In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”  

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”  

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:26-35; 38 

Imagine Mary, in her home one day, resting or working, when all of a sudden her whole life is turned upside-down. She is a young woman with her life planned – get married, have children, be a productive member of her community. What are the plans you have for your life? College, marriage, children, grandchildren, career? How would it feel to have them upended in a single moment? 

One of the first things the angel says to Mary is, “The Lord is with you.” This is the message of Christmas! God has come to be with us! When do you feel God with you?   

The angel also tells Mary to not be afraid. What do you think Mary might have been afraid of?  Imagine yourself as Mary, seeing the angel and hearing this news. What would your reaction have been? The angel told Mary some pretty incredible things! What do you think was the hardest to believe? Mary’s reply to this news is to ask, “How will this be?” What would your question have been? 

What kind of a man do you think Joseph was based on these verses? Would you have wanted him to marry your daughter or to be a part of your family in some way? Joseph, too, had an expectation for how he thought his life would unfold. In what ways were his plans disrupted? What effects would these events have on the rest of his life?  

The Christmas story, as told in the Bible, is full of people who are afraid but still chose to obey. How does God’s presence with us help us to obey even when we are afraid? 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come; 

Let earth receive her King; 

Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, 

And heav’n and nature sing,  

And heav’n and nature sing,  

And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing 

Thank God for his presence. Express your feelings about following God despite your fear. 

Note from the Editor: Wesleyan Accent is happy to share a word from 2016 Order of the Flame speaker and evangelist and classical musician Jean Watson. 

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  

And as they went, they were cleansed. 

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) 

I invite you today to spend a few moments in silence. Offer a prayer of thanks to God for all the places in which you experience community – church, family, your workplace.  Thank God for inviting you into community with him. You don’t have to stand at a distance!  

Slowly read through Luke 17:11-19. You may want to continue to imagine yourself as a person in the story. This week we will focus our attention on verse 14 of this passage: “When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.” 

Even though these men stood at a distance, Jesus saw them. Jesus made a choice to see these men. He could have ignored their cries. No one would blame him for wanting to avoid their disease. Are you ever tempted to shift your gaze from things that are hard or messy?  

Jesus heals people in many different ways throughout the Gospels. Can you recall some of them? Jesus healed a blind man with a mixture of spit and dirt. A woman was healed just by touching his clothes. What does this variety say to you about how Jesus sees people?  

Unlike some of the other healing stories, these men weren’t immediately healed. “As they went” they were healed.  As they obeyed Jesus’ instruction, the healing began.  Has there been a time in your life when obedience was linked with healing? 

In the time when this event took place, a priest had the authority to give a person a clean bill of health and allow them re-entry into the community.  What, then, were the risks associated with Jesus’ instructions? 

“And as they went, they were cleansed.”  

This feels like a progression of obedience and healing. In what areas have you felt yourself being progressively cleansed by God? Is there an area in which you long for more cleansing? Ask God for that now. Perhaps you feel invited to follow the leper’s model and ask Jesus for pity.  

Thank God for the blessings of your day. Ask him for guidance as you live the rest of your day.  

Be at peace knowing that you are being made whole by Jesus. 

Have you ever felt like there was something that you needed to say for Jesus, but you didn’t have the words?  You didn’t know what you should say or how you should say it?  I’ve been there.  I think we’ve all been there. At times, we talk ourselves out of witnessing to someone or saying something to someone, because of fear within us about what we should say. 

That feeling is okay.  That feeling is natural.  That feeling doesn’t make you a bad person or a weak Christian.  It makes you normal.  Listen to what Jesus tells his followers today in Matthew 10: 17-20: 

Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

Jesus says this – you won’t always know what to say.  And that’s okay because your Father will.  He will send the Spirit to speak for you in those times.  Not everyone will like you.  Not everyone will respect you.  Folks will disagree with you.  And that’s okay. 

Because with your words, your actions, your very life, you will give witness to the one who died for everyone – even the folks who aren’t acting with grace towards you.  You will be that witness, for everyone to know, see, and experience Jesus’ grace. 

