Author: Beth Morrison

Five-minute read.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” 

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel. 

Luke 1:76-80 

Zechariah sings a song to the Lord, praising Him for salvation through Jesus and for his son, John’s role in the coming events. As a prophet of the Most High, John has a pivotal role in announcing Christ’s birth. Zechariah links John to Elijah, referring to Luke 1:17: and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers. What an amazing calling, announcing the arrival of the Savior, sent to redeem humanity from their sinful ways. 

John preaches a message of repentance, which requires recognition of and turning away from sin. Recently, someone asked me how I would respond to the question, “If someone was considering committing a sin and asked God for forgiveness for it before they committed the deed, would it still count?” 

“It doesn’t work that way. God does forgive our sins, but once we know something’s a sin, we’re not to do it. God does love us in our messes, but He doesn’t leave us there. Once we’re convicted something’s a sin, we’re not to do it anymore.”  My response seemed to satisfy the questioner, but I’ve continued thinking about it. 

Repentance requires a behavior change. Once we recognize sinful actions and ask the Lord for forgiveness, He expects us to stop doing it. God doesn’t give forgiveness for pre-meditated sin; it defeats the purpose of repentance. True turning away from sin starts with the realization that whatever the deed, it doesn’t align with God’s will or word. John made people aware of their need for salvation, and we learn of ours through scripture. The prophet grew up in the wilderness, becoming strong in spirit, meaning God grew his moral character to fulfill the mission. 

Preparing our hearts for Jesus means acknowledging our sinful nature. When we repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness, He does forgive. Only God truly knows the intentions of our hearts. We can’t see the inner workings of someone’s soul, but the Lord does. And He knows whether we come to Him with sincere regret. Others will know when they see the change in our lives as we leave the sinful behavior behind and strive to become more like the Savior, loving unconditionally, leading with grace and mercy, and honoring the Father in all we do. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for making us aware of our sinful nature and giving us a way out of it. Please search our hearts and illuminate any areas we haven’t given to You yet. Let us repent of our sinful ways and become more like Jesus as we seek and follow Him. In all things, let us honor and glorify You. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Five-minute read.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 

John 1:6-9 

Riding with my husband to Myrtle Beach, SC, for a work trip, we left early in the morning for the 6-hour drive and returned home that evening. Knowing the long hours in the car, I packed craft projects to occupy my time. In early November, we drove the last two hours in the dark. Watching the sunrise as we left, we watched it set as well. And as the light diminished, I could no longer see my work. As I hot glued decor onto the Christmas ornaments, I remembered the light the blue crafting gun had on it. Pressing the yellow button, light pierced the darkness, and I could see again.  

John came into the world to introduce the light of Jesus, speaking in terms we could understand; he awakened our need for a Savior. Just as the diminishing sunlight made me aware I needed help to see, John’s ministry opened people’s eyes to the darkness around them. Often, people don’t know they need a Savior until they flounder around in the dark, not knowing which way to go. John helped people find their way in the darkness by pointing them towards Jesus.  

One true light illuminates our world: Jesus. Through Christ, we find truth. As we follow the Lord, His Word and Spirit guide us. Like solar lamps along a walkway, following the Lord turns on the next lamp, just as we need it, to find our way. The more I allow Jesus to order my steps, the better my life becomes. Struggles occur, mountains rise in front of me, and pain still pierces my soul, but with God, I overcome them all as I submit to His will for my life, knowing all things work for the good of those who believe and trust in Him. 

God sent John into the world to bear witness to the light of Christ. Faithful throughout his earthly days, John served the Lord with his entire heart, mind, body, and soul. Although he suffered a tragic death at the hands of an executioner, John never wavered from his mission, fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for his life.  

Following Jesus starts with a decision to submit to Him. Each morning, we must decide who we will follow. As a gentleman, God doesn’t force His will upon us, but He does give us a light to follow. Choose Jesus today and every day. Let Him light your path with His one true light.  

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for lighting our world with Jesus. Praise God for the guidance You give us. As we seek You, illuminate our paths and order our steps. Let us faithfully serve You, one day at a time, honoring and glorifying You in all we do. When we flounder in the dark, help us find the lighted path. Protect us from our fleshly desires and keep us on the straight and narrow. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Five-minute read.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” 

And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 

After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” 

Luke 1:13-25 

Acknowledging Zechariah’s prayer, Gabriel answers him, naming the priest’s coming child, John, which indicates God’s sovereignty in choosing the child to serve the Lord. The angel tells Zechariah the details of John’s mission. The baby will bring joy and gladness to his parents and to many people as he shares the news of the coming Messiah. Filled with the Holy Spirit from birth, John helps people turn from their wicked ways back to the Lord, preparing them for Jesus’s arrival. Some people’s devotion to John will cause them to struggle following Jesus, but God’s servant points them to the Savior, not him. 

