Loved

So Loved

John 3:16

Luke 1:26-56

Matt. 1:18-25

Luke 2:1-40

Matt 2: 1-12

Exposure: Christmas Eve is the last day of Advent. One verse sums it up the best. Read John 3:16. Make a really huge poster or sign of it like you see at sports events or stadiums and post it outside your home.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Exploration: Do you feel so loved today?

Yes I feel loved!!
 
Expression: Say this verse aloud. Memorize it if you haven't already. What has been your greatest moment of being a Jesus follower? What has been your worst moment as a Jesus follower?
The best moment is really when you feel Gods presence, that He is with you. No matter what, He loves you. I always try to remember that when I can't feel Him. Try to remember that He loves me just as much even though I can't feel it. That my feeling has nothing to do with it. It's like my kids. When they do something that makes them feel less loved, it doesn't mean that I love them less. 
In my opinion there is no event, or happening I remember as the best or worst moment. It's the times that I feel His love and not.

Experience: Reflect on your experiences this Christmas season. Attend a Christmas Eve worship service with friends and family.

My advent was great, much because of this reading plan. Remembering and thinking at the Holidays with a different view. Thinking more about His second coming than His first. But the last days before Christmas I turned from Him. More occupied with the presents, my family and the kids. Thinking of what to say and do so that it ended up with less fighting. But still having a good time. I did manage to visit a realative and have a little more Christ inspired talk. On Christmas Eve I took my two eldest kids and my mother and attended a worship service. It was in a church I am not used to be in, and I don't think it was the family one. But I very much enjoyed it. The priest had a good way of talking, my mother didn't think so. She missed a little more kid friendly talk.
Christmas has arrived—the day we celebrate the advent of our Savior Jesus Christ. Reflect on how this reading plan has helped you experience the Christmas season differently. Make a point to help friends or family members download the Bible App to their smart phones today and sign up for a reading plan as a way to offer a birthday present to Jesus.
I loved this reading plan, and specially this 'extra stuff'. Making me think more about the verses I read. Not just let them be what they've always been. Almost forcing me to think differently. 
So all I can say is if you haven't used this readingplan this Christmas, make sure you do it next year!!

Till next time, 
God Bless

And there will be a next time, I just have to find the readingplan for the new year ;) 

Concert of Christmas Cards

Concert

Psalm 150

Exposure: Read the passage. Make arrangements to go watch a Christmas concert or play. Go outside your normal circles and attend one at a church you've never visited or in a part of town you don't often drive through.

Exploration: What part of the concert or play meant the most to you? What did you learn just from the setting and the people you watched it with?
When they sang 'holy night' and specially when they talk about the message of christmas. Why we celebrate it, and not that it is just a child was born. But what it means that he was born.

Expression: How is God like a conductor or director? How can you apply the discipline of rehearsal to improve your relationship with God?
I can hang in there. When you first start to play a musical instrument or a new song. It isn't always easy. You go on a rollercoaster, maybe first a little hill down but then a big mountain of hardnes to overcome. And that's where I find myself. At the mountain. Even though I have learned through life that the mountain isn't as tall and steep as it appears, it's still hard to start the climb. But I have to keep at it, because you have to let your body and muscle get used to climbing. Then everything will get better!!

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you were completely in tune with what God wanted for your life. What are some spiritual disciplines that you need to rehearse more regularly to get back in sync with God?
I think it has to be over 10 years ago. I was alone at a new place with all new people. It gave me the time to read and pray. Now that I have a family and lots of stuff happening all the time, I find it hard to take the time to put Him first. And I am truly missing it, so I have to really take the effort and take the time again!

Christmas Cards

Acts 15:22-31

Exposure: Read the passage about an encouraging letter. Most of the New Testament is made up of letters. Buy or make a Christmas card for someone who has really been a blessing to you this year. Spend some additional time expressing to them what they mean to you. If a card won't hold all you need to say, write out a whole letter like the early church did.

