Life. Such an amazing gift. Unfortunately, in our sinful state of
humanity, we view this gift as ours. Like two-year olds, we boastfully
claim, "Mine, mine, mine."
But nothing could be further than the truth. He is the generator of our life in every sense. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ ~Acts 17:28a (NIV)
For
those of us who claim to be Christians, this tendency to live life our
way is even more ludicrous. Consider the following verses:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
~Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. ~1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ~Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Since our lives are not our own and Christ lives within us, our greatest task is to complete His mission. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. ~Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
Since,
then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade
others...For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One
died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. ~2 Corinthians 5:11, 14-15 (NIV)
The last verses reveal two motivating factors when it comes to living our lives out loud for the Lord and for the lost.
1.
"We know what it is to fear (reverence) the Lord." Our reverence of Who
He is and what His Word says gives us fuel to persuade others.
2.
"Christ's love compels us." His death on the cross for all mankind
seizes us and consumes us. When we realize (as much as is humanly
possible) the depth of His love for us--what He was willing to do to
bring us back to Him--we want to share that love with others so they too
may experience His amazing saving grace.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. ~Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)
Father God,
how blessed we are to find our life in You. Make us ever mindful that we
are not our own. Keep the fact that we were bought at a great price in
the forefront of our thoughts. Lord, You are Almighty and Holy God. May
our reverence for You help persuade others. Thank You for loving us so
much that You were willing to suffer the agony of the cross to redeem
us. Grip our hearts with this truth so we boldly share Your love with a
lost and dying world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
The Benefits of Dwelling with God
God desires fellowship and communion with Him. (See last week's post.)
He is to be our focus and He is the ultimate reward. But above and
beyond that, He blesses us with even more when we choose to make Him our
dwelling place.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” ~Psalm 91 (NIV)Consider the benefits of dwelling with Him:
- shelter
- rest
- refuge
- protection
- removal of fear
- no harm
- rescue
- deliverance
- honor
- long life
- salvation
Intimacy With God
Our most special relationships on earth are those which are intimate.
Within these relationships we find a closeness and a level of trust and
understanding that are missing in our casual friendships. How
mind-boggling it is that our God desires an intimate relationship with
us!
In fact, He created man for this type of intimate relationship and enjoyed it until sin entered the human race and separated us from our Holy God (Genesis 3:1-9).
Throughout God's Word, this idea of intimacy with Him is revealed.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” ~Psalm 27:8 (NLT)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ~Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
Ah, I hear my Lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My Lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there He is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. ~Song of Solomon 2:8-9 (NLT)
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. ~John 1:38-39 (ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. ~Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses, Moses." And he said, "Here am I." ~Exodus 3:3-4 (KJV)
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. ~Exodus 33:11 (KJV)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ~John 15:5 (NASB)
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple. ~Psalm 27:4 (ESV)
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ~Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT)
How we should long to sit in His presence, until all earthly desires are burned away by His holiness, and the only thing left is a yearning for more of Him. He is our Shelter and Refuge, our Lover leaping over hills to be with us, the One who invites us talk with Him and eat with Him and follow Him.
Only when we turn aside to see Him, when we allow Him to speak with us, when we get away with Him--only then can we recover our true life and live freely and lightly. Only when we abide in Him can we produce fruit. Without Him, we're useless and fruitless.
Like David, we should make our "one thing" dwelling in His presence. Is it any wonder that God considered David a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)?
The only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords--Almighty God, the Creator of the universe--has invited us to the greatest banquet of all time. It's up to us to accept the invitation, to enter in and sup with Him. Why would anyone stand in the doorway when we're invited into the banquet hall of His great throne room? Why would we not consider everything worthless except for knowing Him?
May we seek Him, then enter His presence and dwell there...
In fact, He created man for this type of intimate relationship and enjoyed it until sin entered the human race and separated us from our Holy God (Genesis 3:1-9).
Throughout God's Word, this idea of intimacy with Him is revealed.
