Good Friday Morning!

How good are you at following directions when you receive them?  Do you ever take short cuts or think you have a better plan? The shepherds were given specific directions from an angel of the Lord as they began their search to find the baby Jesus. “And this shall be a sign to you. You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12) A manger must have sounded as an unlikely place to find the Christ Child, but the shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem and indeed “found both Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:16) God wants us to follow His directions, too. We find them in His Word.

?Dear Lord, Please guide us to share the story of the birth of Jesus with others this Christmas. Help to share the Good News! Guide us to seek, find, and understand Your directions found in Your Word.  Amen.

Good Saturday Morning!

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) God had a plan, a plan to send His Son, Jesus, our sinless Savior, to rescue us. The angel went to Mary and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Mary was confused but said, ‘See, I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.’”(Luke 1:28,30,38) There is joy that comes when we submit to God’s plans for us. Why don’t we have the willingness to serve God as Mary did? What is God asking you to do today?

?? O Lord God, You have said that my faith in You is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.(Heb. 11:1) Help me to always trust You. Like Mary, Lord, I am your servant.  Please show me the way You desire me to serve You today. Amen.

Good Monday Morning!

How are you coming along with your Christmas shopping? I don't know what your December calendar looks like, but mine is quickly filling up with holiday activities — parties, decorating, wrapping gifts, addressing Christmas cards, attending Christmas programs, baking, caroling. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves wearing out before Christmas arrives. Hebrews 4:9-10 gives us good advice when it comes to building in time to rest. “Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his.” Are we keeping the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts and minds? Are we taking time to rest and spend time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word?

 Father God, thank You for the gift of rest. Help us to remember the importance of rest. Guide us to focus on the only true reason we celebrate - the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you, God, for loving us. Amen.

Good Sunday Morning!

Good Saturday Morning!

Good Friday Morning!  
So long ago Mary received an angelic message from God: “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus.” (Luke 1: 30-31) The name “Jesus” would have special meaning for Mary and the Israelites. It comes from a Hebrew word that means “savior” and signifies the promises of One who would save God’s people. The angel Gabriel told Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be called the Son of God.”(Luke 1:35) Her response:  “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Mary said “yes” to God’s plans for her. How do we respond when God calls us to serve Him in a special way?

??Lord, please speak to our hearts and direct us where You desire us to serve. Open our eyes to Your plan. Our faith is in Your plan even when we don’t fully understand. We seek to serve You. Amen.

Good Thursday Morning!

On the night baby Jesus was born in a stable, “shepherds were out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. There an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” The angel spoke, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Today, in the city of David a Savior was born for you who is the Messiah.” Suddenly the angel was not alone; there was a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to the people He favors.” (Luke 2:10-11,14) This season, let’s think about all the reasons why Jesus deserves all of our praise. Praise can grow our faith in the Lord. Praise reminds us of His strength and our weakness.

? Dear Jesus,You are the Savior of the world. Thank You for Your faithfulness and goodness. We love and praise You. Amen.

Good Wednesday Morning! How many times have you said, “I just need a little peace and quiet in my life.” Peace isn’t an emotion. Peace is a gift given to us by our Savior, Jesus. He spoke to His followers saying, “Peace I leave with you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) Experiencing peace doesn’t just happen at Christmas time. God invites us to feel His peace every day of the year.

??Dear Prince of Peace, Jesus, please allow us to feel Your peace and Your presence. We give you our fears today. Our faith is in You. Amen.

Good Tuesday Morning!
As I hear particular holiday songs, they often bring forth special memories. The song “O Holy Night” brings my mother to mind. It was her favorite Christmas carol. It is said to have been the first Christmas song ever played on the radio. “O holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.” It was a night like no other in history; Jesus came into the world as a human baby - a Savior sent to rescue us from a sinful world. Mary “gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them.” (Luke 2:7) Let us always make room for Jesus in our lives every day.

Dear Lord, Please guide us to remember the reason for the Christmas season - You, Jesus!  On that holy night, You came to save us. On the cross, You died for us. We thank You for Your great love. Please guide us to spread Your love today.  Amen.