The Pastor’s Blog
Christmas 2012 is over. The presents are put away, the goodies have been eaten, thank you notes are written, the outside lights, decorations and tree have been taken down and everything has been packed away until next year. The one thing we don’t want to pack away until next year is the meaning of Christmas.
It never ceases to amaze me that during the Christmas season people become friendlier (except maybe in parking lots), are more open, more helpful, more giving and more caring. These are all attitudes and qualities that I hope we don’t pack away with our other Christmas decorations because they speak to the essence of what God desires for His people as we live for Him through faith in Jesus.
In Micah 6:8 we read, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” To live in justice, treating people fairly. To love mercy, and not just for ourselves, but to show mercy to others in the same measure, or even greater, than we have received ourselves. To walk humbly with God, living as God leads and directs in our lives, following the example of Jesus and putting the needs of others ahead of our own. Doesn’t that sound even better than our best Christmas behavior?
I may be a dreamer, but think about the impact that the church of Jesus Christ could have on the world if we chose to live like that 24/7, 12 months out of the year; showing people that being a Christian isn’t about following a religion but living in a personal relationship with the living God. Demonstrating to the world that Jesus loves them, died and rose from the dead so that they may experience forgiveness and life. Showing that life with Jesus isn’t missing out on the “fun” of the world but living in the joy of the Lord!
This year, let’s keep the Spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year and allow Jesus to work in and through us to show the world what it really means to live for Him.
Living in the Joy of the Lord,
Mark
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Home Study for January 7 through 12, 2013
Monday – Read I Corinthians 13:1-8
What is the value of our actions if we don’t have love?
When you look at the actions of love in verses 4-8, how do they apply to giving to people in need?
Think of a time when you gave but not in love, how did you feel?
How was that different than when you gave in love?
Which will you choose to do in the future? How can you do it?
Tuesday – Read II Corinthians 8:1-9
For what is Paul commending the believers in Macedonia?
How did he describe their earthly financial condition?
How could they give so generously?
How does this passage challenge you?
Wednesday – Read Galatians 2:6-10
According to verse 10, what were Paul and Barnabas asked to do as they took the gospel to the Gentiles?
Who asked them?
Why do you suppose they were asked to do that?
Why do you suppose they were eager to do it?
What does this say to you? What will you do?
Thursday – Read Matthew 6:1-4
Notice that Jesus said, “So when you give to the needy,” not if you give to the needy. What does that say to you?
Out of the resources God has entrusted to you, what might you do to have more to share with the needy and poor?
How does this challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Matthew 25:31-46
According to this parable, how important is it to Jesus for His people to share with the poor and those in need?
How hard is it to do most of the things Jesus mentions here?
What are some things you could begin doing this week?
Who might you visit, how might you help?
Saturday – Read Nehemiah 6:1-19
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Home Study for December 31, 2012 through January 5, 2013
Monday – Read Luke 10:38-42
Why did Mary sit at Jesus’ feet?
Do you think she expected to hear from and be taught by Him?
Do you expect to hear from Jesus and be taught by Him?
What can you do to better sit at Jesus’ feet?
Tuesday – Read 2 John verses 1-6
How can we show our love to Jesus?
How can we better know His commands so we may better obey His commands?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read James 2:14-16
What is the relationship between faith and good works?
Why do we need both? How can one without the other distort the work of God in our lives and in the world?
How can it distort our relationship with God?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Hebrews 13:15-16
How are praise and good works tied together here?
Why is God pleased with both our praise/worship and good works?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Micah 6:6-8
Through the Old Testament we see that God is more concerned with the condition of a person’s heart than their absolute obedience to the Old Testament Law. Why is that so?
How do we see that here?
How might the world be changed if the people of Jesus lived as we read in verse 8?
Ask God to help you live and serve in the ways He has called and gifted you.
Saturday – Read Nehemiah 5:1-19
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Home Study for December 24 through 29, 2012
Monday – Read Luke 2:1-20
According to verse 14, what is the one requirement to receiving the peace of Jesus?
How do we receive God’s favor?
What might you do to live in the fullness of God’s favor?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Tuesday – Read John 14:23-27
What keys to living in the peace of Jesus do you find here?
How do these lead us into peace?
How is the peace of Jesus different from the peace of the world?
What does the peace of Jesus protect us from?
What hope does this passage give you?
Wednesday – Read John 16:25-33
In this passage Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending arrest and crucifixion, events they never dreamed would happen.
What is to be their source of hope and peace?
How did Jesus overcome the world?
How can we overcome the world through Him?
Thursday – Read Philippians 4:4-9
What can we do to better experience the peace of Jesus?
How do these things lead us to peace?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Romans 12:9-21
What things are mentioned here that lead to peace?
Why/how?
Which is the easiest for you? Which is the most challenging?
What is Jesus saying to you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 2:1-12
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