SCRIPTURE
"these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; (John 5:3)
OBSERVATION
A certain man has been sick for 38 years, and when he was asked about the longevity of his condition, he replied that there was no one to toss him into the water when the angel stirred it. For over 38 years! That must have been many missed opportunities waiting for someone to toss him in!
With one simple question, Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed. "Arise, take up you pallet and walk." That was it. His life was forever changed in an instant. He got up and walked.
I wonder how many times I have waited for the moving of the waters, and in doing so, I miss the opportunity for change. I have waited on the circumstances to get favorable, people to like me, and all the stars to line up in the heavens before I act.
I know that there is something called, "buy in," that is important, but there is also something called the fear of man and also the tendency to blame others for you coming up short.
Jesus gave the lame man the direction to having his dreams fulfilled. It wasn't waiting on someone to toss him into the water. Instead, it was to move in the direction of Jesus first, to ask Him, then act on His answer! The solution wasn't necessarily to get in to the water. The solution was to get in to what he really needed: to walk!
APPLICATION
I need to come to Jesus on a daily basis. Ask Him directly what I need. And then move on it. I hesitate too much. Over the last few weeks, I week have been writing down a preferred picture of what is best for mission of Radiant Life and for my life. I've been fortunate to be able to hammer out portions of this preferred future in community with Jenny Thompson, Bob Adams, Rafael Hernandez, Steve Dickert, Gary Eaker, Brian Hines, John Allen, Christine Allen, Jacob Collins, Debbie Eaker and others.
I don't need to wait for the moving of the waters and for someone to throw me in. If I do, I will find that they will jump in before me. People will always look out for themselves first of all, and that is a given. So I must hear what is best for the ministry and Kingdom, my family and future.
Picture of a preferred future is what vision is all about. I need to renew my vision, often.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for reminding me that I must come to you, and not wait for man. I must hear your promises and then move. Grab my pallet and start to walk. Jesus is asking me, "Do you want to get well?" My answer is "YES!" so now I will straighten my back and stand up, even though others around me are waiting for the moving of the waters. Thank you, Jesus, for the LIFE You give me.
Monday, December 22
Sunday, December 21
Life is Magnified through Death
SCRIPTURE
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
OBSERVATION
The Gift of life is magnified through death. That's what Jesus speaks to Mary and Martha concerning their brother Lazurus - life happens when we believe and follow Jesus.
APPLICATION
The gift of CHRISTmas for me today and everyday is the gift of living as if Jesus is my Resurrection - the One who has made me alive! He has opened my heart to see, believe, receive Him and the desire to live a resurrected, changed life.
Today I desire to grow in:
Giving God worship, singing to Him from my heart, thinking thoughts of gratefulness for an inner life of peace and joy I can hardly describe!!!!
Reminding my self in challenging moments when I don't' "feel" His presence, that my anchor is in the revelation of this passage in John 11. I believe His Word when my mind and emotions waver.
PRAYER
May I be a great son who lives out a resurrected life that makes you smile. I want to honor you from the inside out - so my family, friends, world would know and believe that YOU ARE the RESURRECTION and LIFE!
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
OBSERVATION
The Gift of life is magnified through death. That's what Jesus speaks to Mary and Martha concerning their brother Lazurus - life happens when we believe and follow Jesus.
APPLICATION
The gift of CHRISTmas for me today and everyday is the gift of living as if Jesus is my Resurrection - the One who has made me alive! He has opened my heart to see, believe, receive Him and the desire to live a resurrected, changed life.
Today I desire to grow in:
Giving God worship, singing to Him from my heart, thinking thoughts of gratefulness for an inner life of peace and joy I can hardly describe!!!!
Reminding my self in challenging moments when I don't' "feel" His presence, that my anchor is in the revelation of this passage in John 11. I believe His Word when my mind and emotions waver.
PRAYER
May I be a great son who lives out a resurrected life that makes you smile. I want to honor you from the inside out - so my family, friends, world would know and believe that YOU ARE the RESURRECTION and LIFE!
Thursday, December 18
Putting My Faith in Jesus
SCRIPTURE
"This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him." (John 2:11)
OBSERVATION
It seems to be for me that when God reveals Himself, His presence, to me in various ways that my faith grows. When I see it, I believe it.
