Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Personal Challenge…
The life that God desires me to live is simply and completely layed out for me in the life of Christ…to walk in love. However, it is a lifelong battle to learn how to love my God and my neighbor in the way that Christ did.
Psalm 63:3 (62:4 LXX)
Encouraging Words…
God’s mercy and grace poured out upon me, His adopted child, is far greater than anything that this life will ever give me. Why wouldn’t I praise Him for it?
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Encouraging Words…
It is encouraging to know that we have had so much history in the Church that has gone before us that points to the truth of Christ and His work. Through this we can exercise our faith both in those things that have been promised and the evidence of these things in history that we may not be able to see, but do have the proof through the saints that have gone before us.
Matthew 2:18
A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.
Personal Challenge…
This is one part of the Christmas story that is often neglected. Even in the midst of the glory of Jesus’ birth there is an outpouring of evil that occurs. All the more of a reminder of the need for the redemption provided by this precious babe in the manger 2,000 years ago.
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Encouraging Words…
Praise be unto God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Through the work of Jesus the price of the old covenant has been paid and the new covenant set in place. Through His work and the grace of God I am now an adopted child into His family with all rights and privileges including the opportunity to grow through theosis to be like Him, my Father. Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Isaiah 9:6
Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment, from that time forward and unto ages of ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.
Encouraging Words…
This day is upon us one and all. When Jesus cam to earth to be born a lowly child, to live the live as a common human being, and then to be crucified, buried and resurrected He established His kingdom forevermore and made it possible for a sinner such as me to enter into His eternal presence. I do not have to wait for some glorious age because it is here today. Happy birthday Jesus.
Mark 10:27
But Jesus looked at them and said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.
Encouraging Words…
This verse immediately follows the fate of the rich young man and his love for his wealth. I am sure the disciples were concerned that no one would be able to make it into heaven. And Jesus gently reminds them and us that God is in control and He can do even the imposible things. Glory be to God!
Mark 10:24-25
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
Personal Challenge…
I must ask myself after reading this story of the rich young man and seing Jesus’ admonition to His disciples on riches, “What riches in my life do I put my trust in over God?” Is it my job? Is it my savings or 401K or retirement plan? Is it the stuff that I have accumulated? How about the stuff that I want? All of these things are but tools that God has given me, better yet blessed me with, to build His kingdom, to tell His story. I must be careful not to make them my gods, my idols, and hold on to them lightly. Lord, have mercy!
2 Timothy 3:12
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
Personal Challenge…
I have always understood that if I try to live a godly life in an ungodly world there will be persecution. As the saying goes, “Been there, done that!”. If we, ungodly mankind, persecuted and crucified Christ won’t the same be done to His followers? What I don’t get, what I don’t understand, is why do those who try to live godly lives for the King get persecuted within the church? Is it that the church has become too much like the World? Is it that there is competition in the church? This is so hard to comprehend and so painful to endure. And yet, we are told that if we desire to live godly in Christ Jesus we will be persecuted. So be it, more of an opportunity to lean on Him.
Titus 3:9-11
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self- condemned.
Personal Challenge…
Sometimes I do not know what grieves me more…the loss of precious lives like what recently occurred in Newtown, CT or all of the senseless chatter that has followed in the name of Christ. Now is not the time to step up on our soap box for or against gun control. It is not the time to pound our drum for or against abortion. Now is not the time to expound on that item on our agenda the we want others to hold as dear as we do. Now is the time to pour out the love of God to a grieving community and nation. My political party affiliation, or my stand on different societal issues does not make be a better or worse Christian.
Verse of the Day 