My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours. 1 John 5:14-15 MSG
Consider it a sheer gift , friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-3 MSG
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. Proverbs 13:20 MSG
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God. Psalm 42:11 MSG
PREPARING FOR HIS GLORY “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) It’s that time again – time to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. It’s time to deck the halls, wrap the gifts and bake the cookies. Some of us started this weekend to get a jump on it and enjoy the season for longer. Others will prefer to wait on the festivities and preparations when the last-minute sales are there. On the secular calendar, this was the biggest weekend of the year’s largest shopping season. On the church calendar, yesterday began Advent, with all its special music, sermons and programs. But, please, before you board the “holiday train” for the next month – for Christ’s sake and for your own – slow down! Start each day at the station enjoying, savoring and extoling the excellencies of Jesus, the One whose birth we celebrate. Prepare your heart for the trip ahead, because it can so easily be derailed by the urgent. Plan each day’s ride with prayerful consideration and worship. Read through today’s Scriptures often, deliberately and thoughtfully. And wonder anew at the glories of Christ – God with us!
So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. Psalm 63:3-4 MSG
