Thursday, December 22, 2011

JOY

"May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him." Psalm 67:4-7

In Luke 2:30-32, a wise man named Simeon rejoiced over the baby Jesus: "My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Simeon recognized in the tiny baby Jesus that God had come to earth to save the whole world from our sins.

Jesus is the light of the world and He has given us the responsibility of sharing His light with the world around us. Let us praise the Lord for His great blessings and mercies, and let us honor Him with all our good deeds in such a way that we share the news of God's love with everyone we meet.

For one of your carols today, you may want to sing, "Joy to the World." With joy in our hearts, let's catch the attention of the nations and bring God worldwide praise.

Dear Jesus, I thank You and praise You for all You bring into my life; help me to be ever mindful of Your daily blessings. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

JOY

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

The Bible describes our spiritual journey as a long-distance race, not a short sprint! We've got a long course to run so if we're going to achieve our goal - the joy of being together with Jesus in heaven - we have to focus on Him and keep pressing on.
 
Our faith began with Christ and will be completed in Him. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He has already overcome. When we think about these truths, we find new energy to keep going, and we can't help but be joyful.
 
So stand firm, take hold of joy, don't grow weary, remember the "cloud of witnesses" - disciples, the apostles, and the saints who have gone on before us - and finish the journey! Sing a song of praise today, knowing that God has already provided victory for us, and that he continually gives us strength each step of the way.
 
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for willing and joyful spirit to sustain me and help me to finish the race and not lose heart. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

JOY

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
Lots of events in life make us happy; births, graduations, weddings, achieving something we worked hard for. But there are other circumstances - things like sickness, money problems, trouble with our relationships, or the death of someone we love - that bring deep sadness and fear. If bad things are happening around us, how can we be joyful always?
 
The joy deep within our hearts doesn't always show up as laughter and happiness. The joy that comes from what Christ has done for us constantly fills our hearts; it doesn't depend on the circumstances of our lives.

We can choose to be joyful even when life is difficult the same way we choose to love those who are seemingly unlovable: by an act of our will. We do this by focusing on Christ instead of the situation that's going on in our life. This isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible. The Bible is full of examples of people who found joy in the midst of the worst situations, and if we look around, we'll see other examples all around us.

You have the ability through Christ to choose to fill your heart with joy. Praise and worship Jesus in song as you sing carols today.
 
Today, life up your own personal prayer to God. Speak whatever is on your heart.

Monday, December 19, 2011

JOY

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." Psalm 92:1-4

God is continually at work in the world, and everything He does is wonderful. Take time together as a family and marvel at God's amazing creation and all the good things He does. Maybe you live where there is cold and snow at this time of year, but brave the cold and take a walk, play in the snow with your family, or turn off the TV and drink hot cocoa in front of a window while watching the snow as it softly blankets the ground in white. Wherever you live, take time to enjoy nature and appreciate God's wondrous creation.

Most of all, find joy in His salvation. Sing "Silent Night" to reflect on the beauty God has made and all the wonderful things He does in our lives.

Dear Christ Jesus, I thank You for Your wonderful creation and all the great things You have done for me. I praise you and make this prayer in Your Holy Name. Amen

Sunday, December 18, 2011

JOY

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

JOY is the fourth topic of our spiritual journey.

"Send me your light and your faithful care,  let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God." Psalm 43:3-4

During the past weeks of Advent, we have read from the Bible and spent time talking with the Lord through prayer. His Word has taught us that He has sent His light and truth into the world to save us from our sins, and that He is faithful to care for His people. What a great God! So come, let us adore Him. Let's praise and worship Him and find great joy in His presence.

Take time each day this week to make a joyful noise! Praise and worship God through the singing of Christmas carols. Let each member of your family pick a favorite carol and sing together to Jesus, our Savior and King.

Dear Lord, I praise and worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! I praise Your holy name! In Jesus' name I  make this prayer. Amen.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

LOVE

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

The Greek word for love means a selfless concern for the needs of others. Real love doesn't depend on whether the person being loved is worthy or not; instead, love is a decision, and act of the will to love - yes, even the unlovable - in obedience to God's command.

We've learned this week that God is love, and love comes from God. That's why His command to love others is so important. It's also why love is the greatest of our spiritual gifts.

Love outlasts the gifts of prophesy, tongues, and knowledge. As we mature spiritually, we keep growing in our love relationships with God, all the way until we see Jesus face-to-face in heaven. Growing in His love is how we obey Him when He tells us to love our neighbor, even when our neighbor is hard to love.

