WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT DAY
TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.' " Matthew 2:3-6
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
WHAT ABOUT THE NEXT DAY?
Christmas is a miracle that is for sure, but what about the next day?
----- There are no more presents under the tree.
----- There are left over mashed potatoes and turkey.
----- The children have all gone home.
----- The decorations are beginning to sag.
----- The tree needs to come down.
----- And I have to go back to work.
Oh, wait, I forgot –
The miracle did start small,
God’s gift, for one and all!
But the miracle is not for just a day,
The miracle is for always, it is here to stay!
We may think Christmas Day is past,
But this gift from God will last and last.
This Christmas miracle touches you and me,
It gives us hope and sets us free.
So enjoy Christmas Day on the 25th and the 26th and the 27th and the 28th and each day of your life.
- - - CELEBRATE THE MIRACLE! - - -
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Do you still have the Christmas Spirit are did it end when the last gift was opened and you looked at the tree and realized "This has to all be put away"? Hopefully you will keep the Christmas Spirit in your heart always.
Did you ever think about God's love spreading out like the Christmas gifts you gave? There they sat. Under the tree. Just sitting there waiting. Then you gave them away. Each gift leaving your hands and being received by other hands. That gift then moved into another home. God's love is like that. You have it. You share it. God's love goes to live in another home.
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear Jesus, I can feel the Christmas Spirit in my heart. I ask that you help me renew that spirit daily. Allow me always to come to you in worship and prayer. Let the light of the Christmas star be reflected in my eyes and shine in my actions. ………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS
I BELIEVE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:
Genesis 1:1, Psalms 4:1, Luke 2:13-14, John 8:12 and Revelation 22:21
I BELIEVE
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
Did God create our world? I feel the earth beneath my feet and enjoy the stars in the sky. --- I BELIEVE!
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." Psalms 4:1
Does God hear my prayers? I received peace when our family suffered the loss of my mother, received comfort when I was ill, and have been given a hand to hold at the end of each day. --- I BELIEVE!
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14
Was a Holy Child born that night? -- I watch the children sing the Christmas carols, with smiles on their faces and wonder in their eyes. --- I BELIEVE!
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Is Jesus the light? -- I see the brilliance of the candles on the altar. --- I BELIEVE!
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:21
- - - - - I BELIEVE!
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What do you believe?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Happy Birthday Jesus, I am almost ready to celebrate your birth. I want you to know that although all these things are fun, the tree is not important. The gifts are not important. The cookies, candy and ham are not important. I am getting myself ready to celebrate your birthday in the true spirit. I will be ready to wake up Christmas morning and feel the excitement of the angels. And the wonder of the shepherds. I will wake up Christmas morning and offer to you my gifts of worship and belief. I will open your gifts of peace, hope and joy. Happy Birthday Jesus. .………………………………… Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:
Genesis 1:1, Psalms 4:1, Luke 2:13-14, John 8:12 and Revelation 22:21
I BELIEVE
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
Did God create our world? I feel the earth beneath my feet and enjoy the stars in the sky. --- I BELIEVE!
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." Psalms 4:1
Does God hear my prayers? I received peace when our family suffered the loss of my mother, received comfort when I was ill, and have been given a hand to hold at the end of each day. --- I BELIEVE!
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:13-14
Was a Holy Child born that night? -- I watch the children sing the Christmas carols, with smiles on their faces and wonder in their eyes. --- I BELIEVE!
"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12
Is Jesus the light? -- I see the brilliance of the candles on the altar. --- I BELIEVE!
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:21
- - - - - I BELIEVE!
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What do you believe?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Happy Birthday Jesus, I am almost ready to celebrate your birth. I want you to know that although all these things are fun, the tree is not important. The gifts are not important. The cookies, candy and ham are not important. I am getting myself ready to celebrate your birthday in the true spirit. I will be ready to wake up Christmas morning and feel the excitement of the angels. And the wonder of the shepherds. I will wake up Christmas morning and offer to you my gifts of worship and belief. I will open your gifts of peace, hope and joy. Happy Birthday Jesus. .………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 14, 2007
THIS LAST WEEK
TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:
(For your high times) I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:4-5
(For your low times) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
THIS LAST WEEK
This has been a week of highs and lows. Last Sunday, our daughter and I went Christmas shopping instead of going to church. Was that wrong? NO. We needed a mother/daughter day! It was a great day. We shopped, we talked and we ate. It does not get much better than that. We used Sunday to share God's love by being together.
