Break Every Chain

03/05/2025

Today is the official start to the 2025 Lenten season. This year the 40 days of Lent starts today March 5th, and runs through April 17th. Lent is a period of self-reflection and penitence leading up to Easter and Easter celebration. It is a time to reflect on Jesus and His sacrifice, a time to go deeper in your relationship with Him.

The three pillars of Lent include prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer is our conversation, our way to communicate with God, it is an opportunity to take time to talk and listen to Jesus. Fasting means to abstain from food. In recent history it has been popular to talk about “fasting” from T.V. or our phones etc., but true fasting, as defined in the Bible, means depending on God and His word for a time as a replacement for physical food. The last pillar of almsgiving, a word we don’t really use anymore, refers to the act of giving goods or donating money to the poor, as well as doing other acts of charity. Of course doing these three things should be ongoing but we all need reminders and opportunities to focus.

Like all spiritual practices, Lent was made for man, not man for Lent. This is not meant to be a time of morbid reflection, or done in rigid religiosity, but a gift from God as a time to lean into Him, to know Him better, to be transformed by His presence. Jesus loves you, died for you, suffered for you, and rose again to life for you! He wants you to know and love Him too. So may you feel the Father’s love, as you contemplate the Son, in the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit!

Blessings,
Tom

12/24/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/24/2024

Scripture (Song):
O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining,'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O’ Holy Night based on poem by: Placide Cappeau

Reflection:
This is by far my favorite Christmas song/hymn! It is beautiful in melody and lyrics. This morning, what stands out, is the idea that in joy, amazement, relief, and love we fall to our knees. This is the reaction of an expectant and receptive heart. There is another part of the Bible that tells us someday “every knee will bow”, meaning all will fall to their knees. Phil 2:10-11 We can submit out of love and reverence or we can be forced to our knees by Jesus’ power and majesty. We should today, and everyday, prepare our hearts in grateful submission for Jesus, for His arrival, for His love, and for His power in our lives. We have a Lord, His name is Jesus, and today let’s rejoice in His birth!

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, “fall on your knees” and expect a “new and glorious morn”!

Questions:
Do you live in reverent expectation that Jesus will show up in your life?
Is it hard for you to submit to Jesus, why or why not?
Do you have an area in your life where you long for Jesus, for His transforming power? Can you invite Him there?
With whom can you share the news of the “glorious morn” today?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we celebrate your son Jesus today! Lord, thank you for coming to Earth, to save all of us, to offer pardon for our sin, relief for our souls, to bring us out of darkness into your great light! Be with us today Jesus, as we celebrate you coming to Earth to live as one of us! Amen

12/23/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/23/2024

Scripture:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Reflection:
Twice this very short verse says “unto us”. We are told that “unto us” is given a child and a Son. Unto is a preposition “used as a function word to indicate reference or concern.” Mirriam-Webster Online “Us” refers to you and me and the whole human race. Christ was literally given to us and for us. We are the ones who have the need. Jesus did not come into the world because He needed to, but because we needed Him to. Our need for salvation is not in question. The question is whether or not we think we need it and will accept it. If we don’t see or feel our desperation for Christ, then desperation is the best gift we could receive this Christmas! Jesus’ ministry, life, death, and resurrection were all for us if we will accept it! But remember that acceptance is also an action word.

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, remember, we need Him, not the other way around. Rejoice that “unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given”!

Questions:
Do you live in the reality that Jesus came for you and for me?
Does Christmas cause you to take some extra time to think about what a gift God has given to the world in His son Jesus?
How is acceptance an action word?
Will you share the gift of Jesus with others, why or why not?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, that purposefully and lovingly you sent Him for all mankind! Thank you Lord that anyone who can and will accept you, will live forever with you. Help us to live our faith and to openly and purposely share our faith with others. Amen.

12/20/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/20/2024

Scripture:
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6 NKJV

Reflection:
Waiting is hard, at least for me. I don’t know about you but patience isn’t my strongest virtue. But waiting on the Lord is about trust, about His timing, and the plans He has, not the plans we have. When Jesus arrived on Earth the people of Israel had been waiting 400 years since the last prophet and 600 or more years since the Messiah was first prophesied. But for those of faith, those that trusted, they celebrated Jesus’ arrival and recognized that He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Matt 5:17-20 During this season, during this time of remembering God’s arrival on Earth, is there something you are waiting for, something you need? He’s coming, He will deliver you, He will heal you, and most importantly Jesus loves you! Stay vigilant, the messiah has arrived.

