“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
“Were you born in a barn?” Usally told to us as children because we didn’t shut the door. That question was usually asked to question not only someone’s family but also their upbringing, their heritage. It’s a question of guilt, a painful question. But the question really leads us to, literally to Greatest Story ever told–a story of the world’s one and only perfect leader who entered the world amidst power hungry political leaders, a corrupt government system and a religious group of people. Not just a king, but the King of kings, who left His throne with singing angels, who left Heaven, light, love, and glory to be born in a manger, a barn.
“Our Savior, our King of Kings, Our Jesus, was born in a barn.”
If Jesus came to earth with nothing so that we could have everything, wouldn’t it make sense to follow Him? If Jesus is truly God in the flesh, shouldn’t we be willing to give our everything for Him? Jesus was not born in a manger so that we would have a reason to go to church a couple times a year. Jesus was born in a manger to show us that God is with us. This same Jesus would later die on the cross so that we could have eternal life. This same Jesus also calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. He is not simply interested in changing our holiday routine; He desires to radically change our life. Are you ready?
“Jesus came not to change your schedule or to change one day a year. He came to change your life.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ. He came in poverty so that I could relate to Him. He lived a perfect life because I am not able to, and He died on the cross so that I could be forgiven. Help me to remember all these things this Christmas. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the good news of Your coming with everyone I meet! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
Have you ever had to wait in line for something you love? Maybe you have stood in line to be first at a movie. You may even be someone who loves to get up at 3 am so you can sit outside the store right before a holiday big sale. Or Someone that has been waiting all year for Christmas. Whatever the case, we all have experienced anticipation for something we love. You can even say that, as Christians, we are all living lives of expectation as we wait for the coming of our Lord.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Just imagine, all the sufferings of this world including the sadness, sickness, pain and death that are all around us will one day be gone. While we wait here on earth and endure the hardships of a fallen world, Jesus Christ prepares our new home and will one day return to take us there. This is not fantasy or a mad man’s dream. These are the very Truths of God and they can be trusted. So no matter how long this line of earth may seem, continue to look up and be reminded that one day He is coming.
“We should always be thinking of and looking forward to the coming of our Lord.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love and the hope I can have in Jesus. Forgive me of my sins and make me new. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can share the hope of heaven with everyone I meet. Use me today to share the gift of salvation and change someone’s eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
It was a simple statement. “Let us cross over to the other side.” Many of the disciples had sailed the Sea of Galilee before. They had fished the waters and endured some of the bad weather that often came onto the sea. Yet when Jesus asked them to cross over to the other side, they were not aware of the lesson in faith that Jesus was about to share with them.
“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’” (Mark 4:37-38)
While crossing to the other side, Jesus fell asleep on the boat. During his nap, the disciples experienced a terrible storm. I may not be a sailor, but I know that the water should remain on the outside of the boat and in this instance, it wasn’t. Frightened by the event, the disciples woke Jesus up and expressed their fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and the sea became calm. You see, the disciples had lost sight of Jesus’ words. He told them before leaving that their destination was “the other side.” He didn’t promise them still waters the whole time, but he did tell them they would get to their destination. The same is true with our lives. If you have been born again, then you have been given the promise of “the other side.” Nothing can take that from you. You may encounter storms, but in the end, Jesus will pronounce peace, and you will find yourself on the other side, at the feet of Jesus Himself.
“Only in Jesus we can find real peace during the storms of life.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your peace and for Your promise of heaven. Un Help me to keep my mind focused on eternity so that I will not lose hope here on earth. Thank You that I do not have to work my way to Heaven, but instead can place my faith in the grace of Christ. Please give me rest and an abundance of peace in my life. Help me to continually seek You in my life, because it is in You where I will find true peace. Today open up opportunities to share this truth with the world and fill me with Your Spirit so that I may use my life, my story to share God’s peace with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“Then the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria:”What confidence is this in which you trust?” (2 Kings 18:19)
It is very easy to begin trusting in the ‘things’ of this world because of the subtle way they steal our attention away from God. It is because of this subtle infiltration of worldly things that every Christian should take the time to evaluate themselves. Is there something that you give a larger role in your life than God? Has your focus become a kaleidoscope of ‘things’ preventing you from clearly focusing on serving God? If so, you had better confess to God and turn your gaze toward Him before the subtle deception of accumulation leaves you trusting in the stuff instead of God. Otherwise, there will come a day when you will find yourself spiritually and possibly physically famished.
