How to Experience Christ's Peace..... Dr. Charles Stanley

 How to Experience Christ's Peace

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 14:27-31

"My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths:

• God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place.
• He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.
• To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways and plans, I’ll experience turmoil.
• I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort.
• The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to transform my character into Christ’s image.
• I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and repenting of sin.
• Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness, assures me that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over every situation.

Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this incomprehensible peace. Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues. But only as we surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our souls.

Overflowing Joy..... Craig Denison

 

Overflowing Joy

Craig Denison

Weekly Overview:

Christmas is a time where we as believers celebrate God’s heart to write himself into our story. Prior to Jesus we had no real picture of God’s love. All we had to know him by was through stories of old and commandments written into law. But only in Jesus was a pathway created whereby we could walk in intimacy with the Father again. Only in Jesus was the veil torn allowing God’s manifest presence into the earth. We owe all that we have to Jesus. We owe all that we have to Christmas. May these two days be filled with joyful worship as we celebrate our newborn King.

Scripture:

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” 1 Peter 1:8

Devotional:

In Luke 2:8-14, the Bible describes a beautiful event around the time of Jesus’ birth. Scripture says,

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

This passage contains my favorite phrase in the Christmas story: “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The birth of Jesus was intended to be a celebration of great joy for everyone. With all of humanity in his heart, God sent his only son. With an overwhelming desire to have restored relationship with his people, God came down in the flesh that we might learn of the good news of his unconditional love.

God’s intention for you and me is to be a people of great joy. We’ve been given the greatest gift the world has ever known in Jesus. New life, eternal redemption, and unhindered relationship with our Creator are ours because of Christmas.

But in order for you and me to receive the overflowing joy available to us in God, we have to choose to center ourselves around who Jesus is. We have to choose to center our emotions, actions, words, thoughts, and decisions around God’s unceasing mercy and steadfast love. The world tries to pull our hearts in every direction. Stress, earthly pursuits, and constant pressure mark the hearts and minds of so many. But the miracle of Christmas is that we can set our eyes on God himself. We can see and know who God truly is and gain perspective on even the hardest of circumstances.

Overflowing joy is yours today in the Holy Spirit. Real, abundant life is available to you this Christmas. Just as Jesus died for you, he was born for you. Just as he gave his life on the cross, he gave his throne in heaven to take on flesh. Everything you truly need has been provided for you in the heart of God. May your day be filled with overflowing joy and ceaseless praise as you set your eyes on Jesus, the author of “good news and great joy that will be for all the people.”

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on Jesus’ heart to fill you with overflowing joy. Set your eyes on him and look at his face of love.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

2. Where do you need joy today? Where do you need peace that transcends circumstances?

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

3. Open your heart to God and receive what he longs to give. Rest in his unfailing love and boundless joy.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” 1 Peter 1:8

May you find joy in every little gift God’s given you today. Whether it’s in opening presents, spending time with family, eating good food, or simply enjoying his presence, God has good and pleasing gifts for you today and every day. May his love for you be a foundation on which you can fully enjoy everything in your life. May his grace sustain you through any circumstance. May his face shine upon you that your heart might be filled with peace.

Extended Reading: Luke 2

Do You Believe in Christmas Miracles?...... By Lynette Kittle

 Do You Believe in Christmas Miracles?

By Lynette Kittle

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23

Have you noticed how many Christmas movies focus on receiving a Christmas miracle?

Although many center on Santa Claus making things happen, still Christmas is portrayed as a time for long-awaited hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.

Rightly so, too, because Christmas is all about miracles!

It’s a celebration of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus, God comes to earth in human form, to live among mankind and save people from their sins. What could be more miraculous than that?

So how do you approach Christmas? Are you hoping for God to do the impossible in your life? Do you believe what Jesus said, that all things are possible with God? (Mark 10:27)

If you aren’t expecting God to do the impossible at Christmas or any other time of the year, perhaps it’s because of past disappointments, of times where you had great hope and anticipation but didn’t see your prayers answered?

If so, ask God to renew your expectancy in Him, to revive your faith despite your disappointments. Choose to base what you believe about God on what Scripture says about Him, rather on past discouraging experiences.

If former letdowns are holding you back from having faith in God, James 1:6 encourages you to believe with all your heart and not doubt God because doubt inhibits the impossible.

