December 27, 2020
Signs from Above
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.—Matthew 2:9 (NIV)
Soon after Christ’s birth, the Wise Men followed the star that led them directly to where the Holy Family was staying. What was that miraculous light in the sky that we call the Star of Bethlehem? In a sermon, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale speculated that perhaps that important star was actually an angel. “Look for angelic messages in your life,” he advised, “not just at Christmas but every single day of the year.”
Dear Lord, may the glory that You sent to the Wise Men so long ago shine on us, around us and through us as long as we live.
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His Word Made Flesh
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God.—Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Merry Christmas! The day you have been preparing for is finally here. The day that the Son of God became one of us for our salvation. Fill your heart with joy and gratitude. Give thanks for the miraculous birth of Jesus—the Savior!
In the words of Corrie ten Boom I pray, “Lord through Your Holy Spirit, help me to understand so much of the victory and joy of Your coming to earth that I enjoy Christmas more than ever before.”
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Bask in the Joy
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.—1 John 4:9 (NIV)
Today, as we celebrate Christmas Eve, ponder God’s amazing gift to the world. Bask in His Holy Light and remember that among all the presents and joys, mistletoe and toys, now is the time to center your heart on the rebirth of Jesus Christ in your life.
Dear God, my thoughts are on the humble birth of Your Son, Jesus, who lives and reigns forever and ever.
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The Gift of a Savior!
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.—Luke 2:11 (KJV)
This verse is what Christmas is all about; our Savior has come! Someone who loves and guides us, who forgives our sins and helps us live purposefully and faithfully. When you seek God everything else that you need is provided for you.
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, the Lord Jesus, to be born into this imperfect world, so that we may be forever changed by His perfect life.
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Let Us Adore Him
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.—Psalm 95:6 NIV
Carols are an integral part of the Christmas season. “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant…O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!” The admonition here is clear: Gaze in gratitude and awe at the wonder of His birth.
Heavenly Father, today I’ll sing Your praises in my heart. Glory to God in the highest!
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When You Don’t Know What to Do
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.—2 Chronicles 20:12 (NIV)
In the above verse, King Jehoshaphat called out to God for guidance. When you are in a situation and you don’t know what to do, repeat this Scripture and shift your thinking away from your problem and onto God.
Lord, I turn to You knowing that You are always there, an ever-present Source of peace and guidance.
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What Does Jesus Want?
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, take a moment and ponder what Jesus wants most. What gift can you offer? Is it forgiveness, gratitude, humility, or possibly more time dedicated to studying His Word and growing closer to Him?
Heavenly Father, I long to spend more time with you in prayer, to grow firm in my faith. I long to please You.
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Planning Your Path
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
As you prepare for Jesus’ coming, consider this: each and every day Jesus is planning your future and preparing blessings for you to discover on your path. Some gifts are designed to help you grow in faith. Others are signs of His presence to reassure you that you are not alone and that because of your faith, anything is possible. Life is amazing!
Heavenly Father, I am in awe of Your limitless wonders. I celebrate You, my glorious God.
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Let Go of Worry
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.—Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Unfortunately, worries and problems don’t take a vacation during the holiday season. If you are upset about something, take a moment and tell God about it. Give words to your worries and then let them go. Let them rise above to Him for His care.
Lord, I release my fears and problems. I trust my future with You and look forward to finding the peace I deserve this Christmas because I know all is well in Your hands.
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Give Yourself a Present
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.”—1 Kings 19:7 (NIV)
In the above verse, Elijah is feeling down and the angel of the Lord nudges him toward self-care. As you go out of your way doing good deeds and finding the perfect gifts for others, don’t forget to give yourself something special, maybe a new prayer journal or a book that touches your spirit. Or send a donation in your name to a charity that means a lot to you. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
Lord, thank You for teaching me the importance of taking care of myself and nurturing my spirit.
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Divine Dreams
But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”—Matthew 1:20 (ESV)
Joseph was facing a very difficult decision when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Throughout the Bible there are a number of instances where God uses dreams to guide and protect. If you are in need of God’s guidance, ask for His help right before bedtime.
Dear God, I need Your guidance and divine instruction. Please help me with this problem while I sleep.
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Keep Moving
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly…—1 CORINTHIANS 9:26 (NIV)
I’m Just Fine
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.—PROVERBS 12:25 (NIV
Take Care of Your Whole Self
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship.—Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Free Yourself from Sin
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Bless the Animals
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.—Genesis 1:21 (NIV)
You Deserve the Best
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
Renew Your Mind
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.—Romans 12:2 (ESV)
The World Needs Your Light
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.—Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
Sing a New Song
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.—Psalm 96:1 (NIV)
Trust His Plan
Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.—Job 6:8 (NIV)
Release Old Hurts
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.—Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
Be Kind to the Unkind
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.—Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Celebrate Our Freedom
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.—Psalm 119:30–32 (NIV)
Arbor Day Prayer
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.—Psalm 1:3 (KJV)
Prayer for Earth Day
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.—Jeremiah 10:12 (NIV)
Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?—John 11:25–26 (NIV)
Accept One Another
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”—Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
A Village
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.—John 15:12 (ESV)
Four-Legged Love
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.—2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
With a Song in My Heart
My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.—Psalm 108:1 (NIV)