This time of year, I generally start what I call the "Christmas Chow Down".
Dare 2 Share - This time of year, I generally start what I call the "Christmas Chow Down". I'm pretty sure that my body thinks that we are headed for a nuclear winter where no food will be found. So about any time of the day you will see me with a fistful 'o food in search of additional vittles. Come to think of it, it would probably be a good idea to just attach a feed bag to my face.
It seems to me that this is the way we should be spiritually. So hungry for God's Word that we should have a verse or two in our 'hands' that we are devouring. Or better yet, if we could attach a Bible feeding bag to the mouth of our soul- I'm sure we all would live out the true meaning of Christmas. So here are four Christmas 'cookies' designed to give you a little different perspective for each day.
TUESDAY
Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty."
--John 6:35
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
We crave food at regular intervals during the day. During this holiday season food occupies our thoughts and fills up our activities. But deep in our soul is a hunger, a soul hunger. It cannot be filled by food, drink, or chemicals. This hunger was the desire built into us by our Creator, placed there when he knit us together in our mother's womb. This hunger can only be satiated by Jesus.
MY PRAYER...
Please fill me, my Father, with Jesus. Give me today, my Daily Bread, that I may find life in all its fullness.
Precious Lord, Jesus my brother and Savior, fill me and touch me with your presence so that I can serve you by blessing those around me with your grace. Amen.
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WEDNESDAY
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
--John 8:12
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
Darkness is more than a symbol; it is a pervasive way of living and viewing the world. Darkness is the place of deception, evil, crime, predators, sin, and death. To follow Jesus means to bring him our heart and let him cast everything from the darkness that plagues us on the inside so we don't have to be afraid of the darkness on the outside. In this way, Jesus gives us light, but it is a light that does more than fill a dark room. This is a light that illumines the heart.
MY PRAYER...
Holy God who lives in glorious and irrepressible light, I praise you for sending Jesus to cast away the dark fears that so easily envelope me. I pray for strength and courage to not only live in the light, but show others their way to the light.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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THURSDAY
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in full."
--John 10:7 and 9-10
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
Jesus came to the world to give us life. He didn't come to bring us rules, or judgment, or fear, or work. Jesus came to give us life in its fullest form. While we know that this is promised to us when we go to be with him for all eternity, John wants us to clearly hear that Jesus' promise to give us life begins right now! Not JUST life later, but also life NOW!
MY PRAYER...
Almighty God, I confess that sometimes I play life too carefully, not risking failure and loss and not reaching for your opportunities and your concerns. Give me a heart that yearns to live life in all its fullness by seeking after your will, Jesus' example, and the Holy Spirit's leading in my decisions today and always. Through Jesus I ask this to your glory. Amen.
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FRIDAY
[Jesus said,] "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
--John 11:25
New International Version
THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY'S VERSE...
This is the most important question you will ever answer.
Do you really believe this? Do you believe that when you died with Christ in baptism through faith, that you died the most significant death and that your physical death will not separate you from Jesus? All of life, even all of eternity for you, hangs on this one question.
MY PRAYER...
Almighty and Everlasting Father, I believe that because you have adopted me into your family, death will never claim me. Help me live with new vigor and confidence knowing that Satan cannot have me and death cannot claim me because I am yours through Jesus. In my precious Redeemer I pray. Amen.
(These verses are taken from TODAY'S VERSE, by Phil Ware
http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.23.9248.1.293748)
Questions:
1) How have these verses affected me?
2) How can I do a better job of reading Scripture this month?
3) Is there someone in my life that needs to know the true meaning of Christmas?