May you love others as He has commanded, may you be in step with His love always, and may you seek His love above all else.

Dear Jesus, by the power of Your Spirit within me, enlighten me and empower me to love as You love. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

Friday, December 16, 2011

LOVE

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

This week of Advent, we've looked at the sacrificial love of God and how to become part of the holy family. We've learned that the gift of salvation through grace opens our eyes to God's love for the first time, and that as we walk with Him, He fills us with His Spirit. His powerful presence then overflows unto others so they may see God through our acts of love. And then His love is made complete in us. But the journey doesn't end there!

We have to take it a step further and discover that even if we do great things, we accomplish nothing if we are not motivated by love. Love is what makes a difference in the world, and when God does something, His goal is love. Sometimes it's hard to understand what God is doing, and that's why we need to keep asking God to work through us and help us understand His loving ways. The Bible says that if we ask, we will receive, and if we knock, the door will be opened to us (Matthew 7:7). We need to ask, seek, and knock at the door of this divine love, and it will be opened to us. Then His love will fill us so much that we will literally see God's hand at work around us today.

Dear Heavenly Father, I so need to see Your love at work in our world! I humbly pray for this awesome gift. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

LOVE

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:16-18

There are two things we need to know in order to understand God's love. The first thing is, God is love. It is in His very nature to be loving toward us as His children. And the second, we ourselves only know how to love because He loved us first.

When we understand those two things, we can perform acts of pure kindness, not because we feel we have to, but because we want to from a spirit of God's perfect love. In fact, our love for others is a sign that God lives in us. And when we allow God's love to shine in our lives, people can see the unseen God at work, and that brings Him glory, honor, and praise.

Genuine love is evidence that God is in us and has saved us. And with God's love and salvation comes the confidence that we will live forever with Him for all eternity.

Dear Savior, I thank You for Your perfect love that allows people to see God in me and desire to have a relationship with You. In Your name I pray. Amen.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

LOVE

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
1 John 3:16-20


It's not always easy to help the people who need us. Sometimes we don't know what to do, or we don't feel strong enough to provide for others. But in spite our shortcomings, God knows our hearts and our good intentions, and He assures us that He will empower us to help others in need.

Imagine you are decorating your Christmas tree. You wrap the lights around and around, covering the branches. But without plugging the string of lights into the wall outlet, they won't come on, and the tree will be dark. Only when you connect the lights to the source of energy can you light up the tree.

That's how helping others works too. We have to stay connected to Jesus, the source of power and love, and allow that energy to wrap around everyone in our lives, decorating them with the grace of God. God's power enables us to love with more than words. With His help, we are able to follow through with actions and meet the needs of others, putting their needs above our own.

And that's what God's love looks like: selfishly helping others. When we stay connected to Him and His love, we are able to serve and love people the way He loves.

Dear Christ Jesus, I ask You to embrace me with Your powerful love so that I may love others with words and actions. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

LOVE

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."  Ephesians 3:14-21

This beautiful prayer is for all of us. Take time to think about these powerful words. Jesus loves each one of us more than we can understand, more than anyone could ever measure. He loves us more than our family loves us, more than our very closest friend loves us. And not only are we assured of this great love, but Jesus is willing to pour His powerful love into each one of us and fill us up with God's presence and power.

Now imagine this power is at work in you. What will you do for Jesus this Advent season and throughout the year? How will you change the world around you? Whose life will you impact? With God's strength and help and His power working through you, there's no telling what you'll do for Him if you simply accept His love and put Him first in your life.
 
Dear Lord, I ask for the power of God's love to be at work in me so that I can do immeasurably more than I think or imagine. I make this prayer in Your Son's name. Amen.
 
This week on one night grab some Christmas music, a few snacks, and those favorite games - it's game night! On this night, take some time to simply enjoy each other's company as a family. Press "pause" on all of the wrapping, baking, and shopping, and just sit down to be together and have fun. You'll feel less stressed and have a good time - and make a priceless Christmas memory.

Monday, December 12, 2011

LOVE

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3

The Christmas season has a way of reminding us of how great family can be. But did you know that one of God's greatest gifts - and it's gift of grace, not something we could achieve on our own - is becoming a member of His own family? And as wonderful as it is is to have an earthly mom and dad and brothers and sisters who care about us, it's an even greater honor and joy to be included in God's holy family.
 
With Him as our heavenly Father, we are united with all our fellow believers. Just imagine all of the Christians in your church being part of your family. Now imagine how many believers there are in your state, your country, the world, and from all generations and all time. The truth is that all of us are one family, connected by the love of God.
 