Exploration: Think of how meaningful letters like this must have been in the first century. What kinds of communications do you most often use to express these kinds of thoughts to those in your life?
I'm usually bad at expressing my feelings, but when I do I mostly do it by texting. Allthou I used to be a good letterwriter. I think I have to take the time for it again. I know there are several people wanting some good old fashion mail. 

Expression: How do you think your card will make this person feel? Why do you think there is so much power in expressing love to someone?
I hope the card will make the person feel happy and appreciated. The power is in the fact that you express your most inner feelings in letters. The things you find hard to say, sometimes they are even hard to write. But you don't have to deal with them face to face, so it makes things less confrontal. Even though it's happy things. We are to caught up in our own emotions, or lack of love. What we ourselves are missing that we forget that we can be the ones giving those things to someone else. 


Experience: Jesus wrote us a really long letter called the Bible expressing His love for us. What has been the most meaningful part of His letter to you?


I think it is that I am something, that I'm worth something to Him. He likes me, wants me and cares for me. Even though I have a husband who really loves me, kids that do the same. I find it hard to think that someone else cares. And God has enough of people that is 'better' than me. Still He cares about me. Wants me to be better, and feel like His child. But even though I don't feel it, doesn't make it any less true. 

He's Coming Joy

Joy

Psalm 100

Exposure: Read the passage from Psalms. Get a group together and go Christmas caroling. If you don't know all the words, print out copies of the lyrics before you go out. You can go through your neighborhood or revisit one of the people you've met this month as you've reached out to serve.
I've been caroling once in my entire life, and I absolutly loved it. But that is one of the things that is not done here in Norway. Maybe one day I'll get to do it again. 

Exploration: What were people's responses to your singing? What is your favorite Christmas caroling song? Why is it your favorite song?

I love several once, mostly because they tell of the reason we celebrate Christmas. Not only the birth of Christ, but what it means to us!!

Expression: Copy down in your own handwriting the lyrics to your favorite Christmas carol. Ask God to use this season to help you experience the joy and peace the song communicates in a new way this year.

Experience: What is your favorite memory of a Christmas carol?

That is easy, it's my only time!! In North Dakota!!

He's Coming

Matt 25

Exposure: Read some parables Jesus told about when He would return.

Exploration: What do you think is the main point of the chapter? You've done a lot to get ready for Christmas. What can you do to be ready for the Second Advent?

I should have oil on my lamp- which I think is fuel that drives us, lights that shows us where to go. And the only place to get that is from His word!

I should use my talent- here I go for the actually talent of our language. The thing that God has given us to use. The thing He wants us to do for Him. Some are preachers, some are caring, some are teachers and so on. 

Expression: How are you preparing for the return of Jesus? Discuss with friends and family or journal about what you want to do to be ready for that day.

I really want to read more, learn more, pray more, talk about Him, tell someone about Him, do the things I am made to do.

Experience: How would your life be different today if you believed Jesus was returning at midnight? If something springs to mind that you would do differently, go do it now.
I wish I had the guts to go straight up to people and talk to them the right way. They way that is not missunderstood, not guilty and not pushed... 


Till next time,
God Bless 

 

The Greatest Story Ever Told

The Greatest Story Ever Told

John 21:25

Exposure: Christmas is getting closer! It will be easy to lose focus on Him as the season gets busier. Read the last verse of the Gospel of John. Gather some friends or family and watch the 1965 movie classic The Greatest Story Ever Told. It's available on DVD or online.

For me living way out on the country side it isn't that easy to get a hold of that movie that fast.... But I will definetly look for it!!

Exploration: What is your favorite part about Jesus' life?

I think it has to be the fact that even if I had been the only one, he would still have died for me. That every sin counts for the same. Murder isn't bigger than badmouthing. 
If you see it from a history point of view I have to go with His birth. That He chose to come into our world the same way we do, to been brought up like us, yet to be praised by angels, wisemen and shepards!! Need I write more??

