Crazy Schedules In December-Peace On Earth?

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us.Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.2 Corinthians 5:13-14 NLT Bible Gateway 

In December do you sometimes feel like your head is going to explode thinking of all the demands or things you think you have to do to have a holly jolly Christmas? Who says you have to fit into a cultural norm. Or you may thrive at this time with all the chaos. 

If you are stressed break out of your rut and change things up. First don’t forget your morning quiet times alone with God. It is essential to stay peaceful. Give your expectations and your schedules to God. Relax. 

Be yourself and enjoy the time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday even if the world seems they have forgotten him and glorified Santa. 

PRAYER: Lord thankyou for hearing me and helping me relax when I would rather pop a cork. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Guilt Stalker?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9

Have you been told you guilt people? If so why is it you do it and how can you stop. Even the simple guilt trip of making a Christian sister or brother feel bad when they can’t come to Bible study or an activity. That is not Christlike at all. Making a family member feel bad they can’t hang out with you. 

The way a person was raised can contribute or perhaps birth order or whatever it is it has to be stopped. I am ashamed to say I have brought guilt on people I love not on purpose mind you but never the less it happened. 

It is necessary to stop and think what you text or say and really ask yourself will it edify and bring God glory or what exactly is the purpose of making another person feel bad. God can set you free from anything and if you struggle with this especially now at the busy Christmas season talk to Him and seek to be set free. 

PRAYER: Father God help me act like you when I deal with people and situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Reason For the Season

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27 NIV Bible Gateway 

This week I was pondering all the cultural obligations of this season. Attend parades, bake cookies, write cards, have people over, go to parties, drive thru light displays  and so much more and I went whew. Why? 

What is the reason for the season? Yes sort of cliche but really what is the reason for this cultural red and green glittery holiday? I think we all the know the answer. It is simple. JESUS. Nothing more nothing less so why then do you find yourself backed into a stressful corner of obligations that steal your joy? 

You don’t see too many manger scenes in front yards. Have a holly jolly Christmas right? Anyway not everyone wants to celebrate the birth of a baby in a manger but you can. Pray for those people who need to know the reason for the season. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I lift up people who are caught up in the tinsel and glitter but don’t know you as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Ohio State University and The Jesus Christ

"Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

In watching the recent matchup between Ohio State and Michigan I got to think about my home state of Ohio and how people who go to OSU will say ‘The’ Ohio State University emphasizing their pride of their team so I got to thinking of how we believers should proudly declare we follow ‘The’ Jesus Christ. 

There is no other name whereby mankind can be saved and set free. Not Allah, Not Buddha, Not Mohamed, nothing. There is only one way to enter Heaven and that is to confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and to believe in your heart. (Romans 10:9). 

So here in the midst of football teams arrogantly declaring who is the best believers in Christ know there is only one Jesus! 

PRAYER: Father I thank you that you can set prisoners free and give salvation to whomever calls on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Shortcuts

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:6

Most people I know seem to like short cuts whether it is driving somewhere or cooking for friends and family. Seems like a short way is the simplest method to stay hassle free and aren’t you looking for less confusion in your life? 

Something’s require more than a shortcut but in general if you could make life simpler you probably would correct? Wonder if there is a book ‘Shortcuts For Dummies’ to help those of us clueless still to simplicity. 

In your walk with the Lord it can be hassle free. Don’t keep saying no to Jesus. Don’t keep making excuses for why you don’t want to be part of a dynamic spirit filled church. Coming to Jesus is pretty simple. Saying “Jesus come into my life and be my Lord and savior. Forgive me for my sins and for ignoring you and putting seeking pleasure over seeking you. I choose to come to you now.” That’s it pretty simple. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to keep running after you and stop taking detours off your path. I know the right thing to do so help me to do it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Comparing To Others

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."James 3:16

Do you ever find yourself wanting to be like or do things you see others doing and you start to become discontent? It is like looking at the greener grass over the fence. 

Everyone’s life is different and not the same dynamics come into play. Better to stop and chill and just give God thanks for what you do have not wishing you could walk in someone else’s shoes. 

This time of year can tend to get a little crazy thinking of gift buying and commitments for Christmas and  if you are like me you feel like running and hiding somewhere. Why not stop get a cup of tea or coffee and breathe and relax and talk to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I do thank you for so much in my life. There is nothing I need but you. Help me keep my eyes on things above and not what my neighbors are doing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/047xtru0ZR0

So Be Thankful And Not Critical

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.1 Chronicles 16:34

I guess the old saying “if you don’t have anything good to say then say nothing at all”. Thanksgiving was just celebrated so let’s you and I both try to remain on the upbeat side. It is easy to form an opinion of something or someone and if you have that issue in your life ask God to help you. 

It is very easy to be judgmental and challenging to learn to be kind even in your thinking. If a thought forms or a judgment use discipline to keep it from coming out of your mouth. 

Here’s an idea if a judgment forms in your thinking start to pray over it. The more you pray the less critical you are likely to be. 

PRAYER: Lord help my thoughts and words bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.