December 22, 2008

A Savior Is Born

"I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

May you have time during this busy season, to stop and remember and reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. May you experience God's extravagant love and share it with others--especially those who are less fortunate. And, may you experience God's amazing presence in your life everyday.

Father God, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. . .my Savior. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your one and only Son to pay the price for my sin. This year may my Christmas focus be on You and Your gift--Your amazing love--and may I share it with everyone You place in my path.

Merry Christmas!

Life Journal, December 17, 2008
Today's reading: John 2-4

God's Gift

Scripture

[Jesus speaking] "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants."

John 3.16-21

Observation

God loves me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, so that I could walk in the Light and share the Light with others.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The message of Christmas. God came to earth in human form . . . as a baby . . . because of His amazing, extravagant love for ME! He has brought Light to my life and when I allow Him to fill my life with His Light there is no room for darkness (sin). Sin can only hide and run rampant in darkness. When the pure Light of God shines on it--it is exposed and we have to decide what to do with it. . .remain in darkness which brings death . . . or remove it from our lives, which brings life--abundant life.

So today, I will live in the Light. I will look for any darkness in me that is revealed as the Light consumes me. . .and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, remove it. So that the Light of Jesus Christ can shine brightly in me and through me. I will look for every opportunity to share the Light today!

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your great love for me. Thank You for Your gift of Jesus. Lord, I offer my life as my gift to You. It's not much--but it is all that I have. I am Yours. May Your Light shine brightly in me today!

Life Journal, December 17, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Peter 1-3; John 1

Shining Brightly

Scripture

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brout light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyonemight believe because of his testimony. John himself was not th elight; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1.1-9

Observation

Jesus is the light of the world!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

The world often seems so dark and hopeless. There is war, famine, destruction, genocide, . . . the list goes on and on. It can be overwhelming at times.

Then Christmas happens. And we are reminded of the baby who came to bring Light and Life into our dark lives. How dark the world is without Him.

And I am called to be a Light-bearer--carrying the Light of Christ into the darkness. The world still needs His Light--now, maybe, more than ever. And He has called me to take it with me--everywhere I go.

But to carry the Light, I must be filled with the Light. And to be filled with the Light, I have to be walking and living in the Light . . . otherwise I am only a flicker that can easily be put out. For my flame to burn brightly, I must fill myself with Christ's Light and Love.

So, today, I will continue to be in the Light--my source of Life--so that I can walk and live and share the Light of Christ with all whom I meet along the way.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for the Light--Your Son, Jesus Christ. Today, help me walk in His Light and may I be a Light-bearer, illuminating the path to You for others. Today I ask that You remove all darkness from inside of me--that You clean me up so I can shine brightly for You!

Life Journal, December 16, 2008
Today's reading: 1 Peter 1-5

The Life of a Follower

Scripture

All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.

"If you want to enjoy life

and see many happy days,

keep your tongue from speaking evil

and your lips from telling lies.

Turn away from evil and do good.

Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right

and his ears are open to their prayers.

But the Lord turns his face,

against those who do evil."

1 Peter 3.8-12

Observation

Followers of Christ should act and be different than the world.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I recently met a man who considers himself an agnostic--bordering on being an athiest. He sees no reason to become a Christian. You see, he has watched church-going "Christians" and how they treat each other and those around themselves . . . and it's not pretty, to say the least. They aren't any different than the world . . . and are much more judgmental of others.

Our actions, as followers/believers of Jesus Christ, speak loudly . . . but what do they say?? How can we tell others about a loving God when we don't love others? How can we help them see that God loves them right where they are when we expect them to clean up their act and be "perfect" like us [what a joke] before they come to church??

These instructions from Peter--similar to others written in the New Testament--describe what our lives should look like if we are truly a follower of Christ. Does mine look like this?? I hope it is beginning to become part of who I am. I have to admit there are some areas that I am having to work harder at--be more intentional about living out. And yes, sometimes I fall flat on my face. But, I hope that everyday, I become more like Jesus--not just someone who knows all the right words, but actually someone who reflects Him with my life. Today, may I be more like my Savior.

Prayer

Father God, I want to be more like Jesus. I want to reflect Him in all I do and say. I cannot do it on my own. I need Your Holy Spirit to fill me more and more and take over my life (recognizing that I must surrender my life) more each hour . . . each day. Lord, I don't want people to look at me and think 'If that is what a follower of Christ is like, I don't want anything to do with Him.' I want to learn to love as Jesus loved and live as Jesus lived . . . and help others to do the same. I want to reflect Christ's love and mercy in all that I do and say. May Your light and life fill me today.

