WEEK 7: DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6

Thursday, December 31

Happy New Year! Before we get into any scripture, stop and look over the last year. Write down certain events that stick out to you. God longs to speak to those moments in your life. Good or bad, talk to God about those circumstances. If you’re like me, your year was crazy and full of ups and downs. There are many hard events that make my heart sting still, but then there are some moments that put a smile on my face and I can’t help but be thankful. God has given us ups and downs in our lives so that we are forced to depend upon Him. He grants us the strength to get through the difficult days and extra peace to embrace the good days. Thank you, Lord, that you are in control!!!

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

(Jeremiah is after Isaiah and before Lamentations)

His love for us is never ending! His love has NO BOUNDS. He will continue to be there for us, take care of us, and place us by His side so that we are never wanting! So, as we look to the New Year, we can breathe a sigh of relief that despite our current circumstances, we know that He is faithful to love us. Spend some time telling God about the year ahead of you and SURRENDER it over to Him.

Friday, January 1

Read Exodus 14

(Exodus is after Genesis and before Leviticus)

I can’t help but think of the story of the crossing of the Red Sea when I think about diving into a new year. Ok, bear with me… Think of the Red Sea as your spring semester at school. It’s full of schoolwork, teachers, and tests. You’ve got friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends floating around there somewhere. There are broken families, parents, and siblings. Then there are the things that are not visible to the eye. The insecurities, doubts, and fears are floating around in that Red Sea. The things that go on when no one is around that only you know about are in there too. And picture yourself as Moses and Israelites on the shore looking at all of these things. It’s scary. It’s scary to see how you’ll walk through it all without drowning. BUT, and that’s a pretty BIG BUT. (haha, big but… I’m funny). God shows up and does something insane.

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today… The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13,14

What? We only have to be still? Doesn’t make much sense. But, slowly, with our fears of the things staring us in our face, we choose to believe that God is going to get us through the steps ahead. And God pushes the Sea apart, and we are able to walk on dry land. We are able, because of God’s power and goodness, to walk safely and securely past these insecurities, relationships, and everyday fears.

I want to encourage you to sit and write down all of those things that are in your Red Sea of 2010. What are they? Be specific. Then, read the verses 13 and 14 over and over again. Commit each parts of your Red Sea to the Lord, trusting that “the Lord will fight for you, you have only to be still”.

Monday, January 4

Let’s continue with our theme for looking toward the new year/semester ahead of us! Continue to surrender your next year to the Lord. Tell Him the things in your life where you need Him to take over. Write down the objects, situations, and relationships and imagine placing them in His hands.

Read Colossians 1:15-17

(Colossians is after Philippians and before 1 Thessalonians)

What one word does Paul seem to use over and over again? Clue: it has three letters and begins with A and ends with L… ok, so the clue might have given it away. ALL. Paul, the author of Colossians, wants us to know with much emphasis that God is ALL, has ALL, and is over ALL.

“firstborn of ALL creation… ALL things were created… he is before ALL things…. In him ALL things hold together…”

Pretty incredible, huh? Every thought that we have, every good or bad circumstance that comes up, every relationship that goes south, every insecurity or doubt that surfaces is in His hands. We no longer have to wonder who will take care of us.

I encourage you to look at verse 17, and replace the words ALL THINGS with your own words. Use that verse as a way to place that trust in Him.

Tuesday, January 5

There have been so many times in my life where I know that the Lord is asking me to give Him something. I feel that tug on my heart. That tug is telling me that I need to step away from something or that I need to talk about it with someone. Or sometimes I see something that I want to change. Sometimes I have moments where I wish things to be different and for people to know and see the Lord the way that I do. And in those moments, I get scared. I get scared of what the other person will think, or even what friends or my peers will think of me if I change a little. I am fearful.

Read Joshua 1:5-9

Those are some strong words coming from the Lord! Joshua has just been asked to take over Moses’ job and be the leader of the Israelites. It’s the same thing as God telling you that President Obama is stepping down from his position and you are now going to lead the people of the United States. Can you imagine?!? I would flip out! However, Joshua took his place in the position, but do you think he still had fears? This verse answers my question. Of course he was fearful. Of course he doubted. And the Lord spoke directly to those fears. 3 times the Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous!

What are some things that the Lord is tugging on your heart right now? Is he asking you to be a Joshua at your school? What about in your home? Or with a situation that no one knows about?

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Wednesday, January 6

Read John 15: 5-8

Definition of Abiding (In Christ): a condition or way of living in absolute dependence on God that recognizes our belief that the life and death of Christ is the only source to meeting all our needs. After reading this, do you feel like you are abiding in Christ? Are you fully depending on God for all of your needs?

In John, God gives us such an incredible example of what it means to be dependent upon Him. Let’s pull out our green thumbs and try our best to relate to plants, ok? In order for plants to live they have to be connected to a root/vine. If they are pulled away from that root, then what happens? The plant is dead. However, if the plant is connected with the root, it will continue to grow and eventually produce a fruit. Right? Here, the Lord is saying that he is our root. We must stay in constant connection with him, abiding in the life of Jesus Christ in order to live. If you’re like me, your day can get pretty crazy and busy. Our worlds are full of distractions just begging for us to dismember ourselves from our “root”. What are some ways that we can stay abiding in Christ? Write down whatever comes to mind and put them into practice!

