Christ Church Daily Devotion Dec 21 2023

This is a Daily Devotion from December 21st, 2023, discussing the reading from Mark 1:9-15. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan and saw the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice from heaven declared him to be God's beloved Son. Jesus then spent 40 days in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan. After John was imprisoned, Jesus began proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom in Galilee. The passage emphasizes that Jesus' ministry started quietly but with great significance. It encourages us to spend time alone with God, seeking His guidance and preparing for our mission in life. The challenge for today is to find time for personal worship and ask God to prepare us and strengthen our faith. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for December 21st, 2023. Today we will be reading from Mark, chapter 1, verses 9 through 15. At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased. At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels attended him. After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. The time hath come, he said, the kingdom of God hath come near. Repent and believe the good news. Jesus' ministry opened rather low-key. It was somewhat private, as Jesus didn't even have his disciples yet to witness the event. That this scripture passage describes, The heavenly power does not swoop down in a big way, but gently arrives like a calm dove. The Spirit of God enters Jesus, giving us a sign that a very new creation is getting underway. It states that God is very pleased with his Son, who is very unique. No matter what you think of yourself, here is a wonderful thought. God has come into the world with a new creation that includes you and an unbelievable amount of love. Jesus himself declares in verse 15 that the time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. We are to repent and believe the good news. Jesus often spent time alone. Likewise, we need time alone with God. When we are alone with God, talking to him and listening for direction through his word, we are beginning to be prepared for our mission here on earth. Our faith is formed as we seek God's guidance and wisdom. We must not let the busyness of life make us skip time with God. Today's personal worship option. Here is your challenge for today. Find some time to be alone with God as he prepares you for his mission in your life. Ask God to prepare you for the mission you have here on earth and ask that your faith continue to grow.