Through hearing that our cousin's friend Mechae Tentor (who was so close to death several months ago...had said her goodbyes to her own family) is now living and experiencing life. -- Miracle
Watching someone go from distance and opposition to God, to a place where they are willing to give their life to Jesus. -- Miracle
Through the ways our Radiant Life people continually amaze me. That we even have a Radiant Life Fellowship. -- Miracle
Through my family who consistently inspires me to be more. -- Miracle
Jesus' glory (revealed in various ways) increases my faith and trust in Him.
APPLICATION
I constantly make decisions to put my faith in Him. There are moments throughout a day that my faith gets hit, attacked, weakened... I must train my heart and eyes to look for His presence.
My take home this day...
1. Keep my faith growing by hearing the Word of God...
Through my devotions
Through those who challenge me to be more
Through my time with those I help challenge to be more.
Through time in prayer
2. Keep my faith growing through obedient acts of service...
Telling others about Christ with my words and my life
Giving of myself to serve those who would not call themselves Jesus followers
Through serving and giving. Serving with a grateful heart of honor when it goes beyond my comfort zone...
BE AVAILABLE! Just be There!
PRAYER
Dear Lord -
I'm going to press in and on when it comes to growing my faith. But I need you, your revelation, your life that is revealed through people, obedient acts of service... May my life be a scent of worship that makes you smile.
"This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him." (John 2:11)
OBSERVATION
It seems to be for me that when God reveals Himself, His presence, to me in various ways that my faith grows. When I see it, I believe it.
Through hearing that our cousin's friend Mechae Tentor (who was so close to death several months ago...had said her goodbyes to her own family) is now living and experiencing life. -- Miracle
Watching someone go from distance and opposition to God, to a place where they are willing to give their life to Jesus. -- Miracle
Through the ways our Radiant Life people continually amaze me. That we even have a Radiant Life Fellowship. -- Miracle
Through my family who consistently inspires me to be more. -- Miracle
Jesus' glory (revealed in various ways) increases my faith and trust in Him.
APPLICATION
I constantly make decisions to put my faith in Him. There are moments throughout a day that my faith gets hit, attacked, weakened... I must train my heart and eyes to look for His presence.
My take home this day...
1. Keep my faith growing by hearing the Word of God...
Through my devotions
Through those who challenge me to be more
Through my time with those I help challenge to be more.
Through time in prayer
2. Keep my faith growing through obedient acts of service...
Telling others about Christ with my words and my life
Giving of myself to serve those who would not call themselves Jesus followers
Through serving and giving. Serving with a grateful heart of honor when it goes beyond my comfort zone...
BE AVAILABLE! Just be There!
PRAYER
Dear Lord -
I'm going to press in and on when it comes to growing my faith. But I need you, your revelation, your life that is revealed through people, obedient acts of service... May my life be a scent of worship that makes you smile.
Monday, December 15
My life is like a vapor
SCRIPTURE
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)
OBSERVATION
There is a popular song, "Live Like You Were Dying," that poses a question we see being answered everyday in the news - "do we really know how much time we have to live?" From facing death's door on the battlefields of war, to the daily risks of driving on our local roads...living on the edge of life isn't as far away as we may think. Whether we're consciously aware of it or not, each new day takes us one step closer to the line that separates life from death. And it's a line that we cannot control, neither can it be negotiated or compromised.
The truth of reality spoken by James says it all: no one really knows what life will be like tomorrow. In many respects we all suffer from a "terminal illness," the only difference being that the "terminally ill" understand the urgency of the moment, to make the best use of their limited time. We, on the other hand, when we live presumptuously believing that our time left is unlimited, we place ourselves at a disadvantage. We miss out.
APPLICATION
So, here's the questions I must answer each day:
"Am I living my life like I'm dying?"
"How should I live differently, knowing that my time is limited?"
How would I love differently?
How would it affect the depth of my forgiveness towards others?
How am I preparing myself for eternity and to stand face to face with God?
Am I engaging myself in the things that matter most?
Would I worship differently?
Would I risk more? Laugh more? Serve more? Give more?
Who would I spend more time with?
Would I finally live fully present in every moment?
As I ponder the upcoming year, let there be a sense of urgency running through my veins. I am given this moment as a gift. What will I do with this gift?
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the time You have already given to me. Forgive me for not taking full advantage of that time and for squandering the opportunities You sent my way. May I live each new day for You.
