ryan@clci.us

Scripture: “At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” – Luke 1:39

The angel Gabriel had just left Mary with an incredible, life-altering announcement: she, a young virgin, would conceive and bear the Son of God. This news was overwhelming, to say the least. Gabriel didn’t give her detailed instructions about what to do next—no roadmap or checklist. But as soon as the angel left, Mary’s next steps became clear to her heart. She knew it was time to “get ready and hurry” to Elizabeth’s home in the hill country of Judea.

Why Elizabeth? Gabriel had told Mary that Elizabeth, her older cousin, was also experiencing a miracle—she was six months pregnant after years of barrenness. Mary was drawn to connect with someone who not only knew the promises of God but was living in the middle of one. Elizabeth was her miracle mentor, a person who could guide, affirm, and encourage Mary in this incredible journey of faith.

In our walk with God, we often need people who have gone ahead of us—those who have experienced His promises, who can testify to His faithfulness, and who understand the challenges of walking by faith. Mary didn’t go to Elizabeth’s house for answers, but for affirmation and encouragement. When Elizabeth saw her, she immediately confirmed what God was doing in Mary’s life, exclaiming, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42).

Elizabeth’s response wasn’t just about Mary’s miracle—it was about her own faith, too. Her joy and recognition of Mary’s blessing came from her own intimate understanding of what God was doing in her life. Miracle mentors are people who are already tuned in to God’s work and can celebrate and guide others through their journeys.

Think about the people in your life who have walked with God through miracles, trials, and promises fulfilled. These are the ones who can mentor and encourage you in your own faith journey. And if you don’t have such a person in your life, ask God to lead you to someone who can pour into you the way Elizabeth poured into Mary.

As God moves in your life, He may call you to be a miracle mentor for someone else. Who in your circle needs affirmation, encouragement, or perspective? Your testimony of God’s faithfulness could be the very thing they need to step forward in their journey.

Lord, thank You for the gift of miracle mentors—people who guide, encourage, and affirm Your promises in our lives. Help us to connect with those who can pour into us and give us the courage to be mentors to others. May we always be ready to share our testimonies of Your faithfulness so that others may be strengthened in their walk with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;” – Hebrews 12:2a (KJV)

The Christmas season invites us to marvel at the moment when God Himself stepped into the pages of human history. Through the birth of Jesus, the Author of life entered His own creation. This profound truth echoes in the words of C.S. Lewis: “The only way Hamlet could know Shakespeare is if Shakespeare wrote himself into the story.”

In the same way, we come to know God because He has written Himself into our story. The birth of Christ is God revealing Himself in the most personal way imaginable. He did not remain distant or detached but entered the world as a newborn baby—vulnerable, humble, and approachable. The One who spoke galaxies into existence became flesh and dwelt among us, writing Himself into the human experience to redeem it.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) reminds us to keep “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” As the Author, Jesus begins our story of faith. As the Finisher, He completes it with perfection and purpose. From the stable in Bethlehem to the cross at Calvary, He has written a story of hope, redemption, and love.

Just as the shepherds heard the angelic proclamation and Mary pondered the wonder of her role in God’s plan, we too are invited to see how God is writing Himself into the pages of our lives. His presence is often revealed in the quiet moments—through answered prayers, gentle guidance, and even in our struggles. He is always at work, weaving our individual stories into His greater narrative of redemption.

This Christmas, let’s pause to consider how God is making Himself known in our life. Where has He shown up in unexpected ways? What new chapters might He be writing for you in this season? And as you reflect on the birth of Christ, take comfort in knowing that the same God who entered the world in a manger is actively present in the details of your story.

Heavenly Father, You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank You for writing Yourself into the story of humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ. Help us to fix our eyes on Him this Christmas and to see the ways You are working in our lives. Give us faith to trust You with the chapters yet to come, knowing that Your plans are always good. May we celebrate Your love and Your presence with joy and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 There is a peace that the world cannot give—a transcendent, unexplainable peace that flows directly from the heart of God. It is not the absence of struggle, nor is it the denial of hardship. Rather, it is the profound calm and assurance that comes when we step out of our natural instincts and into God’s divine systems. The human instinct tells us to hold on tightly when we are in need, to guard what we have for fear of lack. But God’s system invites us to release—to give freely and trust Him as our Provider. Proverbs 11:25 reminds us, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” It’s counterintuitive, but as we release, we make room for God’s abundance and His peace. When hurt, our natural inclination is to retaliate, to protect our hearts by cursing those who wound us. But Jesus calls us to bless instead, saying in Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” This isn’t about suppressing emotions but about handing over the burden of justice to God, trusting His sovereignty to heal and make all things right. Peace comes when we forgive and bless, releasing the weight of bitterness.

