ADVENT DEVOTIONS
THE THRILL OF HOPE, THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES
Monday, December 12, 2022
Read: Isaiah 7:10-16 Have you ever been too proud or angry to ask for help? Have you ever been ashamed to ask for assistance, as if your plea would indicate a sign of weakness or naiveté? Have you ever been afraid of success or the challenges and obligations associated with maintaining your accomplishments? Better yet, have you ever felt unworthy of seeking guidance and grace from the Lord? Here we see Ahaz’s response to Isaiah’s suggestion to ask God for a sign - wisdom and guidance in the face of a challenge that Ahaz and his army were surely facing. The scriptures tell us that Ahaz, son of Hezekiah, was a wicked king who worshiped and placed his faith in other gods. Yet, in the face of Ahaz’ rebellion, Isaiah delivered a prophesy that would change his life, and the lives of all humanity over the course of history: the birth of Jesus Christ. I’m so glad that in spite of our rebellion and reluctance to seek the face of the Lord, his grace and mercy can still help us to prevail against the challenges of life. We would be wise to diligently and consistently seek guidance from the Lord concerning the wars and battles that we face. However, even when we are rebellious, the Lord can still make us victorious and teach us the importance of worshiping the true and living God. Let’s give thanks for the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. Join me in a prayer of repentance and exhortation: Dear Lord, we thank you for being faithful and consistent. We thank you for constantly blessing us in spite of us. We thank you for never leaving us, even during those times when we were rebellious and strayed away from you. Lord, be patient with us. Teach us and guide us. We pray for humble and receptive hearts as you redeem us from our sins and mold us into the image of you. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen. Corey Beauford Comments are closed.
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2022
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First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville
6201 Belcrest Road Hyattsville, MD 20782 301-927-6133 church@fumchy.org Sunday Schedule 10:00AM - Worship Celebration 1st Sunday - Worship Celebration with Holy Communion Sunday School 'All Ages are Welcome' (times vary by class) |