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus trust Him with whatever you are going through, trusting that in His timing, all will be healed, delivered, and revealed. Praise God!

Questions:
Do you find it hard to wait on the Lord?
Is there a sin, hurt, or other struggle which you need to surrender to Jesus, and trust in His timing?
Is trust an action word or a passive word, how so?
Can you help others wait on the Lord? Try to list some ways.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus, for our answer to prophecy and to prayer, thank you for the freedom He brought, is bringing, and will bring! Lord help us to be patient, to trust, to wait on you in all our circumstances. Lord empower us to help others to do the same. Amen.

12/19/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/19/2024

Scripture:
“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.” Luke 2:8-9 NKJV

Reflection:
So what, some shepherds were made aware of Jesus’ arrival? It isn’t necessarily about the miraculous way they were told, but that they were told. By Jesus’ time, a once noble profession, shepherding was equal to tax collecting and other “dirty jobs”. The world-transforming birth of the messiah was entrusted to those on the margins, not the elites, the rich, or the powerful. God did not appeal to those seen to be at the top of the social ladder but at the bottom. Jesus came for everyone and knew that those with little had less “in the way” of seeing and recognizing who He was and is, our Savior. Jesus taught us servant leadership which seeks to humble the proud and lift the downtrodden.

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus remember that Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” and that means all of us. Jesus is not impressed with your job, your title, your skills, your good looks, or whatever else the world uses to measure your worth, He sees you as worthy of salvation and that is what counts!

Questions:
Who are the shepherds in our society?
Would you listen to them if they brought a spiritual message, or would you miss it?
How do you measure a person’s worth?
Will you share the message of Jesus’ birth this season, with those who don’t know him?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you sent your son that we might have eternal life, and you announced it to shepherds, Lord we ask that we would have that same humility this season. Jesus help us to have the proper amount of awe and amazement, and Lord help us to share your story and your glory with others. Amen

12/18/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/18/2024

Scripture:
“....And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Reflection:
The “Prince of Peace”. That means Jesus is peace but also that He resides over peace. Peace is “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” Merriam-Webster Online I don’t know about you but this season where we emphasize peace often feels anything but peaceful. Then I was reminded today that peace has nothing to do with what is going on in the world around me, it has to do with what is happening within me. Peace, like most things, is an inside job. This does not mean I can simply make up my mind to be peaceful, it means I must invite Jesus to do what I cannot do for myself. Jesus must preside over my life, that His peace will pervade it!

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus take a deep breath, relax, and allow Jesus to do for you what you can’t do for yourself. Worship the Prince of Peace!

Questions:
Do you have peace in your life?
Does your peace depend on your surroundings, other people, etc.?
What do you need to surrender to Jesus in order to experience peace?
Are you willing to help others experience this peace?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, for His peace, for Jesus’ willingness and ability to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Help us to be a channel of your peace and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

For more on God’s Kingdom check out my book "Just One".

Imagine what would become of the world if every person who knows Jesus as their Lord and Savior would not only share their faith but would walk alongside someone as they begin their journey of transformation. Just One, endeavors to be a guide in the process of discipleship as well as a manual on how...

12/14/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/14/2024

Scripture:
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 NKJV

Reflection:
What do you believe? People tend to believe in many things, some real, some not real. But it always begins with belief. If we believe in Jesus, then we believe in everything about Jesus, His birth, His life and ministry, His death, and His resurrection! It starts in believing He was sent, and that He was born to a virgin. This doesn’t mean you don’t doubt, belief is always laced with doubt. Believing is more about suspending disbelief. It is about our willingness, it is about a form of mental surrender. Only by believing can we start the journey of faith. Often when we struggle with believing something or someone it is because it conflicts with our Core Beliefs, with our “programming”. Are you aware of your “programming”?

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, get honest about what you believe and don’t believe. Rejoice in truth and the faith journey that you are on.