Expression: How did the movie help your understanding of Jesus' life? How did watching that with others open up opportunities for good discussion?

As already written I didn't watch the film at this time. But I remember seeing the Passion, and talking of all the pain Christ had to endure just to get to the cross. The humiliation, the cruelty of it all...

Experience: How has your story become a part of the greatest story? Journal about the role you have played in God's big story.

I think my role is more in the hidden parts. The things that is done that no one really notices, but that are as importat. For example do the dishes after a meeting so that everything is clean for the next time. To encurrage someone with a nice word they needed to be in the front of a large group and inspire them. 


Till next time, 
God Bless

Pray the Word

Pray

Luke 11:1-13

Exposure: Read the passage about Jesus teaching His followers how to pray. Use the Lord's Prayer as a pattern to write down a prayer that has some of those same ideas in it.

Father, Let your name be Blessed
Let your son come down upon us.
Give me today the food I need for my body and my soul.
Let the wrongs I do be forgiven, 
so that I can forgive all the wrong done to me.
Lead around past temptations. 

Exploration: What parts of Jesus' prayer pattern do you often leave out of the times you pray? How was writing down your prayer different from just saying it?

I leave out the coming of Jesus. I'm not sure that I want Him to come yet, there is to much to do, to many that isn't saved yet. It felt more real, you had to thing over each line. The meaning behind it and why you pray those words.

Expression: Read your prayer out loud. Ask someone you trust to pray along with you.

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or about a time in your life where God answered an important prayer.

God answered my prayer of marriage. I wasn't sure the right thing to do was to accept, even though I'd already said yes. My husband wasn't a believer back then, and in most cases the beliver becomes the unbeliever when married to one. So I didn't want that to be me. But years before my husband, the nonebeliver, prayed that I would be his. I didn't know this untill we'd been married for some years. And in my case I felt that I could marry him, and now he is a beliver with me!!!

The Word

John 1

Exposure: Read the first chapter of the Apostle John's account of Jesus' life. If you made an Advent wreath spend some time just reflecting and looking at the candlelight.

Exploration: This chapter is known for being written in almost a mystical style yet it also tells the narrative of how God prepared the world for the arrival of His Word. What was your favorite part about the chapter?

5 And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not

I think that is one of my favorite parts, but in this chapter there is so many things. I will say that my favorite part of it isn't one verse, but the fact that God was the word, and he spoke and made everything, including the light that would save us all once and for all!!!
 

Expression: What is significant about understanding that Jesus is The Word and that He has been God since the beginning?

That Jesus knows everything, He and God are the same. The reason Jesus only can do as much as God wants Him to do, is that Jesus can't do anything that God can't. They are one!!

Experience: "Follow me" is a statement you find in John 1. What was it like when Jesus asked you to follow Him?

I followed for afar in the beginning. Not sure if I wanted to be in the midst. But to be in His midst, doesn't mean that I have to be in people's midst. That's the thing I thought, and having realized this makes things easier.


Till next time, 
God Bless 

Fasting

Fast

Isaiah 58

Matt 6:16-18

Exposure: Read the passage about fasting. Christmas is generally a time of feasting. Take at least a day to fast from something.

I'll take one day to fast from TV, and one from the computer. At this point those are the things that occupy me most. So I thought that was the best place to start. 

 

Exploration: Why do you think Jesus asked us to fast? What kind of fasting does Isaiah say the Lord requires?

I think that Jesus asked us to fast so that we could regain focus. I see that a lot in food, TV, PC, or mobilephones. You get so caught up in them, and spend more time with it. Junk food get's under your skin, just like all these electrical things, untill you feel you can't be without them. Isaiah says that the Lord requires that you help those who need it, feed them, clothe them, help them with heavy burdens, don't point fingers, don't badmouth. You take the time for everyone you see or meet. That you put everyone before yourself. 
 

