tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29108277364719696952024-02-20T18:38:23.982-06:00Ain'ta That Good News?!A daily online Christian devotion that makes GOOD NEWS easy to read and fun to share!
Copyright (C) 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 by Yolanda LehmanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.comBlogger1140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-81611921542951443112012-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-25T00:00:04.028-06:00The Loving Arms of God<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day <br />Hebrews 1:1-12 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets,
but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of
all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of
God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all
things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down
at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to
angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. <br />For to
which of the angels did God ever say, <br />"You are my Son; <br />today I have
begotten you"? <br />Or again, <br />"I will be his Father, <br />and he will be my
Son"? <br />And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
<br />"Let all God's angels worship him." <br />Of the angels he says, <br />"He makes
his angels winds, <br />and his servants flames of fire." <br />But of the Son he
says, <br />"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, <br />and the righteous
scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. <br />You have loved righteousness and
hated wickedness; <br />therefore God, your God, has anointed you <br />with the oil
of gladness beyond your companions." <br />And, <br />"In the beginning, Lord, you
founded the earth, <br />and the heavens are the work of your hands; <br />they will
perish, but you remain; <br />they will all wear out like clothing; <br />like a
cloak you will roll them up, <br />and like clothing they will be changed. <br />But
you are the same, <br />and your years will never end."<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Merry CHRISTmas! May the love, joy, peace, and hope of CHRISTmas overtake you, today and always...No matter how you may feel on this day, please know that God loves you so much that God gave Jesus into the world, to die on the cross, to save us from our sins, and gift us with eternal life.<br />
<br />
For some, this is a joyous day; praise God! For some, this is a sad or mournful day; still, praise God! <br />
<br />
We are not alone. No matter how we feel, we are not alone. Immanuel, God with us, attends to our every feeling, concern, and need. He laughs with us, cries with us, celebrates with us, and laments with us...<br />
<br />
Let your heart feel the loving arms of God wrapped around you on this day and believe that you are the beloved of God, treasured beyond your imaginings, and adored beyond your wildest dreams.<br />
<br />
MERRY CHRISTmas!<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Thank you God for the most precious gift of Jesus Christ, who is the Light and Salvation of the whole world! Amen...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-77006748852015224962012-12-24T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-24T00:00:00.772-06:00Love Come Down<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve <br />Titus 2:11-14 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to
renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that
are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and
the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it
is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify
for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
On this CHRISTmas Eve, my prayer for all of us is that we would intimately experience the love, joy, hope, and peace that comes with knowing that "the grace of God has appeared." <br />
<br />
Because of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and promise to come again, we are able to live into the "blessed hope" of knowing the glory of our "great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!<br />
<br />
Jesus is Love come down, wrapped in flesh, "who gave himself for us that [we might] be redeemed."<br />
<br />
Halleljuah!<br />
<br />
God's love, salvation, and redemption is the best CHRISTmas gift of all.<br />
<br />
On tomorrow, I want to invite you to wake up, sing "Happy Birthday to Jesus," eat some birthday cake, read the CHRISTmas story (e.g., Luke 2, Matthew 1), and rejoice with your family in prayer. The tree will be there. The presents will be enjoyed. But, please remember, that tomrrow is JESUS' BIRTHDAY! <br />
<br />
Let's have a party for our Lord and Savior and give thanks to God for the good news that Jesus came down from heaven, to redeem us from our sin, and open the door to our eternal lives in Heaven! <br />
<br />
Hallelujah!<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Oh God, you are great and greatly to be praised! Thank you for Jesus, who is the greatest CHRISTmas gift of all! Please help me to celebrate your birthday with great joy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-12180762093194487482012-12-23T22:31:00.000-06:002012-12-23T22:47:47.299-06:00Be At Peace<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>4th Sunday in Advent <br />Micah 5:2-5a (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, <br />
who are one of the little clans of
Judah, <br />
from you shall come forth for me <br />
one who is to rule in Israel,
<br />
whose origin is from of old, <br />
from ancient days. <br />
Therefore he shall
give them up until the time <br />
when she who is in labor has brought forth;
<br />
then the rest of his kindred shall return <br />
to the people of Israel.
<br />
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, <br />
in
the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. <br />
And they shall live secure, for
now he shall be great <br />
to the ends of the earth; <br />
and he shall be the one
of peace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
Sometimes we feel so very small. The world can seem so big and scary and our challenges too large to overcome. It is at times like these that the Holy Spirit reminds us that God can do big things with little people.<br />
<br />
When we are willing to humble ourselves and admit that we need God for every moment of our lives, then we will find that God is always available to lead us on the path of peace.<br />
<br />
No matter what may be raging on the outside of our lives, we can be peaceful on the inside, because of the precious gift of Jesus Christ and the gentle care of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
When we feel overwhelmed, we can slow down, take some deep breaths and take advantage of the Power of God that is within us. This Power leads us into the love, joy, hope, and peace of the CHRISTmas season 365 days per year.<br />
<br />
As we approach CHRISTmas Day this week, may the peace of God be yours. You are a beloved child of God. You have been declared very good. You are cherished, valued, protected, and cared for. You are seen and still adored. You are unconditionally loved now and forever.<br />
<br />
Breathe, Child of God... And be at peace. May CHRISTmas joy be yours...Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and
come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us,
that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with
the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-75963425284729526022012-12-22T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-22T00:00:06.343-06:00Blessed One<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Luke 13:31-35 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here,
for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me,
'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on
the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be
on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of
Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones
those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children
together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the
time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the
Lord.'"<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Today is Saturday! On this day "good news" comes to us as a psalm from my heart. Thanks for reading, sharing, and being good news!<br />
<br />
Listen...<br />
Know you not who I am<br />
What I am doing<br />
What I will do?<br />
Not afraid of you<br />
Can't touch me<br />
Can't block me<br />
Can't stop me<br />
Headed to Jerusalem<br />
None can take my life<br />
Only I can lay it down<br />
And I will do so<br />
for my friends<br />
Amidst derision<br />
Scorn<br />
Hate<br />
Amidst tears<br />
Fears <br />
Sorrow<br />
and Pain<br />
I will lay down my life<br />
To secure your future<br />
To make provision for your tomorrows<br />
To open heaven's door...<br />
<br />
Blessed!<br />
Blessed!<br />
Blessed!<br />
<br />
Blessed is the one who comes in the Name of the Lord!<br />
<br />
Blessed baby!<br />
Blessed teacher!<br />
Blessed healer!<br />
Blessed savior!<br />
Blessed King!<br />
<br />
Blessed<br />
is<br />
the <br />
Name<br />
of <br />
The <br />
One <br />
who <br />
comes...<br />
<br />
Trumpet sound<br />
Clouds roll back<br />
Winds blow<br />
Caught up in the air<br />
To meet the...<br />
<br />
Blessed One<br />
Coming...<br />
Prepare the way of the Lord<br />
<br />
CHRIST(mas) is coming!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Lord, help my heart to declare, "Blessed is the one who comes in the Name of the Lord!" Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-67805102010076417292012-12-21T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-21T00:00:05.850-06:00Sing a New Song!<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Isaiah 42:10-18 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
Sing to the LORD a new song, <br />his praise from the end of the earth!
