December 29, 2012

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Personal Challenge...

The life that God desires me to live is simply and completely layed out for me in the life of Christ...to walk in love. However, it is a lifelong battle to learn how to love my God and my neighbor in the way that Christ did.

December 28, 2012

Psalm 63:3 (62:4 LXX)

Because Your mercy is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.

Encouraging Words...

God's mercy and grace poured out upon me, His adopted child, is far greater than anything that this life will ever give me. Why wouldn't I praise Him for it?

December 27, 2012

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Encouraging Words...

It is encouraging to know that we have had so much history in the Church that has gone before us that points to the truth of Christ and His work. Through this we can exercise our faith both in those things that have been promised and the evidence of these things in history that we may not be able to see, but do have the proof through the saints that have gone before us.

December 26, 2012

Matthew 2:18

A voice was heard in Ramah,
Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
Refusing to be comforted,
Because they are no more.

Personal Challenge...

This is one part of the Christmas story that is often neglected. Even in the midst of the glory of Jesus' birth there is an outpouring of evil that occurs. All the more of a reminder of the need for the redemption provided by this precious babe in the manger 2,000 years ago.

December 25, 2012

Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, Abba, Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Encouraging Words...

Praise be unto God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Through the work of Jesus the price of the old covenant has been paid and the new covenant set in place. Through His work and the grace of God I am now an adopted child into His family with all rights and privileges including the opportunity to grow through theosis to be like Him, my Father. Christ is born! Glorify Him!

December 24, 2012

Isaiah 9:6

Great shall be His government, and of His peace there is no end. His peace shall be upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order and establish it with righteousness and judgment, from that time forward and unto ages of ages. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.

Encouraging Words...

This day is upon us one and all. When Jesus cam to earth to be born a lowly child, to live the live as a common human being, and then to be crucified, buried and resurrected He established His kingdom forevermore and made it possible for a sinner such as me to enter into His eternal presence. I do not have to wait for some glorious age because it is here today. Happy birthday Jesus.

December 21, 2012

Mark 10:27

But Jesus looked at them and said, With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.

Encouraging Words...

This verse immediately follows the fate of the rich young man and his love for his wealth. I am sure the disciples were concerned that no one would be able to make it into heaven. And Jesus gently reminds them and us that God is in control and He can do even the imposible things. Glory be to God!