"The Grinch who stole Christmas" is a helpful reminder of the hectic nature of gift-giving and preparations for Christmas. Sometimes it can feel like we spend more time worried about who gets what than if any of us really get it, as in get the spiritual importance of the birth of Christ in our lives.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

It starts when we're kids, and somebody asks us: what do YOU want to be when you grow up, or what do YOU want for Christmas, or where have YOU always wanted to travel. Why don't we ask: WHOSE life do you hope to impact, or how do you give yourself away for ANOTHER person, or WHO are you sharing Christ with? Only when we stop thinking primarily about ourselves will we be receptive to the privilege of sharing with others. (Giving with Joy)

Many of us have a desire to do something big, to dream big, or to have a big impact in this life. We see the difference Jesus can make, and we want to be a part of that, to walk on water like he did. When he invites us to do just that, we may enthusiastically start, but quickly lose our footing when the first obstacle (like a strong wind) comes our way. How can we clear the obstacles to make a difference in this life?

At age 75 most of us are hoping to be retired. To enjoy what's familiar, predictable, and comfortable. When Abraham was 75 God asked him to uproot his family, leave what was familiar, and go to a place promised to him and his descendants, when he didn't even have kids. Talk about leaving your comfort zone! Sometimes the most fulfilling things in life will require us to leave what's comfortable for what's unknown.

Our modern picture of Satan is a mixture of biblical imagery with everything ranging from Dante to The Simpsons. How do we sort out what we believe about Satan? One consistent pattern in the Old Testament is that there is a force of opposition at work in the world. How do we overcome the obstacles in our lives?

Life is noisy—and for many of us, it can be difficult to sit in the quiet. Maybe we are like Elijah, we keep running, afraid of the quiet or we are just so accustomed to the noise that we don’t even know what we are missing. We can have stop and listen.

Life is noisy—and for many of us, it can be difficult to sit in the quiet. Maybe we are like Elijah, we keep running, afraid of the quiet or we are just so accustomed to the noise that we don’t even know what we are missing. We can have stop and listen.

Even after everything Moses and the Hebrew people had been through, the people preferred the slavery of Egypt to wandering in the wilderness. How often would we settle for certainty over whatever faith requires?

Even after receiving a direct call from God, Moses still had his doubts. There may be significant parts of life that make us feel inadequate or afraid of failure. Moses tried to excuse himself using his excuses, but God’s provision came through the form of another person.