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” ~Psalm 27:8 (NLT)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ~Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
Ah, I hear my Lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My Lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there He is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. ~Song of Solomon 2:8-9 (NLT)
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where He was staying, and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. ~John 1:38-39 (ESV)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. ~Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses, Moses." And he said, "Here am I." ~Exodus 3:3-4 (KJV)
And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. ~Exodus 33:11 (KJV)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ~John 15:5 (NASB)
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple. ~Psalm 27:4 (ESV)
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ~Philippians 3:7-8 (NLT)
How we should long to sit in His presence, until all earthly desires are burned away by His holiness, and the only thing left is a yearning for more of Him. He is our Shelter and Refuge, our Lover leaping over hills to be with us, the One who invites us talk with Him and eat with Him and follow Him.
Only when we turn aside to see Him, when we allow Him to speak with us, when we get away with Him--only then can we recover our true life and live freely and lightly. Only when we abide in Him can we produce fruit. Without Him, we're useless and fruitless.
Like David, we should make our "one thing" dwelling in His presence. Is it any wonder that God considered David a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)?
The only way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords--Almighty God, the Creator of the universe--has invited us to the greatest banquet of all time. It's up to us to accept the invitation, to enter in and sup with Him. Why would anyone stand in the doorway when we're invited into the banquet hall of His great throne room? Why would we not consider everything worthless except for knowing Him?
May we seek Him, then enter His presence and dwell there...
Deal With It
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no
bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. ~Hebrews 12:15,
NIV
The squirrel buried the pecan in the soft soil. I watched from a nearby window and heaved a heavy sigh. That nut would become yet another tree for me to root out of the flower beds.
Sadly, I have been that nut-burying squirrel, digging a hole in my heart and stuffing down the strong emotions I didn't want to deal with at the time. I thought I was doing the right thing by hiding my hurt, but the results were even more catastrophic than the strong pecan saplings that appeared each spring in my garden.
The anger and hurt I refused to deal with grew into a deadly root of resentfulness and bitterness, one I wasn't even aware of it until it was too late.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, if you're like me and tend to bury those things you don't want to deal with--DON'T!!! I speak from experience gained the hard way. The enemy of our souls will use our "buried nuts" to advance his cause when we least expect it, unleashing a world of hurt on us and those around us.
Instead, call on the resources that are ours through God and His Word:
Learn to deal with anger quickly.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. ~Ephesians 4:27-28, NIV
Satan will use any crack to slither in. When we stuff our anger, it only gives him a place to gain entrance, and if we give him an inch, he'll take a mile.
Learn to live in peace with others.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~Romans 12:28, NIV
This is so hard, especially when others constantly bombard us with combustible material to fuel our anger. Thankfully, nothing is impossible with our God (Luke 1:37).
Learn to forgive.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:32, NIV
Again, forgiveness is difficult work, but when we take the time to remember all that Christ has forgiven us, it makes it easier. It helps to remember that unforgiveness only hurts us, not the other party.
Father, forgive me for the times I neglect Your Word and harbor grudges and ill will in my heart. Thank You for showing me the effects of not dealing with my hurt, so that I'll be better prepared to handle things better next time. May these words I write be helpful to others who are refusing to deal with the strong emotions that come from living in a world cursed by sin. Give them the courage to do the hard work of uprooting bitterness in their lives. May they experience a strong sense of Your presence as You give them Your strength. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
The squirrel buried the pecan in the soft soil. I watched from a nearby window and heaved a heavy sigh. That nut would become yet another tree for me to root out of the flower beds.
Sadly, I have been that nut-burying squirrel, digging a hole in my heart and stuffing down the strong emotions I didn't want to deal with at the time. I thought I was doing the right thing by hiding my hurt, but the results were even more catastrophic than the strong pecan saplings that appeared each spring in my garden.
The anger and hurt I refused to deal with grew into a deadly root of resentfulness and bitterness, one I wasn't even aware of it until it was too late.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, if you're like me and tend to bury those things you don't want to deal with--DON'T!!! I speak from experience gained the hard way. The enemy of our souls will use our "buried nuts" to advance his cause when we least expect it, unleashing a world of hurt on us and those around us.