WEEK 6: DECEMBER 10 - 16

Thursday, December 10

Read John 12:46

As we all have heard “Jesus is the reason for the season”. During this time of year, it’s good to reflect on the Christmas story. However, I think more importantly that we should look into WHY Jesus came to dwell among us.

The verse you read tells us that Jesus came so that whoever believed in Him would no longer remain in darkness. What is the definition of darkness in your own words? Name some things in this world and in your life that can cause you darkness.

Good news. Everything you just named is no longer yours to walk in. Why? Because God’s Word is truth. And God tells us that he came into this world so that you and I do not have to deal with those dark things. Believe Him for these promise are true.

Friday, December 11

Read John 3:17

Condemn: (verb) to express complete disapproval of, typically in public

Can you imagine how different the story of Christmas would be if Jesus came to this world to express to everyone how disappointed He was in us? Unfortunately, this is something that a lot of people believe. The would believes that Jesus wants to constantly tell us He is angry with us and that we are not good enough for Him. Clearly, from the word of His own mouth, this is not true. Does anything come to mind that you believe God is disappointed in you about? Do you see now that He is not disappointed? He looks at you in approval. He loves you. He believes in you because He made you. You are His child. His own.

Saved: (verb) to keep safe or rescue (something or someone) from harm or danger

Jesus came into this world to RESCUE us. He came so that we are no longer in danger of death and hopelessness. He came to take us out of our hurting and into a loving and intimate relationship with Him. Is there something you need to be rescued from? What is it? Spend some time giving those things over to the Lord. All you have to do is ask. He will never refuse. He is our salvation. And praise Him for the safe keeper and rescuer that He is!

WEEK 5: DECEMBER 3 - 9

Thursday, December 3

Read Luke 1:26-33

We can only try to imagine the thoughts that are running through Mary’s mind right now! If you were to guess, what would they be? The Lord just told her about the Messiah and her involvement in His coming. Have you ever felt the Lord telling you something that seemed completely crazy? If so, what was it?

It says that Mary was “greatly troubled” at being told she was “favored one”. I know that I sometimes have difficulty when I hear how much the Lord loves me. It’s hard to believe. But, we are deeply loved by God! Do you find it difficult just like Mary? Spend some time expressing this to the Lord. He longs for you to know His love for you.

This is the first time that God had revealed the name of Jesus to the world. What comes to mind when you hear the name Jesus? How has the name impacted your life?

Friday, December 4

Read Luke 1:34-38

I love Mary’s reaction in verse 34. “How can this be?” It makes the story of the birth so real. There will be many moments in our walks with the Lord where we come to Him with this question. However, just like He did with Mary, He will answer you. Write down your reaction to this truth.

“…the power of the Most High will overshadow you…For nothing in impossible with God.” In verse 35 and 37, God reassures her that God will take care of all of her doubts and her questions. In other words, God is saying, “I’ve got it. No worries!” Is there anything in your life where you need to hear those words? If so, write it out to God.

Immediately, Mary’s fears go away and she declares, “Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word.” LET IT BE. Mary is able to say these words because the word of God has spoken to her fears. She knows that God is able when she is not. What are the places in your life where you need to step away from your doubt and let it be?

Monday, December 7

Read Luke 1:39-45

This is one of my favorite parts of Mary finding out about Jesus. In the midst of Mary hearing what is going to happen, God tells her about her friend Elizabeth who is pregnant also. (I must add that Elizabeth was of old age and past the normal age of childbearing.) As soon as Mary can, she gets up and goes to see Elizabeth. God has given Mary someone to talk to. He has given Mary someone in her life that can relate to the doubts and fears of Mary’s news. But, more than that, God has given Mary someone who willingly rejoices with her!

Who in your life is your Elizabeth? What friend or mentor or leader do you have that you can run to and rejoice or cry together? Spend some time praising God for bringing those people into your life. If you feel you are lacking a Godly friendship, spend some time in prayer asking the Lord for a friend like Elizabeth.

Tuesday, December 8

Read Luke 1:46-56

What is it that Mary is going through again? What do her circumstances look like? Now name some of your own circumstances.

Mary spends some time in these verses praising God for who He is, even though her circumstances seem overwhelming to the outsider looking in. She was able to look past the difficult things she would encounter, and claim that God is in control. Good circumstances or not good circumstances we are called to live a life of praise and gratitude to God.

Now read Philipians 4:4-7

If you were to write a song of rejoicing and praise today, what words would you use? What things would you say about God?

Wednesday, December 9

Read Luke 1:67-80

We sometimes get caught up in the whole “Christmas is a time for presents” world, and forget the importance of Jesus coming to this earth. These verses remind us that Jesus came to do what we in our sin could never do. Spend some time praising him for His birth and His reasons for coming!

Verses 76-79 tell us that John was born to proclaim to the world about the Messiah and His coming and “give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins”. In a way, we are all like John. We are called to tell people about Jesus and His salvation from our sins. Is this difficult for you? Is it hard to tell your friends about Jesus? If this is your desire, pray and ask Jesus for strength to tell others about the reason for the birth of Jesus. He will give you the strength!