Scripture explains what happened when Jesus visited His hometown and the residents doubted Him. Their disbelief affected what they were able to receive from Jesus. As Matthew 13:58 explains, “And He did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.”

If you’re lacking faith in believing God is able to do the impossible, ask Him to increase your faith. Hebrews 11:1 explains, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Consider how everything you see created was once impossible without God. As John 1:3 explains, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”

As Jeremiah 32:17 describes, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.”

Colossians 1:16 further describes, “For in Him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

At Christmas and all year long, choose to believe that nothing is too difficult for God to bring about in your life by stepping out in faith and asking Him to transform your impossibilities into possibilities.

Want vs. Need..... by Laura MacCorkle

 Want vs. Need

by Laura MacCorkle

Did you get what you wanted for Christmas today? Or did you get what you needed?

What we want and what we need do not often go hand in hand. I should know. There are things that I have wanted in my life for a long time now, that apparently the Lord has not seen to be necessities. At least not yet.

I know he knows what is best for me, but it is still hard to wait. And it is difficult not to look longingly at what others have received and wonder why I, too, cannot be the recipient of such things in my life.

This kind of struggle is not new to any of us. And Hannah, who we read about in the first chapter of 1 Samuel, is a great example of how to live when what you want is not yet something God says you need. 

For years Hannah had wanted to become a mother. To bear a child. To give her husband, Elkanah, a son—just like his other wife, Peninnah.

Being barren was considered a disgrace for a woman in those times, so Hannah most likely felt ashamed and alone and perhaps like a societal outcast. Instead of turning away, though, Hannah took her sorrow and her request for what she wanted to the Lord. 

We don't know for sure how long she waited (perhaps years)—and we don't know the exact purposes of God's timing in her life—but we can still learn a great deal from Hannah's example …

She was persistent and continually sought the Lord. She did not give up and stop asking the Lord for what she wanted. Like clockwork, Hannah kept bringing her request to God, year after year at the temple in Shiloh (v. 7). No doubt her want continued to drive her to the Father and most likely deepened her relationship with him.

She was blessed with a lifeline. I am quick to forget that the beauty in the midst of Hannah's pain is that Elkanah loved her very dearly (if not more than Peninnah). I am sure this buoyed Hannah to make it through the years when she may have wondered if God would ever answer her prayer for a child. God was gracious in giving her a loving husband (v. 5, 8).

She did not give in to ridicule or naysayers. Even when Peninnah (who was fruitful and had children) provoked her and taunted her because she was barren, Hannah did not add insult to injury (v. 7). She did not become nasty and retaliate when ridiculed for her condition or her faith. 

She shared her "want"  and was encouraged by others. When the high priest Eli observed Hannah praying in the temple and inquired as to her condition (he thought she was intoxicated because she was praying silently, but her lips were moving—v. 14), she shared with him what she was asking of the Lord. When Eli saw what was really going on, he encouraged her and asked God to answer her request (vv. 12-17).

She gave back to God what he had given to her. When God blessed Hannah with a child, she did not cling tightly to him. She kept her promise, let her son go and dedicated him to the Lord (v. 11, vv.21-28). How unbelievable is that? To accept and then release back to God something he has given to you that you have prayed and prayed and prayed for? That is model faith!

Like Hannah, are you waiting on the Lord to give you something you want in your life today? A new job? Reconciliation in your marriage? Blessing in your finances? A cure from illness? To find your soul mate? Victory over an addiction? A baby? 

Each of us has something we want in our lives. But is up to God to decide if this is something we really need. May we continue to come to him with joy and thankfulness, as we acknowledge that he knows what is best for us in our lives.

Intersecting Faith & Life:  Do you know that God has already given you what you need for this very day? Ask him to help you accept his plans and timing for your life—even when you don't understand. Then, make a list of all the lifelines he has given you while you wait (people, circumstances, things, etc.). Post this somewhere you can see it, while you continue to lift your requests to him.

Further Reading:
James 1:17
Matthew 7:11

A Prayer for Christmas Day: Celebrating Our Savior..... By Debbie McDaniel

 A Prayer for Christmas Day: Celebrating Our Savior

By Debbie McDaniel

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

In a time of deep darkness, God promised to send a great Light. Isaiah prophesied these words long ago, and time went by...700 long years.