Expression: Why do you think it is so difficult for people to make this a habit? How can you incorporate fasting into your regular habits of worship?

I think it's difficult on two 'levels'. The first is that it's difficult to fast since it means that you have to stay away from something. Most likely something you don't want to let go. On the other hand, people today are so occupied of their own life, they don't have room for anyone else. Nor do they want to. The want to be able to do the things they want to do, not thinking or feeling guilty for anyone else or the fact that they spend all their time on themselves.

Experience: Journal about your experiences with fasting. What did you learn? How did it change you? Consider joining a large group of believers who set aside the first 21 days of the New Year to fast.
I learned that when you first start out it's all good. Easy. As time passes, you discover all the time you've spent eating, or watching tv. You think of all the things you could have seen, eaten or done. A sort of craving where you don't see how you are going to make it through the day. Then it seems like the daily life takes over and you forget what you needed so bad. But when everythings quiet down and leaves an empty slot. It is very tempting to once again just do what you normally do. But then you see that you do not need it, time changes and leaves a better room for God and you think differently. Things are brighter. 

Till next time,
God Bless

Impossible

Impossible

Luke 1

Jeremiah 32:17

Exposure: Read the passage about the arrival of an improbable baby and an impossible baby. God is setting the stage in this dramatic way for the advent of Jesus Christ—who would be characterized by doing the impossible.

Exploration: Why do you think God delights in doing the impossible?

Because to Him these things aren't impossible, they are very much possible. He wants to show us that He is the one in charge, to open our eyes and see some of His wonders. There is not a thing that is impossible to Him, He created our earth. With all it's rules and limitation. Shouldn't it then be obvious that He is beyond these limitations??

Expression: Is God asking you to believe something that seems impossible right now? Write down something you want to ask Him for this Christmas that seems impossible.

I want to ask Him for guidance to make things right for every Christmases to come. No more hiding from confrontation, and to show people that I do care.

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you had to depend on Jesus to do the impossible. Read the verse about our God of the impossible out loud wherever you are.

I've never been to trustworthy, so I have to admit that it hasn't been many times that I've had to depend on Jesus. I truly wish there were number of times. But The closest one that I can think of had to be this Last Christmas and the following months. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer, and allthou the treatment seemed to work and she was doing better. It didn't end well. So I've had to depend on Him to bring us through this time...

Till next time, 
God Bless

Love and Snow

Snow

Genesis 1

Isaiah 1:18

Psalm 51:1-10

Exposure: Read the account of creation from Genesis. Create a snowman. Use real snow if you have it, or find a creative way to make a snowman. You can use cotton balls, wadded up paper, or just draw one.

This fantastic snow was not easy to make a snow man in, had to add water to make something that could pass for snowballs...

Exploration: How is shaping a snowman much like what God does with us—at creation originally, but also in our daily walk with Him?

You have to take time, have patiante and start over if you don't get it right. He did this when he created us, and he does this everyday. Each day holds temptations and challanges that helps God shape us unto the persons he wants us to be. He doesn't send death on your path, but He can use it. Death is the consequence of Adam and Eve eating the apple. So in a way we as humans chose death instead of live. We are the reason that we one day have to die. So it kinda makes no sense to blame God for someone dying. 
Today the snow wouldn't stick, so if you don't have the right material, it doesn't matter how much you try to make it work. God's material is perfect from the start.

Expression: Tell God how thankful you are that He continually shapes us to look more and more like Jesus. Describe a time in your life when you knew for sure that God was shaping you to become like Jesus.

I am so thankfull that the person I am today is not the way He wants me to be forever. Not that I am a bad person, it's just that I can do so much more for Him. I want to be His tool, and today I am not that. But I do feel that I have finally allowed Him to do the changing, instead of myself. So I have to say that I am sure that God is shaping me right now. Through this last year I have grown a lot, and that is not my doing.