Life Journal, December 13, 2008 (a cold and snowy morning)
Today's readings: Hebrews 9-11

Hope

Scripture

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10.19-25

Observation

All our hope is found in Christ because of what He did for us.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is overwhelming to think of what Christ has done for us. Because of Him and His work on the cross, I am able to enter into the Holy of Holies--to go right to God. It has nothing to do with my earning it or being good enough or me at all (other than God's amazing love for me making it all possible).

It is important for me to remember these truths and to "hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." No matter what it looks like--I must hold on to hope and remember that God can be trusted to do what He says He is going to do. I have to keep the faith [chapter 11 of Hebrews!!].

So today, I will remember these truths so that I can walk and live in them. I will look for ways to perform acts of love and good works--because God has told me to--not because they will make me right with God. Today I will hang on to my hope in Christ and my faith in God.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your truths. For your promises--that You are faithful to fulfill. Fill me with more and more faith, so that I can be found faithful to You.

Life Journal, December 12, 2008
Today's readings: Hebrews 5-8

Patiently Waiting

Scripture

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Hebrews 6.15

Observation

God always delivers on His promises . . . on His timetable.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Waiting on God. . .something that I'm not always good at. I find myself thinking, He promised it . . . why isn't it happening?? God's timing and mine are often very different.

I live in an instant world of fast food, fast cars, immediate gratification. We want it now! The thought of waiting for something is non-existent for many. And, I have to admit, I am just as guilty. I wait a day . . . or a week . . . or a month . . . or a year . . . or longer--and wonder why God isn't doing what He said He would do. Doesn't He care?? Where is He?? Is there something I need to do to make it happen?? And then I decide that I need to take it into my own hands . . . and that never works out right--I always make a mess of it.

So, today, I will trust God. I will continue to grow in my faith that God will keep His promises to me. I will not try to take things into my own hands. I will take a deep breathe and wait . . . patiently . . . upon the Lord.

Prayer

Father God, I confess that I get impatient with You. I believe, for some reason, that my timing is better than Yours. Forgive my arrogance and lack of faith and trust. Lord, I cannot do this on my own--I have proven that--so, please, through Your Holy Spirit, help me to wait upon You. Help me to trust in Your promises. Help me to have faith in You. Thank You for Your amazing patience with me!

Life Journal, December 11, 2008
Today's readings: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

Boldy To the Throne

Scripture

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4.14-16

Observation

Because of Christ, I can come boldly to the very throne of God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

Jesus understands all my struggles--all my trials--everything that I have and will experience. And He did not sin. And He offers me the power I need to not sin--but I have to be willing to say "NO!!" to myself and to the sin. . .just as He did.

And because of what Christ has done for me--took on my sin and died for ME!--I can come directly to God with EVERYTHING. And, He is willing to extend His grace and His mercy in my life--just because I ask and I am His child and He LOVES ME!! How amazing!!

So today, rather than try to do things on my own and fall, I will ask God to come through His Holy Spirit and give me the strength that I need to withstand those things that come at me. Today, I will say "No" to myself . . . because of God's mercy and grace in my life . . . and "YES!!" to what God has for me. Knowing that in all things I can trust Him.

Prayer

Father God, today I come boldly to Your throne and ask that You work in my life today, continuing the work You have started, shaping and molding me more and more into the image of Jesus. Give me the strength I need to say "No!" to myself when I need to. Continue to fill me with Your Holy Spirit, so I may fully live in Your grace and experience Your mercy. Thank You Father for Your Son Jesus--because in Him I have life in You.

Life Journal, December 10, 2008
Today's readings: 2 Timothy 1-4

Kingdom Issue or Distraction

Scripture

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind of everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

2 Timothy 2.23-26

Observation

Stay focused on Kingdom issues--don't let the distractions pull you away or side-track you!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is so easy to get caught up in all the distractions around you--in the petty arguments, in the whining, in those who are constantly disagreeable. All of the distractions to the real focus of our lives. They take so much energy away from what is really important. It is funny how easily they pull us away and distract from what we should be focused on. They sometimes consume us and they gain energy and power over us if we are not careful and stop it.

