept the saving blood of Jesus before the end comes.

December 23

Reign of Jesus

“Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” Revelation 5:5

Jesus will soon unseal the title deed of earth and take His throne back from Satan and the kings of this world. Not only did the Son of God redeem the souls of sinners at Calvary, but He also redeemed all His creation from the hands of the devil who has had his oppressing control on earth’s affairs since Eden.

Soon and very soon, Jesus will return to claim His creation. We may have wondered why He has delayed His claim, but He is long-suffering and not wishing that anyone should perish. He has compassion on us and desires that no opportunity to be saved be cut short in haste.

Let’s pray today that our hope may grow stronger for the day that our Lord returns to reigns.

December 24

Jesus Rescues

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9

No one wants troubles in their life or tribulation on earth, but these things motivate sinful men to seek the Savior. Regardless of nationality when the pressures of debt or the stress of work or the draining emotional impact of conflict in a relationship becomes burdensome, we usually realize that there is truly no one coming to our rescue except the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s easy to live without a care for our future when we’re living without a worry in the world, until the uncertainty of our tomorrow forces us to turn toward God. However, the experience of hardship and the exercise of faith makes the hope of Christ’s return more blessed.

Let’s pray today that we may see every difficulty as a call to turn to Jesus Christ for help and hope.

December 25

Christmas in Revelation

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” Revelation 12:10

Christmas is an annual reminder that the Kingdom of God is with us and Satan’s demise is in deliberative motion. Our Lord is working His gospel plan to bring salvation to all who would believe and live. He has been patient with humanity through the deceptive lies and accusations of the fallen angel, but soon the works of sin will cease and Jesus will reign over an eternal celebration.

Leaving the glory of Heaven for a fallen world was motivated by the unexplainable and unconditional love of God for His creation. Our Lord came the first time to satisfy the cost of our redemption, but the next time He comes it will be to claim us as His own.

Let’s pray today that this Christmas will remind those around us to look to the Savior for hope and life.

December 26

Fear the Creator

“He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’” Revelation 14:7

Men who have lost their fear for God and have disregarded Him as the Creator of all things, will forever perish. The road to damnation begins with a selfish heart that elevates self above the need for salvation. We need to stay in the Bible so we are gazing into the mirror of our souls and recognize our sinfulness. You, me, and all with a beating heart need a Savior and that One is Jesus Christ the coming King.

The message of the church today should be a reminder to all that worship is only due to the One who is the Creator. In these final days of Earth’s history, all must choose to either fear God or fear man, obey God or obey man, worship God or worship man.

Let’s pray today that we may not be haughty in our own perception of self, but embrace the mercy of the Savior.

December 27

Final Plagues

“I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.” Revelation 15:1

God has a purpose for earth’s final events and even in His wrath against the wicked He has a merciful timeline. Like the last seven of the ten plagues upon Egypt, the true church will be spared. These last plagues will have a precision and purpose in countering the Antichrist’s oppression against God’s people. Like all divine judgment, they are neither reckless nor negligent but are holy and just.

There is good news in this apocalyptic announcement because the angel says that with these plagues the work of God’s judgment is complete. No more wrath means the cosmic conflict is over, never again will sin abuse and mare God’s creation.

Let’s pray today for confidence and rejoicing in the deliverance of our blessed hope.

December 28

Earth’s Judge and King

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Revelation 19:11

Some push a Jesus meek and mild to fit Him into their political view, but we know Him as the coming Judge and King. Yes, He is compassionate as His mercy reaches out to the sin struggling soul, but to those who have intentionally rejected His righteousness and hardened their hearts against truth, He will come back to earth in the fury of a parent delivering their children from the bully’s infliction.

The Lord is Savior to all who humbly call upon Him for redemption, but He is a Warrior toward those who war against Him and His own. We have hope because He is going to take His creation back and restore this planet to its original intent as the home of the saved.

Let’s pray today that men would study the Scriptures and yield their character to our Lord Jesus Christ.

December 29

Heaven is Different

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Heaven is where our hearts and minds will no longer be occupied with fear, sorrow, or grief. The days of ceaseless tears, emotional rollercoaster rides, and wonderment about loved ones long deceased, will be over. Heaven will be where we will worship our Creator without worry of the things of this world because it will be made new.

It’s hard for us to imagine not having any thoughts of worry or concern, but that is what we’ll have in Heaven — not a burden to carry or a nagging thought of guilt, regret, nor second guessing a what-if. In Heaven we will be fully focused on Jesus.

Let’s pray today to set our heart and mind on that soon coming day when pain will exist no more.

December 30

Earth’s Only Hope

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Revelation 22:20

The only hope for a stressed world simmering in evil is the return of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Sin has progressively increased the worst in humanity and complicated civil societies. Even if every nation set up new leaders the problem of sin would continue in its ways of injustice, immorality, and selfishness until Jesus returns and stops Satan’s rule.

Sorrow, aggression, and inequities will not be banished by any ruler this Earth can produce. Fallen men are quick to promise what they can not provide for their own political gain, but our only hope is in the soon return of the coming King Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray today that our hearts will strengthen in the Blessed Hope of our Savior’s return.

December 31

Saving Grace

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” Revelation 22:21

How fitting that the Bible ends on a note of encouragement that points us to live by the grace of Jesus Christ. Even the message of Revelation is Christ’s saving grace from wrath, not dependence on our works. No matter how good you are, how smart you become, or how pure your family heritage is, you are a sinner who can only be saved by grace through faith.

God’s people are not marked among the world by their perfect behavior but by their perfect Savior because they intentionally go to Him for forgiveness of sin, claiming of His righteousness, and continually growing in His grace.

Let’s pray today that we would live by the grace of Calvary and stop looking to ourselves for perfection.

Devo | Jan • Feb • March • April • May • June • July • Aug • Sept • Oct • Nov • Dec