The lows have been to see on TV how weather and humanity disrupts our lives. Our trees were ice covered and they were pretty. Glistening and shiny. But our trees never fell and our power never went out. It is hard to see the pictures of the devastation that the ice storm caused across the country. So many people quickly forgetting about Christmas shopping as they wondered when they would have heat. Or phones. Or water.
It is amazing that on one hand water is calming as it flows in a creek or you watch the waves rush to the shore. Then on the other hand, water causes floods or ice storms or hail or too much snow. On one hand, fire keeps us warm and cooks our food. The same fire can burn a forest or a home.
Last week we had three young men die in a fire. Although the cause of the fire is still uncertain, this fire has left friends hurting, firemen questioning if they could have done more and families wondering what to do with their empty arms.
We also listened as the reports continued about shootings in malls and churches. It makes it hard to celebrate when so many people have had their lives turned upside down.
I also finished a Bible Study this week. When it was over, the group realized the study had ended much too soon. We also realized we had grown as Christians. This was a Beth Moore study, Breaking Free, Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life. I am not sure I am supposed to quote from her study, but I am. Hopefully this quote will help us know where to turn when we have highs, when we have lows and when we are just confused as to why people die needlessly in fires or shootings. Or why storms come.
From Beth Moore: "each morning the Holy Spirit woos me once again to the place where I meet with God. The God of grace bows low and meets with me. In the simplicity of my prayer time, I am suddenly confronted by the majesty of my Redeemer. The One who is responsible for any good in me. My past sins are forgiven and fresh mercies fall like manna from heaven. And once again, my heart is moved, and I surrender all. Morning after morning."
My friends, someday we will understand, but until that day comes, keep turning to God. Simply pray and tell the one who bows low how you feel. God can help!
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Think about the week you have had. Have you turned to God and praised Him when you have had highs? Have you turned to God and asked for His comfort when you have had lows?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear God of grace, I reach out to you as you bow low and meet with me. With me. Do you know how special that makes me feel? You listen to me. Oh Lord, let me talk to you in my simple words. Let me tell you about my week. ………………………………… Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:
(For your high times) I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. Psalm 63:4-5
(For your low times) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
THIS LAST WEEK
This has been a week of highs and lows. Last Sunday, our daughter and I went Christmas shopping instead of going to church. Was that wrong? NO. We needed a mother/daughter day! It was a great day. We shopped, we talked and we ate. It does not get much better than that. We used Sunday to share God's love by being together.
The lows have been to see on TV how weather and humanity disrupts our lives. Our trees were ice covered and they were pretty. Glistening and shiny. But our trees never fell and our power never went out. It is hard to see the pictures of the devastation that the ice storm caused across the country. So many people quickly forgetting about Christmas shopping as they wondered when they would have heat. Or phones. Or water.
It is amazing that on one hand water is calming as it flows in a creek or you watch the waves rush to the shore. Then on the other hand, water causes floods or ice storms or hail or too much snow. On one hand, fire keeps us warm and cooks our food. The same fire can burn a forest or a home.
Last week we had three young men die in a fire. Although the cause of the fire is still uncertain, this fire has left friends hurting, firemen questioning if they could have done more and families wondering what to do with their empty arms.
We also listened as the reports continued about shootings in malls and churches. It makes it hard to celebrate when so many people have had their lives turned upside down.
I also finished a Bible Study this week. When it was over, the group realized the study had ended much too soon. We also realized we had grown as Christians. This was a Beth Moore study, Breaking Free, Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life. I am not sure I am supposed to quote from her study, but I am. Hopefully this quote will help us know where to turn when we have highs, when we have lows and when we are just confused as to why people die needlessly in fires or shootings. Or why storms come.