Instead, call on the resources that are ours through God and His Word:
Learn to deal with anger quickly.
"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. ~Ephesians 4:27-28, NIV
Satan will use any crack to slither in. When we stuff our anger, it only gives him a place to gain entrance, and if we give him an inch, he'll take a mile.
Learn to live in peace with others.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ~Romans 12:28, NIV
This is so hard, especially when others constantly bombard us with combustible material to fuel our anger. Thankfully, nothing is impossible with our God (Luke 1:37).
Learn to forgive.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:32, NIV
Again, forgiveness is difficult work, but when we take the time to remember all that Christ has forgiven us, it makes it easier. It helps to remember that unforgiveness only hurts us, not the other party.
Father, forgive me for the times I neglect Your Word and harbor grudges and ill will in my heart. Thank You for showing me the effects of not dealing with my hurt, so that I'll be better prepared to handle things better next time. May these words I write be helpful to others who are refusing to deal with the strong emotions that come from living in a world cursed by sin. Give them the courage to do the hard work of uprooting bitterness in their lives. May they experience a strong sense of Your presence as You give them Your strength. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
BOOK REVIEW: The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him by Warren Wiersbe
A timeless classic on the strategies of Christian warfare. This book is a manual of arms for the Christian soldier. It is not a devotional reader for the believer who has gone AWOL. It is a deadly serious guidebook for dedicated Christians who are on the battlefield and want to know how to win. Warren W. Wiersbe discusses basic biblical instruction on defeating the strategies of the devil. Centering his material on Satan's attacks as a deceiver, destroyer, ruler, and accuser, Wiersbe emphasizes conquering the enemy by obeying God's truth. Chapters are included on defeating the devil in the church and in the home. (Tyndale House Publishers (1979) - Paperback - 176 pages - ISBN 0842366652)
Warren W. Wiersbe is best known as a Bible teacher, author, and conference speaker. He has ministered in churches and conferences in Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and the United States. He has published more than 150 books and was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
MY REVIEW:
This isn't a new book by any means, but it was new to me. This book is by far the best explanation I've ever read on how our enemy works. Using several scripture references, Wiersbe guides the reader to understand the targets Satan aims at our lives, the weapons he uses to attack us, the purposes he wants to achieve, and the defenses God has provided for us. I will continue to use this book for years to come as a means of defeating the enemy in my life. This book is a must read for every Christian--a believer's guidebook for victorious living. I give it five out of five stars. DISCLAIMER: I received no compensation for this review, which is my honest, personal opinion.
Off With The Old ~ On With The New
A new year always brings thoughts of things we'd like to change or
accomplish in our lives, but for those who belong to Christ, our task is
a daily one as we put off the old and put on the new.
As I meditated on the following passage, I realized how much I need the work of Christ in my life to be a conqueror in these areas every day. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all made these our New Year's Resolutions?
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:22-32, NIV
PUT OFF THE OLD
As I meditated on the following passage, I realized how much I need the work of Christ in my life to be a conqueror in these areas every day. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all made these our New Year's Resolutions?
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:22-32, NIV
PUT OFF THE OLD
- Self: Our hearts are naturally deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9).
- Falsehood/Lies: Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).
- Anger: Like a deeply embedded splinter, the longer we hold onto anger, the more painful and deadly it becomes. It also gives the enemy a crack to squeeze into.
- Stealing: Stealing defrauds others, ourselves and God.
- Unwholesome Talk: Nasty jokes, curse words, gossip and slander--the trash talk needs to go back to the trash and stay there.
- Grieving God's Spirit: Holy God lives within us. He is grieved when we act in malice toward others.
- Self: We're created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. While we can't acquire these qualities for ourselves, God has graciously given them to us through Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- Truthfulness: Believers must speak truth because we're part of the body of Christ, who is Truth (John 14:6).
- Usefulness: God has placed us in our place of work/service. Our work provides us with the means to meet our daily needs, but it's also for the purpose of sharing "with those in need."
- Building Others Up: Our words hold life and death (Proverbs 18:21). May we be quick to speak words of life.
