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 Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 3:48 pm
Are You Reading Your Mail?
Six-year-old Ashley couldn't wait to get to the mall. Her mom had promised since Thanksgiving, they'd hit the mall around the first of December, so Ashley could sit in Santa's lap. Today was the big day! The curly-brown- haired little girl waited patiently for 45 minutes as the long line finally dwindled the last few children.
Grinning from ear to ear, she jumped into Santa's lap and hugged him tightly. Santa returned her smile, and with his big arm of velvet around her shoulders looked into her brown eyes and asked, “What do you want for Christmas?”
Ashley's smile faded. She stared at Santa and said, “Didn't you get my e-mail?”
Ashley felt as though her world had crumbled in front of her as she climbed off Santa's lap and ran back into the arms of her mother. “Never mind. He didn't even read my letter,” she said through her tear-stained voice.
What's the point of having mail if you don't make the time to read it? When we don't make reading God's mail a high priority in our lives, it breaks His heart. The Holy Bible is His love letter to you. It's not simply pages filled with meaningless words; rather, it's a Book of hope, instruction, how-to's, cautions, roadmaps, promises, blessings, surprises and fulfillment.
You've been reading this devotional book for almost one solid year. But if it hasn't caused you to delve more deeply into God's Word, it's meaningless. A devotion book should never take the place of the Bible; it's merely to pique your interest and draw you inside the Bible. A good devotional will complement-not replace- the Word of God in your life.
Everyone in Toby's second-grade Sunday school class was busy. Each student was drawing a picture of the Nativity. Mrs. Johnson stood over Toby's shoulder admiring his work. He had done quite well with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. But there was a fat man standing in the corning of the stable that just didn't seem to fit. When she asked Toby about it, he responded, “Oh, that's Round John Virgin.”
Another reason it's important to keep digesting the Word of God is because it straightens out the things in our lives we've become confused about. It helps us separate Truth from myths and misunderstandings.
Know It!
This month, as you're approaching Christ's birthday, pledge to take your Bible reading more seriously. Expect Him to teach you things about the coming Christmas season you've never thought about before.
Read It!
Psalm 107: 4-16; Isaiah 1:18; Jeremiah 42:5-6; Habakkuk 2:3.
Pray It!
Ask God for a genuine hunger for His Word.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 2:52 pm
Tuesday December 4th
I Am with You in a Promise in a Promise
I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you. . . . And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 12:2–3
Little Joey angrily sobbed to his mother, “I don’t care if Dad did have to work late and couldn’t get the decorations out of the attic! We were going to put up the Christmas tree tonight. You promised!”
It’s difficult to wait longer for something you’ve already wanted for a long time. The patriarch Abraham experienced this. God promised Abraham that He would make him a great nation and that through him, everyone on earth would be blessed. Yet Abraham saw no evidence of God keeping His promise until he was a hundred years old. God then gave Abraham the visible and material evidence that He really was with him when his son Isaac was born. God had kept His promise.
The final promised blessing that God fulfilled for the descendants of Abraham—and for the whole world—was the birth of another Son, Jesus, the Immanuel. Jesus was a blessing to the whole world. God blesses us and is with us in the Savior who came to us when Jesus was born.
Heavenly Father, I wait for the full celebration of Your fulfilled promise of the Savior’s birth. In that day, my waiting and earthly weeping will turn to joy. Thank You for being with me in the person of Jesus, the promised Immanuel. Amen.
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Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 4:45 pm
The Weight of Prayer
A tired, widowed woman entered a small-town, one check-out stand grocery store shortly after World War I. It was the week before Christmas. She wearily approached the owner of the store and asked for enough food to make a Christmas dinner for her children. The grocer asked her how much money she had to spend.
Fighting back her tears, she explained that her husband had been killed in the war. “I have nothing to offer,” she said, “but a little prayer.”
The store owner wasn't a religious man and sarcastically responded, “Well, write it on some paper, and I'll weigh it. We'll find out how much it's worth.”
He was shocked when the women pulled a slip of paper from her purse and handed it to him. “I've already written my prayer,” she said. “I wrote it during the night while I was up with my sick baby.”
The man rolled his eyes and took the little slip of paper. Other shoppers were watching and had heard his sarcastic remarks. He had to do something!
So he placed the piece of paper on the weight side of the old-fashioned scales in his store. Then he began to pile food on the other side, but the scale wouldn't go down. He piled more and more food on top, but it still wouldn't budge.
Angry and impatient, he didn't even look at the woman as he said, “The scale won't hold any more. Put the food in a bag yourself. I have work to do.”