If I were to ask you individually, most of you would very quickly say that you trust God but there are times when trust is not so simple. Trusting God means we believe in that which we cannot see and sometimes may not understand.
Trusting God is literally against our human nature. Trusting God means that we have to admit that we are not in control of our lives.
We place our trust in something or someone every day. We trust our cars to get us to our destination. We trust our employers to deliver paychecks. We trust our doctors to heal our illnesses. How much more should we trust God?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled; trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1)
“We should know who or what we are trusting in. We should trust in the Lord alone.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Love. Lord, forgive me for the times I have placed my focus on the ‘things’ in my life rather than You. Give me the discernment and wisdom to see the deception in the things of this world and keep my eyes fixed upon You. I surrender everything to You. In Jesus name, Amen
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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In our journey of faith, gratitude is a powerful virtue that holds immense significance. It is more than just a simple “thank you”; it is a posture of the heart that recognizes and appreciates the blessings we receive from God. Gratitude has the power to transform our perspective, deepen our relationship with God, and bring joy and contentment to our lives.
Gratitude is a deliberate choice we make regardless of our circumstances. It is not dependent on our possessions, achievements, or favorable situations. Instead, gratitude is an attitude that acknowledges God’s goodness and faithfulness in every aspect of our lives.
When we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, we begin to see the countless blessings surrounding us. Take a moment to reflect on the blessings God has bestowed upon you today. Consider the gift of life, the love of family and friends, the provision of basic needs, and the opportunities for growth and learning. The list is endless.
Gratitude opens our eyes to the beauty of God’s creation, the wonders of His grace, and the depth of His love for us. It allows us to see beyond our own desires and appreciate the blessings that come from His hand. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives and experience a profound sense of peace and contentment.
1. Count your blessings: Create a gratitude journal and write down at least three things you are grateful for each day. Reflect on these blessings and give thanks to God for His goodness.
2. Express gratitude to others: Take the time to express your appreciation to those who have impacted your life. Write a thank-you note, send a message, or simply share your gratitude in person. Let your words and actions reflect the gratitude in your heart.
3. Pray with thanksgiving: Incorporate gratitude into your daily prayers. Instead of focusing solely on requests, spend time thanking God for His blessings, guidance, and faithfulness in your life.
4. Cultivate a heart of contentment: Resist the temptation to compare yourself with others or to constantly desire more. Embrace contentment by recognizing and being grateful for what you have been given. Trust in God’s provision and His perfect plan for your life.
Gratitude is a powerful spiritual discipline that can transform our lives. As we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves up to a deeper relationship with God, experience greater joy, and find contentment in His presence. Let us commit to living a life of gratitude, giving thanks in all circumstances, and allowing gratitude to shape our hearts and minds. May our lives be a testament to the goodness and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and thanksgiving. We acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from You, and we are humbled by Your abundant blessings in our lives.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life, for each breath we take, and for the strength to face each day. Thank you for the love and support of our families and friends, who reflect Your love and grace in our lives.We are grateful for the forgiveness and redemption we find in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life to reconcile us to You. Thank you for the hope and eternal life we have through Him.
Lord, help us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to recognize Your hand in every aspect of our lives. Teach us to see the beauty in the simple things, to appreciate the blessings that may often go unnoticed. In moments of joy, may our hearts overflow with gratitude as we acknowledge Your goodness. And in times of trials and challenges, may we trust in Your faithfulness and find comfort in knowing that You are with us.
Forgive us, Lord, for the times we have taken Your blessings for granted. Open our eyes to the abundance that surrounds us and help us to be content with what You have provided. As we go about our days, may our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. May we express gratitude not only in our words but also in our actions, showing kindness and compassion to others.
We give thanks, Lord, for Your unwavering presence, Your guidance, and Your unfailing love. May our lives be a testimony of our gratitude and may others be drawn to You through our words and actions. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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“On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
It was a simple statement. “Let us cross over to the other side.” Many of the disciples had sailed the Sea of Galilee before. They had fished the waters and endured some of the bad weather that often came onto the sea. Yet when Jesus asked them to cross over to the other side, they were not aware of the lesson in faith that Jesus was about to share with them.