Experience: Read the passages about snow. Depending on your climate, you may not associate snow with Christmas. But these passages associate Jesus' forgiveness with snow. Discuss with friends and family or journal about your thoughts about being made white as snow.

I am very blessed to live a place where there is snow for Christmas. And by God only, today it is snowing outside. 
There is nothing more pure than snow. It can look like a dump underneath, but when the snow covers it like a blanket all that is left is some bumps. I feel that is the way God forgives us. Where Jesus is the snow that covers us like a blanket. God forgives and forgets, but we should at least try to leave our sins as bumbs. Not clearly outlined or detailed. But small bumps that makes us the persons we are. Not to be dwelt with, but to be dealt with once. Then move on, and thank the Lord that it was something He could help you through. Not sure this came out the way I wanted it. But the bottom line is that we can have all sorts of dirty sins, but when Jesus the snow covers us, there is no way to tell!!! Amen

True Love

Rev. 2:1-5

1 John 3:1-3

Exposure: Read the warning against turning from your first love. Look up the lyrics of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Find at least one other person to sing it with you.

Exploration: Who is your first love? Think back to how your feelings of love change over time. In what ways can you relate to the Ephesian church?

I had a few infatuations in my youth, but my first being in love I do remember. Nothing came of it, 'cause he thankfully never cared for me. I met him some years back, didn't talk to him. But that one look was enough to make me see that he is not the man my husband are. We would never have the family I have today. I am glad that God had someone better planned for me! And this love has been different, and growing more for each passing year! 
My first love was false, it didn't hold. 

Expression: Write lyrics to your own version of the song as an expression of what you would like to give to Jesus—your true first love. Include in your song the pieces of your life that He wants, the changes He wants you to make, and the things He wants you to take action on.

First love, True love

His love, the truest of all

His love, purest of heart

His love, expecting nothing

His love, everlasting

My love, broken

My love, spotted

My love, expecting everything

My love, fading

I'll give you the love that I have

I'll give you my broken body

I'll give you my scared mind

I'll give you my precious family

I'll give you unpure heart

I'll give you my lacking talents

My seasons are yours

My thoughts as well

My time I'll give to you

My life is yours to have

My hope you've always had

My faith is nothing without you 

My everything is yours, without you I am nothing.

Experience: Read the passage from 1 John about his great love for us. What gifts has our True Love already given to you?

• A wonderful husband fit just for me
• My firstborn daugther sent from Heaven
• My son whose smile brigthens the day
• My second daugther with a big heart

        

Till next time, 

God bless

Immanuel

Immanuel
Matt. 1:22-23
Isaiah 7:10-15
John 1:14

Exposure: Read the passages about Immanuel. Make a sign that reminds you that God is with you and hang it up somewhere that you see often.

Exploration: Immanuel means "God with us." How is Jesus still "God with us" even now that He's not walking on the earth?
He is with us all the time, in our thoughts, in the nature, in eachother, in his Bibel, in a reading plan. If we need him, there is always a way to find him.

Expression: How is God "for" us different than God "with" us? What are some ways you sense God with you?
God 'for' you is something that you can do from afar. You can be for a football team without being with them the entire time. You can be for someone without being there when they need you. But to be 'with' us, is to be here for us whenever we need Him. 
I can sense Him in a Bible verse that I needed that excact moment, or a friendly face when I am a little down. The sun in my face when my thoughts are elsewhere, telling me that he will take care of it. A lot off small ways like that, but it can also be bigger. An entire sermon that tells you the answer to things you've been worrying about. 

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time in your life when you felt the closest to Jesus. Make plans to do something today to get closer to God. How important is it to seek to experience that closeness all the time?
I felt closer to God when I went to a Christian High School, and when I was in the States. I read more, and at school there where a lot of meetings to attend to. 
I've started the journey to get closer, I've started this reading plan to help me read more. I'm in a christian all girl group and I have to attend more meetings. Even though it isn't always easy with younger kids.  

