South Main Baptist Church

Lenten Devotional, March 6: By Emily Gwaltney

Most people in the church know that when they have been wronged, the right thing to do is forgive that person. But we could benefit from intentional reflection on this act that is the basis for God's relationship with each of us. What does it mean to forgive? To forgive is to give up the desire to punish.

Advent Devotional December 25: Written by Matt Walton in 2019

Sometimes we need to look back in order to see clearly. We need to remember. When we remember, we perceive our present circumstances with a redeemed clarity.  The hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” reminds us that the God who has helped in the past is the hope of all our years to come. The Psalms are replete with songs that urged God’s people to look back and remember.

Advent Devotional December 24: Written by Isaiah Zamarripa in 1999

After his conversion, Paul became a good example of having the more abundant life. One of his experiences portrays this beautifully. While shackled in the dark depths of a Roman dungeon, he prayed, he sang, and he was delivered. As a result, the jailer and his family accepted Jesus Christ. Then he washed Paul and Silas’s wounds and set a meal before them. 

Advent Devotional December 23: Written by Jeanette Heard in 1988

One of the great joys of Christmas when working in the SMILE program is seeing the blessed season every year as if it were for the first time through the eyes of some young Japanese women who have never before heard the glorious story. 

Advent Devotional December 22: Written by Carl Wilks in 1992

Romans 5:1-5

Advent Devotional December 21: Written by Mary Lucille Jackson Rogers in 1992

The busy, hurried days before Christmas are over. The shopping has been done and the packages wrapped. The Christmas tree has been decorated. Around the house there are symbols of Christmas, ornaments, and decorations. The Christmas baking has been done. Pre-Christmas parties have been attended and given. The choirs have sung inspiring Christmas music.

Advent Devotional December 20: Written by John Unger in 1995

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Christmas of 1991 lives in my memory as a world pulled asunder. We were in the first crushing weeks following the December 1 accidental death of our 17-year-old son, David. With a sharpness that I thought was gone, David’s death had brought back the memory of our daughter, Cathy, who died two days after Christmas many years before. 

Advent Devotional December 19: Written by Dorothy Daniels in 1996

Luke 2:11

Advent Devotional December 18: Written by Charles Lively in 1996

Psalm 46:10

Advent Devotional December 17: Written by Betty Phelps in 1989

Matthew 2:2b

The verse popped into my thoughts as I read the invitation to write one of the Advent devotionals this year. Since I haven’t been able to forget it, I reflected on it more seriously. 

Advent Devotional December 16: Written by Rique Carson in 1999

Matthew 18:3-4 

As we go through the Christmas season, we need only to look at children and see how excited they become as all the events unfold. That enthusiasm becomes infectious. Before long, entire families, including adults, are excited too! Most of us can remember our childhood being enhanced with the coming of Christmas. The Christmas season brings out the child in all of us. 

Advent Devotional December 15: Written by Ward and Carolyn Hill in 2001

“Did you talk to Jesus?” When our oldest grandson was just two years old, as he was playing he passed through the room where his mother was making a telephone call, and naturally he wanted to know whom she was calling. 

She answered, “I’m calling the church.”

Advent Devotional December 14: Written by Sarah Lee (Cole) in 1998

As I was thinking about Christmas and the Advent season, I was trying to find a brief way to express what Christmas means to me. What one word best expresses my feelings about Christmas? Is it Giving? God gave me the greatest gift I will ever receive when He came to earth to live among men. So joyfully we give gifts at Christmas; and I give and give and love every minute of giving.

Advent Devotional December 13: Written by Wanda Jackson in 1988

Luke 2:10 

A few years ago, at a family gathering, someone dragged out the old videos of Christmases past. At first there were giggles and grins at how young everyone looked, how much they had changed, and how pretty everything looked in our house...especially the Christmas tree. 

Advent Devotional December 12: Written by Roberta Torn in 1988

It was a week before Christmas in 1979, and I was visiting my friends at M.D. Anderson Hospital. The decorations were all up, and a high school choir was singing carols in the hallway. Even old Santa Claus was ringing his little bell as he went into each room, where a Polaroid picture would be taken of the patient with Santa. It was a “fun” time for even terminally ill cancer patients. 

Advent Devotional December 11: Written by Kenneth Chafin in 1977

Christmas is a very special time of the year for everyone. There is so much color and music and laughter and festivity. At South Main Baptist Church there are so many enjoyable activities during Christmas sponsored by a host of various groups. 

Advent Devotional December 10: Written by Thad Roberts in 1977

Psalm 100:1-5

Advent Devotional December 9: Written by Bill Menger in 1991

Herod feared the coming of the Christ Child, for it posed a threat to his own earthly power. To counter the threat, Herod ordered the massacre of children in Bethlehem. 

Until 1975, I thought today’s world was more civilized, but soon learned that satanic forces will use any means to combat the truth of Jesus Christ. 

Advent Devotional December 8: Written by Betty Sellers in 1989

Matthew 2:7-12

Advent Devotional December 7: Written by Bill Kolter in 1988

Elaine is at Camp Ozark; Mary Neil is packing to go to San Antonio for the Convention; Kenneth is measuring shelves for his most recent dwelling; I am “on call” this weekend; and Martha is bugging me for this devotional - now about two weeks overdue.

