Daily Devotional
Simplifying Service
December 24, 2019
Today’s Reading
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. PHILIPPIANS 2:9–11
Simplifying Service
Confessing the Lordship of Christ also simplifies our service. We hear a lot these days about cutting back, trimming our schedules, and simplifying our lives. If you want to simplify your life, just ask the two questions Paul asked on the road to Damascus when he met Jesus: “Who are You, Lord?” (Acts 9:5) and “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (v. 6).
Consider also the advice that Mary herself gave to the servants at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. When the wine gave out, Mary said to the servants concerning her son Jesus, “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5). Can you see how following Jesus simplifies your service? You simply say, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then do whatever He tells you.
A young preacher was called to a church known for its divisions. One of the women in the church came to him and said, “You’re going to have a very difficult job here, trying to please several hundred of us.” The preacher said, “I shall not be trying to please several hundred of you. I shall be trying to please one Person only. If I please my Lord, that ought to be good enough for you.”
That young preacher gave a wise answer. It doesn’t matter whom we displease so long as we please the Lord. And if we displease the Lord, it doesn’t matter how many others we please. Philippians 2:9–11 reminds us that someday every knee shall bow before Jesus Christ and confess Him as Lord. For many, however, it will be too late. This Christmas, we need to go boldly to those who have not yet bowed their knee to Jesus and tell them the greatest news anyone could ever hear: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Activity
I have already encouraged your family to make a list of people who need to know Christ and to pray for opportunities to witness to them. Review your list together today. Has God been answering prayer? If so praise Him! Are there still people who need your witness? Keep praying!
Take advantage of the related activities and resources at ExperienceChristmas.org.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