<br />Let the sea roar and all that fills it, <br />the coastlands and their
inhabitants. <br />Let the desert and its towns lift up their voice, <br />the
villages that Kedar inhabits; <br />let the inhabitants of Sela sing for joy,
<br />let them shout from the tops of the mountains. <br />Let them give glory to
the LORD, <br />and declare his praise in the coastlands. <br />The LORD goes forth
like a soldier, <br />like a warrior he stirs up his fury; <br />he cries out, he
shouts aloud, <br />he shows himself mighty against his foes. <br />For a long time
I have held my peace, <br />I have kept still and restrained myself; <br />now I
will cry out like a woman in labor, <br />I will gasp and pant. <br />I will lay
waste mountains and hills, <br />and dry up all their herbage; <br />I will turn the
rivers into islands, <br />and dry up the pools. <br />I will lead the blind <br />by
a road they do not know, <br />by paths they have not known <br />I will guide them.
<br />I will turn the darkness before them into light, <br />the rough places into
level ground. <br />These are the things I will do, <br />and I will not forsake
them. <br />They shall be turned back and utterly put to shame -— <br />those who
trust in carved images, <br />who say to cast images, <br />"You are our gods."
<br />Listen, you that are deaf; <br />and you that are blind, look up and see!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Today I realized that it is five days until CHRISTmas and I have done NO CHRISTmas shopping for my family!<br />
<br />
Just as my chest tightened and I began to panic, I heard the Holy Spirit remind me that <em>Jesus is the reason for the season.</em><br />
<br />
Instead of panicing about not having participated (yet) in a commercialized version of CHRISTmas, I gave myself permission to "Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth!" Instead of despairing that I hadn't made my pilgrimage to the local Walmart, I chose to "give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise."<br />
<br />
I know that I will find a way to get my shopping done for my children. But, that is not what is ultimately important. <br />
<br />
What is of paramount importantance is that may family has been making time to gather around the table at night to read scripture, sing carols, and pray for all of God's children to experience the inbreaking of God's Kingdom of Love.<br />
<br />
What is important is that on CHRISTmas morn, my family will have a birthday cake for Jesus and we will sing "Happy Birthday!" with glad tidings in our hearts as we celebrate the coming of our King.<br />
<br />
And what is important is that Jesus was born, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Won't you share this good news with all who will hear it!<br />
<br />
MERRY CHRISTmas! You are loved!<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Holy God, I declare your praise! You are awesome and no one compares to you! Thank you for the blessed gift of Jesus during this holy day season. In His Name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-77496401326403245182012-12-20T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-19T20:21:56.891-06:00The Law of Love<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Jeremiah 31:31-34 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the
covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring
them out of the land of Egypt -- a covenant that they broke, though I was their
husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house
of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I
will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my
people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the
Lord," for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says
the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
<em>"Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me, for the Bible tells me so!" (Warner/Bradbury)</em><br />
<br />
This childhood chorus explains the new covenant that God now has with us, God's people. God's Law of Love is written upon our hearts in the life and legacy of Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
Because of God's unconditional love and amazing grace, Love came down, in order that God could forgive our iniquity and remember our sin no more.<br />
<br />
It is the most precious gift of all that we are called the children of God! <br />
<br />
The next time you are tempted to get down on yourself, or to imagine that you're worthless, remember that you are a child of the King. The next time you're tempted to give up on life, remember that Jesus thought your life was worth dying for.<br />
<br />
As we fall more and more in love with Jesus every day, the Law of Love, infuses what we say, do, and think. As we get to know more and more of God, we have a greater desire to immulate the example of Jesus.<br />
<br />
Today, let us give thanks to God that we know--and are known--by the King of Glory!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Loving God, help me to be loving as I share the good news that we are all your children. Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-28844683638147310012012-12-19T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-19T00:00:06.222-06:00Upside Down CHRISTmas!<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Isaiah 11:1-9 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, <br />
and a branch shall grow
out of his roots. <br />
The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, <br />
the spirit
of wisdom and understanding, <br />
the spirit of counsel and might, <br />
the spirit
of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. <br />
His delight shall be in the fear of
the LORD. <br />
He shall not judge by what his eyes see, <br />
or decide by what his
ears hear; <br />
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, <br />
and decide
with equity for the meek of the earth; <br />
he shall strike the earth with the
rod of his mouth, <br />
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
<br />
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, <br />
and faithfulness the
belt around his loins. <br />
The wolf shall live with the lamb, <br />
the leopard
shall lie down with the kid, <br />
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
<br />
and a little child shall lead them. <br />
The cow and the bear shall graze,
<br />
their young shall lie down together; <br />
and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox. <br />
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, <br />
and the
weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. <br />
They will not hurt or
destroy <br />
on all my holy mountain; <br />
for the earth will be full of the
knowledge of the LORD <br />
as the waters cover the sea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Today's scripture reminds me that Jesus turns everything upside down.<br />
<br />
This reminds me of the Advent Conspiracy that many churches are engaging in around the world. Advent Conspiracy reminds us to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all! (<a href="http://www.adventconspiracy.org/">www.adventconspiracy.org</a>)<br />
<br />
When we turn Christmas upside down we can say things like...<br />
<br />
Because the Lord has come...<br />
<ul>
<li>I <u>worship</u> with a heart of gladness, rather than worry about how I'm going to pay the bills</li>
<li>I <u>spend less</u> at the mall, rather than repay maxed out credit cards bills all next year</li>
<li>I <u>give more</u> of what I do have so that all of God's children can have food, water, clothes, shelter, health care, education, peace, and security.</li>
<li>I <u>love all</u>, because God first loved us giving The Son to live, die, and live again that I might inherit eternal life.</li>
</ul>
Won't this kind of CHRISTmas Spirit be counter cultural and contagious? Won't this offer an alternative to the commercialized CHRISTmas that many of our friends and neighbors are suffering through? Won't our offer of CHRISTmas love, joy, hope, and peace be a great blessing to the whole world!<br />
<br />
Today, I want to challenge us to do one thing to turn CHRISTmas upside down. You'll be glad you did!<br />
<br />
<br />
PRAYER<br />
<br />
Oh God! Please give me the wisdom to turn CHRISTmas upside down for myself and my family. I want to celebrate your birthday in a way that brings you joy. In Your Name, Amen.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-81313286888747242802012-12-18T21:57:00.000-06:002012-12-18T21:57:23.064-06:00Do You Hear What I Hear?<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Acts 28:23-31 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
After they had set a day to meet with him, they came to him at his lodgings
in great numbers. From morning until evening he explained the matter to them,
testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both
from the law of Moses and from the prophets. Some were convinced by what he had
said, while others refused to believe. So they disagreed with each other; and as
they were leaving, Paul made one further statement: "The Holy Spirit was right
in saying to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah, <br />
'Go to this people
and say, <br />
You will indeed listen, but never understand, <br />
and you will
indeed look, but never perceive. <br />
For this people's heart has grown dull,
<br />
and their ears are hard of hearing,and they have shut their eyes; <br />
so
that they might not look with their eyes, <br />
and listen with their ears,
<br />
and understand with their heart and turn -— <br />
and I would heal them.'
