Keeping the Grinch Out of Our Christmas
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Romans 5:6-11
6When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s judgment. 10For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. 11So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, as we continue to consider how to keep the “Grinch” out of our Christmas this year, I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may remember today and always that Jesus IS the reason for this season! Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I know that Your timing is always right, and this was never more true than when You sent Jesus to be born in Bethlehem so long ago. May I remember His willingness to put me first, and so always put Him first in my life! Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, As the Apostle Paul rightly reflects, it is unlikely that a person would be willing to die for the “ungodly.” But You were! Thank You! Thank You for giving Your life in exchange for mine, and for all who call upon You. Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your friend through Jesus’ death on the cross. Nothing could be more amazing than for me to be a friend of the God of the universe, so thank You for that incredible blessing! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the eternal benefits of knowing You. Not only do I have the joy of Your presence with me every day by the Holy Spirit, but also of living with You eternally in heaven! Thank You for that amazing love! Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, I do rejoice in my wonderful new relationship with You! I thank You that the relationship is new and fresh every morning. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may be a faithful witness to that relationship with others! Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the opportunity of another week of knowing, loving and serving You. I pray that I will live in such a way throughout this season that others will come to know You as their Savior, Lord and Friend. Amen. |
Background on the Text
Most biblical scholars agree that the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians as Rome is the most sophisticated doctrinal letter in the New Testament. Paul sets forth clearly the universal nature of sin, and our absolute dependence on Jesus for salvation from it. In Romans 5:6-11, Paul stops in amazement as he considers exactly what Jesus has done. After all, being absolutely perfect Himself, Paul sees how incredible it is that Jesus would die for us while we were still dead in our sins! When we pause for a moment to reflect on this great truth, we will share Paul’s awe and the extravagant love of God toward us. While we may often consider ourselves as “good” people when we compare ourselves with those around us, taking the time to read the letter to the Romans reminds us that no one is good—not even one, and that apart from the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, each of us deserves the penalty of death, and separation from God in hell forever. Thanks be to God that Jesus WAS willing to come and die that our death penalty might be removed, and the offer of eternal life extended!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
|
Fallen short areas:
|
What will I do with these insights?
|
Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
|
Share insights and growth points
|
Changed/transformed how?
|
Saturday
Reflective Thoughts