Jesus is coming back again, and when He appears we shall see Him, we shall be like Him, and we shall worship Him with our brothers and sisters in faith forever. Let's thank God for the gift of an eternal family!
 
Dear Jesus, thank You for making me part of Your family and for teaching me to look forward to Your appearing. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen

Sunday, December 11, 2011

LOVE

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3
 
LOVE is the third topic of our spiritual journey.
 
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:16-18
 
God's wonderful plan of salvation was motivated by His great love for us. He desires to have an intimate relationship with us now, and for us to be with Him for all eternity. That's why Jesus was born in a manger and died on the cross; to provide a way for us to reach the Father.
 
To receive this gift of salvation, all we have to do is believe and receive. Now, believing is not based on how we feel. Believing is a response to God's truth. And we act out our belief by making the decision to turn from our sins and receive God's forgiveness.

Believing in Jesus as God's Son, in His sacrificial death on the cross, and in His resurrection promises us something amazing; salvation and eternal life. God's infinite love for us has provided a way for us to be with Him forever. And that's definitely something to celebrate!

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your great love and for making Your salvation available to all of mankind, given to all who believe in and receive it. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

PEACE

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

The Christmas season comes and goes so fast - one minute you're eating Thanksgiving dinner, the next you're boxing up the tree. But the peace we have with God isn't just a feeling that will pass in time. Our peace comes from living with God, and Him living in us, all year round. Because Christ came and died to forgive our sins, we get to have a one-on-one relationship with Him. He equips us with everything good, like love, grace, mercy, faith, faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance, and if we keep walking with Him and developing those traits, we'll grow in Him and become more and more able to carry out His will.
May your confidence in the hope of God's glory - and the peace that comes with it - be steadfast and strong. May the purpose for which God created you be fulfilled, and may you grow to be all that He intended.
Dear Savior, I thank You, Lord, for the shedding of Your blood that puts me in a right relationship with the God of peace. I praise You for equipping me with everything good for doing His will and working in me what is pleasing to God. In Your name I make this prayer. Amen.

Friday, December 9, 2011

PEACE

"Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it."
1 Thessalonians 5:19-24
The baby in the manger teaches us one very important thing: that God cares about us and wants to change our lives. And when He works in the lives of His people, we see love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace. As you worship this Advent, open your heart, your mind, your body, and your soul, and find calm within. Then, in that quiet moment, the Spirit's fire will fill you. That warm glow of His passion and presence is how you know God is making you into a brand-new person.
Our transformation into godly people depends on who God is and how He works in us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Let the peace of God's presence transform you today and every day.
Dear Christ Jesus, begin Your transforming work in my life, sanctify me, and carry out Your plans for me until Your return and the arrival of eternal peace. I make this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

PEACE

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:5-11

We now know we are moved beyond our emotions and seek peace through prayer and meditation; the challenge now is to keep our minds steadfast on what the Spirit desires. Our sinful nature is constantly at war with the Spirit. But Christ living in us gives us victory over that war, enabling us to live in righteousness. Day by day, moment by moment we can choose to live by the Spirit, resulting in the presence of His peace. And just as Christ's body was raised from the dead, our bodies will also rise because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit.

Dear Lord, I pray for the indwelling of the Spirit of Christ that gives life and peace and the promised resurrection. In your Son's name I pray, Amen.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

PEACE

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3:8-12

What is the definition of peace? Webster's New World Dictionary defines it as freedom from war; a state of harmony, serenity, or quiet. The Bible says we are to seek the Lord with all our hearts and in return, He will give us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The peace we receive from knowing the Lord extends far beyond our outward circumstances - even when we are not in a state of harmony - going directly into our heart, soul, and mind. It is a peace that enables us to live in harmony with one another, to love as brothers, and to be compassionate and humble. And because of this gift, we are able to do good deeds and show sincere love to others from the overflow of this wonderful peace.

Dear Jesus, make my hearts desire to seek You and Your peace, that I may do good and inherit Your blessings. I  make this prayer in Your name. Amen.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

PEACE

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17

On any given day, we experience many emotions. And sometimes those emotions will try to rule our hearts. This happens when we spend too much time being anxious, angry, depressed, or fearful. But the good news is, we have the power within us to choose between letting our emotions rule within us, or letting the Prince of Peace flood our soul with tranquility and thankfulness.

When people watch us apply the power we're promised in God's Word, we have a much better chance of reaching them with Christ's love. Your family, friends, and co-workers see what you're going through in your life, sometimes on a daily basis. How you handle yourself and your emotions can make a great impact for Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me emotions. Help me to control them in a way that allows Your peace to rule over them all, so that I might be a light of love to everyone around me. I make this prayer in Christ's name. Amen.