(Mark 4:37-38) “And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?’”
While crossing to the other side, Jesus fell asleep on the boat. During his nap, the disciples experienced a terrible storm. I may not be a sailor, but I know that the water should remain on the outside of the boat and in this instance, it wasn’t! Frightened by the event, the disciples woke Jesus up and expressed their fear. Immediately, Jesus spoke to the wind and waves and the sea became calm. You see, the disciples had lost sight of Jesus’ words. He told them before leaving that their destination was “the other side.” He didn’t promise them still waters the whole time, but he did tell them they would get to their destination. The same is true with our lives. If you have been born again, then you have been given the promise of “the other side.” Nothing can take that from you.
Jesus promises to be with us, God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2). In the storm you are in right now, God is with you. He is walking with you through it.
Storms will come into every life. The rain will fall and the wind will blow. You might have a rough voyage, but you will get to the other side.
“Jesus is our peace during the storms of life. He is there with us through the rough waters.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your peace and for Your promise of heaven. Help me to keep my mind focused on eternity so that I will not lose hope here on earth. Thank you for Your promise to never leave me. Fill me with Your Spirit and use my life to share God’s peace with the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)
In a world that often thrives on criticism and tearing others down, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. Our faith teaches us the importance of building others up and encouraging one another. We see this principle emphasized in the book of Ephesians, where the Apostle Paul reminds us of the power of our words and the impact they have on those around us.
God desires for us to use our words to bring life and edification to others. He calls us to speak words that are helpful, encouraging, and uplifting. We are to consider the needs of others and use our words to build them up, rather than tearing them down. Our words have the power to shape the atmosphere and influence the hearts of those who hear them.
When we choose to build others up, we are not only fulfilling God’s commandment, but we are also reflecting the character of Christ. Jesus was known for His compassion, kindness, and encouragement. He came to bring healing and restoration to a broken world. As His followers, we are called to do the same.
Building others up involves more than just our words; it also requires a heart of forgiveness and love. The passage reminds us to get rid of bitterness, anger, and malice. These negative emotions can hinder our ability to build others up. Instead, we are to be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another just as Christ forgave us. When we offer forgiveness and extend grace, we create an environment where people can grow and thrive.
Let us be intentional in our words and actions, seeking opportunities to build others up in every interaction. Whether it’s a simple word of encouragement, a sincere compliment, or a helping hand, let us strive to bring hope, healing, and love to those around us. By doing so, we not only honor God, but we also become agents of His peace and transformation in the world.
“You have the power to impact lives with your words and actions. Let us strive to be a source of encouragement, love, and grace in everything we do.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that guides and instructs us in how to live a life that pleases you. Help us to be mindful of our words and actions, that we may build others up and not tear them down. Give us hearts of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, that we may reflect your love to those around us. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to be agents of encouragement, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
When you are building a house, the most important element is the foundation. If you build on a foundation that is moving or unstable, no matter how secure you create everything else, it will eventually fall apart. The same is true with wisdom and knowledge. The Bible tells us that the beginning (or foundation) of knowledge is found in fearing the Lord.
This “fear of the Lord” can also be understood as a reverence for His authority. It can also translate to a trust in His Word and His commands. When I trust the Lord and believe that what He says is true, then I will build my life on something unmovable. Of course, if I dismiss His Word and rely on my thoughts or feelings, then I am building my life on something that is unstable. The good news is that God can take our lives (no matter how bad the foundation) and place them on The Foundation – Jesus Christ. As we trust in Christ, we will find our life is more stable, and we are not so quick to topple under the weight of this world. Instead, we have a fresh joy and peace that comes with a secure foundation.
“The foundation of wisdom for all believers comes from having a fear and reverence for the Lord.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know that I often build my life on my emotions or limited understanding. Help me to walk in a healthy reverence for You and trust in Your Word. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I will be ready to deal with life and live victoriously through Jesus. Also Lord, Thank you for our Mothers and their wisdom. Please stay close to the sons and daughters that no longer have their mothers alive… may they feel You love and presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” (John 14:1-3)
Heaven is an actual place.
