A Change in Us

My calendar saying for today with an anonymous author says, "Real love changes people."

Instantly the verse Romans 5:8 came to my mind. "God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we are yet sinners Christ died for us."

He didn't wait to prove His love when we changed into a better person. While we conducted our lives in selfish, self-centered ways, He died for us. When we allow ourselves to experience His love, indeed it changes us.

Praise the Lord for all the things He has done in your life since you put your faith and trust in Him as your Savior!

Why Christmas?

I read this statement on my calendar for today's date. The author is anonymous, but it really struck a cord for me.

"If you were God, would you sleep on straw, nurse from a breast, and be clothed in a diaper? I wouldn't, but Christ did."

As we celebrate Christmas again, this reminds us that God took on flesh, became a child, and to provide salvation for us. Matthew says that His name would be "Emmanuel, God with us". He desired a relationship with us and not only lived among us, but became like us.

Oh Father, may we always remember the sacrifice You made for us by sending Your Son to dwell among us, die for us, and allow us access into Your presence again. Thank You!

Presence!!

No author name appeared on my calendar this year with this statement, but it read, "Show up. Nothing takes the place of your presence. Letters are nice. Phone calls are special, but being there in the flesh sends a message."

As we are celebrating the Christmas season, it dawned on me those words describe what the Lord did for us. We remember His birth and the name given to Him, "Emmanuel, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Presence...may we seek to love those around us with the love us Jesus by being present with them not only during the Christmas season, but all year long!!

copyrighted by BLS

Three Instructions

Philippians 1:27
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. NASB

The Lord's desire for each one of us is that we might be found: 1) conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, 2) unified in standing firm in our faith and 3) unified in striving for the faith of the gospel.

What does this look like in our day-to-day living? It means to obey the Words we've been given in the Bible....we are loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. We love others the ways in which we love ourselves.

It means to know the truths of the Word and to let them dictate the way in which we think, speak, and do our relationships with others.

It means we are doing all we can to promote unity with others. We do our part to be in good relationships with others. We live in such away that the unsaved draw near to the Savior and not away.

How do things look today?

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For Others Benefits

"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me, I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the peope standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me." John 11:41-42, NIV

When Jesus did or said anything, He considered the impact it would have on the lives of those around Him. He confidently understood His relationship with His Father, but He thought of what those around Him needed. He knew they needed to see Him thanking His Father for what He was about to do in their lives.

O Lord Jesus, may we too find our confidence in all You've provided for us and to live for the need of others. Amen.

Reconcile

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. - Colossians 1:20 (KJV)

Alienation never has been the heart of the Lord, but fellowshipping with us His creation definitely was His plan. Knowing we'd sin, He provided a plan for reconciliation, and for it to take place, we must do our part to seek it. It takes two to tangle the road of peace and reconciliation. What are we doing to live in light of that truth today?

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To The Lord

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; - Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

Focus. Anything we try to do, will not please everyone. We must love and serve the Lord with all our heart and know that our labor doesn't go unnoticed by the Lord. He sees our heart and desire to please Him. Let's look to Him and not those around us.

copyrighted by BLS