Least of his Names

The Least of These

Matt. 25:31-46

Exposure: Read Jesus' teachings about the final judgment. Think of someone you know of that probably falls into the category of "the least of these." You may have to think outside your normal circles. Invite them to a meal with you. Learn their story. Pray for them.

Exploration: How would you treat people differently if you really saw Jesus in their face? What are some changes you could make in your lifestyle that would fall into the sheep category?

I think I at least would treat them with much more respect and awe. I could try to do more than all I can to help those that need help. Not be to concerned with my own time and family. Give more.

Expression: Post a sticky note with the person's name on it somewhere you'll see it every day. Begin to pray for them regularly. Be open to how God may ask you to help them further.

I'm going to pray for M

Experience: What did you learn from your experience? How would your life be different if you were purposeful about spending time with those who are struggling?

Since I haven't done anything now, I have to think back to previous times. 
It makes you a lot more grateful for what you have, and it gives you a total new outlook on the things you need. It feels good to be able to do something that they may not be able to do, but isn't a problem for you.

His Names

Isaiah 9:6-7

Rev. 19:1-16

1Tim 6:11-16

Exposure: Read the passages about Jesus' first coming and His second coming. Listen to the "Hallelujah Chorus" or "For Unto Us a Child Is Born" from Handel's "Messiah"—both are easy to find online.

Exploration: Notice how prominent names of Jesus are in these verses. How important is your name to you?

It used to mean something, that was untill I thought that no one else could butcher my name more than they had. Which was wrong. Now I don't really care that much. When I grew up my brother teased me with my name, which pretty much made me hate the first part of my name. When I started high school I hoped that I could get them to use my full name, but my cousin went to the same school. So no luck there. My second name Christin I thought was difficult to be wrong of in the States, but mostly I ended up with Christine. I think it sould mean something, because it's who you are, the thing everyone uses as they call for you. That is why I love 'mummy' so much. No one can get it wrong and I know that the persons using that name for me love me!

Expression: What does each name of Jesus mean to you specifically? Discuss with friends or family or journal about how Jesus expresses Himself in these various ways in your life.

Wonderful- He is a wonderful person, always there for you. Never to busy, to bored to think of you any other way than that you are the only one. His favorite.
Counsellor- He knows everything, nothing is hidden from him. If I ever need guidence or advice, no one is better than him to tell you what to do. He doesn't only see now, he sees the future. What lies ahead of you. The things that might not seem like the right thing now, will be the right thing later.
Mighty God- He is the greatest. The most high. No one above him! 
Everlasting Father- He will never abandon you, never let you down. Only you can let yourself down. Even thought your earthly father someday will die, he will never die. You can never do anything that will make him disown you. Nothing!
Prince of Peace- His peace is the the only peace. Even though you might be in a storm, he will give you calm. His peace isn't the one we think we need. Not in the form of no war, no arguments and the likes. He gives you the peace you need on the inside to let nothing else affect you. 

Experience: How have you experienced Jesus as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? How is He a King of Kings and Lord of Lord? Now read the charge to Timothy about how to live ready to meet our King.

I really wanted to go to the States to work when I was younger, and I was afraid that it was only something that I wanted and not His will for me. I prayed and he gave me a calm about it all. I wasn't afraid to travel alone, or to live with someone I didn't know anything about. During my stay I learned a lot about myself. And I've learned over the years that when you experience good times with Him, the second you leave that place the devil is there to tempt you, to make you forget everything that God wanted you to see. In a time in my life I felt that I didn't have a father, and one day through a song, I discovered that God is the only Father I needed. I thought it was Gods way that I didn't stay with my boyfriend, but a long way after we'd broken up, God showed me that it wasn't His plan. And as the King of Kings he gave me the most amazing family I could ever ask for!

