Just a reminder...
We will be having a prayer and praise service here at WJACC Wednesday night at 7pm. Come help us anticipate a new year of seeing what God is going to do. See you there.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (5)
The Tree (Christmas Eve)
Scripture
Luke 2:25-32; John 10:10
25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Devotion
There is no more familiar shape during the Christmas season than the Christmas Tree. The decorated symbol of Christmas quickly transforms a normal living room into a joyful atmosphere of celebration. The most outstanding characteristic of the Christmas tree is the use of an evergreen tree. These trees are full of life. The fir tree can stand tall even under the most outrageous conditions...and in the end still be flowing with the life is was given. Jesus said that He came so that we may have life and have it to the full. This life of faith can stand the most outrageous conditions of life and in the end we are allowed to stand tall because Jesus has brought us through it. This Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our Lord, our Savior, and our Life-Giver. Don't wait another year or even another day before trusting Him for your life. Let Jesus be the king, your friend, and your way to the Father. He came for you so that you might live.
Prayer-
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for putting on flesh and walking the earth so that we may have a close personal relationship with Almighty God. You are the source of all life and we confess our need for you. Please forgive us when we act as if we are fine without You. Take us and use us to reach others with Your light of grace and love. We love you Jesus...but only because You showed us what real love is. We pray all of this in Your name.
Amen
Scripture
Luke 2:25-32; John 10:10
25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
28then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."
10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Devotion
There is no more familiar shape during the Christmas season than the Christmas Tree. The decorated symbol of Christmas quickly transforms a normal living room into a joyful atmosphere of celebration. The most outstanding characteristic of the Christmas tree is the use of an evergreen tree. These trees are full of life. The fir tree can stand tall even under the most outrageous conditions...and in the end still be flowing with the life is was given. Jesus said that He came so that we may have life and have it to the full. This life of faith can stand the most outrageous conditions of life and in the end we are allowed to stand tall because Jesus has brought us through it. This Christmas season we celebrate the birth of our Lord, our Savior, and our Life-Giver. Don't wait another year or even another day before trusting Him for your life. Let Jesus be the king, your friend, and your way to the Father. He came for you so that you might live.
Prayer-
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for putting on flesh and walking the earth so that we may have a close personal relationship with Almighty God. You are the source of all life and we confess our need for you. Please forgive us when we act as if we are fine without You. Take us and use us to reach others with Your light of grace and love. We love you Jesus...but only because You showed us what real love is. We pray all of this in Your name.
Amen
Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (4)
The Crown
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7
When you see the shape of a crown what other images come to mind? It probably is not one of a manger or of shepherds or even of a tiny little baby boy. However, this is exactly how the King of kings and the Lord of lords introduced Himself to a lost world. The fallen world needed someone with ultimate authority. The kind of authority that leads people in the ways they should go. Jesus held that kind of authority and still does today. Christmas is a time when we celebrate and have fun together. However, it is also a time when we can find direction again. We can find meaning in the midst of chaos. We can see the light through the darkness. Jesus is everything we need and this season we celebrate not only our Savior but our Lord as well. Let Jesus be your King this Christmas.
Dear Lord,
Teach us today how to submit to You. Your ways are perfect. We need your perfect guidance to obey You and walk in Your commands. Thank you for your perfect birth and
your life today that allows us to find direction and purpose. We love you. Amen.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7
When you see the shape of a crown what other images come to mind? It probably is not one of a manger or of shepherds or even of a tiny little baby boy. However, this is exactly how the King of kings and the Lord of lords introduced Himself to a lost world. The fallen world needed someone with ultimate authority. The kind of authority that leads people in the ways they should go. Jesus held that kind of authority and still does today. Christmas is a time when we celebrate and have fun together. However, it is also a time when we can find direction again. We can find meaning in the midst of chaos. We can see the light through the darkness. Jesus is everything we need and this season we celebrate not only our Savior but our Lord as well. Let Jesus be your King this Christmas.
Dear Lord,
Teach us today how to submit to You. Your ways are perfect. We need your perfect guidance to obey You and walk in Your commands. Thank you for your perfect birth and
your life today that allows us to find direction and purpose. We love you. Amen.
Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (3)
The Circle - John 1:1-4;14
It is difficult to make it through a Christmas season without coming face to face with circles. They decorate homes, stores & even churches in the form of evergreen wreaths. Circles have no beginning and no end. Every time we see a Christmas wreath we are reminded of the never ending cycle of God’s love. God’s word, the expression of His never ending love, became flesh and dwelt among us. God’s unstoppable love walked the face of earth so that we may know what real life is.
Let us take advantage of this season to celebrate God’s love which did not even see flesh as a barrier to loving the world.