When Gabriel says John will drink no wine, he doesn’t want the effects of alcohol to control God’s messenger more than the Holy Spirit. Worldly influences can derail our calling. Coming from the priestly line, servants of the Lord didn’t partake of strong drink; required to abstain from it. John fulfills the role God assigned to him, letting the Holy Spirit guide and direct his ministry. 

Gabriel describes John’s ministry “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (v. 17), comparing it to the Old Testament prophet. Elijah’s prophecy pointed towards the future and end times. He appeared with Moses on the mountain when the transfiguration of Jesus occurred, and God declared Christ His Beloved Son. John’s role in promoting Jesus continues the prophecy of Elijah, turning hearts towards the Lord and eternal life with Him. 

Zechariah’s question in verse 18 reveals his doubt in fulfilling Gabriel’s words. Unlike Mary’s question, “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34), which came from faith, not doubt. The priest questioned the truth of the angel’s words and suffered the consequences. As a priest, Zechariah didn’t respond in faith but in doubt and spent Elizabeth’s pregnancy in silence. The Gospel requires faith; we will never have all the answers on this side of heaven, but the Lord expects us to believe and trust Him.  Doubting doesn’t cause God to stop loving us, but we may suffer consequences that build our faith in the long run. 

As this scene closes, the people outside the temple understand Zechariah had a vision. No one needed to tell them; the priest’s lack of speech and his signs confirmed what the people already knew. God had moved in Zechariah’s life, and it would impact everyone. But, as in all things, they must wait for the Messiah to come. Faith journeys take time; not everything happens at once, and in His infinite wisdom, all things come to fruition in God’s perfect timing. 

Preparing our hearts for the Savior means letting the Lord do His work in us. While Zechariah waited for the birth of his son and the ministry that would announce Jesus’s arrival, God continued to mold and shape the priest. The Lord does the same thing in us as we let Him guide and direct our steps, awaiting the return of His Son. One day, Jesus will call us home, and we will occupy the mansion He prepares for us. But until then, we journey with the Savior, one day at a time, allowing Him to mold us into His image. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for the work You do in our lives through Jesus. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. Please help us respond in faith, not doubt. Let us turn our hearts towards You daily, listening for Your still small, whisper and fulfilling Your will for our lives. Help us honor and glorify You in all we do. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Five-minute read.

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. 

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 

Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 

Luke 1:1-12 

One of the four gospel writers, Luke, spent his life as a physician. With a scientific background, he wrote an orderly account of Jesus’s background. Starting with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, focusing on the chronological things that happened. Scholars don’t know if Theophilus believed in Jesus, but he knew something of the faith. For some reason, Luke felt Theophilus needed reassurance of the truth, so the doctor wrote down the facts for the student. 

Zechariah, a priest, had Jewish roots. His wife, Elizabeth, also born into the priestly line, served the Lord beside her husband, supporting him in his duties. Childless, it brought sorrow to the couple and even shame. Well past the child-bearing age, Elizabeth lost hope of becoming a mother. Studying the angel’s appearance, we learn that only heavenly beings had the right to appear in the temple where Zechariah served. Indeed, a supernatural event, the angel came with news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy and deliverance of John the Baptist. 

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 

Luke 1:13 

I can understand why Zechariah felt fear at the angel Gabriel’s appearance. Unfortunately, his fear had consequences. Because the priest doubted the Lord’s message, Gabriel told him, “you will be silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place” (Luke 1:20). After receiving joyous news, Zechariah couldn’t tell the people outside the temple what happened, he could only use sign language to communicate. How frustrating for him. When the priest’s time of service ended, he went home to Elizabeth, and she conceived a child, just as Gabriel had said she would. Not until his birth did Zechariah speak again, his first words blessing God for the arrival of his son.  

A miraculous birth preceded the miraculous birth of Jesus. John’s entrance into the world prepared the people for the Savior’s arrival. What a privilege for John to spend his life preparing the way for Jesus. As Christ’s followers, we can introduce people to the Lord through our words and actions. Becoming more like Jesus and responding as He would instead of the world makes people take notice. The counter-cultural way the Messiah lived caused a stir among the crowds that followed Him.  Wherever Jesus went, people knew it. Some believed, some hated, some didn’t know what to think, but everyone who encountered Jesus had a reaction; He touched their lives. 

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, consider how Jesus has changed your life. God finds us in our misery, pulls us from the darkness, and gives us hope. Each day, we can become more like Jesus as we give Him our hearts and honor Him with our lives. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for the miracles of John the Baptist and Jesus. Please help us see the miracles that continue around us today. Let us live fully for You as we seek Your will in our daily lives. Give us divine tasks to complete this holiday season that will introduce people to Jesus and draw them to You. 

