Luke 9:40 “I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.”

There is a rhythm to ministry that involves success as well as failure. Faithfulness to the Lord’s call is what is important. 

3 John 1:9-10 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 

When we put ourselves first, we separate ourselves from other believers and our selfish desires become a barrier for others to do God’s work.

Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

Listening to Jesus is essential for me to navigate my life. Help me, Lord!

2 John 1:12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 

Visiting with close friends in person can bring great joy to our lives.

Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.

Prayer changes us in such a way that others notice a difference. 

1 John 5:18-19 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 

Despite the world being under control of the Devil, Jesus protects me from him, and I am always a child of the Most High God!

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us. 

Without God, I am not only incapable of loving others, but it is impossible to love others.

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial are the hallmarks of discipleship. Why should I be surprised when the Lord asks me to go through these disciplines?

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Praise the Lord! Thank You, Father! Amen!

Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Praise God for the hidden ministry of angels in our lives. Interesting at Christmas how angels were involved with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi. May they minister to me this Christmas as well.