So, today, I will look at those things that come into my life and ask myself if they are Kingdom issues or distractions. I will not allow myself to get sucked-in to petty quarrels and I will allow God to work in my life with the difficult people. . . and I will pray for them and ask God to change their hearts. . . . remembering that I am someone's (probably several someone's) difficult person in their life.

Prayer

Father God, I get so easily side-tracked by the unimportant. Please help me to keep my focus on what is truly important -- on YOU! Give me wisdom to recognize whether something is a Kingdom issue or a distraction. Give me knowledge so I am able to teach in all situations. And, give me patience with difficult people. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may treat each person kindly and as You would treat them. Thank You Father that You never give up on me!!

Life Journal, December 9, 2008
Today's readings: 1 Timothy 5, 6; Titus 1-3

Doing Good

Scripture

Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.

Titus 3.14

Observation

We are called to do good.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

We are called to do good--not to earn our salvation--but to reflect it and our love of God and Christ. Then why don't we do a better job of it??

Today I will look for ways to reach out and do good--to meet the needs of others, to be the hands and feet of God--reflecting His love to others.

Prayer

Father God, may Your love flow out of me today . . . and everyday . . . not only in words, but in very practical ways. Today, may I do good to others, impacting their lives for You!!!

Life Journal, December 8, 2008
Today's readings: 1 Timothy 1-4

He Came For Me

Scripture

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and gloroy to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies: he alone is God. Amen.

1 Timothy 1.15-17

Observation

Jesus came to save sinners!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

An important reminder--Jesus came into the world to save sinners . . . and I am the worst of them. It is easy to forget and become judgmental of others (which in itself is a sin!!). I am thankful for Paul's reminder of God's patience with even the worst sinners--that includes me!

So today, I will be mindful my what God has done in my life and the work that He is doing in the lives of others. I will extend grace and patience. I will love in His name, sharing what He has done in my life--how He saved me--the worst of sinners.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your great patience with me. Thank You for Your gift of salvation. Thank You for loving me so much and never giving up on me. Thank You for reminding me today of what You have done for me. Help me to see others with Your eyes and to share You love with all.

Life Journal, December 6, 2008
Today's readings: Philippians 1-4

A Different Life

Scripture

Always be full of joy in the Lord, I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. . . . Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4.4-9

Observation

When our complete focus--and worship--is on God, everything else will fall into place.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

These great verses remind me today that I need to keep my eyes upon God. That everything I do must be covered in prayer and done with a God-heart. It is when I do things on my own that I begin to worry and fret.

These verses today remind me of the life I am called to live. An expectant life, filled with joy and peace and righteousness. And it is possible--but I have to want it and do whatever it takes . . . whatever God asks of me . . . to have it. The problem is most of us think this will be a life where we get all the things we want, where things will go our way--but it's not. It's a life, where in truth, those things don't matter. It is a God-centered, God-filled life.

So, today, I will continue to work at being the person God has called me to be. I will set aside any worry. I will be full of joy in all circumstances. I will tell God what I need and trust that He will give me what I need (not necessarily what I ask for). I will fix my thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. I will experience God's perfect peace--because He has promised it and He is faithful to keep His promises. I will open myself to receive it. Amen!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word! Today, help me to be the person You desire me to be. Capture my thoughts and my words--let them be Yours. Today, may I shine brightly for You!

Life Journal, December 5, 2008
Today's reading: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119.1-80

Imitator of God

Scripture

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5.1-2

Observation

I am called to imitate God, especially in how I love others.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

As a child, we often try to imitate one of our parents--someone we look up to and want to be like. I have always admired my father and what he is like. As a little girl I tried to do things just like he did--to like what he did, to act like he did, to respond like he did. I would watch his every move, listen to his every word and then try to imitate him. He was my hero--he was able to do anything. And imitating him seemed to be a great way to demonstrate how important he was to me--to show him just how much I loved him.

To imitate someone, you have to know them and the better you know them, the better able you are to imitate them. You have to spend time with them, watch what they do, how they act, how they treat others, etc. So, if I am going to imitate God, I have to know him intimately--I have to spend as much time with Him as I can--just a few minutes a day or one time a week won't do it. I have to be willing to give myself entirely to the process. I have to intentionally change things in my life that make me more like Him. I have to study Him and all I can learn about Him. And I have to practice and practice and practice being like Him.

