LAST DAY
Today's reading: Genesis 31

The last day of 2010. Number three hundred, sixty-five. The final twenty-four hours.

What are you saying about it?

Good riddance.

Hate to see it go.

Where has it gone?

I'm not sure what your year's been filled with. I can only guess: blessings, heartache, joy, grief, highs, lows, excitement, fear, awe, despair?

No matter what's occurred, can you say this...

"...But the God of my father has been with me..." Genesis 31:5 NLT

Better yet, can you say, My God has been with me!?

RESOLUTION #1
Today's reading: Isaiah 30

"For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt to find help. You have put your trust in Pharoah for his protection. But in trusting Pharoah, you will be humiliated and disgraced." Isaiah 30:2-3 NLT

I'll be the first to admit I'm not big on New Year's resolutions. Why set yourself up for failure? That being said, I do wholeheartedly agree with the concept of accountability among Christian brothers and sisters, so I'm going to share with you what I want to do with my New Year...

This year (and now that you know, you're going to have to remind me the next 365 days of my decision) I want to make God my first choice, my first stop, my first line of defense, my first thought.

You see, I usually don't. And if that caught you off guard or you're snickering at my confession--I'll guess you don't usually either!

We see what we can do ourselves.

We seek answers on the internet.

We make appointments with doctors.

We try new medicines, new programs, new diets, new ideas, etc.

We might share it with our closest church family.

We will, on occasion, mention it to the pastor.

But seek God? Ask God's advice? Pray that He gives an answer? Relief? Help? An open door? Allow Him to take over our thoughts, actions and attitudes about what's bothering us?

My New Year's resolution is to seek God first in ALL areas of my life. To make Him my first line of defense. To set my mind, heart and ears, on hearing from Him.

Okay, now you know. I'm asking you to hold me accountable. I'm going to be watching just to see how good a friend you are. If you see me not doing it, refer me back to the devotion written on 12/20/10! I'm asking for your help with this one.

PAUL'S ATTEMPT
Today's reading: Acts 28

"So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul's house. He told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures--from the five books of Moses and the books of the prophets. He began lecturing in the morning and went on into the evening. Some believed and some didn't." Acts 28:23-24 NLT

Paul could've balked at having a cottage prayer meeting. I mean, after all, he was being held prisoner, awaiting trial, had just lived through a shipwreck, was facing the consequences of being wrongly accused--and had not only lived through seeing a snake but suffered no ill effects from a snakebite!

If anyone had a reasonable list of excuses as to why he could not host some folks and share the Good News, Paul had 'the' list.

But he didn't do what we'd have done. He didn't whine and mope around. He didn't lay on his bed and cry. He didn't pull the covers up over his head. He didn't pretend not to hear God asking him to do this one more thing. He didn't accost God with the statistics of possible salvations in regards to the group he'd invited.

He did it.

He did all God had asked of hiim. He did it with the best of his abilities. He spoke from the heart about the things he'd witnessed and the promises God had fulfilled.

He did it.

And as for the folks he invited over? Some believed and some didn't--but it's not about them or what they will do with the Lord, now is it?

PAUL'S ATTEMPT
Today's reading: Acts 28

"So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul's house. He told them about the Kingdom of God and taught them about Jesus from the Scriptures--from the five books of Moses and the books of the prophets. He began lecturing in the morning and went on into the evening. Some believed and some didn't." Acts 28:23-24 NLT

Paul could've balked at having a cottage prayer meeting. I mean, after all, he was being held prisoner, awaiting trial, had just lived through a shipwreck, was facing the consequences of being wrongly accused--and had not only lived through seeing a snake but suffered no ill effects from a snakebite!

If anyone had a reasonable list of excuses as to why he could not host some folks and share the Good News, Paul had 'the' list.

But he didn't do what we'd have done. He didn't whine and mope around. He didn't lay on his bed and cry. He didn't pull the covers up over his head. He didn't pretend not to hear God asking him to do this one more thing. He didn't accost God with the statistics of possible salvations in regards to the group he'd invited.