"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)
OBSERVATION
There is a popular song, "Live Like You Were Dying," that poses a question we see being answered everyday in the news - "do we really know how much time we have to live?" From facing death's door on the battlefields of war, to the daily risks of driving on our local roads...living on the edge of life isn't as far away as we may think. Whether we're consciously aware of it or not, each new day takes us one step closer to the line that separates life from death. And it's a line that we cannot control, neither can it be negotiated or compromised.
The truth of reality spoken by James says it all: no one really knows what life will be like tomorrow. In many respects we all suffer from a "terminal illness," the only difference being that the "terminally ill" understand the urgency of the moment, to make the best use of their limited time. We, on the other hand, when we live presumptuously believing that our time left is unlimited, we place ourselves at a disadvantage. We miss out.
APPLICATION
So, here's the questions I must answer each day:
"Am I living my life like I'm dying?"
"How should I live differently, knowing that my time is limited?"
How would I love differently?
How would it affect the depth of my forgiveness towards others?
How am I preparing myself for eternity and to stand face to face with God?
Am I engaging myself in the things that matter most?
Would I worship differently?
Would I risk more? Laugh more? Serve more? Give more?
Who would I spend more time with?
Would I finally live fully present in every moment?
As I ponder the upcoming year, let there be a sense of urgency running through my veins. I am given this moment as a gift. What will I do with this gift?
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the time You have already given to me. Forgive me for not taking full advantage of that time and for squandering the opportunities You sent my way. May I live each new day for You.
Sunday, December 14
Discipline
SCRIPTURE
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:1-2, 11-13)
OBSERVATION
Soldiers, athletes, children - what do these have in common? They all need discipline.
Soldiers need it to protect their squad and themselves.
Athletes need it to compete at the highest level.
Children need it to excel in life and stay out of trouble.
Discipline is rarely fun and games. It's usually uncomfortable, painful and tough. But it's best when it comes from someone who really cares for us. It's best when it's motivated out of love. If I want the very best for someone that I oversee, I need to care for them enough that I will discipline them - I don't enjoy it or look forward to it. It would be so much easier for me to ignore it and move on. But if I really want the best for that person, then I need to graciously confront and correct. I need to bring some things to their attention and help them make the appropriate corrections. If I ignore it, I'm contributing to the undisciplined life.
APPLICATION
A coach who really cares about his team will go the extra mile to correct mistakes and bad habits in order to play their very best. Parents who are fully involved in their child's life will take the time and effort to correct attitudes and behavior that will affect their maturity, learning and personal growth. As leaders, we need to care so much about our people that we will take the extra effort to discipline those that we serve.
Our Heavenly Father loves us that much and more. He wants the very best for us. He wants us to succeed in the most important things in life. When He disciplines us, we mustn't try to justify or defend our behavior. We need to submit to His wisdom. Comply with the consequence and learn for the future.
We need TO discipline, but we must also BE disciplined. As the scripture says, discipline leads to a peaceful harvest of right living.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give me the strength and courage to discipline others when needed. And may I be open to Your discipline with the knowledge that it comes in Your love.
In Jesus Name, Amen
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:1-2, 11-13)
OBSERVATION
Soldiers, athletes, children - what do these have in common? They all need discipline.
Soldiers need it to protect their squad and themselves.
Athletes need it to compete at the highest level.
Children need it to excel in life and stay out of trouble.
Discipline is rarely fun and games. It's usually uncomfortable, painful and tough. But it's best when it comes from someone who really cares for us. It's best when it's motivated out of love. If I want the very best for someone that I oversee, I need to care for them enough that I will discipline them - I don't enjoy it or look forward to it. It would be so much easier for me to ignore it and move on. But if I really want the best for that person, then I need to graciously confront and correct. I need to bring some things to their attention and help them make the appropriate corrections. If I ignore it, I'm contributing to the undisciplined life.
APPLICATION
A coach who really cares about his team will go the extra mile to correct mistakes and bad habits in order to play their very best. Parents who are fully involved in their child's life will take the time and effort to correct attitudes and behavior that will affect their maturity, learning and personal growth. As leaders, we need to care so much about our people that we will take the extra effort to discipline those that we serve.
Our Heavenly Father loves us that much and more. He wants the very best for us. He wants us to succeed in the most important things in life. When He disciplines us, we mustn't try to justify or defend our behavior. We need to submit to His wisdom. Comply with the consequence and learn for the future.