- Kindness, Compassion, Forgiveness: God, in His goodness, has bestowed these gifts on us. How can we do any less?
The Heart of a Servant
Can you picture it? A poor, young teenager, recently engaged. The
most unlikely person for God to use. Why would the God of all creation
choose someone like her to bear His Son? Why was she "highly favored" by
God over all the other women on the earth?
Well, for one thing, God's grace (favor) is His to bestow. He needs no reason to give it. Indeed, any human attempt to gain it nullifies His precious gift of grace. So what did the Lord see in Mary that would cause Him to choose her for such a task?
I think the answer is best found in these verses:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” ~Luke 1:38, NIV
Obedience and Humility
We live in a society of entitlement, where we demand our rights and our way. But Mary recognized her place in relation to God. She was His servant, not the other way around. So many times we treat God like He's the one serving us. May we become more like Mary, asking for God's will to be done in our lives.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name." ~Luke 1:46-49, NIV
Praise and Thanksgiving
Mary was quick to publicly express her gratitude and direct her praise to God. How easy it would have been for her to become proud and say, "God chose me, so I must be better than all the other girls out there."
Instead she poured out her heartfelt praise at the joy she felt in being chosen of God--the Mighty One, the One whose name is holy.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” ~Luke 2:34-35, NIV
But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. ~Luke 2:51b, NIV
Accepting
Every opportunity brings with it the potential for great blessing and great sorrow. Mary's task was no exception. There was no way she could have foreseen the heartache she would have to endure when Gabriel appeared with his announcement, but it probably didn't take long for her to realize her God-appointment wouldn't always be an easy job. Yet she "treasured ALL these things in her heart."
Lord God, the Mighty One whose name is holy, how we praise You for the story of redemption, for God coming to earth in the form of a helpless baby. We thank You for the example of Mary. May we be quick to recognize our place--humble servants, ready to do Your bidding. Give us servant hearts. May we respond to the tasks You give us with praise and thanksgiving, grateful for the small part You've given us to play in Your story. Then Father, may we also be accepting of the difficulties, the times when our hearts will be pierced, knowing that You can bring great good out of even these. We love and praise You, and thank You again for demonstrating Your love to us by sending Your only Son to save us from our sins. Amen.
Well, for one thing, God's grace (favor) is His to bestow. He needs no reason to give it. Indeed, any human attempt to gain it nullifies His precious gift of grace. So what did the Lord see in Mary that would cause Him to choose her for such a task?
I think the answer is best found in these verses:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” ~Luke 1:38, NIV
Obedience and Humility
We live in a society of entitlement, where we demand our rights and our way. But Mary recognized her place in relation to God. She was His servant, not the other way around. So many times we treat God like He's the one serving us. May we become more like Mary, asking for God's will to be done in our lives.
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name." ~Luke 1:46-49, NIV
Praise and Thanksgiving
Mary was quick to publicly express her gratitude and direct her praise to God. How easy it would have been for her to become proud and say, "God chose me, so I must be better than all the other girls out there."
Instead she poured out her heartfelt praise at the joy she felt in being chosen of God--the Mighty One, the One whose name is holy.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” ~Luke 2:34-35, NIV
But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. ~Luke 2:51b, NIV
Accepting
Every opportunity brings with it the potential for great blessing and great sorrow. Mary's task was no exception. There was no way she could have foreseen the heartache she would have to endure when Gabriel appeared with his announcement, but it probably didn't take long for her to realize her God-appointment wouldn't always be an easy job. Yet she "treasured ALL these things in her heart."
Lord God, the Mighty One whose name is holy, how we praise You for the story of redemption, for God coming to earth in the form of a helpless baby. We thank You for the example of Mary. May we be quick to recognize our place--humble servants, ready to do Your bidding. Give us servant hearts. May we respond to the tasks You give us with praise and thanksgiving, grateful for the small part You've given us to play in Your story. Then Father, may we also be accepting of the difficulties, the times when our hearts will be pierced, knowing that You can bring great good out of even these. We love and praise You, and thank You again for demonstrating Your love to us by sending Your only Son to save us from our sins. Amen.
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