He did it.

He did all God had asked of hiim. He did it with the best of his abilities. He spoke from the heart about the things he'd witnessed and the promises God had fulfilled.

He did it.

And as for the folks he invited over? Some believed and some didn't--but it's not about them or what they will do with the Lord, now is it?

REAL POVERTY
Today's reading: Proverbs 28

"Rich people picture themselves as wise, but their real poverty is evident to the poor." Proverbs 28:11 NLT

I've mistakenly been put on a mailing list for a celebrity-tabloid magazine. For the past 3-4 months I've called the publishing company to have my name removed--but to no avail. A waste of good paper really, because I take the magazine from our mailbox and deposit it immediately in to the trashcan.

I don't want to know the dirty little secrets of the stars. I don't care to be enlightened on the affairs of the celebrities. I don't agree with a society that promotes, as entertainment, young women and young men involved in the high life.

No matter how much money they make!

Lifestyles of the rich and famous might sell a few copies to those interested in such nonsense, but if we were to call it what it truly is, SIN, would anyone be so quick to snatch up the information provided in its pages?

Sex, outside marriage, is sin.

Abusing one's temple, whether with alcohol or drugs (prescribed by a doctor or not), is sin.

Living ungodly lives, is sin.

Mocking God and all His commands, is sin.

Lying, cheating, stealing, is sin.

Having money? Well, it can't cover up, hide or clean up sin--no matter how much of it there is!

JOHN 3:16

Yesterday was my turn on the children's ministry rotation. I thought I was well prepared to go in and teach them a lesson on John the Baptist's birth--was I ever wrong!

Gathered about me were the faces of intent learners, intense wigglers and intimidating audience members. They were prepared to see if I really and truly knew my stuff.

But what happened is I learned more than I taught!

One of the 'students' quoted for me her very best attempt at John 3:16. Although she muddled through a few of the words, skipped over some completely and re-worded a portion of it, it was quite a lesson for me to absorb. One well-placed incorrect word has had my mind reeling since then.

You see, she said (I hope I can get it right)...

For God loved the world so very much that He gave His only forgotten son so that no one would have to die anymore.

Intense. Thought provoking. Convicting.

From the mouth of babes.

WHAT I GOT THE BABY

There's a knot in my stomach this morning.

It's about the gifts I've given this Christmas.

Yes, everyone seemed tickled about the selections I made and wrapped up.

But I truly believe, hence the sick feeling, that there's One I truly disappointed with my gift giving this season.

See, I've been thinking about what i gave the Baby this Christmas. No, let's re-word that, I've been thinking about how little I gave the Baby this Christmas.

Not to extol the virtues of my giving, but to explain to you why I'm sickened over it, I'll share what I wrapped up for the Christ-child...

-A few songs. Yes, I sang in the cantata. I ministered to the congregation in the best voice I could. But truly, I didn't worship God while I sang. My mind was running over lists, things to do, gifts left to purchase, et cetera, et cetera. The Baby got a half-interested attempt.

-A few dollars. We through some currency towards the issue of the needy this season. Our church's motto was 'Do all you can for as many as you can', but it wasn't mine. I gave to say I gave. The Baby no doubt was less than impressed.

-A time slot. Amidst the hustle and bustle of a shreds of wrapping-paper Christmas morning, we read the Baby's story. We were reminded about the decree that went out, the journey, the inn-keeper's response, the stable and the star. The Baby was given a few moments of our time.

-A little effort. A few evenings working with the kids on a Christmas program. A few hours at a community lunch provided by our church. A few Christmas cards. Some baking. A little patience and a reading of His story to the littlest ones in AWANA. A few hearty 'Merry Christmas-es'. A decision, and a goal reached, of staying within budget on the money He allotted us to use this Christmas on gifts. But was it what the Baby wanted?

God's grace is a covering I'm depending upon as I look over what I gave the Christ Child. God's mercy is what I'm hoping for as I think of how little He could do to re-pay me. God's love for me, me, is what I'm asking Him for as I sit sickened this morning about the minute honor, value and effort I put into giving Him what He truly wanted this Christmas.

