This is the first time that I am marking Advent. I am doing this by reading and meditating on the content of the Walking in Wonder Advent Devotional. Apart from deciding to become a Spotify subscriber, the first few days of this ritual has made me search for more facts about Advent and led me to amazing revelations on Jesus, the Nativity and God’s plan to save us – everyone, through His special gift.
The Advent devotional is a special gift that can help you start discovering the depth of the plan of salvation. For instance, my searching led me to a resource showing me Jesus in all the books of the Bible:
https://jesusplusnothing.com/jesus-books-bible
All this leads me to say that you ought to sign up for the Walking in Wonder Advent Devotional if you have not already done so, as the Bible says that there’s loads to reflect on “… He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.“ (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
A Special Gift For Everyone
Some historians think that the publication of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” story in 1843 reignited the popular commemoration of this holiday season in the United Kingdom and worldwide. The captivating transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a miserly Grinch into a saintly fellow thinking of “goodwill to all men, charity, and benevolence” will melt most hearts and cause some folks to spend beyond their means.
I am also reminded of the song “January Disease” which was an earworm when I was growing up. Though the song has some lines in English, most of Paul Matavire and Patrick Mukwamba’s lines are in Shona (mainly used in Zimbabwe), and they use a common cattle disease as a metaphor for where the excesses of the “silly season” may take us.
Indeed, we need to remember that Dickens’ tale also focuses on friendship and fellowship and chimes with the words of Jesus “He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
A Special Gift For Everyone
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A Time to Always Remember
The root of ‘remember’ is ‘to keep in mind or be mindful’. It implies that ACTION is required to remember. The Jewish people were often prompted to REMEMBER that they were slaves in Egypt and that God redeemed them from that situation. (Exodus 24 v 18 – 24)
Do we really take time to intentionally remember that once, we were slaves to disobedience and yet Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, has redeemed US?
Revelation 2 v5 tells us to
‘Remember from where you have fallen, and repent, do the deeds you did at first.’
May we each find time this week to be intentionally mindful of the new life which God’s love has enabled for us.
A Light in The Dark
It’s hard not to see the world as a dark and frightening place when, through our news media, we constantly hear about "wars, rumours of wars… famines and earthquakes" (Matthew 24:6-7). We may feel afraid for ourselves, powerless to change anything, or guilty because we don’t care more or do more to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
But, however dark and hopeless things may appear, "The light [Jesus Christ] shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it". (John 1:5). And however weak and helpless we may think ourselves, we’re called to be His co-workers in keeping that light alight! Paul exhorts us to "shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life" (Philippians 2:15-16).So.
- let’s not allow ourselves to be dragged down by how things appear, and…
- let’s remember that God will use us – and what we offer back to Him – to make a difference. (Thank you to Christine Jones for reminding us in Sunday’s service of 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 – do look it up if you don’t remember it!)
A New Start
We pray this week to grow in our conversations with God and to be drawn to read the Bible more and to hear His Word and understand His will for our lives. Lord let us align our hearts with yours and tune them to your Spirit. Help us break free from earthly bonds and move forward in faith and boldly within your grace, may we experience a new start.
Proverbs 3:6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
A New Start
Psalm 119 " Your word is a lamp to my feet"
This powerful Psalm reminds us to seek Him with our whole hearts. In truth and understanding you can walk boldly. When we pray, we are communicating with God, and when we read the Bible, God communicates with us. Therefore, the Bible can play a vital role in hearing God’s voice. Start ‘a fresh’ with your Bible by actively engaging with the Word, we will know Him deeper and become more aware of our part in His plan, and He will bring about positive changes in our lives.
A break is good for you
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. Matthew 11:28 -29
The aim of this message from God is to help you find rest and take a break, whether physical, mental or emotional.
When you feel overwhelmed with work, life challenges or feel like giving up. What you really
need is a break. Run to Jesus he will catch you, hold you and give you the rest you need. Then you will be renewed to keep going. Turning to God and his word is always the best place to start when you feel like giving up. Remember God s for you and has a purpose for you today and tomorrow.
There is a cure for weariness for you, and this remedy is found in the one who is never weary. Jesus’ words in Mathew 11:28-29 are an invitation to receive rest close to God and it affirms that it is Good to take a break.
Be still and know I am God
“I will be exalted in the earth”
To reinforce this truth, God repeats it a second time saying, “ I will be exalted in the earth.” Whenever God reiterates something, it is to lay stress upon it’s great importance. The theme of Psalm 46 is the greatness of God and his power to deliver us from things that are beyond our abilities. God is greater. We are to stop fighting in our strength and allow God to take his rightful place as saviour and deliverer. God will be elevated in the eyes of all nations. Let us take great comfort from this reassuring truth – the Lord reigns! Forever and ever Amen.
2 Nugget verses:
James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
Psalm 23: 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
3 Song recommendations: Let your glory fall – Matt Redman. | Ancient of days – Ron Kenoly. | Our God is greater – Chris Tomlin. |
God bless.
Be still and know I am God
Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
People of God, the command is to “BE STILL”. This powerful verse means we should stop striving – make great efforts to achieve or obtain something but be patient, be calm and trust in him. Let us cease striving and know that God is God over the nations of the earth. Thank you Jehovah Jireh that you are forever, always enough. Thank you Jesus you’re the cup that won’t run dry.
Go do something beautiful in the name of Jesus: This week try to send someone an encouraging bible verse.
It is in the word of God where we will see that God is the supreme Authority. God is alive and still in control of all the affairs of the world
2 Nugget verses:
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord!
1 Samuel 12:16 Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.
3 Song recommendations: Be magnified – Don Moen. | Ancient of days – Ron Kenoly. | Revealing Jesus – Israel Houghton and Darlene Zschech).
God bless.
Thought for the Week 