From the Heart- In His Word
Whatever we do we need to do
it as unto the Lord.
In other words
straight from our heart to His; we should do it because we love Him. In His love He has given us grace, hope, peace and joy even when we did not deserve it.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies
of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to
God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed
to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2
At this time of year many
people get caught up in the “Santa Claus” portion of giving and completely forget
that we need to be living a life of giving of
ourselves for Jesus all year
round. We enjoy our shopping, our dining with friends and family tallying up
the mass quantities of either home baked goods or trinkets and toys to share
with others. It is a lot of fun but I wonder sometimes if this is for His party
or ours?
Do we follow the traditions of
others in our Christmas Celebrations, having the red dressed man come to our
parties or do we keep the focus where it belongs?
In his grace, God has given us different
gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to
prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is
serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is
to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God
has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you
have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend
to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is
good. 10 Love each other
with genuine affection,[e] and take
delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy,
but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[f] 12 Rejoice in our
confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s
people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice
hospitality. Romans 12:6-9
Our job is not to be like everyone else but to be like Jesus. To
share the love, hope, peace and joy that He has given us as a gift to give to
others. So no matter how someone else is celebrating begin your own ‘traditions’
this year point the way to Christ Jesus who died and rose again for your kids,
your neighbors and all of us!
Let’s make it a goal to live like Christ in the season where the popular claim is that He is ‘the reason for
the season’. Let us change how we were and renew our plans, our thoughts our
ideas of what it means to live a life for Christ. Let’s start right now!
Put on Christ- Romans 13:12-14
The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of
light. 13 Let
us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in
lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Stop trying to be like everyone else, we are to
be different than those around us at the work place, in the classroom, when we
go out shopping. Don’t let the thrill of a good deal get the better of your
good judgment.
Do not act
like the world- Romans 12:1-2 Redeem
the time, take back the moments you would waste away buying things that won’t
last and use the time to share the love of Christ with others. No body said you
can’t have fun, but keep it sensible.
Be full of the Spirit and joy in the
Lord-Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see
that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry
about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and
thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will
experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace
will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5-7
Gift them with Grace: The joy of the Lord is my strength! We
have heard it said and many of us have felt it but at this time of year if you
work in retail you have more than claimed it you have lived it! Pray for those
who work around the sales and the jobs that are not so much fun this season;
don’t get mad at the clerk even if they ‘deserve it’ give them grace like Christ
gave you. If you want to live like Jesus you have to think about how He would
treat each person. Remember the money changers and accept that some people will
make you upset but for those who need it, there is grace. Romans 12:6
Let the message about Christ, in all its
richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he
gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say,
do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God
the Father. Colossians 3:16-17
Dear Heavenly Father; Thank you for your Son, and
your direction. Teach us to do your will in our lives. Help us to share your
love, joy, hope and peace all wrapped up in grace this week, in Jesus name,
amen.
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