Much of the world celebrates Christmas from a secular point of view and it is a nice day ending at mid-night on the 25th of December. The best part of Christmas for me is knowing that it never has to end. Every week should remind me of the great news that God delivered about 2000 years ago. God sent his Son to minister among his people so I might have my sins forgiven and have fellowship with him. God gave his Son to make us part of his family, and I share the good news he gave me.
This is something I need to be reminded of every day. God gave me the most perfect gift this Christmas and a story that never ends... on this earth. Thank you Lord for your message of hope on this Christmas day.
...This is only the beginning.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:6-9)
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Romans 12:16
I really started to follow what is said about me in relationship to others and how should I be as a person awhile ago . How do I do what is right in the eyes of everybody? How can I truly be someone who is a giver of encouragement and hope.
"Live in Harmony with one another"
...not a term I heard much of today. I believe this is for people who need to really look at themselves and see who we need to love together as brothers and sisters in this adopted family God has created. This was also written to the Romans who were very independent people and needed to heard what it meant to be a believer in this new faith and how we need to be like a family where we strive to live together in harmony with each other.
I need to also consider people who "low in position" I think this is all of us! We are all made lower than God therefore I need to be aware that my self- righteousness and view of myself, without God would tend to not be willing to associate with people in low position. We are all in low position so I guess I am part of the crowd again!
"Don't be conceited!" That's a command for someone else, right? I don't think I've ever met someone who felt he or she was conceited. But, when we're looking for someone with whom we want to associate, we seldom look for someone ignored by the crowd, forgotten by the pretty people, and easily overlooked by others. We want to "hang around with" those who are important, who are superstars, or at least who carry some clout. We believe we deserve to be noticed and valued, too. Oops, guess that's where the commands in this verse come from!
Don't be conceited
Don't be proud
Live in harmony
Please help me to continue to see those who are less fortunate in spirit and position so I might be a light in a dark world where harmony and peace seem like a distance thought never to be approached or attained. Help me to be more like you every day as I continue the Adventure in Middle Grove.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Do nothing our of selfish ambition or vain conceit , but in humility consider others better than yourself.
This must be something I need to live by if the Philippians verse is to really be part of my soul as I interact daily with my friends, family and people in general.
What I really want to know is do I consider myself part of the "everybody" Do I act in a manner that is right in the eyes of not only everybody but in the eyes of God.
As I mediate on this, I am drawn to a familiar song that gives me the insight in to what God is saying here for me to be a part of the "everybody" mentioned in this passage
I need to continually open the eyes of my heart so I may see what is right and honorable. If I do not do this, what I am looking at is through filters that cloud my sight. I need to continually go before God and ask him to let me see things through eyes that are guided by him so I do not put my spin or my prejudices, or my shortcomings as I try to to "do what is right" I need to come before the Lord and ask him to open the eyes of MY heart first and then I can do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, not my eyes.
That's how Jesus lived!
He sought to make a difference in the lives of others. His goal wasn't getting even, getting what was rightfully his, or even winning the arguments, God won the arguments! His focus was to interact with people and to leave them more blessed than where he found them.Even if he was telling them something about their person or about sin in their life. Jesus sought to make a difference and keep peace. He spoke the truth.
Forgive me, God, for the grudges I've harbored and the evil things I've thought about others. The times when I have look at people through my eyes and not the eyes guided by you. Help me be a part of the "everybody" so I may live with peace and your watchful care as I continue living the Adventure in Middle Grove. Help me to see and to value them as Jesus does.
Open the Eyes of MY HEART
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Fz1rviXFU
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks. Ecclesiastes 10:18
Going to the Y this weekend on top of coaching hockey and hiking.... I am beat!
Laziness is not just an attitude, it is a lack of action. It is a choice to let important matters suffer neglect. While the results of this choice may not always be evident, over the passage of time, the basic results of idleness are demonstrated by the accumulating signs of decay and destruction. I really try to exercise in many different ways. It is hard to find the time to do it and I have to be creative or it does not happen. This is the same with our spiritual health. If we do not "exercise" our spirits, we will suffer also. Whether it is physical exercise or spiritual exercise, they both are good for body and spirit. Don't let your rafters sag! It is an ugly sight! Stir in me, a passion to do what is true and good and righteous. Convict my heart when I neglect what is important. Please help me discern the difference between laziness and a genuine need for rest and to balance my life between my many responsibilities. 
Luke 16:10
I have many friends who will never make the Guiness Book of Records but they will leave a legacy.
A legacy of trust. There is never any doubt about their trustworthiness If we are trustworthy with something that has a little value, we can also be trusted with something that has greater value. The passage indicates we can also be trusted with more than worldly wealth.
Life is really about handling true riches.
True riches are found in relationships of faith and trusting each other. Trust develops steadily and gradually over time.
Help me to walk in ways of hope and confidence today on the Adventure in MIddle Grove.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9,
Wow,Was I weary last night! Monday night hockey was fast and furious and the defence kept giving up the puck right in front of the net! In the end , we lost by 1. I can stop most any shot when I am ready for it. But ... When one of my own players passes the puck, right in the front of the net, I am not ready. It is not expected... Gets a little weary as the night goes on. I think I stopped more shots from passes from my own players than the opposition! This is a small insignificant example but there are many things in life that make us weary. Job Kids Family Let's not stop doing good because we are weary but let's persevere today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.