Now fighting back tears of gratitude, the woman filled the bag, thanked the owner and left.
As the other customers paid for their purchases and exited the store, the grocer quickly went to examine the scales. Yes, they were broken. And apparently they had become broken just in time for God to answer a faithful woman of prayer.
As the years passed, however, the man often thought about his encounter with the woman. He had never seen her before, and he never saw her again, but he wondered why she came at just the right time-when the scales were broken. And why had she already written her prayer on a piece of paper in such a way that had startled him and not given him time to check the scales?
From time to time, the old man still unfolds the piece of paper the prayer was written on and reads, “Please, Lord, give us this day our daily bread.”
As you approach the Christmas season, give God the concerns of your heart and know that He will hear. Perhaps you're worried about where you'll get the money to buy the gift you've had your eye on for your parents. Or maybe you're wondering how your family will afford groceries this season. Or maybe your concerns aren't about you at all. Perhaps God has brought someone else to your mind who's in great need this month.
Know It!
Ask your pastor or youth leader if there's a needy family in your church who's struggling to make ends meet right now. Is there something you can do? First, make it a matter of prayer. Then follow God's lead as He directs. And remember . . . nothing can outweigh a prayer!
Read It!
1 Chronicles 5:20; John 14:12-14; Ephesians 6:18; 1 Peter 3:7.
Pray It!
Seek God's direction on whom you should pray for and how you should pray this Christmas season
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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 5:55 am
Wednesday December 5th
I Am with You in Waiting
Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Isaiah 40:1–2
Are we there yet? You said it was only a little farther a long time ago!” These are the familiar words of children on a long trip. It’s difficult to wait, whether to reach our destination, or for a special event to arrive.
The people of Jerusalem waited, as exiles in Babylon. Year after year, they longed to return to Jerusalem. Through the prophet Isaiah, God spoke to them and comforted them with a message of coming deliverance. God assured them that He had not forgotten them and was still with them. Their longing to return home was soon satisfied, and their longing for the promised Messiah would finally be fulfilled as well.
Over the centuries, God’s faithful people longed for the coming of the promised Savior. Through His prophets, God was with them, assuring, encouraging, and comforting them in their waiting. As we long for His return, we also may grow weary of waiting. As He sent the promised Immanuel to be with us, so surely will He also deliver us from our waiting. We can wait patiently because God is with us.
Thank You, my Immanuel, for being with me in my waiting and longing. As I wait, comfort me with the knowledge that You always keep Your promises and that You will never forsake me. Amen.
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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 8:11 pm
What a Gift!
Have you ever read the children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff? It's an exaggerated tale of what might happen if one actually gave a mouse a cookie. The author tells us if we give the rodent a cookie, he'll want some milk to go with it. And then he'll have to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache. Then he'll notice his hair needs a trim, so he'll probably ask for a pair of scissors. The story goes on and one and on in creative detail of the demands a mouse could make.
After you've read the book for the first time, you'll probably close the cover with a grin on your face and think, Okay. Enough said. The moral of the story is to never ever give a mouse a cookie!
And you'd be exactly right. But what if we took the thought a lot farther? God could have adapted the same moral. He could have said, “Never give any of My children a cookie.” Okay, God didn't really give us a sugar snack, yet He did give us the greatest gift in all the world-His only Son.
If our heavenly Father could give His own flesh and blood, how much more should we be willing to give our lives to those around us! It's not easy, though is it? After all, when we give a mouse of cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk . . . and a million other things.
When we invest our time and ourselves in people, we can assume they're going to ask for more. If you invite your neighbor to youth group, you may have to let him ride with you. Then you'll have to sit with him because he won't know anyone.
Then after Sunday school, you'll have to walk him into the sanctuary. And after church is over, you'll probably have to take him to dinner. And if he enjoys your church, you'll have to bring him again. And again. And again.
And if he gives his life to the Lord, you might have to disciple him. Or go to Bible study with him. So maybe you should just stay away completely.
Know It!
As silly as it would be for us to take that line of thought, we sometimes fall into that mode of thinking without even realizing it. Subconsciously, we know that investing ourselves in the lives of others is going to take . . . time. And more time. And more time. And do we really want to do that? Guess what! That's not the right question. God calls all of us to give ourselves to those around us. And He set the extreme example by giving Himself to us in the form of His only Son.
Read It!
John 10:17-18; John 13:4-5; 1 Corinthians 13.
Pray It!
Ask God to bring someone to your mind today who needs your love and attention.
