Alive and Active Life

This week, I get to say – HAPPY NEW YEAR – to you! Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh new start. So, let’s look at some action points for a great start with strong traction this next year.

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I remember one Christmas years ago – I almost missed Christmas! That experience was a “wake-up call.” In my busy life, filling roles and carrying out responsibilities – all the Christmas preparations pulled me off track. I asked God to show me what happened and how to avoid it in the future. That’s when I learned how to pause at Christmastime.

And it works! Now, I use a “pause” all through the year.

Do you need to pause a bit more this Christmas?

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I remember one Christmas years ago – I almost missed Christmas! That experience was a “wake-up call.” In my busy life, filling roles and carrying out responsibilities – all the Christmas preparations pulled me off track. I asked God to show me what happened and how to avoid it in the future. That’s when I learned how to pause at Christmastime.

And it works! Now, I use a “pause” all through the year.

Do you need to pause a bit more this Christmas?

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During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve.

There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime.

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During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve.

There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime.

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Many cherished Christmas carols talk about joy. Consider Joy To The World – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Or While By My Sheep – “Joy, joy, joy! (echo) joy, joy, joy.” If you are looking for joy at Christmastime, you are joined by millions of people.

Interestingly, Paul starts every single letter he wrote in the New Testament with wishes of grace and JOY to his readers.

So, how’s your joy as Christmas approaches?

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Many cherished Christmas carols talk about joy. Consider Joy To The World – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Or While By My Sheep – “Joy, joy, joy! (echo) joy, joy, joy.” If you are looking for joy at Christmastime, you are joined by millions of people.

Interestingly, Paul starts every single letter he wrote in the New Testament with wishes of grace and JOY to his readers.

So, how’s your joy as Christmas approaches?

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Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime.

Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ.

So, peace at Christmastime . . .

Every Christmas – don’t you wish for peace? Specifically, peace in your own personal life – but also peace for the whole world. Peace at Christmastime starts in you – and then ripples out to others around you . . . even into the world.

So, how is your peace doing as we approach Christmas? Further, are you sharing peace with others?

God gives His peace to you. Naturally, as you accept it by faith, His peace becomes your own personal peace.

Incidentally, receiving peace is similar to receiving a gift:

Your hand is always with you. But is peace always with you? Maybe – maybe not. Did you know your hand can remind you of peace? Let’s explore The Peace Hand.

Do you remember nursery rhymes and songs you learned as a child? One little song I remember names every finger to teach small children about their fingers and hand. It follows this format.

First, a question is posed. Then, the answer is given in response. It starts with your thumb. Hide it behind your back with all your fingers until the question is asked.

QUESTION: “Tom Thumb, Tom Thumb. Where are you?”

Then, as you answer that question, you pull your hand out from behind your back. And the “featured finger takes a bow.”

ANSWER: “Here I am. Here I am. How do you do?”

Then the song takes you through all your fingers in the same way. Here are all the fun finger names:

Well, how does the Peace Hand remind you to connect with peace?

First, just as we named each finger in the child’s song, we will name each finger with a question about your personal peace.

Next, ask yourself five questions, one at a time.

Then, answer each question honestly, one at a time.

Interestingly, this exercise helps you quickly re-claim your peace – by faith. And at Christmas, you need this.

The Peace Hand uses five questions to flip out of stress or anxiety back into peace. It’s quick. Short. Easy. Today, we’ll drill down into what each question means for deeper understanding. Incidentally, good questions reveal answers that shape your relationship with God.

Nevertheless, when you’re “on-the-run,” simply ask each short question.

Here are the five simple questions plus some “drill-down” questions to increase understanding.

This question goes with your little finger – “Tiny Tim.”  To understand this simple question, ask and answer these questions –

This question connects with your number four finger – “Reuben Ring.” Actually, it’s comforting to remember God knows and deeply cares about your every life circumstance. Still, these questions help you focus on “Does God Know.”

Get “Toby Tall” – your tall middle finger ready. Consequently, this question helps you define your theology a bit more. In other words, what do you really believe about God – and you?

This question gets paired with your “Peter Pointer” finger. Incidentally, he’s an important finger on your hand. Equally, this is a pretty important question you must come to terms with to enjoy God’s gift of personal peace.

Here’s your “Tom Thumb” question. If you didn’t have a thumb, you’d lose your grip quickly. Incidentally, it’s the same for this thumb question. If you don’t have a good answer, you’ll lose your grip in life. Why? Because obedience follows faith. Equally, faith always follows Jesus – if you want personal peace.

Now, look at this image. Notice the question on each finger.

As you wrestle through these 5 questions, there are outcomes you can guarantee.

First, if you answer each of the 5 questions by faith with a definite “yes,” simply – “go in peace.”

Actually, picture yourself picking up the gift of peace. It is wrapped with a bow. Surprisingly, it’s sitting right next to you with your name on it.

Second, Jesus secured your peace at a very high price – His life. Now, it’s yours! Believe it. Pick it up! Unwrap it. Claim it.

Third, peace is not a feeling. Actually, it’s a “chosen condition” you adopt and believe in good times and bad. God gives peace to His children, but only some pick up the gift. Subsequently, you choose whether you will pick up God’s peace – or not.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jn. 14:27

Did you hear that? Jesus not only promises to give His peace to you. He also addresses the state of your heart. Remarkably, Jesus does not want your heart to be troubled. Additionally, He does not want you to be afraid as you live each day. Bottom line – you can live in peace. Plus, you can share it with others around you.

Phil. 4:7 says, “. . . because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace no one can completely understand . . . this peace will control the way you think and feel.” (CEV)

Obviously, you won’t understand the gift. However, when you simply receive it by faith, it transforms your life. Especially at Christmastime.

Anytime, anywhere – night or day – ask yourself five short questions –

You can choose peace this Christmas. So, accept your peace gift with a receptive heart. Plus, practice joy. Afterall, it’s the season!

Remember how to claim your gift of personal peace:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jn. 14:27

* Portions of this content come from my book – Reach Back: Intentionally Reaching Back To God. – This is a study book that covers various topics like –

You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

* The Peace Hand is used with permission, adapted from: McDougall, Colin. Models for Disciple-Makers. Robbinsville: Eternal Truth Ministries, 2002. Print.

It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful.

So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10?

Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned.

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I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)

This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today.

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