And then at just the right moment, Jesus came.

Miracle birth.

Light-bringer.

Hope-instiller.

Savior and Lord.

Given to “us.” To you. And to me.

He came to dwell among us.

He came to set us free.

He came that we might have life, more abundantly.

If you have big needs today, be assured, He is a big God. Nothing is too difficult for Him to handle. And He cares about all that concerns you. Maybe you’ve experienced deep loss this year, or you feel all alone this season, and fear or despair have gripped your heart…you can bring it to Jesus. All of it, the brokenness, the questions, and the pain.

When we're troubled and hurting, when we feel lonely or afraid, He is our Wonderful Counselor.

When we need to see a miracle in life, when we need someone to fight for us, He is our Mighty God.

When we forget who we belong to, when we need to be reminded that we're greatly loved and cared for, He is our Everlasting Father who loves to give good gifts to His children.

When we feel anxious and worried, when we need a reminder that our future is secure no matter what swirls around us, He is our Prince of Peace.

His very presence in our lives gives us such great reason to celebrate. For amidst the chaos and busyness of the season, in the loss and brokenness that many have experienced this year, in both the joys and struggles of daily life, or the uncertainties that tomorrow holds, we can find rest and peace in Him.

In His Presence.

In His Truth.

For He is Immanuel…God with us. Always with us.

And He never changes.

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of Jesus! We celebrate the treasure of all that He is in our lives, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and so much more. We recognize His Powerful Presence over all, and we worship Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

We thank you that you made a way for us to be set free through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf. Thank you for giving us the gift of eternal life, to all that have believed in Your Name. We bring to you today, every need and concern that we have, every fear and pain of loss we’ve experienced this year. We ask for your healing and grace, for your strength and your peace to fill us afresh.

We draw near to you, and thank you that you are close. 

Our Immanuel…God with us.

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen.

A Christmas Prayer of Praise to the Son..... SARAH GERINGER

 A Christmas Prayer of Praise to the Son

SARAH GERINGER

“And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 (NLT)

On this Christmas Day, we praise You, Jesus, as the Son of God.

Before the creation of the world, You were set apart by the Father for a unique mission.
You are our Messiah, the One sent to save us.

As Immanuel, God with us, the One through whom all things were created,
You chose to lie in a manger and die on a cross for us.
You willingly laid aside your majesty to come down into our world.

By believing in You, we have the gift of eternal life.
How amazing is Your power and glory!
May we always hold You in awe as the Son of God.

We praise You, Jesus, as the Son of David.

Your birth was foretold by many prophets who never saw You with their eyes,
but received truth about You through the Holy Spirit.
The Father preserved Your birthright generation after generation.
He fulfilled His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
to give them countless descendants who would follow You.

You are the Lion of Judah, a King forever in the line of David.
Though You did not establish an earthly rule as many hoped,
You transcended those hopes with a universal kingdom to last for all time.

You are the fulfillment of countless prophecies, prayers and dreams.
May we always honor You as the Son of David.

We praise You, Jesus, as the Son of Man.

The Son of Joseph, a humble carpenter from Nazareth
who chose the path not traveled and proved himself faithful.
The Son of Mary, a young virgin of steadfast faith
who felt You turn in her womb and watched You suffer on a cross.
The Son who impressed teachers of the law
and amazed His parents even as a child.

The Son who understands our weaknesses
and faced all the tests we face yet never sinned.
The Son destined to cause many to fall and many to rise,
opposed without cause yet glorified above all.

As the Son of Man, now You are seated at God’s right hand,
offering prayers for us day and night as the Great High Priest.

You are the stairway between heaven and earth,
the only way we have access to the Father.
You are coming back on the clouds of heaven to give us eternal life.
May we always revere You as the Son of Man.

This Christmas Day, may our thoughts be fixed on You, Jesus.
May we believe in You as the only true God, the Lord over our lives.
May we trust You with all our hurts and hopes.

May we walk in fellowship with You, knowing you perfectly understand us.
May we rejoice in your birth and resurrection,
looking forward to the day when we will see You face to face.

In Your Name we pray, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Matthew 25:31, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.” (NLT)

Luke 1:32, “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.” (NLT)