<br />
Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent <br />
to
the Gentiles; they will listen." <br />
<br />
He lived there two whole years at his
own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and
teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without
hindrance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
This season is about getting slowing down, getting still, and listening for the cries of a newborn baby and the shouts of a king descending in glory!<br />
<br />
When we get too busy with the distractions of a commercial Christmas season, we can be accused of listening, but not understanding, looking but not perceiving. We get caught up in all of the judgment and condemnation of woulda, coulda, shouldas. We spend more money than we have and rack up debt we will pay the next 365 paying off. We worry, fuss, and cuss fighting in the malls with our neighbors, seeking material things that will pass away.<br />
<br />
But, when the true spirit of CHRISTmas comes upon us, we remember that JESUS is the reason for the season, we keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas, we take the time to welcome all as Christ and to share the good news of His kingdom, and we bask in the love, joy, hope, and peace of LOVE come down from heaven.<br />
<br />
We are loving, gentle, sweet, patient, and forgiving to ourselves and everyone around us. We embody the Spirit of CHRISTmas in our words, thoughts, and deeds and extend grace and mercy to all those with need of it!<br />
<br />
Dear ones, our salvation is at hand, and is now come! Let us welcome Him with CHRISTmas joy! We can turn CHRISTmas upside down. We can do things differently. Let us begin today...<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Dear Lord, please help me to listen and understand, see and perceive. Help me to slow down and show you my great love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-73894205030787685432012-12-17T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-17T00:00:00.078-06:00Remember Your Leaders<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Hebrews 13:7-17 (NRSV)</strong><br />
<br />
Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the
outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange
teachings; for it is well for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by
regulations about food, which have not benefited those who observe them. We have
an altar from which those who officiate in the tent have no right to eat. For
the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the
high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus
also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own
blood. Let us then go to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For
here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that
is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to
share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. <br /><br />Obey your
leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will
give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing — for that would
be harmful to you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Today, during evening devotions, my family prayed for every church open in the Name of Jesus and for every pastor and staff member who is serving during this CHRISTmas season.<br />
<br />
For those of you who are not members of church staffs, you may not fully appreciate all that goes into the CHRISTmas church schedule. There are worships to plan, sermons to write, sanctuaries to decorate, children's programs to rehearse, poinsettias to order, sick and shut in to visit, people to greet and care for, etc.<br />
<br />
CHRISTmas is wonderful and exciting for those of us who arrive on Sunday morning, but we rarely remember to thank the pastors and staff who make such beautiful worship services possible.<br />
<br />
In today's scripture the author of Hebrews reminds us, <em>"Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."</em><br />
<br />
I want to remind us to <em><strong>"remember your leaders..."</strong></em> <br />
<br />
Seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter tend to be difficult for those of us who work in churches. We get weary and worn. We get frazzled and stressed out. We can even burn out if we are not attentive to spiritual disciple and self-care.<br />
<br />
Today, I want to humbly ask you to pray for your pastor(s) and church staff. I want you to consider writing a thank you card, laying a gentle hand on their shoulder, looking them in the eyes, and offering them a word of thanks. I want you to try to think of a way to serve the one who serves you on a continual basis. And I want you to bless the man or woman of God who is used by God to offer care for your soul.<br />
<br />
I'm sure that by now you are well aware that there is nothing intrinsically special, holy, or perfect about pastors or church staff people. We are human beings, we sin and fall short, we need Jesus as much as anyone else. But, what is true, is that your pastor(s) and church staff have made the commitment to give their wholes lives in public service to God, the congregation, and the world for the sake of Jesus!<br />
<br />
Let us lift them up in prayer and love them well at all times, and especially during the Holy Days Season.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Lord God, today I pray for my pastor(s) and church staff. I know that during this season they may be growing weary. Please uphold them with your strength and please use me to be a blessing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-5653963861430060382012-12-16T04:18:00.000-06:002012-12-16T04:18:16.110-06:00Rejoice Always...<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>3rd Sunday of Advent </strong><br />
<strong></strong><strong>Philippians 4:4-7 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be
known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in
everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
Today's devotion gives us cause to pause. We are reminded to <em>rejoice always.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I don't know about you, but that commandment sounds easier said than done. Just in the month of December we are inundated with stresses such as disobedient children, sick parents, unpaid bills, fractured relationships, increased work hours, and/or a school shooting to name just a few.<br />
<br />
The truth is there is more than enough stress to go around for all of us! There is not one human being who escapes unscathed from the stresses that we face in body, mind, and spirit on the the planet Earth.<br />
<br />
However, when I was a child, I was taught that there is a difference between being happy and being joyful. Happiness is conditional upon our circumstances, whereas JOY is a condition of the soul!<br />
<br />
No matter what is going on in our lives, we can still be full of the JOY of the Holy Spirit! This joy is as a result of the Advent Truth that the "Lord is near..."<br />
<br />
He is near enough to have been born in a manger. Near enough to have visited the synagogues as a child. Near enough to have ministered upon the earth for three years. Near enough to have suffered, bled, and died, before being resurrected and ascending into heaven. And now his Spirit is as near as the breath in our lungs and beat of our hearts, available to us at all times.<br />
<br />
Hallelujah! Why wouldn't we be full of joy? Why wouldn't we act out of spirit of gentleness? Why wouldn't we lift all of our concerns to our loving God in peace and in prayer, trusting that God is well able to supply all of our need according to God's riches in glory?<br />
<br />
And even before we see the answer to our prayers, let us begin to offer up a shout of thanksgiving, knowing that God has a good plan for us, not to harm us, but to give us a future and a hope.<br />
<br />
We are children of the King, dear ones! Just knowing that we are so unconditionally loved and experiencing such a amazing grace on a daily basis ought to fill us with a contagious JOY that impacts not only our lives, but the lives of those around us!<br />
<br />
When you are a person filled with JOY, you share JOY with everyone whom you meet. Won't you be a joy sharer today?<br />
<br />
Being joyful does not mean that you ignore your problems, it simply means that you trust that GOD is bigger than your problems, and well able to help you to overcome them.<br />
<br />
Be at peace, my friends, and may JOY be yours this Advent Season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
With thanksgiving I lift all of my concerns to you, O Lord. Fill me with your peace and with your joy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-7693418324208882332012-12-15T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-15T00:00:07.492-06:00What Will This Child Become?<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><b>SCRIPTURE<br /><br />Luke 1:57-66 (NRSV)</b><br />
<br />
Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her
neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her,
and they rejoiced with her. <br /><br />On the eighth day they came to circumcise
the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his
mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your
relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out
what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His
name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and
his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their
neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill
country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will
this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Like people around the world, yesterday I grieved as I watched the news coming in about the deadly school shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Twenty eight lives lost in one day, most of them young children who had their whole lives before them.<br />
<br />
It is at times like this that it is right and appropriate that we should lament. We should lift up our voices, hearts, and tears unto the Lord and cry out for grace, mercy, forgiveness, help, and wisdom. <br />
<br />
Like the people of John's day, we ask, "What will this child become?" We never dream that they will soon be in the company of the saints, standing before the throne of God.<br />
<br />
So many parents will never know what their children could have become. We must hold these families in our prayers during their hour of greatest need. We must also pray for our nation. We must grieve these senseless tragedies. We must come together to mitigate violence everywhere it is found. And we must gently and sensitively share the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ which gives us comfort in times like these...<br />
<br />
Dear Friends, these precious lives <em>are not lost</em>, they are found in our God! And they are being tenderly held in the arms of our loving Jesus who has restored their joy and redeemed their futures...<br />
<br />
**********************************************<br />
For those of you who follow my blog, you may know that on Saturdays I generally offer a psalm from my heart. But on today, I simply feel led to pray...<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span class="userContent">Dear Lord, you hear the cries of mamas, daddies, sisters, brothers, and others who have experienced unspeakable tragedy today in Ct. As they sojourn through this deep valley, be with them in this dark night of the soul. Awaken your children to sit with them in sack cloth and ashes as they grieve. Help us to bare gentle witness to your unconditional love and resurrection power. Teach us to forgive the one who perpetrated this heinous crime and cause all of us to seek your grace and mercy for ourselves. Please grant us wisdom in this nation that we may come together to end violence wherever it is found. And may the love, joy, hope, and peace of the advent season, manifested in Jesus Christ, wrap the mourning in the warm and heavy blanket of your comfort and as their tears fall, use us to hold them up to you. This we pray in the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-11612188118159535612012-12-14T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-14T00:00:13.146-06:00Brag on Him!<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong></span><br /><br /><strong>Isaiah 12:2-6 (NRSV)</strong><br />
<br />
Surely God is my salvation; <br />I will trust, and will not be afraid, <br />for
the Lord GOD is my strength and my might; <br />he has become my salvation.
<br />With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say
in that day: <br />Give thanks to the LORD, <br />call on his name; <br />make known
his deeds among the nations; <br />proclaim that his name is exalted. <br />Sing
praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; <br />let this be known in all
the earth. <br />Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, <br />for great in your
midst is the Holy One of Israel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I have the best Daddy in the world! All of my life I have known that he loves me and takes pride in my accomplishments. I have never had to wonder if someone has my back, because I have always known that when push comes to shove, Daddy is always there.<br />
<br />
You can't tell my father that I'm not the greatest thing since sliced bread. I seem to recall that at my very first band concert, my father stood up in the middle of the concert to shout, "THAT'S MY GIRL!! RIGHT THERE! THAT'S MY DAUGHTER!!"<br />
<br />
My secret is that I'm just as proud of my Daddy, as he is of me. He's always been the cool dad. All my friends adore him and you can talk to him about anything without fear of judgment, or condemnation.<br />
<br />
However, as great as my Daddy is, there is one greater! <br />
<br />
Our GOD is the greatest! The strongest! The mightiest! The most glorious! Our God is the most able! The most creative! The most talented! The most awesome one! Our God is our salvation! Our help! Our waymaker! Our friend!<br />
<br />
We could go on and on about our God, however, the psalmist said it well, <em>"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
My Daddy loves to brag on me and I love to brag on him. But, I love to brag on my God, my Jesus, my Savior, even more...<br />
<br />
During this advent season, are you bragging on God? Are you proclaiming the good news message? Are you boldly sharing your testimony with others?<br />
<br />
There is somebody who needs to know that God is Love! God is Good! And God has never--and will never--fail!<br />
<br />
Who will share your TEST-imony with today, dear ones? Someone is waiting...<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
O God, it is my good pleasure to brag on you. Help me to share <em>your</em> story (<em>my</em> story, <em><strong>our</strong></em> story) with someone who needs to hear it today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-61543063614919999002012-12-13T07:44:00.001-06:002012-12-13T08:00:32.100-06:00Blessed to Be a Blessing<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has
been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of
affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a
wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave
according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for
the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints — and this, not merely
as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God,
to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so
he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in
everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our
love for you -- so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. <br />
<br />
I
do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love
against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so
that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my
advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something
but even to desire to do something -- now finish doing it, so that your
eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the
eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has — not
according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief
for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between
your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your
need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, <br />
<br />
"The one
who had much did not have too much, <br />
and the one who had little did not have
too little."<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
During this CHRISTmas season, many of us are tempted to make our christmas lists. We write down all of the things that we want, or we encourage our children to do the same.<br />
<br />
On the one hand, CHRISTmas <em>is</em> about giving. It is about God unselfishly giving us the very best gift God had--His one and only son--as a Love offering for our atonement.<br />
<br />
So, when we give during the CHRISTmas season, we are following the example of God and that is a good thing!<br />
<br />
But, as we write our lists and check them twice, let us not forget to give to the one who gave so unselfishly to us. What will we "get" God this season? <br />
<br />
What does God want? Well, today's devotion reminds us that what God wants is for us to be able to say, <em>"The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."</em><br />
<br />
What can we do to make God's wish come true? Will you give water to a child dying of thirst (<a href="http://www.charitywater.org/">www.charitywater.org</a>)? Will you give food and an education to a child without the same (<a href="http://www.worldvision.com/">www.worldvision.com</a>)? Will you offer a loan to a widow and her children so that they can start a business, change their lives, and bless their community (<a href="http://www.kiva.org/">www.kiva.org</a>)? Will you provide a chick or pig to a family so they can become self sustaining (<a href="http://www.heifer.org/">www.heifer.org</a>)? Will you offer an orphan a home (<a href="http://www.adoptuskids.org/">www.adoptuskids.org</a>)? <br />
<br />
How will you fulfill God's CHRISTmas list? Will you love somebody unloveable, forgive an unforgiveable offense, or right a wrong? <br />
<br />
There are as many ways to bless God on CHRISTmas as there are human beings. What is important is that each of us give a gift from the heart that will bless our King and His Kingdom of Love.<br />
<br />
And let us not give begrudgingly, my friends, but with gladness, generousity, and eagerness! After all, toys, clothes, and music, wear, go out of style, get loss, or become too small, but the gift of LOVE shared by providing enough food, water, clothes, shelter, health care, education, security, love, hope, joy, forgiveness, and/or peace to a child of God, lasts forever.<br />
<br />
We are <em>so</em> blessed! And as the old ladies in the church I grew up in used to say, "Child! You are blessed to be a blessing...You can't beat God giving, no matter how hard you try!"<br />
<br />
Be encouraged, my friends! You can give a meaningful gift this CHRISTmas that will touch the very heart of our King! Be exceedingly glad! <br />
<br />
