Finding God in Advent – Day 5 – God shows up

Finding God in Advent - By Jerrad Lopes

It’s an exciting day to be a dad as the gift of children is so powerful and with my kids each doing their own thing I find myself in an exciting situation where based on outcomes of today there will be traveling plans booked based on the outcomes of today the person traveling will differ and yet in both cases, it turns out to be a win-win gift because it will mean getting to see one of my kids. I know God shows up!

So looking forward as I put my hope and trust in God to orchestrate the outcome and help with making the plans, I turn to God’s Word and look to dig deeper into today’s devotional because I know that God always shows up!

Today’s devotional comes with the following description:

This 7-day reading plan from Dad Tired podcast host and author Jerrad Lopes will prepare your heart and mind for the advent season as you explore God’s presence throughout the Bible and in your everyday life. From the garden to the manger to your own home, Jerrad helps you gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of the God who always shows up…and will do the same for you.Finding God in Advent | Devotional Reading Plan | YouVersion Bible

Scripture from Today’s Devotional:

‘Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth. ” Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.’

Matthew 26:69-75

‘Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?” “No,” they replied. Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? ” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” ‘

John 21:1-19

So let’s get started not only in our post today but in our lives daily by turning to God’s Word and allowing His Word to speak into our situation! Let’s allow God’s Word to enter into our very situation in order to receive His teaching of what is true and be able to adjust and clean out things that are wrong! Let’s choose to lean in on God and His Word than trying to figure it all out in our own understanding so that by acknowledging God He will be able to show us the path to take! Let’s turn to God’s Word that is sharper than a double-edged sword because it will allow us to get to the core of the matter with the right attitude and response!

Let’s be the dads who share and express who Jesus is to us! Let’s be the dads who share the importance of having a relationship with Jesus rather than just a religion with rituals and routines! Let’s be the dads who trust God in His Word! Let’s be the dads who know that even on our worst days God will show up! Let’s be the dads who know that even when we make the biggest mess of things possible that God will show up! Let’s be the dads who in those moments invite Jesus into the situations to help us clean things up!

Let’s be the dads who ask Jesus into our lives when things don’t seem to be working out as planned! Let’s be the dads who rather than just giving up are ready, willing, and able to receive God’s instruction and do it obediently! Let’s be the dads who realize that we can’t do it all in our own strength but rather that with God all things are possible! Let’s be the dads who consider inviting Jesus into our situations before they get too rough! Let’s be the dads who when things get rough are ready, willing, and able to invite or receive Jesus with His instructions and direction to help us get back on track and for things to get settled! Let’s be the dads who don’t lose hope and try to go it alone! Let’s be the dads who choose to continue to walk out our lives with God allowing the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and guide! Let’s be the dads who love Jesus and in so take care of our wives! Let’s be the dads who love Jesus and in so take care of our kids! Let’s be the dads who love Jesus and in so take care of the people in our community! Let’s be the dads who love Jesus and offer up God’s Word, the bread of life, into the lives of all those God brings into our lives!

Today’s devotional has been provided to us by Harvest House Publishers.

Reading through today’s devotional, here are some takeaways for me: (check out the devotional on your own too to see if you pick up other nuggets, and please share your findings in the comments)

For more information, please visit http://harvesthousepublishers.com.

Takeaways from Today’s Devotional:
God Shows Up After Your Worst Day