Devotions

By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor — The key ingredient in our work and in our rest is simply Jesus. We know Jesus is there; he is present with us all the time. But I want to challenge you to invite him into your presence. To actually say, “Jesus, I invite you into what I am doing today.” Something amazing is going to happen when we verbally invite Jesus to be a part of what we are going to build today. 

By: Jack Kale, Pastor Central Pensacola Beach — The Apostle Paul was a guy who knew all about facing problems. He was arrested, slandered, beaten, jailed, and shipwrecked as he shared the message of Jesus. Even in prison, he found a way to encourage people to keep trying when they encountered a stumbling block. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13b-14, NIV).  

By: Jack Kale, Pastor Central Pensacola Beach — Scraping toast also reminds me that people are worth saving. In a world where we seem to be asked to point fingers and villainize others, it’s worth remembering that nobody is perfect. With a little ingenuity, humility, contentment, and hard work, we can realize the value of those burnt toast people in our lives. Maybe we should spend a little more time trying to rescue our burnt toast people instead of trashing them.   

By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor — Thankfully, nature is not in control. Jesus is, and he produced a miracle. When we were grafted into God’s special olive tree, our fruit began to be produced by the Holy Spirit, not a branch or a tree. Our fruit is no longer bitter and hard; our fruit is now prized, not because of what we have done, but because of what the Holy Spirit has done through us. 

By: Jack Kale, Pastor Central Pensacola Beach — WE ARE WORTH IT. God came and lived among us. The same people who shouted “Hosanna” were the same ones who cried “crucify Him.” Yet, on the cross, he said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). God decided that we were worth the trouble of loving and rescuing. It wasn’t easy. It was risky, dangerous, and dirty work, but Immanuel stopped, stepped into traffic, picked us up, and took us home. He has a purpose for us, even if we don’t know yet what that is.  

By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor — A small glimmer of hope appeared some 800 years after Isaiah’s prophecy, and He changed our world forever. My prayer is that you’ll take some time this Christmas season to remember that child, all of his names, his ministry, and his incredible gift of grace and hope. The Messiah was the very first Christmas gift ever given, and that gift was given to each of us. A gift of hope and grace that, if we choose to accept it, we’ll have the opportunity to treasure it for eternity. 

By: Bryce Masek, Pastor Central Sunrise Mountain — God has been divinely intervening on our behalf and for our benefit for as long as our earth has existed. He did it in the Old Testament, He did it through the person of Christ in the New Testament, and He does it today. God doesn’t need to lower Himself down on a crane. He just wants you to open the door.

By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor — They had prayed for a child for years and had given up in their old age. This was their miracle. Are there prayers you have given up praying? John’s whole purpose was to point the way to Jesus and remind us that He is bigger than any of our problems. Don’t stop praying!

By: Jack Kale, Pastor Central Pensacola Beach — Jesus was the perfect example of someone who was driven to love . . . He offered second chances to those who didn’t think they had one coming and gave grace to those who needed it most. He stepped in front of an execution to stop it and went all the way to Golgotha to prove his love for us. He went all the way, even to the cross.

By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor — The time of preparation is a gift. Think back over your life, remember the times that God has answered your prayers, and give thanks. Remember the good times. Strengthen your faith and trust in Him. He’s always been there for you, and he always will be. Be thankful for his preparation. Its purpose is to strengthen your faith and trust so you’re ready at just the right time.