We need TO discipline, but we must also BE disciplined. As the scripture says, discipline leads to a peaceful harvest of right living.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give me the strength and courage to discipline others when needed. And may I be open to Your discipline with the knowledge that it comes in Your love.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Friday, December 12
Leave _______ and go on to ___________
SCRIPTURE
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1)
OBSERVATION
What would "maturity" look like?
Here's some of my perceptions about Christian maturity. First phase of (maturity) being a Christian has certain markings, a certain lifestyle, specific habits that they do such as praying when you are in need and attending church on Sundays. That's the basic program. A second, more intermediate phase may be reading the Bible when troubles are near. Then the third, and seemingly most advanced stage is to have memorized a few Scriptures, do devotions, they tithe, and they get involved in a few church activities. Those five habits would for the most part, be the defining of "maturity." Even Jesus followers would define Christian maturity as such.
But for me, it must go beyond that. It is not just the basic five. It has to be a life fully lived within the Kingdom of God. It has to be a glow rather than a task, something natural rather than something of duty.
A mature Christian is one who becomes known, no longer for what he (she) does but for who he (she) is. It is when the things he has believed have been so sifted into his innermost being that he lives with a grace, a love, a wisdom that even non Jesus followers can recognize.
Like Daniel in the Old Testament, he served four kings who didn't follow the God of the Hebrews yet they all wanted Daniel to be their top counselor. I am sure it wasn't because of his use of religious clichés or him constantly reminding others of his belief system. Rather, it was that he was so valuable to the King's purposes. He used great insight; he didn't require constant supervision; he did above and beyond his duties, he fulfilled his tasks, showed up on time, and was loyal more than the rest. Daniel was someone with leadership gifts that were honed and a character that was dependable. He possessed an "excellent" spirit and when he was around, people were glad.
But it is not like that today. There are those who proclaim Christianity but their lifestyle is only tolerable at best. They want people to value them because of their beliefs rather than for the reality of what they contribute.
It is often immature Christians and underdeveloped leaders that hurt the cause of Christ.As Hebrews says, these immature ones just stick with the elementary teachings. But the mature ones are the Daniels.
APPLICATION
I want to tuck away the elementary principles, allow them to influence everything I do, but move onward to greater things so that in some way, even non-Jesus followers will see the value and benefit from not only the things I do but from the person I am.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, YOU were like that. It was simply who You were, not just what You did. People sensed heaven when they were in Your presence. Help me to shift my mind so that I understand that what I do is great, but I must get comfortable in who I am and simply LIVE OUT LOUD.
"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." (Hebrews 6:1)
OBSERVATION
What would "maturity" look like?
Here's some of my perceptions about Christian maturity. First phase of (maturity) being a Christian has certain markings, a certain lifestyle, specific habits that they do such as praying when you are in need and attending church on Sundays. That's the basic program. A second, more intermediate phase may be reading the Bible when troubles are near. Then the third, and seemingly most advanced stage is to have memorized a few Scriptures, do devotions, they tithe, and they get involved in a few church activities. Those five habits would for the most part, be the defining of "maturity." Even Jesus followers would define Christian maturity as such.
But for me, it must go beyond that. It is not just the basic five. It has to be a life fully lived within the Kingdom of God. It has to be a glow rather than a task, something natural rather than something of duty.
A mature Christian is one who becomes known, no longer for what he (she) does but for who he (she) is. It is when the things he has believed have been so sifted into his innermost being that he lives with a grace, a love, a wisdom that even non Jesus followers can recognize.
Like Daniel in the Old Testament, he served four kings who didn't follow the God of the Hebrews yet they all wanted Daniel to be their top counselor. I am sure it wasn't because of his use of religious clichés or him constantly reminding others of his belief system. Rather, it was that he was so valuable to the King's purposes. He used great insight; he didn't require constant supervision; he did above and beyond his duties, he fulfilled his tasks, showed up on time, and was loyal more than the rest. Daniel was someone with leadership gifts that were honed and a character that was dependable. He possessed an "excellent" spirit and when he was around, people were glad.
But it is not like that today. There are those who proclaim Christianity but their lifestyle is only tolerable at best. They want people to value them because of their beliefs rather than for the reality of what they contribute.
