Devo for 2025 Christmas Service - Message by Pastor Clint
Pastor Clint finished up the sermon series “Born to Break the Mold” on Christmas Eve. We learned that Jesus broke the mold of dead religion and revealed the beauty of relationship. Our relationship with God, as Pastor Clint said, is the greatest gift we could ever receive.
A gift is something someone else paid for, and the person receiving it gets to enjoy. When we talk about the greatest gift, a relationship with God, we know that Jesus paid the ultimate price so we can receive that gift. His death on the cross and being raised from the dead is the perfect sacrifice to atone for all of our sins, past, present, and future. But that is not all, the Bible is packed with gifts God has for us, but we have to receive them to be blessed by them.
I know it is obvious to say we have to receive a gift to be blessed, but I am not sure we have received all of the gifts God has for us. Case in point - as men, there is one gift many struggle to receive, and I believe it ranks among the top of God’s gifts to us.
I will praise You because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
These two verses point out a gift that God has given each of us. He made us unique; no two of us are alike. He did it for His purpose. He says we are remarkable, wonderful, and each of us is HIS masterpiece!
My question is, do you believe and receive these gifts? When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself as remarkable? Do you feel wonderful and one of His masterpieces? You should, because God does not create junk! And He is true to His Word!
Friends, your performance, or lack thereof, has no bearing on the fact that God created you as a unique masterpiece. (Neither does your past!) Do not let the lies of the enemy and your own thoughts try to tell you anything different. Don’t look at yourself through the lens of the world, or your own “idea” of how you should be. Believe what God says about you!!
I encourage everyone to go back and re-read those verses above and receive the gift of how He created you. Ask Him why you struggle to receive these gifts. Then I strongly urge you to believe and receive what HE says about you!
And while you are at it, make it a point to spread this message to those around you. Let your kids, wife, friends, and even strangers know they are remarkable and wonderfully made. Share those verses with them with an emphasis on the fact that they are true!
Let’s get the Word out!!!
Merry Christmas!!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Topic for Study
Wonder
Psalm 139:13-16
Jeremiah 1:5
Psalm 148:1-14
December Memory Verse:
Proverbs 13:6
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths”