PREPARE... Sunday

Devotional for 12/8/13

Some people dread this time of year.  For some it is because of difficulties being around family gatherings for various reasons.  Others can't stand the commercialism that has come to symbolize the coming holiday and how early it all begins.  For many there is so much preparation to do that they cannot stop to enjoy the season.  They are too busy getting Christmas cards, writing a Christmas newsletter to enclose, making party plans, decorating a tree, buying gifts and mailing packages, cooking special meals and baking special cookies, cleaning up the house for entertaining guests, etc.  How is a person to enjoy such a stressful time?

In the midst of the flurry of activities it is important to remember to slow down and prepare.  That preparation is not the external things mentioned above.  It is an internal preparation.  We prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord.  We celebrate his first coming to earth as a babe in Bethlehem, but we also anticipate his second coming in the future.  And how does one prepare the heart?  By cleaning the slate, that is, determining where we have done wrong, asking for forgiveness, and turning from our former ways.  We can only do this with God's help.  He is the one who forgives and gives the power to change lives.  John the Baptist called for this repentance, as foretold many years before by the prophet Isaiah:   

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”   This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”  

Matthew 3:1-3 (NIV)

May we all "prepare the way for the Lord" and be ready for him to come into our hearts and lives with joy and thankfulness amidst the hustle and bustle of this time of year.

written by Jan Andersen

MERCY...Saturday

12/7/13

"For the Lord is good; 

his mercy is everlasting' and his truth endureth to all generations."

~ Psalm 100:5 ~

(KJV)

     The dictionary definition of mercy includes: forbearance, compassion, disposition to be kind and forgiving.

     This is exactly what the Lord has towards all of mankind -- mercy -- undeserved love.

God could just as easily look at what is happening in the world today, throw up His hands in despair and anger and give us what we all deserve.  But He doesn't.

     God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the substitute for all of us who deserved God's wrath for our sins.  He took our place.  So instead of the punishment we deserve, those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior are now clothed in His righteousness and now receive God's mercy -- undeserved love.

     How long does His mercy last to us as believers -- forever, to all generations who will accept Jesus as Savior.

     If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, repent of your sins and accept Him.  If you do know Him as Savior, praise God for His goodness and mercy.

Written by 

Carol Steficek

Here is a song about mercy...

Freedom with Jesus...Friday

12/6/13

Most of my adult life I have been chained with the hopelessness of depression.  It is an illness that you have to be careful about sharing with people, even friends, if they haven’t been in those shackles of despair that truly have no idea what it feels like.  They will tell you to get over it, pull up your boot straps, or, it is all in your head…..etc, etc.  Having the additional stigma of judgmental people on top of my depression caused me to feel even more stuck, lonely, something is wrong with me.  Not able to enjoy a lot of life due to the sadness and anxiety.

Oh yes, I finally reached out for help, had some therapy, was prescribed medication.  These certainly helped and got me over the doom.  The dark cloud would always come back to chain me up with negative self talk, such as I am not good enough or I have sinned too much in my life for God to care about me.   The worst episode of depression has been the most recent.  My two sons had grown to be independent young men, at the same time my hormones are going nuts; apparently normal for a woman my age!  I feel as though I have no purpose in life now.  The dark thoughts that the enemy puts in my head are terrorizing me.  The only think I have done right in my life was raising my sons.  I can’t get control of my crying, I feel worthless, angry, and exhausted.  Family, clients, co-workers are concerned.  I am not myself.  I feel chained and shackled in a miserable darkness.

When the pain gets bad enough I reach for help….my mind opens enough to remember the miracle of Jesus.

  The reality is that this entire time God never left me….however, I left him.  Finding excuses for not making it to church, not asking for prayer, not sharing with my sisters in Christ.  He is always there for all of us.  All we have to do is seek and ask.  When I finally reached out to Him with my heart truly in it, those chains were broken and the shackles released.  I am simply in awe of the life I have with Christ in the center of everything that I do.  When the ugly, negative self-talk begins to creep in I turn to God and smile, and then thank Him for allowing me to be the person that He created me to be.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, 

and He saved them from their distress.  

 He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom 
and broke away their chains.   

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love 
and his wonderful deeds for men.
Psalm 107:13-15

Written by 

Kelly Dobyns

Here is a song for today by Casting Crowns...

                                                   

Giving Gifts at Christmas...Thursday

12/3/13

How do you choose presents? Do you consider price, usefulness, cool factor, wow factor or something else as your guide? I read about a dad who asked his kids not to give him any ‘thing.’ He explained that he had all the basics required in life, so he encouraged them to think outside ‘the box.’ One teen made him a plate of his favorite cookies; another washed his car and gave him certificates for future washings, another did a chore that his dad usually handled (I think it was washing house windows). I was impressed by this display of creativity and it really got me thinking about my own gift giving.

My mom taught that you purchase for someone else what you would like or what you are sure they would enjoy. This has been helpful through the years but not always successful. So, when gift cards became all the rage I was right on board. Even though it’s easier to be sure I am matching the right store/restaurant to the right person - this isn’t the answer for everyone on my list either.

When I started to consider my gift-giving with an eye for something outside the box my head hurt. But wait, my head hurt last year trying to come up with the perfect something for that wonderful someone! So I persevered in hopes the pain would ease and my gift-giving might be more personal this year.

