Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Friday, December 24, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, I thank You that You have come into this world to give me fullness of life! I can know experience the joy of knowing God through what You came to do. As I prepare my heart and mind for Christmas, I ask that You would not let the devil steal, kill, and destroy, my joy of that reality. Help me to live abundantly in the hope and joy that You have set before me. I ask that You would give me the grace to rise above anything the devil would try to do to destroy my joy. I love You Jesus, and I am so grateful that You came to this world for me! I pray this in Your name. . . amen.
God’s Word Today
Matthew 11:1-6
1 "When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went off teaching and preaching in towns throughout the country. 2 John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 'Are you really the Messiah we've been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?' 4 Jesus told them, 'Go back to John and tell him about what you have heard and seen -- 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him: 'God blesses those who are not offended by me.'"
Reflecting on God's Word
What was Jesus' response to John's question?
If Jesus has the power to do miracles, what does this say about who He is?
How does Jesus' power confirm that He truly is the Messiah?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Read John 10:10. What did Jesus mean when he said that He came to give us "fullness of life?"
According to John 10:10 what is the devil's plan for our lives?
How has the devil attempted to "steal" Christmas away from Jesus in America, in your city, and in your family?
Understanding God's Word
If Jesus physically healed people in the Bible days, does He do the same today? Why?
Is physical, emotional, and spiritual healing part of "fullness of life?" If so, why is not everyone healed physically who is a Christian?
Can Jesus heal your pain? How?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Are you living in the abundant life that Jesus came to bring us?
How is the devil trying to "steal, kill, and destroy" your willingness to celebrate Christ's birth?
What are three things you can do this Christmas to make the devil mad?
Thoughts...
What does it mean to have fullness of life? It is hard to turn on the TV anymore without someone trying to sell us something that will help us "make our lives better." We see television shows that perform full body makeovers that require intense surgery so that people will feel better about themselves. Fullness of life, however, is not just feeling better about oneself! Fullness of life is a deep reality that we are right with God through our relationship with Jesus Christ. There is nothing in this life that will ever fill our emptiness as Jesus can. He came to bring us, as John 10:10 says, "fullness of life."
There is nothing better the devil would rather do to you and your family this Christmas Eve then to steal, kill, and destroy your desire to worship Jesus Christ. He wants to take away your joy so that you will not celebrate the reality of Jesus' birth. To have fullness of life means that we are walking in the joy and hope of knowing the Creator of the Universe! The reason why we can celebrate this truth is because of Jesus' willingness to humble Himself and be born in a human body. As you prepare your heart and mind for Christmas , think about what God would want you to do, Think as well about the devil would want you to do. The choice is yours -- are you going to take time to find the joy of knowing and celebrating Jesus -- or -- are you going to pass Christmas off as a "children's holiday" or a time to simply "be with family" (void of Christ)? Don't let the devil steal your Christmas! Keep Christ right in the middle of everything you do and say!