CONSCIENCE...

2 Corinthians 1:12 - 14 (NASB) For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.

Paul had just been talking about suffering. He was imprisoned and beaten by people who objected to his teachings and yet, he acted like a follower of Christ during it all. He sang hymns while in jail (Acts 16:25), he didn’t run away when he had the opportunity, but subjected himself to the authorities that were holding him. As a result, the jailer and all his household accepted the Lord Jesus and were baptized (Acts 16:33). Because of this, Paul could write to the Corinthians that his conscience was clear.

Conscience is defined as:

• motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

The question this definition presents to us is:

From what source do we draw our ethical or moral principles?

If it is the Bible, we are on solid ground. However, many in the world do not adhere to the principles laid out in God’s Word and we find ourselves at odds with them.

My prayer for all of us that claim Christ as Savior is that we can speak the same words that Paul speaks here:

That the testimony of our conscience concerning our actions in the world and especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ may be one of holiness and godly sincerity and not rooted in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

HELPING...

2 Corinthians 1:8 - 11 (NLT) ⁸We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. ⁹In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. ¹¹And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Paul had told them in verse seven, “as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.”

Here he tells the people in the Church at Corinth that they are actually a part of his ministry, they are helping him, when they pray for him and his associates.

I think that we sometimes take prayer for granted. By this I mean that we believe God already knows what’s going on and if He wants to act in a certain way He will. We don’t believe that we can have much effect on the outcome.

But this is contrary to what we read in God’s Word.

Jesus Himself prayed all night long before He chose the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). If Jesus thought it was important, how much more should we.

James points out something that I think we have to keep in mind. He says first to “confess your sins” and then to pray. God wants us to live holy lives. We are going to mess up. But that doesn’t mean that we stop praying! It means that we admit we were wrong and, according to God’s word accept His forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9), and then PRAY.

James 5:16 (NASB) ¹⁶Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 Peter 3:12 (NASB) ¹² “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

John 16:23 - 24 (NASB) ²³“In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. ²⁴“Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

SUFFERING...

I didn’t get to watch the latest episode of “House” last week. I had to go to Bible Study. That’s suffering for Jesus, right? Of course, I set it to record on my DVR, but that’s not the same.

I suppose on a certain level, we might consider that as “suffering.” After all, some people wouldn’t miss the latest episode of their favorite show, or a basketball game, football game or concert, just to go to church. Or, on another level, some wouldn’t wait to have sex until marriage just to please Jesus. That would be suffering too much.

2 Corinthians 1:3 - 7 (NLT) ³All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. ⁷We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Paul is talking about suffering for taking the gospel of Christ to other people, the hardships that come about because of our faith in Christ. Are you persecuted or ridiculed at work or school because you are constantly telling people about the Lord? Perhaps the police tried to break up the last meeting of believers at your home.

When it comes right down to it, most of us don’t experience much suffering for our Savior. In other countries, people are persecuted, even killed for their faith in Christ. We need to lift them up in prayer, at the very least.

I think we also need to examine our own lives and see if perhaps we’re not too complacent, too settled in to our own routines, perhaps even too busy to share about Jesus and what He has done in our lives and what He can do for others. Perhaps we need to face more rejection.

What kind of suffering did Paul have to endure? He tells us in chapter 11…

…I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him (Jesus) far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. ²⁴Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. ²⁵Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. ²⁶I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. ²⁷I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. 2 Corinthians 11:23 - 27 (NLT)

That doesn’t sound terribly appealing to me, but it does make me stop and think if maybe some of the comforts in my life are keeping me from experiencing a deeper dependence on God, a deeper relationship with my Lord and Savior.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

ENCOURAGE...

A former student of mine named Marcos Ortega wrote this in September of 2004 when he first went away to a Christian college. We need to encourage, support and pray for the future leaders of Christianity in our world. "Radical Christianity" was something Marcos started as an answer to the apathy found in many churches.

In Christ, John

Hey,

I've decided to send all of the Radicals a verse to help encourage them every day, and then once a week, I'll send you guys a devotional that God wants me to talk to you about. I realize that not everyone that gets this e-mail claims Radical Christianity, but it was easier to just put everyone on the list. For the Radicals, I hope that this will keep all of you guys strong in the movement, and in return strong in the faith. Radicals should insert "Radical" wherever "Christian" is said. I have to send it twice because the list is too long. So here we start.

Daily Verse:

1 Timothy 4:12

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in SPEECH, in LIFE, in LOVE, in FAITH, and in PURITY.

The emphasis put on those five words are my own. However, I found them necessary to emphasize how to live life as a Radical. If we live by these commandments, we will find fulfillment in Christ, and be rewarded for our lifestyle.

Weekly Devotional:

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, "I know Him," but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.