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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:31 pm
Thursday December 6th
I Am with You in Testing in Testing
God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here am I.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Genesis 22:1–2
Emily always lacked confidence when she had to give an oral report in class. One day when her teacher called her name, Emily couldn’t find her notes. All hope seemed to vanish. The teacher called again. Emily prayed silently, then stood before the class and gave her report. The class applauded. God was with her. Her hope was tested, and her confidence was restored.
God tested Abraham when He asked him to sacrifice his son. Abraham had hoped that through this promised son, God would finally bring His blessing to all generations. Now Abraham’s messianic hopes were being tested. Yet God still was with Abraham and prevented the sacrifice. Abraham’s confident hope in God’s promise was strengthened.
God sent Jesus, His only Son, whom He loved and whom He promised, to be sacrificed for us on the mount. He is our Immanuel, our blessing, our sure and confident hope. This is the season of Immanuel.
God of hope, You are with me, my Immanuel, to strengthen me during times of testing. In Him, always give me a confident hope in all Your promises. Amen.
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Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 6:58 pm
Giving the Gift of Love
We can rejoice that God doesn't see His children as mice who don't deserve a cookie! He asks us to give our time, our energy and ourselves to those around us, because that's exactly what He did. He could have said, “I'd better not leave heaven and invade their world with love. If I do, they'll probably ask me to help them. Then I'll have to do a few miracles. Heal some people. Pass out some 20/20 to a few blind men. Feed the hungry. Help the poor. And those who don't like Me will probably hurt Me. They may even kill me. Then I'll have to raise Myself from the dead and send My Spirit to live within them. And I'll have to prepare a home for them to live in eternally. It'll never end!”
Whew! Aren't you glad our heavenly Father didn't take that kind of attitude? Instead, He chose to invade our lives with purpose, meaning, drive and power. In return, He calls us to give away some cookies. To spread a little love. To be His hands and feet to a lost and dying world.
And if we do? We tend to forget about our problems. We don't feel as lonely or misunderstood. Having a boy/ girlfriend just doesn't seem as important any more. We begin to realize that life really isn't about us. How can we be giving cookies away if we're so concerned about our own refreshments? Life isn't about having our needs met. Rather, our focus should shift to meeting the needs of others. And when it does, people around us become a significant priority.
God is calling you to go the extra mile. Why?
• Because He did.
• Because in order to find yourself, you have to give away your life.
• Because giving, loving and going the extra mile causes you to forget about yourself for a while.
• Because you grow by sacrificing.
• Because love always wins.
Know It!
Wouldn't it be exciting to celebrate this Christmas by concentrating more on giving than getting?
Read It!
John 13:14-17; John 15:12-14; John 15:17; 1 Corinthians 14:1.
Pray It!
Ask God to show you how to make this Christmas season significantly different from those you've celebrated in the past.
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Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 3:16 pm
Friday December 7th
I Am with You: Your Bridge Your Bridge
And [Jacob] dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! Genesis 28:12
At the Museum of Modern Art in Fort Worth, Texas, an artist used tree limbs stripped of their bark to construct a ladder that appeared to reach from the earth to the skies above. A little preschool girl ran excitedly into the hushed exhibit room and loudly exclaimed, “It’s Jacob’s ladder!”
In Jacob’s dream, the ladder (or stairway) from heaven was a spectacular sight, with angels ascending and descending upon it. Jacob’s ladder formed a stairway that bridged heaven and earth. In his dream, Jacob knew that the God of the heavens was with him right here on earth.
Jacob’s ladder is also a beautiful illustration of the incarnation, that is, of God coming to earth, being born in Bethlehem, to be with us in the human person of Jesus. Jesus bridges heaven and earth to be with us bodily. He is with us through His birth, life, death, and resurrection to make heaven open and accessible for all of us here on earth who believe in Jesus, God with us, our Immanuel.
Son of God incarnate, thank You for bridging heaven and earth so that You might be with me each day and finally bring me into the highest heavens. Amen.
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Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:02 am
Saturday December 8th
I Am with You in Struggle in Struggle
And He said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:27–28
A five-year-old boy pulled at his mother’s arm, jumped and danced as he tried to drag her away from a new acquaintance. The acquaintance asked, “Is it only this season, or is he always this active?”
“All year long,” the mother replied. “It’s a struggle, but I love him.”
We all have our struggles, whether they’re related to health, relationships, finances, occupations, or other matters. The Bible says that Jacob actually struggled, or wrestled, with God. Jacob survived the struggle and emerged from it with a whole new identity. Struggles of all kinds change us. But when God is present, our struggles can change us for the better. At the end of Jacob’s struggle, he received a blessing. With God, our struggles can also end with His blessings.