HE WAS RIGHT
Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"...The Holy Spirit was right when he said to our ancestors through Isaiah the prophet..." Acts 28:25 NLT

That He would be Wonderful!

That He would be the Prince of Peace!

That He would be wounded for our transgessions, bruised for our iniquities!

That He would be our Redeemer, our Savior, our Friend!

That He would be our Counselor--oh, that He's have better listeners!

The prophet Isaiah was right!

All of this in a tiny, little Baby!

Merry Christmas.

SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS
Today's reading: Revelation 19-22

I asked for something simple and straight forward. I needed words that were clear and concise. In all reality, I wanted Him to fill my head and heart with a thought that was simple but powerful, easy to grasp but monumental in depth and power.

He came through.

He swept away the haze of an early morning. He removed from me the list of all that needs done in the next twenty-four hours. He left no doubt in my mind, no reason to theorize or debate, there was no needing to intepret the Scripture on this one. He simply wrote...

"...Worship God..." Revelation 20:15 NLT

There was nothing I needed to be reminded of more than that! During this wonderfully, holy season, I'd pushed aside the Baby. I'd crowded the Birthday Boy out of the manger scene and placed Santa smack dab in the middle of heart and mind. I'd allowed the hustle and bustle to wreak havoc on my Silent Night.

But God spoke through His Word again. And I chose to listen. I'm choosing to respond. I'm deciding to obey His simple instructions.

AN EARLY GIFT
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

Isaiah has already begun asking if we can start opening Christmas presents. Just one, he'll say. I won't ask again, he promises. Everyone gets to but us, he moans. It'll just save us time on Christmas morning for more important things, he attempts to justify.

We continue (and I say 'we', holding back the fact that his Dad is just as big a kid as my 10 year-old, and wants to ask himself) to tell him no.

But I have a surprise for him and for you--an early Christmas gift!

"...For love is as strong as death, and its jealousy is as enduring as the grace. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can rivers drown in. If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:6-7 NLT

God loves you, and He loves you that much!

Maybe you'd forgotten.

Maybe you doubted.

Maybe you never knew.

Well, Merry Christmas--early!

NEW LYRICS
Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song..." Psalm 149:1 NLT

Oh, I've heard you singing. Lovely melody. Catchy tune.

But you've been singing the same song for too long, haven't you?

Yes, I know Jesus saved you--there's a verse about it in the song you sing. You've counted blessings from your childhood--there's a verse about that, too. Your lyrics refer to last year's revival, the answer to prayer you received five years ago and the wreck He saved you from the year you started driving (Wasn't that 1978?).

Your choruses are nicely rhymed with your Dad and Granddad's account of old-time religion, the moving of God and the nearness of the Holy Spirit.

They're nice verses. But they're dated.

Honestly, they are.

You see, His Word says to sing a new song. A 2010 hymn of faith. A chorus of praise that will relate to the here and now.

New, as in what He did for you today. What's fresh on your mind. How in awe of Him you are right now.

HISTORY LESSONS
Today's reading: Esther 6-10

"That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the historical records of his kingdom so they could be read to him." Esther 6:1 NLT

Why might the king have been restless and unable to sleep? Well, some of his reasons might be some of the reasons we face...

Worry. Fear. Doubt.

Busy-ness. To-do lists racing through our minds. A full planner. More things to do than time to do them in.

Issues. Personal issues. Family issues. Political issues. National issues. World issues.

Pain. Hurt. Broken heart.

So he turned to a history book?

Good remedy.

When you're worried, recount what God has done for you in the past.

When you're too busy, make the time to sit at His feet thanking Him for all He's done.

When issues annoy, read the historical account of the gal who brought her issues to Jesus--and He took them over for her!

When hurts hurt, be soothed by the balm of the oldest document, the most published history book, the most helpful Book in the world!

Maybe it's time we were reminded a little more of history, and Who better to discuss it with than the One who has been for all time?