I admit, looking over my list, the first idea came from that dad’s kids: homemade cookies, brownies or other treats. This food theme opened up all sorts of options: a package of favorite candies, a yummy treat like salami and cheese, salmon, or a package of premium coffee or tea bags. Clothes have long been appreciated by the dressy among us - but why not for the more practical person? I started another list of possibilities: a pair or package of high quality socks for someone who works in the cold or is on their feet all day, a jacket, work shirt, pants, even shoes or boots. Contributing to my friend’s and family’s warmth brought up the idea of cozy blankets, flannel sheets and comforters. Now, I see that I’ve gotten away from something I can personally make or do and back into purchasing. I do want to change my style of giving but I think it is going to be a gradual process.

If you are able to give gifts this Christmas season, I hope you will enjoy the pleasure of saying “I care about you” to your family and friends. If purchased gifts are out of the question, as they are for so many, remember that the most important gifts are always within reach. When my husband was unemployed during the Christmas season, my son told his sister, “I know it’s not a good thing that Dad doesn’t have a job, but I really like having more time with him.” Counting our blessings when things are good or times are tough helps keep our eyes on God’s gifts: life, love, family, friends, and forgiveness.

Three things will last forever—

faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) 

Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. 

This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. 

If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? 

If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? 

As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. 

You're at least decent to your own children. 

So don't you think the God who conceived you in love 

will be even better? 

Matthew 7:10-12 (The MSG) 

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get. 

Written by 

Mary M. Wilkin

"Stand Strong In The Lord"...Wednesday

12/4/13

                         

I am reminded daily how important it is for each of us to "Stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" as it is written in Ephesians 6:10. We have a real enemy called the devil who wants to bring us down. It is ever so vital that we must put our trust in Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, and stand in faith.

We must also remember to clothe ourselves daily with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18), so we are able to stand against every scheme of the enemy. We are in a real spiritual battle so we must be able to be alert and watchful in prayer continuously.

As we choose to do those things, the Lord will be faithful to keep us strong in Him. We will experience His Power and Victory. We can face each day knowing that the Lord is with us and we can draw great strength from Him. 

When we do all that we are asked to do, we can "Stand Strong" in great Victory in the Lord!

In His Victory, 

Sandy Billingham

Here is a song for today..."Be Strong in the Lord"

What Do You Mean I Can't Fix It?...Tuesday

I have been mulling it over for days now. If I call 'relative A' (we'll call her Suzy) and spend some time with her on the phone, I may succeed in laying down some stepping stones of peace. Then if I call 'relative B' (we'll call him Tim) and am upbeat, positive, and encouraging in general...it may be possible for a reconciliation to occur between them before Christmas.

Rehearsing possible conversations in my mind, I hear something. I stop for a moment, and realize the Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart, "Don't interfere." I'm quiet for just a second more and then I begin to explain to God how I am just helping. In my ongoing desire to be understood, even by God who knows everything, I proceed to explain how what I could say, and what I could do, might actually help my loved ones mend their broken relationship.

"You can't fix it," comes through to my heart gently but clearly. I sigh, as my mind begins to give way to my own plans, and starts to accept God's leading. I start to say, "But I love them..." and I hear "I love them more." I nod to myself and God. Sad that I cannot 'make it all better,' I ask God why they won't just talk it out and start over. Why are they stuck here in this brokenness?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the powers,

against the world forces of this darkness,

against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:12 NASB

Lord, what can I do?

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

 Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

Dear Lord, thank You for being so gentle with me, and leading me to Your path of truth. Thank You for showing me that although I think I understand my loved ones and what motivates them, there is a spiritual battle that I cannot see. I lift them up to You, Lord, and pray that they will find their peace and their strength in You. And I will not decide what that peace looks like for each of them but leave them both safely in Your hands. In Jesus name, amen.

Listen to Sanctus Real perform "Pray": http://youtu.be/a_J4I4gsvYA

                                                       

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

ONLY ONE THING.......Monday

12/2/13

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me 

to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, 

“you are worried and upset about many things, 

but few things are needed—or indeed only one. 

Mary has chosen what is better, 

and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:38-42

This might be a meaningful passage for us to keep in mind this holiday season. Like Martha, it is so easy to become stressed and upset in the midst of labor intensive Christmas preparations. We can become frustrated, short and angry with fellow drivers and shoppers, temporary inexperienced store clerks, and with our “reluctant to help” kids and husbands.

However, perhaps if we quiet ourselves and listen we just may hear the Master whisper, “few things are needed- or indeed only one.” 

Wouldn't our loved ones be blessed if we spent more time seeking the Lord for them rather than shopping excessively for them? Wouldn't our families and friends benefit if we exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit this season rather than frantically trying to provide a lavish banquet in a meticulously decorated home? Balance is always the key and the Holy Spirit can lead us in how to prepare the externals of the Christmas holiday intertwined with the spiritual blessings of God's Kingdom.....righteousness, peace, and joy. 

Jesus can give us creative ideas on how to present the gospel message at our holiday gatherings and activities. As we spend extra time at Jesus feet each morning and throughout the day we can be filled with the Spirit and be led to do the will of the Father as we journey towards the celebration of the birth of His son.

Written by 

Cathy Friberg

My Deliver is Coming...

Here is a song for Advent...when we celebrate the event during  which Our Deliver has already come.