And if you don’t know what to say, that’s alright. Listen. Speak. Trust.  God will give you the words. Not having all the words is okay. It’s not up to you.  It’s up to him.  And God will be faithful today. 

Follow the Spirit today.  God will lead you where he wants to and will speak through what he wants. Even when you don’t have the words. 

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 11-19 (NIV) 

As we enter into a season focused on thankfulness, take a moment to name one thing that you are grateful for today.  Offer your gratitude to God for this gift.   

Slowly reread through Luke 17:11-19. You may want to experiment with reading it out loud. Pause in between each verse to allow time for the words to really sink in. Can you imagine yourself in this story? Are you an observer? Are you one of the men who have leprosy? 

This group of ten men made contact with Jesus as he was going into the village.  They were not allowed into the village because of the contagious disease they carried. What must it have felt like to be excluded from village life? Even though these men were marginalized from society, perhaps they had formed a community among themselves. In what places do you find community? 

It seems as if these men were anticipating Jesus’ arrival. What do you imagine their hopes and fears were as they waited for him? Have you ever sensed yourself waiting for Jesus to arrive into a situation or season of your life? What were your hopes and fears? 

When Jesus does arrive, the ten men keep their distance. What keeps them from approaching him? Have you ever been hesitant to approach Jesus? Calling out in a loud voice sounds a little undignified, doesn’t it? What, if anything, would make you nervous to address Jesus in this way? 

To have pity on someone means to feel sorry for them and to be moved to show them compassion. Are you comfortable asking Jesus to have pity on you? Is there something specific in your life or history that you would like Jesus to have pity on? 

Offer a prayer to God. Thank him for the blessings of your day. Ask him for guidance as you live the rest of your day.  And leave this time in peace, knowing that you are seen by Jesus. 

Recently I read a quote that has stuck with me: “looking at our culture, you’d think self-expression, not self-control, is a virtue.”  I’ve thought a lot about that: there is a lot there.  Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians 8: 9-13 brought it back to my mind:

But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall. 

In Paul’s day, there was much debate in the church about what you could and could not eat.  Should you eat food that has been dedicated to idols?  Should you not?  What should you do as a Christian?  This is something that we see over and over in the New Testament.  What should a Christian do? 

Paul really lays it out here.  You know what?  Sure, you can.  It’s your right.  You can do it.  But, if you harm another person, as a Christian, should you really do it?  Is it worth it? 

That’s why Paul says, if food bothers someone, then I’ll never eat meat. 

People matter more than meat.  They are more important. 

In our culture, you and I doing what we want is the most important thing.  Or at least that is what we are told over and over again.  But according to the Bible, being willing to sacrifice myself for you is the most important thing. 

It’s not about me. Rick Warren starts off his book The Purpose Driven Life with that statement: “it’s not about you.”  It’s not about you and me.  It’s about loving others more than we love ourselves. 

I should love you more than I love doing what I want.  I should lay down my life, my preference, for you.  Because you matter.  Jesus died for you.  He loves you.

And if I get what I want but harm you, have I really accomplished anything?

Self-control is a virtue.  It is a fruit of the Spirit.  And it is an awareness that it is really not all about us.  And here’s the awesome thing.  That’s where freedom comes from.  Freedom is not doing what we want all the time, living for ourselves.  Freedom is living under the grace of God.  Because then we are truly free. 

Today, let’s remember that self-control is a virtue.  Let’s remember that just because we want to do something, or we can do something, doesn’t mean that we should.  Let’s live for God.  Let’s live for others. 

And in that, let’s find true freedom. 

“He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3 

We are so grateful to God for being our shepherd. Where in your schedule have you sensed green pastures and quiet waters? Ask for God to show you areas of your life that are parched or noisy. 

Slowly read through Psalm 23. You may want to experiment with reading it out loud. Pause in between each verse to allow time for the words to really sink in. Let’s focus our attention on verse 3 of Psalm 23.   