From Beth Moore: "each morning the Holy Spirit woos me once again to the place where I meet with God. The God of grace bows low and meets with me. In the simplicity of my prayer time, I am suddenly confronted by the majesty of my Redeemer. The One who is responsible for any good in me. My past sins are forgiven and fresh mercies fall like manna from heaven. And once again, my heart is moved, and I surrender all. Morning after morning."
My friends, someday we will understand, but until that day comes, keep turning to God. Simply pray and tell the one who bows low how you feel. God can help!
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Think about the week you have had. Have you turned to God and praised Him when you have had highs? Have you turned to God and asked for His comfort when you have had lows?
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear God of grace, I reach out to you as you bow low and meet with me. With me. Do you know how special that makes me feel? You listen to me. Oh Lord, let me talk to you in my simple words. Let me tell you about my week. ………………………………… Amen
Friday, December 07, 2007
CHRISTMAS -- A "CHANCE"
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:30-33
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
CHRISTMAS -- A "CHANCE"
I love Christmas -- it's a chance. A chance is an opportunity and, at Christmas, the list of chances can be unending.
A "chance" to sing a song - a song of the magic of Christmas. Songs of children and stars. Of family and of a humble birthplace.
A "chance" to reach out. The meaning of Christmas is giving and we need to help those who otherwise would have an empty day. Maybe just the sound of a voice - it can be so quiet when you are alone.
A "chance" to say I Love You, I Care, I Remember. So many beautiful cards and each one saying "I am thinking about YOU."
A "chance" to say I am sorry. This is the perfect time to apologize, to renew old friendships, to take back the words spoken in haste and to make families whole again.
A "chance" to believe in miracles. The miracle of the first Christmas and the gift of a baby. The light in the eyes of children. The beauty of the first snow and knowing the spring will bring flowers.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Christmas is a little more than two weeks away. Are you ready? Is there one more thing you need to do? You have a chance to do it in the next two weeks. Is there a song you want to sing? Someone you want to talk to? Someone you want to apologize to? This is the season to believe in miracles. Take a chance -- BELIEVE.
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear giver of miracles, I do believe and I know that the birth of your Son was a miracle. A gift you gave me. Let me grab a hold of the miracle and use it to sing. To reach out to others with words like I love you and I care. Let me grab a hold and use the strength of that miracle to say I am sorry and to renew old friendships and heal family hurts. I do believe and I want to use this time before Christmas to prepare a celebration to honor the birth of Jesus. ………………………………… Amen
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:30-33
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
CHRISTMAS -- A "CHANCE"
I love Christmas -- it's a chance. A chance is an opportunity and, at Christmas, the list of chances can be unending.
A "chance" to sing a song - a song of the magic of Christmas. Songs of children and stars. Of family and of a humble birthplace.
A "chance" to reach out. The meaning of Christmas is giving and we need to help those who otherwise would have an empty day. Maybe just the sound of a voice - it can be so quiet when you are alone.
A "chance" to say I Love You, I Care, I Remember. So many beautiful cards and each one saying "I am thinking about YOU."
A "chance" to say I am sorry. This is the perfect time to apologize, to renew old friendships, to take back the words spoken in haste and to make families whole again.
A "chance" to believe in miracles. The miracle of the first Christmas and the gift of a baby. The light in the eyes of children. The beauty of the first snow and knowing the spring will bring flowers.
QUESTIONS OF THE DAY
Christmas is a little more than two weeks away. Are you ready? Is there one more thing you need to do? You have a chance to do it in the next two weeks. Is there a song you want to sing? Someone you want to talk to? Someone you want to apologize to? This is the season to believe in miracles. Take a chance -- BELIEVE.
Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.
LET US PRAY
Dear giver of miracles, I do believe and I know that the birth of your Son was a miracle. A gift you gave me. Let me grab a hold of the miracle and use it to sing. To reach out to others with words like I love you and I care. Let me grab a hold and use the strength of that miracle to say I am sorry and to renew old friendships and heal family hurts. I do believe and I want to use this time before Christmas to prepare a celebration to honor the birth of Jesus. ………………………………… Amen
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