Advent Devotional December 6: Written by Gene Vickrey

I remember as a boy shaking the presents under the tree, trying to guess what was in the packages. 

I remember the Christmas I got a new bicycle. 

I remember the cold snowy night that I got up my courage and proposed to Alberta. 

I remember the interest in reaching the goal for our World Mission offering every Christmas. 

Advent Devotional December 5: Written by Miriam Collins in 1988

2 Corinthians 5:15 Curled up on the big iron double bed watching my mother brush her luxurious dark hair, I was nervously trying to ask the BIG QUESTION as casually as possible. (I guess I was almost six).

Advent Devotional December 4: Written by Sharon Nickel in 1988

Matthew 2:11

Advent Devotional December 3: Written by William (Bill) Turner in 1987

Luke 2:15

 A few miles may have separated these shepherds from the Event which would change the world! Wisely, they decided to travel those miles, check it out, and look into the face of history for themselves.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 24: BLESSED GIVING

By Josie Adney

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Acts 20:35

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 23: THE JOY OF JESUS

Fourth Sunday of Advent

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 22: A PILGRIMAGE

By Stephen Fox

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 21: LOVE YOUR GOD

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 20: CHRISTMAS GIFTS

They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, His mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped Him, then opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Matthew 2:11 (The Message)

This year I have already received a gift more precious than gold, or frankincense, or myrrh. My health was restored.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 19: HOW THE WISE MEN FOLLOWED GOD'S WARNING

By Pat Gray

On coming to the house, they saw the young child with Mary, His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.   

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 18: MORNING STAR

By Chase McKnight

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 17: WE'RE IN GOOD COMPANY

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” 

Luke 2:9-10

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 16: COMMUNICATION 101

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

I Corinthians 13:1

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 15: THE BABY JESUS

For a child has been born for us, a Son given to us; authority rest upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

By Jeri Kuhleman Heath

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 14: THE JESSE TREE

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth, I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 13: WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS

By Matt Walton

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 12: GROWING UP WITH ADVENT

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. 

Proverbs 14:29

By Charlie Funderburk

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 11: AN UNEXPECTED TURN

When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 10: MARY TRUSTED GOD, AND SO SHALL I

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 9: A CAROL FOR JOSEPH

It was December 2008, and we were days from welcoming Duncan into the world. One of the final scheduled church events was a Wednesday night carol sing. It was our first Christmas with the new Celebrating Grace Hymnal when a curious youth requested the carol “The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child.” As we sang through these verses, I found myself overcome with emotion and incapable of singing.

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 8: JINGLE BELLS

Always be joyful. 

I Thessalonians 5:16

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 7: SHARED FEELINGS OF THE SEASON

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22, 25 NIV

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 6: ARE YOU READY?

By Bill Anderson

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:22-23

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 5: REFLECTING THE PAST, LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

By Angie Durand

Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things. Philippians 4:8

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 4: GLORY OF THE LORD

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

Luke 2:8-9

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 3: EVER-PRESENT LOVE

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14 

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DECEMBER 2: PREPARE

By Phyllis Waggoner

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all men.

Luke 2:14

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: FOREWORD

By Pastor Steve Wells

Advent is the season in which we wait for - and then celebrate God‘s gift of Christ and of salvation. But waiting for Christmas morning is different for us than it was for those who awaited the Messiah in ancient times - they did not know when He would come.

Advent Devotional December 24: Preparing for the Light of the World

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, and fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 1:13B

Advent Devotional December 23: Finding a Tradition of our Own

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” — “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”  Mark 1:1-3

Advent Devotional December 22: The Light of the World is Jesus

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:13-14 

Advent Devotional December 21: Without Fear

“But the angel said, ‘do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’." Luke 2:10 marthadoolittle.png

Advent Devotional December 20: Anticipating Christmas

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

Advent Devotional December 19: Waiting for Things Promised

Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord. Luke 1:45 livoniaglaves.png

Advent Devotional December 18: My Heroes

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 lindagardner.png

Advent Devotional December 17: Suffering. Death. Love.

For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

By Larissa Fletcher

Advent Devotional December 15: Girl Talk

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help pick them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Advent Devotional December 14: An Ever Present Help

I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and Earth. Psalm 121

Advent Devotional December 13: The Hope of Advent

Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who was in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. Micah 5:3

Advent Devotional December 11: How Glorious!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Advent Devotional December 10: The Promise of Peace

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Advent Devotional December 9: Trusting God - Finding our Path

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 Anne Tulek

Advent Devotional December 8: The True Light of the World

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... The true light that gives life to everyone was coming into the world. --John 1:4-5, 9

Advent Devotional December 7: Living Nativity

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” --Matthew 19:14

Advent Devotional December 6: Advent Anticipation

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” --Matthew 2: 1-2

Advent Devotional December 5: Hoping for Peace at Home

Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. -Luke 2:14 Amy Graham-Carlson

Advent Devotional December 4: The Birth of a Baby

He [Joseph] took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son.

Advent Devotional December 3: Adventure and Peace

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Luke 2:13-14

Advent Devotionals Foreword

Advent Devotionals Foreword