STUFFED
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 32-34

"But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation." Deuteronomy 32:15 NLT

The Christmas cookies. The party foods. The 'only-at-the-holidays' appetizers. The rich desserts. The butter laden sweets.

Aaah, Christmas.

I've found myself smack-dab in the middle of this verse.

Instead of nibbling on the feast, I gorge. Instead of taking a little here and a little there, I load my plate.

And then I don't appreciate the goodies as much as I thought I would.

Like I do with God.

I seek Him when I need Him. I cry out for Him when I have a want. I spend time in His presence when I think about it.

Then I get what I want. Or, better yet, I get a whole lot more than I'd have ever dreamed I could have--and I forget Him.

I forget my Savior. My Redeemer. My Rock.

Fat. Unruly. Heavy. Plump. Stuffed. Uggh!

CHRISTMAS PREPARATIONS
Today's reading: Jude

Just a few reminders as you head out this Christmas Sunday to your respective churches...

The message, as wonderful as it may be, is not the reason for the season.

The church, how ever beautifully it may be decorated, is not the reason for the season.

The music, regardless of how perfectly presented it may be executed, is not the reason for the season.

The faces in the congregation, no matter how many or how varied, are not the reason for the season.

The Christmas programs, despite the staging and elaborate props, are not the reason for the season.

The new dress. The gifts you might receive. The spirit in the air. None of these are the meaning of the season...

"All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore. Amen" Jude verse 25 NLT

GO TELL
Today's reading: Acts 26-27

"...You are to tell the world about the experience and about other times I will appear to you." Acts 26:16

This may come as quite a shock to the majority of you...telling about Christ is NOT limited to Christmas time!

Has He saved you? Go tell!

Has He protected you? Go tell!

Has He sheltered you from the storms of life--externally or internally? Go tell!

Has He sent His only begotten Son to the world? Go tell!

And as far as where to tell it--you don't have to be on a mountain. Valleys are great places to tell about God's love. Halfway up the mountain is a great place, too! Just go ahead and consider where ever you are as the best place to tell it.

CHOIR PRACTICE
Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

We've met almost every Sunday afternoon since October. We've braved the ice to join our voices. We've noted in our books how long we hold and when we cut it off short. We have reviewed and reviewed some of the hardest parts.

Practice is tough. Training our voices to hit the highs and sink to the lows takes discipline. Remembering which part, especially if it's a solo, we're not to sing is a daunting task. When to sing quietly and when to raise the roof with our voice takes paying attention to detail. Watching the music leader instead of the congregation is a lesson in self-control.

But we've done it! We're ready for a beautifully, wonderful Christmas Sunday morning service. We're prepared, practiced and prayed up, to minister in voice.

This morning though, I'm excited to tell you about a choir I'm singing in that'll top the one this Sunday...

"This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. And no one could learn this song except those 144,000 who had been redeemed..." Revelation 14:3 NLT

You see, I've not had to pass an audition, learn sheet music or be liked by the conductor--I'm in because I've been redeemed by the Blood of Christ!

La, la, la, la....

NEEDING TO HEAR HIM
Today's reading: Song Of Solomon 5-6

"...I yearned for even his voice! I searched for him, but couldn't find him anywhere. I called to him, but there was no reply." Song Of Solomon 5:6 NLT

There are many parts of the Songs of Solomon that I don't understand. Comparisons made which are not at all socially acceptable anymore. References to things I cannot fathom. Discussions I feel uncomfortable being invited into.

That being said, I can honestly say I understand what the Shulammite maiden is saying in these verses...you see, I'm needing to hear God's voice, know His direction, understand completely what it is He needs me to do in a specific matter.

I'm asking Him to speak loudly. I'm begging Him to be very, very specific. I'm looking for any open doors, neon signs or even a talking donkey.

You see, I've got to know what He wants me to do in a situation I've found myself in--a situation I am not trained for, skilled in solving or to be quite honest, even want to be involved in.