This is an amazing passage that shows why we obey God's commandments. We do not follow his commandments in fear of God, we follow God's commandments to show that we are Christians. John is saying that if we say that we are a Christian and then go and do whatever we would like, we are lying. We are not truly Christians, just people playing the part for acceptance or because we want to fool the world with our words. However, my friends, we cannot fool the world with our words. People will see you with your actions before they will listen to a single word that comes out of your mouth. If your actions and words are not the same, then people will not believe you when you say that you are a Christian.

John also says that "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did." This sentance shows the Christian exactly what to do. Live like Christ. Now, I realize that none of you are perfect, and neither am I, but we are to strive to live like Jesus. That is not just so others see that we are "holy", but so that we ourselves may be edified. John says that God's love is made complete in whomever strives to live like Christ. What an amazing promise!!! God is saying that we will be able to feel His FULL love when we strive to live like Christ; and God's love is amazingly large. He can love the whole world at the same time.

Think about these things as you go through your week.

I love you all,

In Christ,

Marcos - rXc

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Epiphany, January 6

An Epiphany Devotional by Joe Hittle, Ottumwa, Iowa, USA

Epiphany: Neat word. "To show upon." A disclosure. A manifestation.

"For God so loved the world that He gave . . .." " . . . and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

The Christian Church has long celebrated the 6th of January as the feast of the Wise Men. We have never quite figured out who they were. But, is it really important? Probably not.

They disclosed their finest to the One they believed to be the King of the Jews. Just as God had given his best, they gave what were the most expensive gifts of their day. Gold for prosperity, frankincense for sweetness and atmosphere, and myrrh as a preservative symbolizing his ability to overcome even the worst of times. Their finest to the Finest.

It is a long journey from the first day of Advent to Epiphany. If you have read each day you have laughed, cried, and discovered a new vision of God's greatest manifestation of His love for you. You too have felt your own emotions churn as the recollections and reminiscences of others have reminded you of days of hope, love, peace and family. You have had things disclosed to you that you had long forgotten. Some of those were blessings. Others may have been things that you wish had remained hidden.

But, each one of them is you. Your life, your dreams, your desires, your longings. Like it or not, you have to deal with each of them and accept yourself because and in spite of them. That is okay. It really is. God does, whether you do or not.

The whole story of the season is meant for you. You are the "whosoever" of John 3:16. God gave Himself for you. A whole year is ahead of you as the celebration of Christmas draws to a close. If you have not done it yet, please, be encouraged to give God the best gift you ever could. Yourself. You are important, so important that Jesus came and gave Himself on your behalf. All He has ever wanted is to give you the chance to be free in Him. To be His. To know Him as a personal God, Friend, Companion.

Won't you give Him what He wants most for Christmas?

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On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

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The word apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos meaning a delegate, messenger. So, in a sense, we are all messengers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The office of apostle was held by twelve men chosen by Christ and later Paul. Mathias replaced Judas after he betrayed Jesus. Below are the scriptural qualifications for the office of apostle as put forth by Parson’s Bible Dictionary.

(1.) That they should have seen the Lord, and been able to testify of him and of his resurrection from personal knowledge (John 15:27; Acts 1:21, 22; 1 Cor. 9:1; Acts 22:14, 15).

(2.) They must have been immediately called to that office by Christ (Luke 6:13; Gal. 1:1).

(3.) It was essential that they should be infallibly inspired, and thus secured against all error and mistake in their public teaching, whether by word or by writing (John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Thess. 2:13).

(4.) Another qualification was the power of working miracles (Mark 16:20; Acts 2:43; 1 Cor. 12:8-11).

The apostles therefore could have had no successors. They are the only authoritative teachers of the Christian doctrines. The office of an apostle ceased with its first holders.

That the office no longer exists in no way releases us from our task of being ambassadors for Christ. We are told to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 - 20 (NASB)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

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Romans 13:9 - 10 (NLT) ⁹For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.

Matthew 22:37 - 40 (NLT) ³⁷Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

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John 15:5 (NASB) “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Romans 7:4 (NASB) ⁴Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.

Colossians 1:9 - 12 (NASB) ⁹For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously ¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

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The word beatitudes is taken from the Latin word beatitudo, which means happiness. Here is the passage as put forth by Eugene Peterson in “The Message,”

³“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

⁶“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

⁷“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘carefull,’ you find yourselves cared for.

⁸“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

¹⁰“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

Matthew 5:3 - 10 (TMSG)

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

CRI/Voice, Institute, Copyright © 2006 CRI/Voice, Institute

Keep in mind that this is put forth as an explanation of the origin of the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and not a theological document. We know that more spiritual gifts are mentioned in the scriptures. Perhaps these seven were singled out because they edified the entire body, whereas healing, miracles and tongues were more individually oriented. Whatever the reason, 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) states that,

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Do you know what your Spiritual Gifts are? Study what God has to say on the subject. There are many excellent books available to assist you as well. Once you’ve done that, put it (or them) to use in the service of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Make that your primary New Year Resolution! May God bless you in this New Year as you seek Him and continue to walk with Him.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

