Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

James 1: 17  "Every good gift & every perfect gift is from
above, and comes down from the Father of Lights".

Reflection:

If I may I would like to make a suggestion.  In this coming
holiday season try doing this.  Take delight in the good
things God gives you. Don't be to preoccupied to "Stop
and smell the roses". James reminds us that every good
gift comes from God, and everyone of His good gifts
should remind us of all His glory to come.
Really that is what we are about to celebrate, the good
gift that is about to come. 

CELEBRATE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WITH THE
JOY THAT THE GOOD GIFT OF CHRIST IS ABOUT
TO COME!!!!!!!

Prayer:

Praise be to God, come Lord Jesus, come!!!!

Scripture:

Psalm 4:8  "I will.....lie down in peace.  For you alone
.....make me dwell in safety."

Reflection:

It seems that the Psalmist is telling me, "Don't let
anything be a substitute for God.  You see God loves
you and He absolutely wants to give you peace. Its
the kind of peace that comes from really knowing Him.
In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 11 verse 28, Christ
promise to all believers comes true.  "I will give you
rest".  We must realize that the only rest in life comes
from Jesus Christ.  The only peace, real peace, comes
from the Son of God, the Savior of the world. 

DO YOU WANT TO GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE?
GO TO GOD AND HE WILL KEEP YOU SAFE.

In the coming holiday season this is important for
us to remember.  Christ has come to give us peace.

Prayer:

Thank you almighty God for Your Son, Who
came to give us rest.   Amen

Scripture: John 11:1-27

The Raising of Lazarus

Reflection:

Martha's situation in this passage is hopeless and
frustrating, yet her faith in Jesus power to resurrect her
brother, Lazarus, is unmoved by her despair and confusion.
She still trusts Jesus, even now that her brother has been
dead for days. It's as if Martha is saying, "This is not over
until you say it's over, Jesus. And you haven't said it's over!"
Maybe you lost someone you love this year. Or maybe the
money finally ran out. Perhaps the sun set on a dream you
had for your family or for your career or for your church.
Whatever it is, were ever your "even now" happens to be
today, remember that hope has not flown. Not with Jesus
still on the scene. Even now as my friend and author Bo
Stern says, he can turn your sorrows and trade them for
laughter and singing and spinning and joy. Even now.

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive me for all the times I've given up on or been
frustrated with you. Broaden my perspective and your great
love today, and teach me to see how, even now, hope is not
lost. Amen

(from The Covenant Home Altar, Kristin Lunsford author)