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Sunday, January 5
Jeremiah 31:7-17
In Japan a few decades ago the nation would have a full week for the new year’s celebration so families could return to their ancestral home to enjoy a celebration of thanks. Today we read of God’s promise to return his people to the land they left in humiliation and defeat. Now he is bringing them home with joy, singing, and plenty of goodness for everyone from every nation. Shout hallelujah!
What wonderful hope we have to share with a world where many are looking for a home. We have God’s words of hope and comfort. Are you and I willing to celebrate in our congregations with joy and hope for those looking to find a home and family?
Jesus, fill our eyes with tears of joy because there is hope for our future home. Amen.
A Gift To Share
Monday, January 6
Matthew 2:1-12
A group of scholars are so sure their data is correct that they are willing to verify it by traveling to a far land. They are so confident of the outcome that they bring expensive gifts. To boost their spirits, a star (God’s GPS) begins to guide them.
They were not deterred when Jerusalem was not what they expected; rather, they were overjoyed to find a child in a village cottage. They knelt to worship and give their gifts. Mission accomplished! There is a King of the Jews! We know him as Jesus.
If you have ever had the privilege to help people outside of your comfort zone, you know the joy, the heart-warming experience they bring to your life. Is that risky? Of course it is. Did God leave these scholars on their own? No, he even protected them on their journey home. Jesus is our strength and guide.
Jesus, help me to widen my faith to aid those who need whatever gifts I have to give. Amen.
Neighbors
Tuesday, January 7
John 1:14-18
When Caroline and I moved into our apartment at Covenant Living at the Shores, we introduced ourselves to our neighbors the Japanese way: bringing a small gift, bowing, and sharing our names at each apartment on our floor. Though responses varied, all accepted our gift.
Today, as The Message puts it, God “moved into the neighborhood” (v. 14). God lives in our world and we, as God’s people, have the privilege of sharing our walk with Jesus as we live and talk in our neighborhood. Greet your neighbor and smile.
Oh, the songs of praise to the One who lives! The One who led shepherds to a stable, scholars to a humble house. The One who journeyed from the cross to the tomb and returned home a risen Savior. This Jesus is in our neighborhood.
Jesus, thank you for your promises of strength and courage to meet today’s challenges. Amen.
The Word
Wednesday, January 8
Hebrews 1:1-4
As I was sitting in the living room of our house in Niiza, Japan, a strange thought crossed my mind: What if the emperor of Japan were to stop and join us for a cup of tea? As I looked around the room, I realized that I would need to welcome him into the space just as it was. There would be no time for a redo. Could it happen? No, but it was a thought.
The Word that spoke the universe into being and provides for my redemption takes us just as we are. We change as we allow his Word to move in our lives. What a precious Jesus we serve. We are privileged to call him our Father. Now we have the privilege to share this wonderful living Jesus with others. The emperor never came, but all of our neighbors visited our home on many occasions.
Jesus, thank you for your continued work of mercy and grace in my life today. Amen.
Sing With Joy
Thursday, January 9
Hebrews 1:5-12
Today’s verses are a song the early church sang as praise to Jesus. Jesus, the one spoken of by psalmists, writers, historians, and prophets—the Son sent by the heavenly Father.
The church was birthed of many languages and cultures (remember Pentecost). Our family has stood with Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Swedish, Spanish, and Thai congregations singing praise to Jesus who comes to bring salvation to his world. Today when you sing your song of praise, sing it loudly in your heart language; for my parents that was Swedish. My song is “All Praise to God Who Reign Above” (Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook, #296). I am confident there is a song that resonates with your heart, so sing the song with joy and wonder, for the church sings it with you.
Jesus, your “name shall be Counselor, the mighty Prince of Peace, of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror, whose reign shall never cease.” Amen.
Sharing Life
Friday, January 10
Ephesians 1:2-10
The Christian Academy in Japan is where the Japanese church can see how Christians can live out the wonderful meaning of today’s passage. At the school many national and ethnic groups and denominations cooperate to give instruction in the western style for their students. The academy is truly international.
The founding missionary families would be very surprised to realize the important role CAJ plays to encourage cooperation among Christians to meet the changing Japanese society. Those parents believed that the living God is the one we serve and worship. The students see this lived out by the faculty, parents, and the governing boards. Many of our students help in their churches and with school community outreach programs. With only 1 percent of the population identifying as Christian in that country, churches need help demonstrating what a Christian family community looks like.
Jesus, bless the educators in our community and those we support in many countries around our world with wisdom as they teach. Amen.
What’s Next, Lord?
Saturday, January 11
Ephesians 1:11-14
A few years ago as my wife and I walked into church, we sensed something was wrong. There were tears, angry voices, and bewildered faces. But when the singing began, we felt God’s presence. The words we sang brought us together as we lifted heavy hearts to praise our Savior. As church attendance dropped, we wondered “What’s next, Lord?”
Not too far from us a growing group of younger believers were asking the same question: “What’s next, Lord?” Through the conference office, our congregations connected. After months of prayers, our churches merged. The younger Korean church and older Covenant church became the new Encounter Covenant Church. Yes, God is alive and blessing our new blended church family. Ironically, my home church closed the day of our merger.
Jesus, thank you for church leaders and staff as they serve you. Amen.