It is often immature Christians and underdeveloped leaders that hurt the cause of Christ.As Hebrews says, these immature ones just stick with the elementary teachings. But the mature ones are the Daniels.
APPLICATION
I want to tuck away the elementary principles, allow them to influence everything I do, but move onward to greater things so that in some way, even non-Jesus followers will see the value and benefit from not only the things I do but from the person I am.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, YOU were like that. It was simply who You were, not just what You did. People sensed heaven when they were in Your presence. Help me to shift my mind so that I understand that what I do is great, but I must get comfortable in who I am and simply LIVE OUT LOUD.
Tuesday, December 9
Ready to do Good
SCRIPTURE
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." (Titus 3:1-2)
OBSERVATION
The challenge to Titus (and the Christians he taught) was to be ready and willing to do whatever is good, peaceable, considerate in humilty. Having a readiness of mind and heart to do good is so important to understanding and learning how to submit to authority.
I've found that submission is a vital quality to be lived out in my heart - lived out and expressed, as Paul writes, to all men.
ADVENT CONSPIRACY REMINDERS
Spend Less
Give more of yourself relationally
Worship Jesus Fully
Love Wins
APPLICATION
Submission and Serving go hand in hand. In order to serve our Lord, I need to first submit to our Lord. Submission comes down to my attitude. It's as much submission with authority as it is submission with those whom I don't agree with or care for. I certainly need the Lord's help in this area.
So if I'm going to submit to Jesus (as a Jesus follower), then I need to guard how I talk about other people.
Being peaceable, considerate and humble are characteristics that oppose my self centeredness. I can live this out with those I like and get along with - but there are some that test these characteristics. Maybe testing is what I need in order to move forward another click in my maturity in Christ in this area.
PRAYER
Lord -
Help me to live out true humility to all people. To be submitted to You in a way that reflects Your peace, and heart - ready to serve. Thanks for being so willing to always help me - may I be and live like You!
"Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men." (Titus 3:1-2)
OBSERVATION
The challenge to Titus (and the Christians he taught) was to be ready and willing to do whatever is good, peaceable, considerate in humilty. Having a readiness of mind and heart to do good is so important to understanding and learning how to submit to authority.
I've found that submission is a vital quality to be lived out in my heart - lived out and expressed, as Paul writes, to all men.
ADVENT CONSPIRACY REMINDERS
Spend Less
Give more of yourself relationally
Worship Jesus Fully
Love Wins
APPLICATION
Submission and Serving go hand in hand. In order to serve our Lord, I need to first submit to our Lord. Submission comes down to my attitude. It's as much submission with authority as it is submission with those whom I don't agree with or care for. I certainly need the Lord's help in this area.
So if I'm going to submit to Jesus (as a Jesus follower), then I need to guard how I talk about other people.
Being peaceable, considerate and humble are characteristics that oppose my self centeredness. I can live this out with those I like and get along with - but there are some that test these characteristics. Maybe testing is what I need in order to move forward another click in my maturity in Christ in this area.
PRAYER
Lord -
Help me to live out true humility to all people. To be submitted to You in a way that reflects Your peace, and heart - ready to serve. Thanks for being so willing to always help me - may I be and live like You!
Sunday, December 7
More Christmas Conspiracy
SCRIPTURE
"So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:28)
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:12-14)
OBSERVATION
Christmas is here. There are just a couple of weeks until the birth of Christ and the big blow-up Santa is up at the car dealership on Hwy21. It's cold and rainy, wrapping paper has materialized in the house. The malls are packed and Christmas parties are in full swing.
It's a wonderful and exciting season that's also hectic and stressful. Yesterday, I heard a story about a person who was standing in line at Starbucks behind a guy who was buying a few gift cards for Christmas - The stranger turned around, handed her a card and said "Merry Christmas," smiled and walked away. A caring word, a smile, letting someone cut in on the road, holding an elevator or opening a door - little gestures that remind people that there is a peace that overflows from a place much deeper than exchanging gifts.
SPEND LESS,
GIVE MORE RELATIONALLY,
WORSHIP JESUS FULLY,
LOVE WINS
How are you doing on these?