MERRY CHRISTmas!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Lord, please help me to generously and gladly use the resources you have entrusted into my care to bless someone with less than me. Amen...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-88830894227138756912012-12-12T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-12T00:00:12.836-06:00Shouts of Joy!<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Psalm 126 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, <br />we were like those who
dream. <br />Then our mouth was filled with laughter, <br />and our tongue with
shouts of joy; <br />then it was said among the nations, <br />"The LORD has done
great things for them." <br />The LORD has done great things for us, <br />and we
rejoiced. <br />Restore our fortunes, O LORD, <br />like the watercourses in the
Negeb. <br />May those who sow in tears <br />reap with shouts of joy. <br />Those who
go out weeping, <br />bearing the seed for sowing, <br />shall come home with shouts
of joy, <br />carrying their sheaves.<br />
<br />
<strong>DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
Someone once said, <strong><em>"It is always darkest before the dawn."</em></strong> <br />
<br />
It sounds like some sweet colloquialism meant to offer us false hope in times of sorrow, grief, or despair. But, having lived through some dark, dark nights of the soul, I can bare witness to the fact that this statement is very, very true.<br />
<br />
I can only imagine what the world was like after so many years of silence regarding Messiah. Was it dark? Had people lost hope? Were they fumbling through life hoping, but not really believing that he would come?<br />
<br />
And then one glad day a baby's cries rang out from a barn in Bethlehem and everything changed! The dawn broke for all of humanity. Angels, shepherds, and wise ones heralded the birth of a new king, one who would "restore the fortunes of Zion, fill our mouths with laughter, and our tongues with shouts of joy!"<br />
<br />
Advent is all about the transition from the darkest of night, to the bright light of the dawn. <br />
<br />
No matter what you may be going through, you must remember that God has not forgotten you. No matter how long you have been waiting "on a word from the Lord," you are not forsaken. No matter how alone you may feel at this moment, God is as near to you as the beat of your heart or the breath in your lungs.<br />
<br />
God loves you. God is for you. God has a good plan for you. It may be dark right now, but the dawn is coming!<br />
<br />
Soon your tears will turn to laughter and your weeping become shouts of joy! Soon the same folks who comforted you when you were afflicted, will rejoice as you share your good news testimony, "The Lord has done great things for me!"<br />
<br />
Be encouraged beloved ones. The dawn is coming. The dawn has come. The dawn is coming once again...<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Dear Lord, please help me to hold out believing that my change will come! Amen...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-45622892644329512652012-12-11T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-11T00:00:12.165-06:00Live Love Loud<strong>2 Peter 1:2-15 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of
Jesus our Lord. <br />
<br />
His divine power has given us everything needed for life
and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very
great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is
in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.
For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with
goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with
mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. For if these things are yours
and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For anyone who lacks these
things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past sins.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and
election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. For in this way, entry
into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly
provided for you. <br />
<br />
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these
things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has
come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your
memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus
Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my
departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.<br />
<br />
<strong>DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Yesterday was the birthday of a dear friend of mine who has since been reborn in the heavens. Paul's words, "I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things," makes me remember the importance of living <em>and</em> dying well...<br />
<br />
My friend died of cancer less than a year ago. But, in his living and dying he sought to "support faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love."<br />
<br />
Ultimately, it was his love for God, and God's love for him, that allowed us to release him to Jesus and his eternal home with joy, knowing that the lessons we learned from his life, ministry, and gracious death would stay with us forever.<br />
<br />
Dear ones, love conquors all. Because Love came down from heaven, wrapped in flesh, living, dying and living again, we have no need to fear death. Death is the door to our eternal home! <br />
<br />
So, let us live love loud, and then die with grace, knowing that in the final analysis, love will cradle us home and into the arms of our Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Lord God, please let me live and die in such a way that your Love is ever reflected in all that I say and do. Amen.<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">In memory of Pastor John A. Kroschel (Dec 10, 1963--May 17, 2012)</span></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-82218354428536824502012-12-10T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-10T00:00:00.635-06:00Are You Ready To Meet Jesus?<strong>SCRRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Romans 8:22-25 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now;
and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the
Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for
what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with
patience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Advent means, "To come..." I love the imagery of a pregnant woman waiting to labor and meet her new baby. During pregnancy, you wait with great expectation. You can't wait to see the little one growing inside of you--or inside of the one whom you love. You sense signs of the impending birth--a kick here, a poke there. You begin to plan for the coming of the child, setting up the nursery, choosing names, or buying carseats. Your every minute is consummed with dreaming of the little one that will soon enter the Earth, as a gift from heaven.<br />
<br />
Now, let's translate that into the second coming of Christ in glory. Are we waiting with the same glad anticipation? Are we excited to see him face to face? Do we notice the signs that the time is drawing near? Have we begun to plan to welcome him in glory? Is our every thought consummed with the soon coming of our Great and Glorious King?<br />
<br />
Advent allows us to slow down. To wait. To pray. To hope. To dream. To anticipate. And to welcome Jesus Christ into our homes, hearts, and plans for CHRISTmas! Although we do not know the exact date of His coming, we know that we can expect him soon.<br />
<br />
Are you ready to meet Jesus? <br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Dear God, help me to anticipate the coming of your Son in glory! Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-62746076462166943652012-12-09T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-09T12:10:09.277-06:00God Cleaned Me Up!<strong>2nd Sunday of Advent
</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Malachi 3:1-4 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight -- indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>DEVOTION</strong>
<br />
<br />
I am so grateful that the Lord is a refining fire and fuller's soap. <br />
<br />
Fuller's soap was used to clean, purify, and bleach wool so that it could be made useful for clothing. <br />
<br />
Apparently the Lord does something similar in cleaning us up! God sends us through the fire, so that everything unlike God is consumed in the flames and then God scrubs us up with fuller's soap to make us useful partners for God's Kingdom work.<br />
<br />
And what is that Kingdom work? Well, we are sent as evangelists, or people who share the good news message. We go out as messengers, to prepare the way of the Lord into the hearts of God's people. We go ahead of Jesus, as a voice crying in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord!"<br />
<br />
By being unashamed of telling others that we've been through the fire and washed with the Lord's fuller soap, we bear witness to the fact that God loves and saves all people.<br />
<br />
One doesn't have to "get his or her life together," to get into relationship with God. One doesn't have to "do anything" to win God's unconditional love and favor...<br />
<br />
When we really look at today's scripture, we recognize that it is GOD who does all of the WORK. God sends us through the flames <em>and</em> God shines us up! All we have to do is submit to the work of God's hands and heart and God does the rest!<br />
<br />
In Jesus Christ, <em>God did all the work.</em> Jesus came, lived, died, and rose again in victory, to show forth God's love and amazing grace toward us. Jesus' resurrection makes it possible for us to look forward to our own resurrections into eternal life.<br />