Monday, December 5, 2011

PEACE

"Rejoice in the Lrod always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer connects us to the Father in an intimate communion of heart, soul and spirit - it is a mysterious dialogue of love and power with a most Holy God. And Jesus is our faithful intercessor - our heavenly ambassador who presents our prayers to God. Through prayer, God's power is released to work in your life and the lives of others, bringing peace and comfort in knowing He has heard you and will answer you in His time.
 
When you present your requests to God, do so in humble submission with thanksgiving in your heart. The Lord will then guard your heart and mind with peace that transcends all understanding.
 
Heavenly Father, I ask you this day that Your hand be upon our nation and all of the nations on earth. Please guide our president, the leaders of our country, and leaders around the world, from the smallest of towns to our global communities. We lift up the wars that are raging now, and we ask for peace for all who are affected by them. We ask that You bless soldiers and their families, our missionaries, our pastors, friends, and our families. Please bless the hungry, the sick, and the lonely. Thank You that Your love, grace, and peace are available to all the people of the world. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
 
Hope you are having a great Monday. Stay warm
Blessings,

Sunday, December 4, 2011

PEACE

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14

PEACE is the second topic of our spiritual journey.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Peace is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has brought to us. In the verse above, the prophet Isaiah helps us to recognize the peace we will have upon Christ's arrival, and goes on to proclaim the glory and majesty of who He is and His purpose for coming.

Wonderful Counselor points to the Messiah as King - a king who will direct and guide, and carry out a plan of action - but also One the world will know as loving and compassionate; One who cares about each and every one of us and the smallest details of our lives.

Mighty God refers to His divine power. He spoke, and the earth, sun, moon and stars came into being. He parted the seas, stopped the waves, and performed miracles that we talk about to this very day.

Everlasting Father indicates that His grace and mercy are never ending, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. Ever.

Prince of Peace reminds us that only through Jesus Christ we will have true peace of mind and soul. Faith in Christ brings peace with the Father, and it is on believers that God's favor of peace will rest.

Take a moment now to think about these elements of God's nature, and why we have peace in His completeness.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, I praise You for Your glory and majesty this day and always. I thank You for Your comfort, guidance, and provision. May I be ever mindful of who You are. I make this prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

HOPE

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now; let us leave." John 14:28-31

Jesus has given us tremendous hope in Him, in the Father, and in the Holy Spirit. He has gone away for a time, but He is coming back - He promised! While we are here on this earth and for all eternity, we have fellowship in Christ through the Holy Spirit.

May your spiritual journey lead you to abide in Christ and to obey His teaching. May you spread the hope and love of Christ this Christmas season as you share Him with others. And may you put your faith into action as you give of yourself, your time, and your talents. Finally, we invite you to rejoice and celebrate in the greatest Hope the world has ever been offered.

Dear Savior, live in me and enable me to share the hope of Christ through encouraging words and actions this Advent season and throughout my life. I make this prayer in Your name. Amen.

Friday, December 2, 2011

HOPE

"All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:25-27
 
As Christians we are not immune to trials and hard times, but when we are burdened and afraid we have hope in the Lord and comfort from the Holy Spirit. When our external lives are full of turmoil, we tend to spend more time on our knees in prayer; this leads to a greater dependence on God. And though God does not cause bad things to happen to us, He sometimes allows them so we will grow closer to Him and learn to trust Him more. Release your troubled heart to the Lord and He will give you peace. He will teach you to abide in Him and share in a peaceful communion that is true and lasting. He has promised and has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" Hebrews 14:5. Hope and know that internally, within our very souls, we can always find peace in the Lord.
 
Dear Jesus, I turn over my troubled heart and burden to You this day and receive Your hope and peace. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
 
Happy Friday
Blessings,

Thursday, December 1, 2011

HOPE

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." John 14:21-24

What an awesome hope; in our time, study, prayer, and obedience to the Word, Jesus will reveal himself to us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. We are simply to obey. As parents, we teach our children to obey because we want them to be safe and secure. In the same way, our heavenly Father asks us to follow His will. Obedience is a positive thing. When God prompts us to do or not do something, remember that blessings will surely follow if we're obedient. The quicker we act out His will, the sooner we will be blessed. Obey the Lord's commands and you'll abide in the love of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to know You more and to be obedient to You in all things that I may bring glory to Your name. I make this request in Christ's name. Amen.

Blessings on your Thursday,