Till next time, 
God Bless

Decorating the home

Decorations

Exodus 25

Exposure: Read God's detailed instructions for the decoration of the Tabernacle. Go though your home and examine the Christmas decorations you have. If you haven't decorated, take this time to decorate to celebrate this important season.

Exploration: Why do you think God was so specific about how to decorate the temple? What significance or symbolism do you think these decorations must have had?

He made them each for different purpose. The symbolism is Jesus. I've heard a teaching in this, but I can't say that I remember much. Too much information. But I do remember that there was purity and a lot of Christ. And there is probably a lot more that we haven't figured out. 

Expression: Discuss with friends or family or journal about the meaning and significance of your existing decorations. How can your decorations speak to the focus you've placed on Christ?

My existing decorations... As I mentioned earlier, I don't have that much decoration that I've bought myself. Only for the tree mostly. I've been thinking a bit each year that I might have to buy some, but each year passes by without new stuff. This year we've gone to the step of throwing some stuff. And there will be more I believe. Most of my stuff is santas, and barn elf and you name it (almost). Ans that doesn't say much of my focus of Christ at all. Specially since they so to speak aren't mine. I have a manger which I have put on top of the piano. The main focus, 'cause this is the only decoration that I have recieved that I do love. And that is saying something about my focus. He is the reason we celebrate in the first place. So this year I will be snooping around for some decorations that I'd like and that says a little more of my focus. 

Experience: Create a new ornament or decoration that can represent how you feel about your relationship with Jesus this year.

I think I want to make some stars to remember how God told the stargazers of his coming. Some lights to remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

Till next time, 
God Bless

Lights of God

Today

Lights

Matt. 4:12-17

Isaiah 9:1-3

Matt 5:14-16

Exposure: Read these passages about Jesus being the light. Research the beginnings of the tradition of Christmas lights. Drive around town with a group of friends or family and look at the different expressions of lights.
Being from Norway I have to say that we don't even come close to the american houses of light. I mean the most extreme here is a bit above avarage there. But now I am a bit off topic. I wish I could drive around and see mangers of lights. But here we have a small amout of santas, some trains but mostly just lights. One small candel was put in a window to tell other beliveres that here they had mass (or just a gathering). Since it wasn't allowed to listen or talk about the Scripture without faceing the death penalty. Now we have about a ton more lights and no mass...

Exploration: How is Jesus the light of world? Think about the scientific facts you know about light. In what ways is light the perfect illustration God created from the beginning to illuminate who Jesus is?
A light is in most cases lith by something else. A bigger source. God is that source, and he created Jesus to be a big light for us. So that we all can go to him to get a flame on our wick. And in return we get to help others by lighting the way so that they can find the flame as well. Jesus didn't hide in the darkness, no lights can do hide. It makes it impossible to ignore, and you alwasy get what you need to see where you are going. The light will move with you as long as you have enough oil for it. If you run out, so will the flame and you will need someone elses light to help you. If you are at h
ome late at night in these days and your power fails. You are left all in darkness. Even the slightest light will feel bright because you have none. Jesus is that Hope that never dies, that will always be there, and his power source is the allmighty God. The power that will never fail. 

Expression: Why do you think Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world? What would that mean for your life to be a light in your relationships and situations?
We are small lights like along a road. Lighting the way to a bigger light. A city if you will. Some years ago I was driving with a friend (she drove) and we were driving in darkness. The sun had set and there we were alone in the desert. We only had the light on the car. In this case there was no streeth lights, but that is in someways I think we are. Streeth lights telling you that even though you can't see a house or a city, you know that you are closing in by the streeth lights. We rounded a small top and a curve and behold: Las Vegas. If you have been there I don't have to say more. But for you who haven't. I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that it truly felt like all the electrity from USA was going to this place. 

To be a light is to try to show with your own life that there is something bigger, someone who wants everything that is good for you. Not a quick fix, but something for the long run. It makes a relationship stronger if you can share the flame. To me it means a world.

