Psalm 16:7-9

We can become stuck in conflict, uncertainty, failure, fear, grief and so many other trials as we make our way through this life we are living.  So how do we become unstuck?  What is the next step for you and what is keeping you from moving forward?

Deuteronomy 31:1-6

Moses told the people of Israel that they would need to have courage as they entered the land that was promised to them.  God had set out His promises before them but they needed to move forward in faith to take hold of what He had promised.  Likewise we too must be strong and live courageously as followers of Jesus.  Will you recommit yourself to pursuing God’s promises in your world?  Will you fear the Lord and serve Him with faithfulness?  Will you choose to serve your own desires or will you choose a more courageous path?

Isaiah 9:1-7

Isaiah prophesied about the coming of Jesus out of the context of a looming war and a coming exile.   In this stark circumstance the desire for peace and the sense that “this isn’t the way it is supposed to be” is particularly meaningful.  Even in such an overwhelming circumstance our future is secure and our hope is being worked out to fruition each day.  We are moving towards the promised peace of God’s kingdom where we will live in joy and where things will finally be the way they are meant to be.

Matthew 1:18-25

The mystery and wonder of Christmas comes through the incarnation of God by the coming of Jesus.  God came down to earth, He “went small” by taking on our humanity, and in this way He conquered death!  Because He suffered with us He is able to understand, to comfort us and to intercede on our behalf.  We weren’t only saved for heaven, we were saved for a purpose and for action.  We too can “go small” and follow Jesus example of service and sacrifice as the hands and feet of Christ to the world around us.  Will you go small as well?

Colossians 3:15-17

Gratefulness grows out of appreciation.  Gratefulness should be present regardless of our circumstances.  Following Christ involves praising God, praising others and showing gratitude for what we’ve been given.  What are you grateful for?  Are you showing gratefulness?

John 1:1-5,14

God came to dwell with us in human flesh, this is a great mystery.  We realize on a daily basis however that we are not in heaven yet and therefore we long for what God has promised.  The world around us contains so much hopelessness, the feeling that “why should we bother” can cause us to choose lesser things and “lesser hopes.”  When we have true hope, it enables us to live more fully.  Our hope drives us to action, motivates us towards endurance, and patience for what God is bringing to fruition.  What can we do to bless those around us?  How can you sow the hope of Christ to a hurting world?

Philippians 4:4-7

God has promised to be our source of joy and to supply us with “peace that passes understanding” but are we letting Him in?  Do we trust God with our future?  God tells us to cast all our worries on Him and to let His peace rule our hearts.

Philippians 3:1-11

There are many things that we all enjoy and many things that we take no joy in at all.  If we have no taste for a thing or interest in it, it will be impossible for us to delight in or find joy in that thing.  In our flesh we cannot please God, but in Christ we are able to find joy and to glorify God!

Let us refocus our desires, our joy, and our yearnings toward the only one who truly deserves our worship and our eternal praise.  Let us count all the rest as loss for Christ!

Matthew 20:20-28

Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.  He came to serve instead of to be served.  We should likewise be servants if we want to achieve greatness in His kingdom.  We all have a deep and profound desire to be a hero and achieve greatness. The true form of greatness however is much different than how our world conceives of it.  We are to humble ourselves and follow Christ’s example if we are to make a real difference for His kingdom.

Ephesians 2:19-22

What should each of us do as we strike out on this new road?  The word says we are God’s temple, the building blocks of His creation.  What if we offer ourselves and our gifts to God and allow Him to shape and mold us?  What if we listen to the Holy Spirit’s urging and take action?