Questions:
What are your core beliefs? For example: “My worth comes from my looks, how I perform, etc.
Where did your core beliefs come from, i.e. your family, friends, school, popular culture, church, and so on?
How do your beliefs affect your relationships?
What would your life be like if you could drop your negative beliefs today?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are loved, and believe in you! Thank you for caring enough about me and everyone in the world that you would send your son to atone for our sins. Help me Lord to discover and discard erroneous and unhelpful beliefs. Amen

For more on Core Beliefs check out my book "Just One".
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/just-one

12/13/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/13/2024

Scripture:
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:9-10 NKJV

Reflection:
As disciples of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit living in and through us! We are like Jesus in that our bodily members contain God. Our lives are where the tangible body meets the intangible Spirit. I am fond of saying that Christianity is equal parts practical and spiritual, and never one forsaking the other. We see this in the life of our Savior. He endured all that we endure and more, and He endured this as a man, but He also overcame death through the power of the Holy Spirit to bring the hope of eternal life with Him to all! We have Jesus living on the inside of us through His Holy Spirit. We walk around as living examples of the balance between the practical and the spiritual. We live in the now and the not yet! We live our day-to-day lives with hope!

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, remember why we have hope, and why we celebrate. Think about and reflect on the practical and spiritual aspects of your faith. We worship an awesome God!

Questions:
Do you see Christianity as both Spiritual and Practical?
How do you or can you live equally in both the Spiritual and Practical?
Where do you need to be more spiritual or practical concerning your faith?
How can you use this concept to share the gospel with others?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father thank you that you care as much about my day-to-day life as you do about my eternal existence. Thank you, Lord, that you are in the practical and the spiritual! Help me God to live equally in both that I may be of maximum service to others while living in the hope and joy You bring. Amen

12/12/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/12/2024

Scripture:
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 NKJV

Reflection:
Have you ever thought about Jesus as needy? Well, He was. As an infant, He needed food, clothing, diaper changes, and care/love, amongst other things. We all have needs. They are of course, different from desires. God says He will take care of our needs. Matt 6:25-34 We create a lot of problems in our lives, especially our relationships when we try to get our needs met by people or things besides Jesus. Our happiness and joy are directly related to whom we go to satisfy our needs. When God condescended to Earth as the baby Jesus, He did not think Himself to great to need. Needs are real and not wrong, only where we go to have them fulfilled.

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, think about your needs and how you can take them to Jesus. Ask Jesus to meet your needs and look and wait for the answer. Let God do for you what you cannot do for yourself.

Questions:
What are your needs, daily, monthly, yearly, and always?
Where do you “go” to get your needs met?
Is there something preventing you from asking Jesus to meet your needs?
Are you willing to surrender your needs to Christ today?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father thank you for today, thank you for always being faithful and available. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for always meeting my needs! You don’t always give me what I want but you never withhold what I need, and often know far better than I what my needs are. Help me to direct those in need to you their real source. Amen

12/11/2024

Christmas Advent Devotional 12/11/2024

Scripture:
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15 NKJV

Reflection:
Here Jesus is talking to His disciples, and if you know and apprentice Jesus, He is talking to you! We start out as sinners who are slaves to our sin. Then when we ask Jesus to save us, to be our savior, we are “grafted in” and become sons and daughters. “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor 6:18 However, like every responsible parent, God longs to see His children mature into people He can call friends. Jesus is our model for what it means to be spiritually mature. Like us, He had to mature both physically and spiritually. When things go right, spiritual and physical, mental, and emotional maturity are one and the same.

As you celebrate Christmas, and the birth of Jesus, contemplate what it means for Jesus to call you and me friends. Think about someone who hasn’t become friends with Jesus and invite them. Remember you can’t have discipleship without relationship!

Questions:
Are you a friend of Jesus, how do you know?
Where do you need to “grow up”? Are you willing to ask for Jesus’ help?
Whom do you know that is still in slavery to their sin?
How can you create a safe space for them to confess these sins, and introduce them to Jesus?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father we are honored to call you a friend. Thank you for your friendship and love. Help us to live up to the title of friend with you and the people in our lives. Lord show us where others are suffering and help us to reach them through your power and love. Amen

Blessings,
Tom
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/just-one