<br />
How I love our Jesus who has made it possible for us to offer our lives in righteousness unto our God!<br />
<br />
Be at peace, dear ones, we have been made righteous through the blood of the Lamb.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Dear God, thank you for cleaning me up and turning me around. Help me to boldly share this good news with others. Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-57195592713757771932012-12-08T00:02:00.001-06:002012-12-08T00:18:15.596-06:00Turn Our Hearts<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Malachi 4:1-6 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all
evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord
of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who
revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.
You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down
the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when
I act, says the Lord of hosts. <br /><br />Remember the teaching of my servant
Moses, the statutes and ordinances that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.
<br />
<br />Lo, I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of
the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of parents to their children and the
hearts of children to their parents, so that I will not come and strike the land
with a curse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong> <strong>& PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>For those of you who have followed the blog the last three years, you know that Saturday's devotion is always a psalm from my heart! Thanks for reading (and sharing) the Good News!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Turn Our Hearts</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
We stumble in the darkness<br />
pressing forward into an unknown<br />
and uncertain future.<br />
We cannot hear your voice, O God,<br />
for it is drowned out by thousands of competitors<br />
determined to steal our joy<br />
lead us astray<br />
and cause our demise.<br />
Sometimes we follow them willingly<br />
Other times we are tricked or dragged kicking and screaming<br />
into a pit of a hell <br />
where we feel no-thing<br />
except fear, anxiety, worry,<br />
and panic.<br />
<br />
Breath catches in our chests<br />
we reach for you<br />
crying, <br />Abba!<br />
Father!<br />
Come! <br />
Rescue! <br />Me!<br />
<br />
And just like that<br />
the Sun of Righteousness rises<br />
And we recognize that you<br />
have been there all along<br />
just waiting for us to realize<br />
that we have <br />
need<br />
of <br />
YOU.<br />
<br />
Stretching out our hands<br />
You turn our hearts<br />
and we <em>re</em>-turn to you<br />
laughing<br />
leaping<br />
jumping<br />
dancing<br />
into a heaven of <em>your</em> own making<br />
through the incarnation<br />
of LOVE.<br />
<br />
<em>Come, Lord Jesus, Come</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Turn our hearts, O God.<br />
For you are our Light<br />
and our Salvation<br />
whom shall we fear<br />
but you...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-74174802374196227912012-12-07T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-07T07:14:38.712-06:00Dawn Will Break...<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<br />
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, <br />
for he has looked favorably on his
people and redeemed them. <br />
He has raised up a mighty savior for us <br />
in the
house of his servant David, <br />
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy
prophets from of old, <br />
that we would be saved from our enemies and from the
hand of all who hate us. <br />
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our
ancestors, <br />
and has remembered his holy covenant, <br />
the oath that he swore
to our ancestor Abraham, <br />
to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands
of our enemies, <br />
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
<br />
before him all our days. <br />
And you, child, will be called the prophet of
the Most High; <br />
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, <br />
to
give knowledge of salvation to his people <br />
by the forgiveness of their sins.
<br />
By the tender mercy of our God, <br />
the dawn from on high will break upon
us, <br />
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
<br />
to guide our feet into the way of peace." <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTIONAL</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
I don't know about you, but I find the following words to be extraordinary good news!<br />
<br />
<em>By the tender mercy of our God, <br />the dawn from on high will break upon us, <br />to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, <br />to guide our feet into the way of peace."</em> <br />
<strong></strong><br />
It brings tears to my eyes to know that God's tender mercy is following me all of the days of my life. And, to be honest, there isn't a day that I don't need it!<br />
<br />
Because I am simultaneously "saint and sinner," I am always aware that I miss the mark throughout my day. I confess that I fail to love God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I overlook opportunities to love my neighbor as myself. In word, thought, and deed, I often don't reflect the example of Jesus Christ, who is our greatest example of how to live in--and reflect--the light.<br />
<br />
<em>Have mercy, Lord!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
And as soon as my heart and soul cry out for mercy, I realize that mercy has been following me, has always been attending me, and is always available to me, giving light in the midst of my darkness and guiding me in the way of peace...<br />
<br />
May the way of peace be yours this season as you breathe deeply, praying...<br />
<br />
(inhale) Jesus, (exhale) Mercy... <br />
Repeat until you experience God's mercy and peace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>Jesus...Mercy. </em><br />
<em>Jesus...Mercy. </em><br />
<em>Jesus...Mercy.</em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-59080036120101784152012-12-06T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-06T00:00:01.975-06:00Proclaim Christ...<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Philippians 1:12-18a (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped
to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial
guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the
brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment,
dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. <br /><br />Some
proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. These proclaim
Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the
gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but
intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. What does it matter?<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong> <br />
<br />
Dear ones, Advent is an especially wonderful time to "speak the word with greater boldness and without fear."<br />
<br />
At a time with so many of our family and friends are consummed with the anxiety and stress of a commercial Christmas season, we have the God-given opportunity to share CHRIST and to gently remind others that Jesus is the reason for the season.<br />
<br />
If we will pray for our eyes to be opened, we will notice stressed out, anxious, fearful, and grieving people all around us. We will become sensitive to those who are pushed to the margins or laying in the ditch of life. We will hear the cries of the brokenhearted and seek to comfort the oppressed.<br />
<br />
As CHRISTIANS, we have something to say to our brothers and sisters who are feeling lost and broken. We can share our own good news testimonies regarding how God has saved us from emotional, spiritual, physical, and/or mental peril. We can reassure others that God promises to bless and comfort those who are mourning. We can confidently speak life into hearts of those in need of resurrection this season.<br />
<br />
Advent is a time of waiting. But, as we wait, we can share the love of God with others in need of the Good News Message that they are loved, forgiven, and set free to live abundant, blessed, and joyful lives!<br />
<br />
May Christmas JOY be yours and may you share it with others. Peace...<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Dear God, please help me to be bold and courageous as I share the good news that Jesus is the reason for the season. Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-81068464565645943852012-12-05T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-05T00:00:09.312-06:00Our Dwelling Place...<strong>SCRIPTURE<br /><br />Psalm 90
(NRSV)</strong> <br />
<br />
Lord, you have been our dwelling place <br />
in all
generations. <br />
Before the mountains were brought forth, <br />
or ever you had
formed the earth and the world, <br />
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
<br />
You turn us back to dust, <br />
and say, "Turn back, you mortals." <br />
For a
thousand years in your sight <br />
are like yesterday when it is past, <br />
or like
a watch in the night. <br />
You sweep them away; they are like a dream, <br />
like
grass that is renewed in the morning; <br />
in the morning it flourishes and is
renewed; <br />
in the evening it fades and withers. <br />
For we are consumed by
your anger; <br />
by your wrath we are overwhelmed. <br />
You have set our
iniquities before you, <br />
our secret sins in the light of your countenance.