Prayer –
Lord, We are so grateful for your love. Thank you for loving us in spite of our selfish desires. Help us today to believe your love can accomplish anything and help us to be instr5uments of your love this Christmas. We love you, Lord. Amen
It is difficult to make it through a Christmas season without coming face to face with circles. They decorate homes, stores & even churches in the form of evergreen wreaths. Circles have no beginning and no end. Every time we see a Christmas wreath we are reminded of the never ending cycle of God’s love. God’s word, the expression of His never ending love, became flesh and dwelt among us. God’s unstoppable love walked the face of earth so that we may know what real life is.
Let us take advantage of this season to celebrate God’s love which did not even see flesh as a barrier to loving the world.
Prayer –
Lord, We are so grateful for your love. Thank you for loving us in spite of our selfish desires. Help us today to believe your love can accomplish anything and help us to be instr5uments of your love this Christmas. We love you, Lord. Amen
Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion (2)
Star – Matthew 2:8-11
Christmas trees are topped with them. The sky is full of them. But that night there was one. This one was brighter than the others. This one would not be overlooked. It had a purpose and that was to lead. That night it guided some very intelligent individuals to their salvation wrapped in a package of flesh.
Today people are led by all types of light. Selfishness, lust, pride, addictions and others can seem overwhelmingly bright. However, the little star of Bethlehem led the wise men over hundreds of challenging miles and is still guiding paths today.
This Advent season, what light are you following? Also, what kind of light are you being for others?
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the star light that first led us to you. Help us to also be lights guiding others to your love and salvation this season. We love you. Amen
Christmas trees are topped with them. The sky is full of them. But that night there was one. This one was brighter than the others. This one would not be overlooked. It had a purpose and that was to lead. That night it guided some very intelligent individuals to their salvation wrapped in a package of flesh.
Today people are led by all types of light. Selfishness, lust, pride, addictions and others can seem overwhelmingly bright. However, the little star of Bethlehem led the wise men over hundreds of challenging miles and is still guiding paths today.
This Advent season, what light are you following? Also, what kind of light are you being for others?
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the star light that first led us to you. Help us to also be lights guiding others to your love and salvation this season. We love you. Amen
Shapes of Christmas-advent devotion
Shepherd Staff – Luke 2:8-20
One of the first signs of Christmas we begin to see are candy canes. For years this sweet peppermint treat has been freshening breath all over the world. Kids collect them. Families decorate their trees with them. We are all familiar with candy canes. But, how often do we think about a candy cane being shaped like a shepherd’s staff?
God revealed the good news of the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds. Even in their common existence they had a sense of responsibility and obedience that would not let them stay silent.
As we light the first candle of advent let us remember the shape of the shepherd’s staff and the fresh, exciting news that was brought that night long ago, let us be obedient in sharing the hope that is Jesus Christ this season.
Prayer –
Lord,
Thank you for the birth of Jesus Christ. This week, help us to share this good news as we walk through each day. May someone this year have their hearts opened by your love and help us to celebrate with your angels when that happens. We love you, Amen
One of the first signs of Christmas we begin to see are candy canes. For years this sweet peppermint treat has been freshening breath all over the world. Kids collect them. Families decorate their trees with them. We are all familiar with candy canes. But, how often do we think about a candy cane being shaped like a shepherd’s staff?
God revealed the good news of the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds. Even in their common existence they had a sense of responsibility and obedience that would not let them stay silent.
As we light the first candle of advent let us remember the shape of the shepherd’s staff and the fresh, exciting news that was brought that night long ago, let us be obedient in sharing the hope that is Jesus Christ this season.
Prayer –
Lord,
Thank you for the birth of Jesus Christ. This week, help us to share this good news as we walk through each day. May someone this year have their hearts opened by your love and help us to celebrate with your angels when that happens. We love you, Amen
advent and such
OK...I know I haven't updated the blog in a while and now with the Christmas season over and the new year beginning business should be picking up here at "thoughts and things". I want to give you a taste of what I've been up to lately. I am about to post all of the advent devotions I wrote for church. I know advent is over but they are all still relevant...I hope :-)
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
www-wonderful wacky web
I am out of control!...a few years ago I simply did e-mail and browsed the internet. Now I officially have 3 web sites of my own.
1-this site which if you are reading this you already know about
2-myspace-several youth and young adults I work with/beside keep up with myspace
3-now I have facebook which seems to have everyone else in my life following
If only we could use our combined powers for good...mmmmmmmmm
1-this site which if you are reading this you already know about
2-myspace-several youth and young adults I work with/beside keep up with myspace
3-now I have facebook which seems to have everyone else in my life following
If only we could use our combined powers for good...mmmmmmmmm
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