Jesus was born on earth to be with us in our struggles. With Him our struggles are overcome.
Jesus, Immanuel, I thank You for giving me a whole new identity, and I ask You to continue to be with me in my struggles and in my blessings. Amen.
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Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 12:01 pm
Jesus Is Always Better Than Santa
As we approach the Christmas season, you're no doubt bombarded with advertisements and talk of one of history's most loved imaginary characters-Santa Claus. And as Santas line shopping malls, street corners and decorations, you may find yourself falling into the easy trap of forgetting the real meaning of Christmas. So spend a few minutes recapping some important details, okay?
Jesus Christ is definitely the reason for the season. And to help you keep that fact in balance, remind yourself of the following:
Jesus is always better than Santa because . . .
• Santa lives at the North Pole. But Jesus is everywhere.
• Santa rides in a sleigh. But Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
• Santa comes only once a year. But Jesus is an ever- present help.
• Santa fills your stockings with goodies. But Jesus supplies all your needs.
• Santa gives you a few fun things that may last a year. But Jesus gives you life that will last forever.
• Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. But Jesus stands at your door and knocks and then enters.
• You have to wait in line to see Santa. But Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
• Santa lets you sit on his lap in a crowded shopping mall. But Jesus lets you rest in His arms in a beautifully created eternal home.
• Santa doesn't know your name unless you tell him. But Jesus knew your name before you were even born. (Not only does He know your name, He also knows your address, your nickname and even how many hairs are on your head!)
• Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. But Jesus has a heart full of love.
• Santa says, “You better not cry.” But Jesus says, “Cast all your cares on Me for I care for you.”
• Santa makes you chuckle. But Jesus gives you joy that becomes your very strength.
• Santa puts gifts under a tree. But Jesus became our gift and died on a tree, the Cross.
Know It!
Have fun with gifts and decorations and Santa at the mall this Christmas, but never forget the real meaning behind December 25. And go the extra mile this year to keep Christ in Christmas!
Read It!
John 3:16; John 15:26; John 17:21-23; Acts 1:9-11.
Pray It!
Pray for a godly focus on the true gift of Christmas this year.
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Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 12:17 pm
Sunday December 9th
I Am with You in Blessing in Blessing
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. This is what their father said to them as he blessed them, blessing each with the blessing suitable to him.
A son brought his report card to his father. The father asked, “How do you feel about these grades?”
“Well, they aren’t perfect,” the son replied, “but they aren’t all that bad either. Still, I think I can probably do better.”
“I’m proud of you, son,” the father said. “Keep trying. I love you.”
As Jacob blessed his children, he gave his sons some important words of blessing. He told them that he loved them and that he was proud of them. Many people wish that they could hear a blessing like that from their parents. Parents also are blessed when they can hear words of blessing like that from their children.
When God came to be with us in the person of Jesus, He made sure that we were blessed. He brings us the blessing of being called God’s own beloved sons and daughters. This season we are happy in the blessing of God coming to be with us in Jesus.
Father of all blessing, let Your loving and forgiving words bless me with the strength I need to keep responding faithfully to You as Your blessed child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:56 pm
Want Some Wisdom?
Everyone's looking for a little wisdom. Maybe you're wishing you had the wisdom to figure out a problem you're struggling with, or more wisdom to apply to your schoolwork. Often times, when we search for wisdom, we look in the wrong places. Looking to our culture, celebrities or friends isn't the right source. Check out the following “wisdom” from actual quotes on a variety of topics by supermodels.
• On poverty: “Everyone should have enough money to get plastic surgery.” -Beverly Johnson
• On priorities: “I would rather exercise than read a newspaper.” -Kim Alexis
• On inner strength: “I love the confidence that makeup gives me.” -Tyra Banks
• On the basics: “It's very important to have the right clothing to exercise in. If you throw on an old T- shirt or sweats, it's not inspiring for your workout.” - Cheryl Tiegs
• On introductions: “I think most people are curious about what it would be like to be able to meet yourself. It's eerie.” -Christy Turlington
• On the conversation of matter: “I've looked in the mirror every day for 20 years. It's the same face.” - Claudia Schiffer
• On survival: “If I'm making a movie and get hungry, I call time-out and eat some crackers.” -Carol Alt
• On thinking: “When I model, I pretty much blank. You can't think too much or it doesn't work.” - Paulina Porizkova
• On body parts: “I don't know what to do with my arms. It just makes me feel weird and I feel like people are looking at me and that makes me nervous.” -Tyra Banks
• On economics: “I don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day.” -Linda Evangelista
When you need wisdom, where you do go? Do you seek advice from people who will tell you what you want to hear? Do you listen to the latest rock star's philosophy or what your friends are saying? It's obvious the above “logic” won't last long. If you're searching for true wisdom, God has already provided it for you. It's found in His Holy Word. The book of proverbs is full of wisdom, and the exciting thing about this particular book is that it has 31 chapters. That's enough to read one every day for a month!