<br />
For all our days pass away under your wrath; <br />
our years come to an end
like a sigh. <br />
The days of our life are seventy years, <br />
or perhaps eighty,
if we are strong; <br />
even then their span is only toil and trouble; <br />
they
are soon gone, and we fly away. <br />
Who considers the power of your anger?
<br />
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. <br />
So teach us to count
our days <br />
that we may gain a wise heart. <br />
Turn, O Lord! How long? <br />
Have
compassion on your servants! <br />
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast
love, <br />
so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. <br />
Make us glad as
many days as you have afflicted us, <br />
and as many years as we have seen evil.
<br />
Let your work be manifest to your servants, <br />
and your glorious power to
their children. <br />
Let the favor of the LORD our God be upon us, <br />
and
prosper for us the work of our hands -- <br />
O prosper the work of our hands! <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTIONAL</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
My
imagination is captured by the words, <em>"Lord, you have been our dwelling
place..."</em><br />
<br />
What does it mean to dwell in--and with--God during the
Advent Season?<br />
<br />
To dwell means to "live or stay as a permanent resident
<u>and</u> to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech or writing
(dictionary.com)."<br />
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">As we dwell in God during this season of waiting, let us center
our very lives in God. May our breath become prayer and our idle time be found
pondering over a scripture, or writing a psalm of praise in a journal.
</span></div>
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">As we wait, let us linger as we meditate on Christ's coming, stay vigilant
in the love and care of others, and emphasize the importance of the worship of our
King!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">It's worth dwelling on The Incarnate Word--Jesus Christ! Advent
slows us down, refocuses our attention and priorities, and helps us to ask the
question, "What would LOVE have me to do?"</span></div>
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Today's devotional reminds us that we are sinners, saved by God's
Unconditional Love & Amazing Grace revealed to us in Christ Jesus! As we
await the second coming of Jesus in glory, let us also be aware that God has
chosen to dwell in our hearts and that the Holy Spirit is available to us that
we might dwell in God, even as God dwells in us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">You are steadfastly loved, dear ones! You are
treasured, forgiven and redeeemed! Rejoice and be glad! You are favored and
prosperous in ways that you cannot even imagine! </span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Dwell in this good news and then share it with others... </span></div>
<br />
<div class="dndata">
<span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Peace be with
you...</span></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Dear
Lord, help me to dwell in you, even as you dwell in me. Help me to allow this
Advent Season to be a time of slowing down and spending time focused on you. In
Jesus' Name, Amen. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-83328853607297895992012-12-04T00:00:00.000-06:002012-12-04T07:54:28.123-06:00Forever Blessed...<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>2 Samuel 7:18-29 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, "Who am I, O Lord
GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a
small thing in your eyes, O Lord God; you have spoken also of your servant's
house for a great while to come. May this be instruction for the people, O Lord
God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God!
Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all
this greatness, so that your servant may know it. Therefore you are great, O
Lord God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you,
according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people, like
Israel? Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a
people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them,
by driving out before his people nations and their gods? And you established
your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O Lord,
became their God. And now, O Lord God, as for the word that you have spoken
concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you
have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, 'The Lord
of hosts is God over Israel'; and the house of your servant David will be
established before you. For you, O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have made
this revelation to your servant, saying, 'I will build you a house'; therefore
your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord God,
you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to
your servant; now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your
servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord God, have
spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed
forever."<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Oh what a beautiful prayer!<br />
<br />
Doesn't it inspire you to want to fall on your face right now and begin to praise the Lord, our God, who has done such marvelous things for us?<br />
<br />
No matter what challenges you may be facing, God is with you. God is for you. And God has a good plan for your life, not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope.<br />
<br />
If you are living, breathing, and enjoying Internet access, you can certainly count yourself abundantly blessed.<br />
<br />
During this Advent Season, I have been challenging all of us not to count the costs, but to count our blessings. This is because I have learned that you notice what you are looking for. Who hasn't had an experience like buying a blue van only to discover countless blue vans on the road, or expecting a baby and then noticing pregnant women everywhere? <br />
<br />
This phenomenon has taught me that we notice what we are looking for. So, look for your blessings! Count them one by one...<br />
<br />
Pray like David, <em>"And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you; for you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
As you are counting, dear ones, don't forget to count on our Jesus! Jesus is the greatest gift that any of us has ever received. The Love revealed to us in Christ Jesus is simply amazing! When you meditate on God's love, it will take your breath away! <br />
<br />
Because of Jesus, we can look with glad anticipation to the second coming of Christ in glory! We do not fear that great day because God's words are true and we have been promised blessing forever...<br />
<br />
May you experience the great peace that comes with noticing your blessings and grounding yourself in the Love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus!<br />
<br />
<em>Peace...</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
<br />
Dear Lord, help me to meditate on my many blessings and on the precious gift of Jesus in my life. Amen.<br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-42980414151463862602012-12-03T04:59:00.000-06:002012-12-03T04:59:25.091-06:00God is Patient...<strong>SCRIPTURE</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>2 Peter 3:1-18 (NRSV)</strong>
<br />
<br />
This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am
trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you that you should
remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment
of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. First of all you must
understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and
indulging their own lusts and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For
ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the
beginning of creation!" They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of
God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means
of water, through which the world of that time was deluged with water and
perished. But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved
for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.