IJNIP. Amen 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. 

John 1:1-5; 14-18 

As we begin the Christmas season, ending one year and preparing for the next, let’s focus our hearts on Jesus. Each week, we’ll look at a different aspect of Jesus’s life: 

Week One: Preparing the Way 

Week Two: Our Savior is Born 

Week Three: Ministry of Jesus 

Week Four: The Promises of Jesus 

Let’s begin at the beginning, with God’s Word, the opening of Genesis 1:1, and the start of John’s gospel, not referring to a particular moment in time but to a timeless eternity. “Word” means logos in its original form, expressing personality through communication. Words have a creating power, the source of our world, all that we see and feel. As Pastor Mike Cooke loves to say, “Words create worlds.”  

By starting the chapter referencing Genesis, John highlights three aspects of God’s Word: Jesus’s preexistence, His distinctiveness, and His deity. In verse two, John emphasizes that Christ existed in the beginning with God; nothing came into existence without Him. Life came through Jesus, His light, the light of us all, shining in the darkness, conquering its milky depths. 

John uses the term “life” 36 times in his gospel. The word refers to physical and spiritual life, often coupled with the adjective “eternal,” indicating the power and purpose given to a believer through faith in Jesus. In verse 15, he refers to the Savior when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”  John the Baptist, different from the gospel writer, bore witness to Christ with his ministry. Calling for repentance and baptizing with water, John set the scene for Jesus’s arrival: 

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” 

Matthew 3:11 

Jesus, the preexistent Son of God, Creator and Executor of His Father’s will, came in human form to save us from our sins and bond us to the Lord through faith. John introduces us to the manifestation of grace and truth through Jesus; God’s compassion made flesh for us. “The only Son from the Father” (vs. 15) has no equal and fully reveals God to us; no one else can do what Jesus did; the embodiment of grace and truth came to save a sinful world. Our Savior, Lord of all, led with love and continues to save those who place their faith in Him. 

Thank God for sending His Son to light the world, overcome darkness, and give us new life in Him. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for sending grace and truth to us through Jesus. As we begin this Christmas season, help us prepare our hearts to worship the Savior. Remind us of the good works He did for us, and give us hope for the works He will do in the coming days. Please help us center our lives around the season’s true meaning and not get caught up in the things that will pass away. Through Jesus, we find life to the fullest, today and always. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Two-minute read.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 

1 Corinthians 1:4-5 

Paul always starts his letters by thanking God for those receiving them. Think about how our interactions with people, whether believers or not, would change if we started our interactions by thanking God for them. Just because we disagree with people doesn’t make them our enemies. According to scripture, we all bear the image of Christ. 

“So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” 

Genesis 1:27 

By thanking the Lord for people, Paul reminded himself of their significance to the Lord and the need for intercession. We, too, can pray for the people God places in our lives, either for them to grow in their relationship with Christ or begin one that transforms them forever.

When Jesus died on the cross, He did so for all people. When believers place their faith in Christ, their lives become enriched in speech and knowledge as they follow the Savior. God doesn’t hold back His good gifts; He bestows them generously on those who give their lives to Him.   

Ask the Lord to see people through His lens. Let Him transform your life as God reveals His truth to you. The closer you become to the Lord, the more He will enrich your life with speech and knowledge, helping you fulfill your divine destiny. In Jesus, we find abundant life and a purpose we can only accomplish with Him. 

Praise: 

Praise God for enriching our lives through Jesus. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for Jesus and for giving us new life in Him. Please help us live fully for You, submitting our lives, receiving Your gifts, and sharing them with everyone. Thank You for the people You place in our lives and the opportunity to love them for You. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Two-minute read.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

Lamentations 3:22-23 

God’s unconditional love transforms us when we submit our will to His. Great in His faithfulness, the Lord has compassion on us when we falter. As we seek our Maker, drawing closer to Him in a relationship, we will become more sensitive to our shortcomings and aware of His unending mercy. 

Picklegate, Ron, and I’s current first-world problem caused me to falter. Trying to build a program centered around pickleball that would benefit our community, we ran into political issues that stopped the event before it started. When confronted by the “perpetrator,” I responded poorly, letting my emotions lead my words. Although I spoke the truth, I did not do it in love, and I damaged the relationship, acting like Beth and not like Jesus. When I confessed my sin to God, He immediately forgave me and convicted me of the error of my ways.  

And the Lord gave me work to do, first on myself, then with others. 

God loves us, whatever the mess, but He doesn’t leave us in it. Instead, with great love, the Lord helps us learn from our mistakes and become more like Jesus as we learn to humble ourselves and seek His will instead of ours. God’s teaching me to view others not as my enemy but as fellow humans, full of imperfections, just like me. Instead of judging people, the Lord shows me how to love them and myself with His divine love. Asking God to keep my heart soft, developing an attitude of gratitude, and learning to walk in humility transforms me, little by little, each day.   When you submit your life to the Great Lover, He will do the same for you. 