Know It!
It's great to want wisdom, but it's important that you search for it in the right place. “Wisdom” from the world is only temporary. God's wisdom is eternal.
Read It!
Proverbs 1; Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3; Proverbs 4.
Pray it!
Ask God to guide you in your search for wisdom.
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:19 am
Monday December 10th
I Am with You in the Burning Bush
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” Exodus 3:13–14
We were driving down the street one night, looking at the Christmas lights and decorations. “Look at all of the red lights in that person’s yard,” I said. “It almost looks like the bushes are on fire!”
When Moses saw the burning bush and heard God speaking from it, that bush was not a Christmas decoration. When God spoke, Moses immediately knew that God was present with him. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God again made His presence known to humankind.
There was no burning bush at Bethlehem, but it was the same I AM present with us. Spectacular? Absolutely! It was a birth promised centuries earlier, the Christ Child, born of a virgin, in Bethlehem, as foretold, and announced by angels. The baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger was Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, the I AM. This is the season of Immanuel.
Dear Jesus, the great I AM and Immanuel, be with me wherever You send me. Amen.
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:25 pm
Who Qualifies?
Throughout history, God has chosen ordinary people to do His work. He has consistently used men and women with flaws, failures and lack of talent. If we took a closer look at the some of our Bible heroes-as if we were looking at them through a resume and an application to pastor our church-we might have slim pickings.
Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years with not even one convert. He's prone to unrealistic building projects.
Solomon: Excellent preacher, but the church parsonage would never hold all his wives.
John: Claims he's a Baptist, but he doesn't dress like one. He's slept in the outdoors for months on end, has a weird diet and provokes denominational leaders.
Timothy: Too young.
Methuselah: Too old.
Jeremiah: Emotionally unstable. Alarmist. Negative. Always lamenting things. It's been reported that he took a long trip to bury his underwear on the bank of a foreign river.
Joseph: A big thinker and a braggart. He believes in interpreting dreams and has a prison record.
David: Looked promising until it was discovered that he had an affair with his neighbor's wife.
Elijah: Prone to depression. Collapses under pressure.
Elisha: Reported to have lived with a single widow at his former church.
Isaiah: On the fringe. Claims to have seen angels in church. Has trouble with his language.
Peter: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper and has been known to curse. Had a big run-in with Paul in Antioch. Aggressive, but a loose cannon.
Paul: Powerful CEO type of leader and fascinating preacher. However, short on tact, harsh and has been known to preach all night.
If we looked at the above in light of their faults, we'd probably never select any of them for God's work. But isn't it comforting to know that God doesn't look at our faults; He looks at our potential! He doesn't keep count of how many times we've blown it. He sees everything that we can become in His power! God wants to use you. He has chosen you to be on His team. And if you'll let Him have complete control of your life, He'll do extraordinary things with you!
Know It!
Since God overlooks our weaknesses and sees our potential, shouldn't we do the same for others? Instead of focusing your attention on what others have done wrong, ask God to help you see all that they can become.
Read It!
Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 10:39; James 1:19-22.
Pray It!
Spend some time thanking God for dreaming big dreams for you-in spite of your humanness.
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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:23 am
Tuesday December 11th
I Am with You by Day and Night by Day and Night
The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. Exodus 13:21
Shelley met her friend Laura while Christmas shopping. Laura had been fighting depression, but today she appeared happy and full of life. “What’s happened? You look great!”
“I’m on a new medication,” Laura responded, “and I’m receiving Christian counseling. My life now is as different as night is from day.”
When God’s people were leaving Egypt, God was with them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night so that they could travel at any hour. God is still with us by day and by night. Whether our days are happy and bright or dark with difficulties, God is with us by day and by night.
Jesus was born into this sin-darkened world to bring His light and salvation to all who are in darkness. His saving presence in His Word, in Holy Baptism, in His words of forgiveness, and in the Holy Supper of His body and blood brightens our lives as He creates and strengthens our faith and trust in Him. He is with us, making the difference between night and day.
Immanuel, light of the world, be present with me throughout my day, and let the light of Your presence brighten the night. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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