It isn’t an “idea” or a “state of mind”; it’s a location, like Phoenx or New York City or Paris. We often think of Heaven in sort of a mystical way, and our minds gravitate toward the versions we have seen in childrens books or TV, where people in white robes floating around on clouds with a halos over their heads, strumming a harp.
How mundane! That is certainly not the Heaven of the Bible. The Bible uses a number of words to describe Heaven. One word it uses is paradise. In the Gospels, we’re told that Jesus was crucified between two thieves. When one of those thieves, in the final moments of his life, put His faith in Jesus, he said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” And Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
Heaven is also compared to a city. In (Hebrews 11:10) we’re told that this city’s architect and builder is God Himself. And then (Hebrews 13:14) says, “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
Now, we know that cities have buildings, culture, art, music, parks, goods and services, and events. Will Heaven have all of these things? We don’t know. But we can certainly conclude that Heaven will in no sense be less than what we experience here on earth with the exception of all things harmful or evil.
Heaven is also described as a country. (Hebrews 11:16) says, “They desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God.”
Heaven is a paradise, a city, a country . . . and so much more that we can’t begin to wrap our limited minds around it. But one thing I do know: Jesus is expecting me, and He’s prepared a place for me. What more could I ask for?
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth and remember we can only get to Heaven by Jesus.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I believe You died for me so that I could be forgiven. I believe You were raised from the dead so that I could have new life. I know I have done wrong things, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and give me the power to follow You all the days of my life. I also thank You for the hope You have freely given to me through Your Son Jesus. Lord, help my doubt when I cannot see. As I eagerly wait in expectation of Your coming, strengthen me to persevere in the calling You have laid before me. I know that all things work together for good to those who love You. Lord, I commit my life to Your purposes today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Today we embark on a journey of faith, delving into the profound topic of healing. In the Scriptures, we discover powerful passages that reveal God’s longing to bring restoration and redemption to His people. Let us explore verses from Exodus 15:23-26 and 1 Peter 2:24, drawing inspiration from the incredible stories they share.
In Exodus 15:23-26, we witness the Israelites’ arduous journey through the wilderness. Their spirits were bitter, mirroring the bitterness of the waters they encountered at Marah. But in their desperate cry for help, the Lord heard and responded. He showed Moses a piece of wood to cast into the water, transforming it from bitterness to sweetness. God proclaimed, “I am the Lord who heals you.”
In this account, we discover the heart of our Heavenly Father, who desires to heal us from the bitterness that lingers within. Just as He turned the bitter water into sweetness, He seeks to transform the bitterness in our lives into joy, peace, and wholeness. Our God is not distant or indifferent to our pain; He is intimately acquainted with our struggles and longs to bring restoration to every area of our being.
Turning our attention to 1 Peter 2:24, we glimpse the ultimate act of healing and redemption through Jesus Christ. The verse proclaims, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.” These words remind us of the immeasurable sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, taking upon Himself our sins and infirmities.
Through Jesus’ wounds, we find healing for our brokenness, restoration for our souls, and redemption for our lives. His sacrifice was not only for our spiritual salvation, but it also encompasses the healing of our physical bodies, emotional wounds, and relational brokenness. In Christ, we discover the fullness of God’s love and the power to experience true healing and restoration.
As we reflect on these verses, let us embrace the truth that God’s healing power is available to us today. He is not a distant God, but a compassionate and loving Father who longs to heal, redeem, and make all things new. Let us approach Him with faith, surrendering our pain, sickness, and brokenness, knowing that He is faithful to bring healing according to His perfect will.
“May the healing waters of redemption flow over you, as you seek the transformative power of God’s love. May you experience the fullness of His healing, restoration, and redemption in every aspect of your life. Trust in His promises, for He is the God who heals and makes all things new.“
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we lift You up and praise You, We love You and are greatful for presence innour lives. We thank you for your Word that brings hope and healing to our weary souls. We humbly lay before you our pain, brokenness, and every area in need of your touch. Pour out your healing power upon us as we trust in your unwavering love and mercy. May we be vessels of your healing grace to a hurting world, proclaiming your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, Amen.
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Scriptural Seeds 