Blog Categories
Respite For the Weary
Across America, and the world, has Christmas become just another reason to throw a seasonal party?
Christmas is upon us, and we're all getting ready for...what? Is there a purpose behind this preparation? Across America, and the world, has Christmas become just another reason to throw a seasonal party?
I asked this very question to myself as I hung my wreath on my own front door. Why the wreath? Does this circular object have meaning, or is it just "pretty" and "fitting" at Christmas? And along with that, why the greenery and red ribbons that wrap around so many door frames, staircases, and mantles? I love the festive look, but is that it? When I asked these heart-questions, the Lord gently reminded me of a passage of Scripture:
Each household is to take a lamb...your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old...the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. Moreover, they shall take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts..." Exodus 12:3,5-7
When my mind settled on these verses, the crimson red ribbons that accompany the evergreen boughs at Christmas became much more than mere traditional decor found on the shelf at Michael's. I suddenly felt a beautiful connection to the Israelites of old. Their Savior is my Savior. I have a Protector over my household as well. He has come, and He lives within. The greenery with red ribbon reminds me to bow my heart in humbled worship.
Here's another thought: Could the circular wreath we hang on our doors represent God's matchless love that is complete because of the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son? In your mind's eye, trace your finger around a wreath from top, to bottom, to top while reading these all too familiar words:
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
He came from heaven to earth to be with us, in order to bring us to heaven to be with him. The wreath proclaims eternal life all because of Immanuel!
So as the world celebrates, does the world know why? When you look at your wreath and the greenery at your door or on your mantle, celebrate your Savior. May the red ribbon remind you of His crimson blood shed for you and your household! Rejoice! His entry into the world has purchased your entry into heaven. This is what the world needs to know. Yes, may our homes and our hearts and our voices sing together, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come!"
Tuesday
Picture: Body (a heart to beat)
Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9; Jeremiah 24:7; Jeremiah 32:38-41; Psalm 86:11-13
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
When the Bible speaks of “the heart” it encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and desires of an individual, not just his or her emotions. With this truth in mind, close your eyes and think of your own heart. Today’s focus is twofold: 1. the heart of man, left to himself, is deceitful, BUT, 2. we are not left without hope! God can transform any repentant heart into something beautiful. It is important to note, that when our individual hearts beat for Him, they collectively beat as one.
Do your thoughts, feelings, and desires line up with God’s thoughts, feelings, and desires found in His word? Explain.
What has God recently laid on your heart and how have you responded to His nudging?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Friday
Picture: Body (a mouth to proclaim)
Scripture: Psalm 34:1-3; Acts 8:25-40; Romans 10:11-17
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and see yourself explaining something to someone, whether it’s how to change a tire or how to fix a special recipe. In the same way, we have the great privilege of sharing the Good News of Christ. In the presence of one or many, we can praise Him for who He is and what He has done in our lives, and we can proclaim Him by speaking about His truths found in Scripture.
Did you come to know Christ through someone who shared the gospel with you? Explain.
How does this person and his or her witness challenge you?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Tuesday
Picture: Soldier (armored boots)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-15 (emphasis on v.15); Psalm 18:29-36; Isaiah 61:1; Romans 16:20
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on his combat boots. He makes sure they are the right size and securely laced. Likewise, in order for peace to occur, we too must be prepared to pursue and defeat the enemy. We fight not only for our own freedom but also for those who are held captive.
Do you put your “combat boots” on daily, making you ready to crush the enemy? Explain.
Who in your world needs to hear the Good News so they can be set free and finally have peace? What are they struggling with? Consider calling them or taking them to coffee/lunch.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Wednesday
Picture: Soldier (shield)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-16 (emphasis on v.16); Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 18:1-3; Psalm 91:4
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Envision a soldier’s protective shield. The ancient Roman shield was “made from goatskin or calf skin which was stretched over sturdy pieces of wood. It stood four-feet long and three-feet wide…Before going into battle, Roman soldiers drenched their leather-covered shields with water. When the fiery arrows of their enemies struck these soaked shields, the flames were immediately extinguished” (The Armor of God pamphlet, Rose Publishing). Just as this shield protected the soldier physically, our shield of faith protects us from the fiery darts spiritually. God will always stay as BIG as He is, but sometimes our shield (our belief in this big God) becomes small. We are then left to an all out attack from the enemy .
Has there ever been a time, or are you currently wavering in your faith in God’s promises due to life’s circumstances? Explain.
Write out at least three promises of God and use them all day long as your protective shield to quench the fiery arrows of the enemy.
Thursday
Picture: Soldier (helmet)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17 (emphasis on 17a); Ephesians 2:1-9; Colossians 3:1-2
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Think of a soldier putting on and securely fastening his helmet before battle. He understands a blow to the head is deadly, so it’s carefully applied. Likewise as believers, we must apply the helmet of salvation. In doing so, we choose to focus on the beautiful GIFT of our salvation in Christ as well as the hope of our future that is coming; when doing so, our minds are protected from the present earthly temptations around us. Carefully and slowly read this insightful excerpt by theologian Alexander MacLaren: “The helmet of salvation. This salvation in its present form will keep our heads in the day of battle. Its very characteristic is that it delivers us from evil, and all the graces with which Paul equips his ideal warrior are parts of the positive blessings which our salvation brings us. The more assured we are in our own happy consciousness of possessing the salvation of God, the more shall we be defended from all the temptations that seek to stir into action our lower selves. There will be no power in our fears to draw us into sin, and the possible evils that appeal to earthly passions of whatever sort will lose their power to disturb us, in the precise measure in which we know that we are saved in Christ. The consciousness of salvation will tend to damp down the magazine of combustibles that we all carry within us, and the sparks that fall will be as innocuous as those that light on wet gunpowder. If our thoughts are occupied with the blessings which we possess they will be guarded against the assaults of evil. The full cup has no room for poison.”
What dominates your mind, your present troubles or your future hope? Explain.
What is something you look forward to in your heavenly home? Meditate on this with a thankful heart all day today.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
Monday
Picture: Soldier (belt and breastplate)
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-14; Psalm 119:160; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about any soldier dressed and ready for combat. This week we will be looking at a soldier spiritually applying the armor of God in order to fight the daily battle of evil. With the application of ALL these pieces of armor, the soldier is able to stand firm (Ephesians 6 repeats “stand firm” many times.) Due to the multiple pieces of armor, today’s focus is BOTH the belt and breastplate. The soldier fastens himself tightly to the truth of God’s word. And then, the breastplate of righteousness is one that was purchased at the cross. It is an honor to put it on.
Is you belt completely fastened to His truth rather than what culture is tell you is true? Explain a lie of culture that is tempting to believe.
Are you wearing His righteousness or trying to be righteous on your own through doing good works? (One way to help you answer this question is to check your motives for doing the good works.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference.
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up my childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11
Dear Lord Jesus,
You tell us to be childlike in our faith, but you also implore us to grow up. Show us the difference! As we trust in you wholeheartedly, grow us in wisdom and knowledge, not just for intellectual purposes, but for maturity in our emotions and our actions. Help us to replace childish ways with Christlike ones. In your Name, Amen.