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Genesis 1:1 (NASB) ¹In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Day 1 – Space, earth and light

Day 2 - Separation of the waters - atmosphere

Day 3 – Dry Land, seas & Vegetation

Day 4 – Sun, Moon, Planets & Stars

Day 5 – Fish (Sea Creatures) & Birds (Flying Creatures)

Day 6 – Animals & Man

Genesis 2:2 - 3 (NASB) ²By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. ³Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

John 1:1 – 3, 14 (KJV) ¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²The same was in the beginning with God. ³All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ¹⁴And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

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"Roots" was a mini series that came out in 1977. It shows the history of a man named Kunta Kinte who was abducted from his village in Africa, sold into slavery and taken to America. 85% of America watched it on their television sets. African-Americans identified with Kunta Kinte. This was the history of their ancestors, where they had come from, and they could then be even prouder of where they had arrived, what they had become.

The Torah is a history of where all humanity has come from, beginning with Creation and the Garden of Eden. It shows how sin entered the world and how God has graciously tried to woo His people back to Himself. It is our history.

The word Torah actually means teaching or instruction. We can learn much from its pages. I wonder if 85% of America has read it. I wonder if 85% of Christians have read it.

Let us not forget where we have come from and the price that God paid to bring us to where we are today.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

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Four different men confirm through their writings the truth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If only one had written the story, we might have cause to question but this is not the case.

Four different views of the same man and yet no disharmony as to the facts so that all might believe in the name of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.

The word “gospel” means “good news!”

Luke 2:10 (NASB) But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

Romans 1:16 (NASB) For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

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Look around at the virtue put before you every day on television, in the books you read, in the friends that you converse with, on the computer or anything else that comes into your life…And see if there be any good thing in them, any virtue.

Philippians 4:8 (NASB) Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

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Quoted from the website... http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

How fortunate we are to have God’s Word! It has within its pages everything we need for life.

2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 (NASB) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 (NASB) ¹²For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM…

JESUS

Quoted from the website... http://www.crivoice.org/cy12days.html

By Dennis Bratcher

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures (see Christmas). In the Western church, Epiphany is usually celebrated as the time the Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). Traditionally there were three Magi, probably from the fact of three gifts, even though the biblical narrative never says how many Magi came. In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag).

The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . .. ." (Luke 13:34)

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Some traditions observe the day after Christmas as the 1st day of Christmas with the 12th day of Christmas being "Epiphany" or the time when it is said that the Wise Men visited the Christ Child. That is the time table that we will be following.

For unto you

is born this day

in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is

Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV)

Merry Christmas

WAIT

The presents are wrapped, or at least most of them, and placed under the tree if not in the mail to their final destinations. There is only one more day until Christmas. Some of us are better at waiting than others. Some exhibit patience, some excitement and still others display both as they await the arrival of the “big event.”

Is it excitement about the presents or an eagerness to say “Happy Birthday, Jesus?” I’m hoping the latter, but understand the reality, especially for the young ones, about the eagerness to open their presents.

Perhaps they would understand better if we related to the young ones why we are excited about His birthday and how the anticipation of opening an earthly present relates to the blessed hope we have of “unwrapping” eternity with our Savior.

In any case, we wait…one more day…to celebrate Christ’s birth.

Perhaps your thoughts are poised toward the coming again of our precious Savior to the earth.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20 (NLT)

What will you do while you wait? Do you tell other people why you are anxiously awaiting the return of your Savior, Jesus Christ?

All year long, we face situations and decisions that affect our lives. We can either rely upon God for His guidance or make decisions based on or own thoughts and desires. Regardless of the importance of the decision, we are better off waiting for Gods timing.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD…

RENEW

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Psalms 51:10 - 13 (KJV)

Dear Lord,

Renew in me the true meaning of Christmas…

Fear

• Renew in me the true awe of You, ALMIGHTY GOD who Created man. You knew what would cause man’s downfall and planned our Salvation from the beginning.

Luke 2:8 - 9 (KJV) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalms 9:20 (KJV)

Joy

• Renew in me the eternal joy rooted in the experiential knowledge of the Christ of Christmas.

Matthew 2:10 (KJV) ¹⁰When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Philippians 4:4(KJV) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Wonder

• Renew in me the wonder of 4000 years of prophecy culminating in the birth of Christ.

Genesis 3:15; 49:10 – 4,000 years before Christ

Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-2, 6-7 – 700 before Christ

Micah 5:2 – 700 years before Christ

Zechariah – 520 years before Christ.

Excitement

• Renew in me the excitement of having the ONE TRUE GOD love me!

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life.

Light

• Renew in me the ability to reflect the light of Christ. Help me to live a holy lifestyle in this world filled with the darkness of sin and evil and point all men to Christ.

Matthew 5:14 - 16 (NASB) “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 ”nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Thank you for your grace and mercy towards me, Father. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ into this world and into my life. I thank you now for what you are going to do in me and through me in the year to come as I experience your renewal in my life. AMEN.