To live a life of love--as God loves--requires me to relinquish all rights to my life and let God take it over . . . completely. . . . all areas . . . nothing held back. It has to be a very intentional and voluntary act of release.

So, today, I will continue in my journey to be an imitator of God. I will examine my life and see what areas need me to turn over to Him--recognizing it won't happen overnight and will be a lifelong process, but one that can't happen if I don't start somewhere. Today, I will examine my relationships and ask God to help me love better. . .to see others as He sees them . . . and for Him to give me His love for others.

Prayer

Father God, I want to imitate You--not the world. And Lord, I recognize that I cannot do it on my own. I need Your Holy Spirit to fill me over and over and over with Your love and character so that I can be more and more like You. Today, Lord God, may others see You at work in my life and may they experience Your love through me. I am Your child. May I reflect You!

Life Journal, December 5, 2008
Today's readings: Ephesians 1-4

A Healthy Body

Scripture

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body, and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.....

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4.1-6, 11-16

Observation

The Church should be busy doing the work God has called them to do--loving and serving--creating a healthy, growing body.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I read these verses and think about how different most churches could look if they did what the Great Physician told them to rather than take such poor care of themselves.They would be healthy and growing, rather than unhealthy and dying.

So, what is my role--can I make a difference. Yes. Each thing that is changed will help the whole body. Each one who get healthier and makes healthy choices will help the body to become what God has called us to be.

It is not easy--we have to say "NO!" to ourselves and our desires . . . . and most of us don't like to do that. But, it is the only way the body can get healthy. And it has to be healthy if we want it to grow and be what God has called us to be.

So today, I will seek the guidance and advice of the Great Physician. I will make the necessary life changes so that I can do my part to make the Body healthy--so it can grow and give honor and glory to God.

Prayer

Father God, today may I follow Your way and do the things that You want me to do so that I can become spiritually healthy. I would pray that You would work in each area of Your body to bring health and wholeness and an overflow of love.

Life Journal, December 3, 2008
Today's reading: Romans 13-16

A Different World

Scripture

Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law.

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Romans 13.9b; 14.12,13, 19; 15.5-7

Observation

As God's church, our love for each other should shine out and set us apart from the world.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I can only imagine how disappointed God is in His Church and what the world thinks of Him because of us. We bicker. We fight. We demand what we want. We judge. We divide. We gossip. We don't treat each other with love, let alone respect. Not what God had in mind.

We are called to be different--to shine brightly with God's amazing, extravagant love! And we don't do a very good job of it. Mostly because it would require us to put others before ourselves. Ouch! We are so self-centered that we believe that everyone else should want things our way. Not very biblical.

So, today, I will be intentional about loving--no matter how I am treated, no matter what is said to me--I will reply in love. Today I will put others first. I will strive to build bridges, not barriers. Today, it will not be about me--but about others and God's great love for them that I am allowed to share with them. It has to start with me as an individual if it is to leak over into the church.

Prayer

Father God, I try to live out these Scriptures--and fail miserably so often. I don't like to admit it--I am self-centered. I want things done my way (because, of course, it is the right way). I am called to reflect You. I am called to love like You. I am called to be different. Lord God, I cannot do this on my own. May Your Holy Spirit work in me, today--and every day--to make me more like You . . . more loving, less judging . . . an encourager rather than a gossiper. Today, may I reflect YOU!!

Life Journal, December 2, 2008
Today's readings: Romans 9-12

Living Differently

Scripture

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12.2, 9-18

Observation

We are to be transformed into new people who live and love in a way that reflects God.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I need to remember that because of Christ--and His work in my life--and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, I should not be like the world--I am called to be different. To act differently . . . to treat other's differently . . . to love as God loves . . . to treat others as He would have me treat them--not how I want to treat them.

It's easy to do this with those we care about or like, but not as easy with those whom we perceive as difficult or EGR (extra grace required) folks. But, it is in how I treat them . . . how I love them . . . that demonstrates God's active presence in my life. So, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I need to love them as God loves them. Not easy. . . .especially when I don't want to. [smile?!?!]

So today, I will allow God to work in my life, especially in how I relate to others. I will choose to act differently, love more, and hopefully, allow God to reflect in all areas of my life and with all those He brings into it -- or has already brought into it.

Prayer

Father God, today may I love as You love. May I reflect You in how I treat others. Today, may I be transformed in all areas of my life to live as You have called me to live.