Experience: How has your life been a light to those around you? Make a point to be light during this season.

I know that in my younger years I was. But these last years I am not so sure, so I am trying hard to be one again. By that I mean I am trying hard to read more, to learn more about Jesus so that I will hear his voice telling me what to do.

The Gift 

 Acts 20:35

1 John 4:10

Exposure: Read these verses about giving. Go Christmas shopping for someone that is not a part of your immediate family like a patient in a nursing home or hospital, your mail carrier, your garbage collector, or a foster child.
That is a though one. I might have to get back to you on that one. It is one of the disedvantages I have been very happy to be home. I don't know to many around me...

Exploration: What is the real point of giving a gift? How is Jesus the best gift you have ever received?
The real point of giving a gift I think is to help someone, make them feel better, maybe even make a difference by letting them know that you do care. 

Jesus has with his life given us everything we need. A friend of mine is leaving for Brasil these days, and she was stressed out by the thought of forgetting something. What is she ended up at an airport, the planes on a stike. So I wrote her on facebook, don't forget your Bible. If you have that one, you have everything you need. If you'll need something more than that, he will get it for you. Believing in Him will take you where you need to be. And in the end, the only place you want to be. His precence. 

Expression: How generous are you with your time, treasures, and talents? Do you live as if it truly is more blessed to give than receive? How can you live this out more fully this Christmas season?
Not generous enough with either. Time is the only thing that I am certain off. I don't know any other tresures I have other than my husband and family. And talents... I used to think I was a goor writer, but I am not so sure of that. There is nothing that I am really good at. So I have to figure it out before I can share it...

No I can't say that I really do live as it is truly better to give than to get. I do believe that, but I don't always show or act to that. The first thing that comes to mind is to be more with my mother, to really show her that her fears are just something that she belives in. Not something that is a fact. 

Experience: Discuss with friends or family or journal about a time when you blessed someone with extreme generosity or a time where you were blessed by someone else's extreme generosity. Spend time praying asking God to help you become more generous by better comprehending the gift of love He has given us.

I am not sure that I have blessed someone with extreme generosity. I do give the time I have, or can spare. I don't give more than that, and I really should. Since I don't seem to remember any such time it makes me wonder if I ever have been blessed by someone else in that way, or if my mind is so far off God that I truly can't remember. Or maybe I am just expecting to much. I know that I am very blessed to have the life I have, the friends. Most of them will go a mile with me if they could. I just don't let them. My issue to deal with. 

God help me to put you in center.

Till next time, 

God bless!  

Servant of All

As I read todays reading Mark 9:33-37 I couldn't help to think about seing a servant to everyone. It's easy to help out when someone asks, or when someone needs something obvious. But I do find it a little harder to be a servant in the house. To be a servant to my kids and my husband. It's easy to help him with things he needs help for, but to be a servant. That is truly hard. ANd how do you balance raising the kids and be a servant to them. When they are sick it comes natural, and you can't be that way around them when they are healty. It's a fine balance and I hope to find it one day. Here is today's lesson....

 

Servant of All

Exposure: Read Jesus' remarks to His disciples about being a servant. In the next 24 hours, live this out by serving someone. Especially think of a way you welcome a little child in Jesus' name.

Exploration: Why do you think Jesus took a child into His arms for this remark? What does it say about Jesus' ministry that a little child was already nearby?
That he cared about everyone, that no one was to small, to young

 
Expression: Who do you think was blessed more? You the server or the people being served?

I think that you as the servant are blessed more. You get to do things that someone might find hard, but is easy for you. All the good you do is growing inside, makes you see why you should be a server, not the served. To give make you give even more, but to always take makes you want more.

Experience: Take an inventory of how you spend most of your days. Is your life characterized more by being served or serving? Is it any different during Christmas time?

I think I have to say I am a little of both. These last years I think I have been served more than the server. But I am trying to change. I want to be a servant.

Till next time, 
God Bless