In moments of anxiety, our first reaction might be to spiral into worry. But God’s Word tells us to give thanks. Philippians 4:6, the verse just before today’s focus, commands, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Gratitude shifts our perspective. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and anchors our hearts in His goodness. The peace of God transcends understanding because it is rooted in the supernatural. It doesn’t follow the logic of our flesh or the world. It guards our hearts and minds because it shifts our focus away from ourselves and toward Christ Jesus. As we align our lives with His ways—releasing instead of retaining, blessing instead of cursing, and giving thanks instead of worrying—His peace becomes our stronghold. Father, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Teach us to trust Your systems even when they challenge our natural instincts. Help us to release when we want to hold, bless when we want to curse, and give thanks when anxiety rises. Guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and let Your peace reign in every area of our lives, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Philippians 4:4 urges us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” At first glance, this may sound like a simple call to be happy at all times, but Paul’s choice of words—especially “Rejoice in the Lord”—carries a much deeper meaning that goes to the heart of our faith.

To rejoice means to experience and express joy—a state that isn’t tied to temporary emotions or changing situations. Joy is deeper than happiness; it’s steady and unwavering because it’s not based on what’s happening around us but on something far greater. Paul wrote these words while he was in prison, which highlights that his encouragement to rejoice was not rooted in comfort but in something far more profound.

The phrase “in the Lord” is essential for truly understanding this command. Paul doesn’t just tell us to rejoice without reason; he anchors it directly to our relationship with Jesus. The preposition “in” suggests being surrounded, immersed, and connected in a very personal way. This isn’t about a distant belief; it’s about being in close, continuous fellowship with Him.

When we rejoice “in the Lord,” it means that our source of joy is God Himself—His unwavering character, His promises, and His love. This joy is anchored in the unchanging nature of who God is. It’s not circumstantial; it’s deeply theological. It’s rooted in the assurance of God’s presence and His faithfulness, even when life feels uncertain or hard.

So, how do we live out this joy in practical ways? It starts with prioritizing time with God through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word. The more we connect our hearts with His, the more we tap into that deep, sustaining joy. It’s also about shifting our focus from our problems to the One who walks with us through them. This joy becomes a powerful testimony—a light that shines even in dark moments, inviting others to discover its source.

Rejoicing in the Lord is an invitation to rest in His unfailing love and presence. It’s a call to stay close, to remain connected, and to live out a joy that doesn’t waver with life’s ups and downs but holds firm because it’s anchored in Christ. Let’s choose to find our joy “in” Him today, trusting that He is faithful to sustain and strengthen us, no matter what we face! In Jesus’ name!

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

When we pause to reflect on the intricacies of creation, it becomes evident that life is not a result of random chance but a masterpiece of precise orchestration. From the orbits of planets to the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the complexities of the human body to the microscopic precision within each cell, the universe testifies to an intelligent Designer who sustains all life with unparalleled wisdom.

The Precision of Creation

The universe operates within laws that are so precise that even a slight deviation would render life impossible. The Earth’s position relative to the sun allows it to maintain the perfect conditions for life, balancing warmth and cold. The tilt of the Earth, the atmospheric layers, and the gravitational pull all work together harmoniously to sustain life. Each system functions not by accident but by intentional design.

The human body echoes this precision. The heart beats in rhythm to supply oxygen and nutrients, cells replicate with astounding accuracy, and the brain processes complex information at speeds we are only beginning to understand. Every organ, system, and cell points to a Creator who not only crafted life but equipped it with everything needed for health, growth, and flourishing.

In the same way that God has provided the physical essentials for life, He has also given us what we need for spiritual well-being and godliness. This provision did not come without cost; it came through the most precise and intentional act in history—the sacrifice of Jesus.

The life, death, and resurrection of Christ were not arbitrary but were meticulously planned by God to meet the deepest needs of humanity. His blood was shed to cleanse us from sin, and through His resurrection, He triumphed over death, making way for eternal life. This sacrifice gives us not only forgiveness but the power to live godly lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Just as the laws of physics govern the universe, the Holy Spirit provides the guidance and empowerment we need to live according to God’s will. Jesus promised His followers that He would send the Helper (John 14:16), who would teach, convict, and comfort them. The Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts ensures that we have the strength, wisdom, and resources to pursue a life of after God.

God’s provision for godliness is as complete as His provision for life itself. Just as oxygen is essential for our lungs, so is the Holy Spirit for our spirits. Through Him, we receive the conviction to turn away from sin, the empowerment to live out our faith, and the comfort that affirms we are children of God.

Reflecting on 2 Peter 1:3, we are reminded that God’s divine power has provided everything we need for life and godliness. The Creator who formed the stars and set the Earth on its axis is the same God who sent His Son to redeem us and His Spirit to empower us. Just as the laws of the universe are precise, so was His plan for salvation—carefully designed so that we may have abundant life and walk in the fullness of godliness.

Heavenly Father, help us recognize and walk through each day with the wonder and the will to surrender our lives to you, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.