I don't want to react. I don't want to 'wing it'. I don't want to answer 'off the cuff'. I don't want to have to go back and undo what I thought was the right thing to do at the time.

So I need Him.

I need Him desperately, like the maiden needed Solomon.

PERSUASIVE CONVERSATIONS
Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

I can do it.

I think I can.

Keep at it.

Don't quit.

Ever had these conversations with yourself? Ever had to persuade yourself to do what needed done? Ever had to be your own cheerleader, encourager, drill sargeant? Ever needed a persuasive conversation with yourself?

For me it's about minute number twenty-five on the treadmill. Or two hours into the new diet. Or Monday after a super Spirit-charged worship service. Or, depending upon the day and the 'storms', about fifteen minutes after I've turned everything over to the Father--again.

I've had to yell. I've cheered. I've displayed tough love. I've quoted. I've ranted. I've raved. I've recalled. I've read and re-read Scripture. I've had conversations, personal conversations with myself.

But my best advice? What gets me going? Keeps me at it? Kept me from quitting? Encouraged? Spurred me on?

It's this verse. Oh, not just the words--it's the potential wrapped up in the act it suggests and the Savior to whom it's due:

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, I tell myself." Psalm 146:1 NLT

Go ahead and use it, it's not just mine--He's just allowing me the privilege of using it--and reaping the benefits! Oh, and sharing it with you!

YOUR STORY
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"...What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?" Esther 5:14 NLT

You've heard it preached. Undoubtedly you've heard every women's ministry team ever organized speak on it. You've been told it during some of the toughest times of your life. It's been written in cards. You may have even quoted it yourself in a well-meaning spirit.

But is it true?

Are you where you are because God needs you there? Do you think it happen-stance that you were born to the parents you were born to? Experienced the childhood you experienced? Were raised in the environment you were raised in? Endured the tough times you endured? Celebrated the great things you were blessed with? Have the job you have? Are the parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle/friend to a spectacular adult-to-be? Attend the church you attend? Are internet-linked with a nobody from Southern Illinois reminding you today of the God-inspired iwords spoken over the life of a young girl some 2,400 years later?

So? Is it true?

Are you where you are today for a reason?

SECRET THINGS
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

"There are secret things that belong to the Lord our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law." Deuteronomy 29:29 NLT

So many things about God we do not understand, cannot fathom or will never be able to grasp hold of with our finite minds. His choices. His ways. His timing.

And those things? Those are the things He doesn't intend us to worry over, fret about or spend too much of our time questioning.

Why?

Because He floods our lives with the revealed things. Miracles seen with our very own eyes. Circumstances turned around and left with God-sized fingerprints. Hearts and lives changed. Fear, worry and doubt exchanged for love, peace and joy.

Focus on the revealed things and live victoriously. Focus on the revealed things so that a godly heritage will be instilled in your family. Focus on the revealed things so that you may live fully, wonderfully and obediently.

IT'S SNOWING
Today's reading: 3 John

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Southern Illinois! The lights are up, the temperature's dropped and this morning--it's snowing!

There's something about the first snow to put me in the Christmas spirit.

But isn't that a shame?

Why am I not 'Christmas-ey' all year long? Why is it my tidings of comfort and joy flow more freely after a huge Thanksgiving meal? Or the Christ child means more when He's sat on a table or shelf surrounded by pine boughs?

Why is it easier for me to give in the month of December? Or that I listen to the songs about Jesus more closely when they have a holiday tempo to them?

Why is it the baking, cleaning, wrapping and tidying up take on a different meaning when it's done for the appearance of Santa and eight tiny reindeer?

Isn't it a shame?

The Baby lives throughout the year. Why doesn't my Christmas cheer?

LEGAL DEFENSE
Today's reading: Acts 22-24

"Brothers and esteemed fathers, Paul said, listen to me as I offer my defense." Acts 22:1 NLT

He offered his genealogical references.

He listed his educational accomplishments.

He provided factual information.

He spoke eloquently and had the attention of his audience in the palm of his hands.

But his defense was simply Jesus.