God offers you the gift of Sabbath today in order to “restore your soul.” In what ways does your soul need to be restored today? How would you finish the statement, “today, my soul is…” 

Sometimes it isn’t the big things in life that wear our souls out; it’s the little things that burden us little by little, over time.  Think about your phone’s battery being slowly but steadily worn down by apps running in the background. What things are wearing your soul’s “battery” down?

King David tells us in this verse that the Lord restores our soul. Your soul is the innermost part of who you are, where God meets with you. In what ways have you tried to restore your own soul? 

Verse 3 also describes the Lord as a kind trail guide. Have you ever been led down a trail by someone? What is that person’s role? What qualities and experience do you value in a trusted guide? Think of a time when you were on a “righteous path” in life and when you were on a dangerous path. What were those experiences like?  

One of a shepherd’s main responsibilities is to guide their flock from one place to another safely. When have you felt as if the Lord has led you from one place or season in your life to another?  What things, events, or people did he use to guide you? Ask God for guidance this week. 

Leave this quiet time in peace, knowing that it is not your job to restore your own soul, and that you never leave the Shepherd’s presence. 

            Psalm 23 

The Lord is my shepherd,  

    I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,  

    he leads me beside quiet waters,  

he restores my soul.  

    He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake  

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

    I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  

    You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,  

    and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

I invite you to find a quiet spot in your home or outdoors where you can be alone with God for a few moments. Once you are settled, spend a few moments in silence.  Offer a prayer to God, thanking him for his presence and inviting him to speak to you.

Slowly read through Psalm 23. You may want to experiment with reading it out loud. Pause in between each verse to allow time for the words to really sink in. 

Focus your attention on verses one and two of Psalm 23.  What word or phrase stands out to you? 

Consider these questions:  

• Does knowing that “the Lord is my shepherd” help you to lay down your work in order to rest? 
• What is the job description of a shepherd? How do those things relate to God’s work in your life? 
• Have there been times when it has been hard for you to know the Lord as your shepherd? What would it look like to be as certain as David was? 

“The Lord is MY shepherd.”  He is not just the shepherd assigned to the flock you happen to be in. The Lord is YOUR shepherd. How does that make you feel? In what area of your life are you grateful to have a shepherd today? 

What are the things that you want? Make a list and offer those things to your good shepherd. 

Why would a sheep look forward to lying down in green pastures? Do green pastures, and all they have to offer, sound refreshing to you? 

We have recently seen and heard in the news about the destruction that “un-quiet” waters can cause.  Think of a time when you were able to spend time near quiet waters. What effect did that time have on your body and soul? 

Thank God for the blessings of your day. Ask God for guidance as you live the rest of your day. And leave this quiet time in peace knowing you never leave the Shepherd’s presence. 

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17 

Work – the God-given ability to use our strength and energy to sustain and enhance life for ourselves and others – is a gift of God. God himself is a God who works. God worked to create the universe, he worked to create a people for himself, and he is at work to establish his kingdom among us. He is at work in you and me, gifting, equipping, empowering, and shaping us to work alongside him in accomplishing the work he is doing. Let this perspective turn your work into worship, today and every day.

Yet your strength is derived from your obedience: learning to say yes is essential. 

We read in John 4:34, “Jesus said to them, ‘My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’” The disciples of Jesus wanted the Master to eat. They had been sent into the town to purchase food and had now returned. Jesus rejected their offer, explaining that his meat was to “do the will of him that sent me.” His strength was derived from his obedience. 

Where does your spiritual strength come from? As you walk in obedience to the will of God you will discover a true sense of wholeness. It is when you follow, not God’s will, but your own, that you will find spiritual weakness gradually overcoming you. Your willingness to say yes to the Lord is essential.

After all, faith is not controlled by opinion nor logic: with faith, all things are possible. 

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” – Hebrews 11:8  

When God spoke to Abram, he instructed him to leave his home and family to travel to a place he knew not where it was. There was no logic to the request, but yet, because it was God, he obeyed. Abram was not disappointed; his faith was honored. All of the Lord’s promises were fulfilled.  

As the Lord directs your steps, you need not fear. There may not be the logic you desire, the opinions of others may speak negatively about your plans, but if it’s God speaking, your faith will be honored. With faith, all things are possible.