Praise: 

Praise God for His great love for us. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for loving us unconditionally and giving us new mercies each day. Please help us see ourselves as You do, letting us understand the depth of Your affection for us. Let us transform our lives as we allow Your truth to take root in our hearts, uprooting all the lies and making us more like Jesus. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Two-minute read.

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 

Psalms 50:14 

In Leviticus, chapter 7 outlines the peace offering, which the Israelites used for one of three reasons: making a vow, as a free-will offering, or as a thank offering. Understanding the three parts of the thank offering helps us grasp the attitude God wants us to have. First, we must offer thanks to the Lord, then God’s representative, and the third part goes back to the offerer as a thanksgiving feast, which they must eat that day; no leftovers permitted. 

God’s portion, the fat of the animal, went to Him alone, burned entirely up at the altar. The priest waved his portion of the offering before the Lord, receiving the choice cuts of meat; God wants his representatives to have the best part, not the leftovers. The rest of the sacrifice went to the offerer, which they ate as covenantal thanks to God for His work. Representing provision and nourishment, the feast strengthens the body to live a holy life serving the Lord. 

In today’s world, we no longer do animal sacrifices, but we can learn how to prioritize our thankfulness from the Old Testament book. First, we must remember God, then His representatives in our lives that help us know the Lord better. Lastly, we must thank God for His provision that nourishes and strengthens us to serve Him with our whole hearts, mind, and body. Each day, we can offer thanks to the Lord; living with gratitude helps us serve Him and others, loving them unconditionally. The Creator takes care of His creation, and we should give thank offerings to Him. 

Praise: 

Praise God for His provision. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for providing all our needs and giving us purpose in this life. Please help us live according to Your will, obey Your commands, and complete our divine mission. Receive our thank offerings for all You do. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 

1 Corinthians 9:10 

God doesn’t expect us to work for free. Paul addresses the right of the Lord’s servants to receive food, drink, and other necessities of life as they labor for Him. 

“Do not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” Deuteronomy 25:4 

Using scripture to support his argument, Paul references oxen. The giant beasts would drag threshing sledges over the grain, treading it with their feet. Feed bags, placed over their mouths, allowed them to eat while they worked. When we work for the Lord, producing a harvest, we expect to also share in it. 

When God sent Elijah to the King of Ahab with a distressing message because of the king’s disobedience, the Lord provided for him. Hiding Elijah by a brook twice daily, the Lord gave the prophet bread and meat, using ravens to deliver the meals. When the brook ceased to flow, God sent Elijah to a widow’s home, where she never ran out of flour and oil to make bread. The Lord provided for his servant Elijah, and He will provide for us as we seek to do His will. Trusting the Lord means expecting Him to meet our needs and sharing in His harvest. 

Wherever God guides, He provides, and on that, we can depend. Paul understands the concept of the Lord’s provision and teaches it to Christ’s followers, helping them know it. We reap what we sow; those who don’t plow in the spring won’t harvest in the fall. 

Praise: 

Praise God for His provision. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for providing for us as we serve You. Please help us trust in Your provision as we go about our business, laying our anxieties at Your feet and moving boldly forward, completing Your will for our lives. 

IJNIP. Amen 

Two-minute read.

‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’ 

Numbers 6:24-26 

By blessing the individual, God blesses the entire community. When the Lord gives us gifts, He doesn’t want us to hoard them but share them with those around us. God wants us to share the biggest blessing He gave us, Jesus, with everyone we meet. We accomplish that task when we use the other blessings from above to love others and, by doing so, introduce them to Christ. 

When Hurricane Helene destroyed much of the southeastern United States, churches flooded the area to help. The 500-mile path of destruction left people homeless, amid despair, grieving loved ones lost in the devastation. One man took his work crew, as many generators as he could find, filled his trucks with water and supplies, and headed into the aftermath to rescue and serve those who needed help. Sharing his blessings with others, working tirelessly for the Lord, one blessed individual blessed a community. Story after story told the same tale as Christ’s followers shared what they had to love others and introduce them to Jesus during their darkest hour. 

Like Moses on Mount Sanai, when God shines His face upon us, we receive His glorious light filled with grace and mercy. The Lord gives us His peace that surpasses all understanding, guiding our steps and helping us fulfill our purpose. Let the Lord bless and keep you, discovering His glory and living in His peace. 

Praise: 

Praise God for His blessings. 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for shining Your face upon us, blessing our lives, and giving us Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Please help us share Your gifts with all we meet as we strive to honor You with our actions. 

IJNIP. Amen