My defense is Jesus.

I'm able--because of Jesus.

I'm worthy--because of Jesus.

I'm equipped--because of Jesus.

I'm chosen--because of Jesus.

I'm washed white as snow--because of Jesus.

I'm an heir--because of Jesus.

Friend, can you use the same defense?

MY SAVIOR'S BIRTH
Today's reading: Revelation 1-7

Have you personalized Christmas? No, I don't mean making it all about you, putting your name on every package under the tree or lighting up the yard with strands of lights spelling out your name. I mean have you made the time to make it personal this year.

I've had help doing it. It started a Sunday or two back when a certain song was played prior to worship service. No, not a Christmas song. It was this song written by Tommy Walker...

'I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in His hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I cry'

That's Whose birth we're celebrating! He is Who the season is all about! His coming to earth as a baby is the reason for the festivities, cantatas, plays and midnight candlelight services. This Promise fulfilled is our hope, peace, love and joy.

This Baby, who knew--and knows our names!

PASSION
Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"A little while later I found him and held him..." Song of Solomon 3:4 NLT

Remember when you met Jesus? When your relationship first bloomed? The first sparks of passion, zeal and commitment?

And now?

You've matured.

You've allowed so many things to come between the two of you.

You're too tired for passion. You're too level-headed for zeal. You're too busy for commitment.

Grab hold of Him again...and this time, don't let go!

BECAUSE YOU ARE
Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

So many prayer requests.

So many needs.

So many friends, family and unsaved strangers needing a touch from God.

And here I sit, incapable, inadequate, incompetent, illiterate as to the language of a Savior. Unable, undisciplined, unworthy.

And the burden to pray remains. The desire to help stays in my heart. The need to speak to my Father keeps me up at night.

And then I read...

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous." Psalm 143:1 NLT

That's it! The secret. The key required to unlock the power of prayer.

'...because You are...'

Not because I can pray.

Not because I deserve answers.

Not because at the end, I'll receive the glory.

'...because You are...'

Capable.

Willing.

Merciful.

Gracious.

Loving.

Omnipotent.

Wise.

'...because You are...'

MAKING AN OATH
Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"The rest of the people--the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, Temple servants and all who had separated themselves from the pagan people of the land in order to serve God, all who were old enough to understand--now all heartily bound themselves with an oath. They vowed to accept the curse of God if they failed to obey, the law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, laws and regulations of the Lord their God." Nehemiah 10:28-29 NLT

Could you make such an oath?

Would you be willing to publicly, privately and wholeheartedly give up worldliness in order to serve Him more fully?

Might you be willing to accept the curse of God if you broke your vows? Strayed? Separated yourself from Him?

The curse of God? Could anything be worse? Who in their right mind would ever choose that?

And yet, by not choosing to take an oath of commitment to the Lord, we choose His curses.

PLANNING A PARTY
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"Afterward go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration." Deuteronomy 26:11 NLT

Go ahead, plan a party!

Purchase the decorations. Print off some great invitations. Blow up the balloons. Bake up some of your favorite party foods.

Do whatever it takes to get a real shin-dig in order. A grand ball. A huge celebration. A real wing-ding.

The guest list? Family. Church friends. Prayer partners. Your unsaved friends, especially those you've been witnessing to.

When will you have this party of all parties?

When you arrive in the Promised Land. When God answers your prayers, of course. On the other side of the valley. When you reach the mountaintop. When the rainbow shines in the sky. When the prodigal returns. When the habit no longer has a hold on you. When the unsaved are marked off your prayer list. When the answer comes.

When His promise is fulfilled.

Go ahead and start planning your party. Let your friends know they'll need to keep their calendars open. Buy a package of balloons. Do what ever it takes to remind yourself that He is going to answer, He is going to provide, He is going to give you plenty of reasons to celebrate!

CHRISTMAS IS LOVE
Today's reading: 2 John

Every commercial. Every Hallmark movie. Every retailer. Every recipe. Every children's program. Every holiday open house. Every Christmas song. Every charity. Everything about Christmas, from the secular to the holy, wants us to be reminded of the fact that Christmas is love.