<br /><br />But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is
like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not
slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not
wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord
will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise,
and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that
is done on it will be disclosed. <br /><br />Since all these things are to be
dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of
holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,
because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements
will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new
heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home. <br /><br />Therefore,
beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at
peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as
salvation. So also our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom
given him, speaking of this as he does in all his letters. There are some things
in them hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own
destruction, as they do the other scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you
are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the
lawless and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of
eternity. Amen. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION</strong><br />
<br />
Today's lesson is a great example of the dichotomy of Law and Gospel. On the one hand, Paul sternly warns that Jesus <em>is </em>going to return and institute a day of judgment, accompanied by the destruction of the godless. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, in grace, Paul reminds us that, "The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, <em>but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I am so grateful that love is going to triumph over all! I am so thankful that God is well able to accomplish God's desire that none should perish and all should inherit eternal life.<br />
<br />
How God accomplishes such a mysterious thing, I do not know. But, I am glad for God's patience in this Advent Season. I am glad for God's grace. I am glad for God's love.<br />
<br />
There are lots of things that we can beat ourselves up about. We can wish we were thinner, smarter, or more committed to reading the Bible or prayer. We can lament that we aren't perfect parents, children, or employees. We can kick ourselves repeatedly for missing the mark.<br />
<br />
But, I hear God saying to us, "I am patient. You shall not perish. I will accomplish your repentance and eternal life."<br />
<br />
There is no gift that we will find under our CHRISTmas trees this year that is better than God's love, grace, patience, mercy, and salvation revealed to us in Christ Jesus!<br />
<br />
Let's count not our deficits, but our blessings, my friends! God has been good to us and we have much to be thankful for this CHRISTmas season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Let us pray...</strong></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
Lord, during this Advent Season, please help me to keep my eyes steadfastly focused on Jesus. Teach me to be patient with myself for I know that you are not finished with me yet! Amen...<br />
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-51978769306039872092012-12-02T23:54:00.000-06:002012-12-03T05:04:00.881-06:00Lift Up Your Heads<span class="citation"><strong>SCRIPTURE</strong></span><br />
<span class="citation"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span class="citation"><strong>Luke 21:25-36</strong></span><br />
<span class="citation"></span><br />
21:25 "There will be signs in the
sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused
by the roaring of the sea and the waves.<br />
<br />
21:26 People will faint from
fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the
heavens will be shaken.<br />
<br />
21:27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming
in a cloud' with power and great glory.<br />
<br />
21:28 Now when these things begin
to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing
near."<br />
<br />
21:29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all
the trees;<br />
<br />
21:30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves
and know that summer is already near.<br />
<br />
21:31 So also, when you see these
things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.<br />
<br />
21:32
Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken
place.<br />
<br />
21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass
away.<br />
<br />
21:34 "Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with
dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you
unexpectedly,<br />
<br />
21:35 like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on
the face of the whole earth.<br />
<br />
21:36 Be alert at all times, praying that
you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and
to stand before the Son of Man."<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>ADVENT DEVOTION--First Sunday in Advent</strong><br />
<br />
Advent is here! Advent means "to come." During this season we are remembering the first coming of Jesus as a baby born in Bethlehem and looking with glad anticipation to the second coming of Jesus "with power and glory."<br />
<br />
During this CHRISTmas season, it will be easy to get stressed out. There are trees to trim, shopping to do, boxes to mail, parties to attend, and a host of expectations that seem impossible to fulfill even if time and money were no object.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, for many people, this CHRISTmas season seems drear as they face a first CHRISTmas without a loved one, remember the passing of one long gone, look at a stack of bills they know they cannot pay, grieve over the loss of a relationship, or battle illness or depression on a daily basis.<br />
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It would be easy to just "muscle through" the season, looking forward to the ringing in of the new year, but I want to encourage all of us to do the important and life giving spiritual work of celebrating and anticipating JESUS.<br />
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When we keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas, we will be able to "stand and lift up our heads," despite the many pressures that we face. We will remember that we are never alone! We will rejoice that God loves us so much that God sent Jesus into the world to accomplish our redemption!<br />
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Today's scripture recommends that we stay alert and prayerful as we wait. This is great advice. Let's slow down, watch and pray, study our Bibles, and give ourselves permission to just sit with Jesus awhile as we free fall into the amazing grace of God!<br />
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Every time we get overwhelmed during this advent season, let us pray, <em><strong>"Come, Lord Jesus, Come!"</strong></em> As the Holy Spirit fills us with CHRISTmas wonder, we will find that we have all that we need to experience God's love, joy, hope, and peace this season.<br />
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<strong>PRAYER</strong><br />
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Lord, please help me to slow down. I pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come," into all of the affairs of this CHRISTmas season. I am so blessed that you delight in me. How I love you! Amen.<br />
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<em><strong>Advent blessings, dear ones. God loves you...Pass it on.</strong></em><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jhGHfmrz48g?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910827736471969695.post-57388090172910408302012-02-24T07:03:00.002-06:002012-02-24T07:10:21.430-06:00Be An Evangelist!2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NRSV)<br />Apostolic and pastoral advice for Timothy<br /><br />In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and<br />the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:<br /> proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or<br />unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in<br />teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound<br />doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers<br />to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and<br />wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the<br />work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.<br /><br /><br />REFLECTION<br /><br />During this Lenten season how are you called to do the work of an evangelist? How<br />are you called to to share the good news message that, "Christ has died, risen, and<br />shall come again?<br /><br />How are you being invited to "hear" this message again in new ways? How have you<br />been "deaf"to this message? In what ways can you invite Spirit to speak life into the<br />dead places of your existance?<br /><br />Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of love. How can we<br />share the love of Jesus with those in need?<br /><br /><br />FOR FURTHER REFLECTION DURING THE LENTEN SEASON, YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT:<br /><br />Alternatively, I invite you to visit one of my (s)heroes blogs, that of<br />Bishop Vashti McKenzie. She will also have a Lenten devotional found at <a href="http://thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com/">http://thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com/</a><br /><br />Many of us will be fasting and praying together on this website.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12744493154041106581noreply@blogger.com0