APPLICATION
We need to celebrate the powerful opportunities that Christmas brings! Let's thank God for the chance to partner with Him in this season. In the midst of all of the busy-ness, let's all take the time to reflect on Paul's words in Colossians 3 and ask God for a double portion of patience, kindness and humility. We have the ability to positively influence our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family with a friendly and inspiring spirit.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of everlasting life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this precious Christmas season please pour out Your spirit on us so that we experience it in the way that You'd like us to - to see past just the lights, music, gifts and events, but to see it from Your eyes, to give thanks and celebrate the birth, life and mission of our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus name, Amen
"So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." (Colossians 1:28)
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (Colossians 3:12-14)
OBSERVATION
Christmas is here. There are just a couple of weeks until the birth of Christ and the big blow-up Santa is up at the car dealership on Hwy21. It's cold and rainy, wrapping paper has materialized in the house. The malls are packed and Christmas parties are in full swing.
It's a wonderful and exciting season that's also hectic and stressful. Yesterday, I heard a story about a person who was standing in line at Starbucks behind a guy who was buying a few gift cards for Christmas - The stranger turned around, handed her a card and said "Merry Christmas," smiled and walked away. A caring word, a smile, letting someone cut in on the road, holding an elevator or opening a door - little gestures that remind people that there is a peace that overflows from a place much deeper than exchanging gifts.
SPEND LESS,
GIVE MORE RELATIONALLY,
WORSHIP JESUS FULLY,
LOVE WINS
How are you doing on these?
APPLICATION
We need to celebrate the powerful opportunities that Christmas brings! Let's thank God for the chance to partner with Him in this season. In the midst of all of the busy-ness, let's all take the time to reflect on Paul's words in Colossians 3 and ask God for a double portion of patience, kindness and humility. We have the ability to positively influence our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family with a friendly and inspiring spirit.
PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of everlasting life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this precious Christmas season please pour out Your spirit on us so that we experience it in the way that You'd like us to - to see past just the lights, music, gifts and events, but to see it from Your eyes, to give thanks and celebrate the birth, life and mission of our Lord and Savior.
In Jesus name, Amen
Thursday, December 4
A gift I need
SCRIPTURE
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)
OBSERVATION
I love the book of Ephesians! I am encouraged in my heart, mind and soul! The image of who I am in Christ is inspiring!
Chapter 4 is full of Paul's commands to the church to live according to the "new man." There is a new way of living, talking and relating to people that reflects a changed heart and life. It's all as a result of following Jesus. Jesus brings change in my heart and wants that change to affect the way I live. And Jesus wants to do the same for you.
APPLICATION
My mouth needs help! I know my challenge or problem stems from what's going on in my heart - but I must learn to control my tongue better! It's not just the words I say, it's also the tone in which I say my words. It's my non-verbals that sometimes speak so much louder than my verbals. I know my wife and children can pick up on my non-verbals that communicate that I'm irritated, mad, frustrated, tired. All those external communications are tied directly to my heart.
If my heart was reflecting God's heart, building others up (encouraging people) and brining life them life - according to their needs - would be as natural as breathing. That's what I need and that's what I want. What a gift that would be to me and others this Christmas...my transformed heart.
PRAYER
Lord - I need your help again! Thanks for Your patience with me. How enduring You are - how loving and faithful. Help me to build up my family Lord - with words that will build their relationship with You.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)
OBSERVATION
I love the book of Ephesians! I am encouraged in my heart, mind and soul! The image of who I am in Christ is inspiring!
Chapter 4 is full of Paul's commands to the church to live according to the "new man." There is a new way of living, talking and relating to people that reflects a changed heart and life. It's all as a result of following Jesus. Jesus brings change in my heart and wants that change to affect the way I live. And Jesus wants to do the same for you.
APPLICATION
My mouth needs help! I know my challenge or problem stems from what's going on in my heart - but I must learn to control my tongue better! It's not just the words I say, it's also the tone in which I say my words. It's my non-verbals that sometimes speak so much louder than my verbals. I know my wife and children can pick up on my non-verbals that communicate that I'm irritated, mad, frustrated, tired. All those external communications are tied directly to my heart.
If my heart was reflecting God's heart, building others up (encouraging people) and brining life them life - according to their needs - would be as natural as breathing. That's what I need and that's what I want. What a gift that would be to me and others this Christmas...my transformed heart.
PRAYER
Lord - I need your help again! Thanks for Your patience with me. How enduring You are - how loving and faithful. Help me to build up my family Lord - with words that will build their relationship with You.
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