Some of us, however, have a hard time understanding what they're trying to convey.

We know love has nothing to do with a price tag or money spent.

We know love has little to do with gushing emotion or weepy plots.

We question how much of the change we throw in the red bucket warms the heart of the needy.

We have all experienced human love, the kind that has failed to be returned or to be genuine.

We are well aware of the lyrics that speak of the Baby in the manger and the ones relating to the red-nosed member of the deer family.

A real definition of Christmas love? I think I've found it and it has little to do with economy, tinsel or melodies that stay in your head year round...

"Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning." 2 John 6 NLT

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"Aren't you the Egyptian who led a rebellion some time ago and took four thousand members of the Assassins out into the desert? No, Paul replied, I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cicilia, which is an important city..." Acts 21:38-39 NLT

Mistaken identities. Wrong information. Gossip. Hearsay.

How many people, people we're called to witness to each day, do we make assumptions about, depend upon the reports of others or write off an unaproachable becaues of how they look, act or even smell?

Oh, don't tell me you're too busy to get to know them. That's an excuse. And you know what an 'excuse' is, don't you? An excuse is a lie with a reason attached.

How about making the time to find out something positive about someone? Take the time to ask them about themselves? Go out of your way to find out just who they really are?

It's the best way to open the door for witnessing!

LIKE I USED TO
Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!" Revelation 2:4 NLT

If it weren't written in red, I might not have taken it as personally as I have.

If it weren't in the living, breathing Word of God, I might have dismissed it.

If it weren't the truth, I might not have this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like I have now.

You see, I've been cheating on God. My attention has been divided. I've not been giving Him my heart, soul, mind and strength. I've had wandering eyes and questionable tendencies.

He's right, I probably don't love Him, or you, as I did when I first fell in love with Him.

Sure, I could place blame--you aren't so easy to love, I'm only human, life happens and spiritual maturity sets in and the rose-colored glasses come off.

But Him? He hasn't changed. He's never failed me. He's stayed true and faithful to our relationship.

I've waivered in my commitment to Him.

He says that's the only complaint He has against me? I'm sure He's just being gracious, because there are so many more...it's just that this one is the biggest offense.

Okay, okay, enough about me--what about you?

NO WONDER
Today’s reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

I’m not the ‘hippest’ of women. My hair’s not the newest shade Clairol has to offer. My jeans have been purchased because I like the fit and they were on sale--not because of the name brand. I’ll admit my purse doesn’t always match my shoes. I doubt many of the young gals would ever clamor to find out my beauty secrets or want to mimic my lifestyle. What I could advise another woman on would probably be edited from the pages of Vogue or Cosmo because, well, it’s probably too old fashioned or boring.

But I know a thing or two about being a woman: It can be the greatest, most wonderful thing in the world…or it can be the hardest, most uncomfortable role handed out. It all depends upon your walk with your Creator.

My advice for the youngest of the females tuned in…stay close to God!

Depend upon Him for your beauty.

Trust Him with your life and your secrets, your dreams and your ambitions.

Work hard to please Him--and Him only.

Dress to impress Him. Better yet, dress to honor Him. Even more specific: Dress in a way that doesn’t shame Him.

Fashion your life upon His principles.

Grow in His character traits.

I understand what Shulameth was saying when she spoke to Solomon(God). She found out that all a woman would ever need was wrapped up in Him!

“How right that the young women love you!” Song of Solomon 1:4 NLT

TRAPS & SNARES
Today’s reading: Psalm 140-142

“I look to you for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me. Keep me out of the traps they have set for me, out of the snares of those who do evil. Let the wicked fall into their own snares, but let me escape.” Psalm 141:8-9 NLT

Lord, You knew I needed this verse today, didn’t You?

You know all about the trouble my mouth gets me into when a conversation with another leads me into a trap.

You’re well aware of how little control I have over my mouth region--so I’m trusting You with all I have to let me escape the snares my words might bring about.