Prayer Devotions

December 2019 Luke 18:1 Pray Always and Never Give Up

Prayer for Persecuted Church

Pray for those in the midst of persecution

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3

Global watchdog Open Doors reports that 322 Christians are killed every month for their faith while millions more suffer persecution on a routine basis.

Please pray that these believers will not only stay committed to the call of Christ but also will respond in love to the evil shown by their aggressors. God’s love will open doors for these believers to share the Gospel even more. This Month’s Countries, these are some of the most dangerous countries to follow Jesus: Turkmenistan Mali Mauritania

Prayer for Persecuted Church

Pray for those in the midst of persecution

Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3

Global watchdog Open Doors reports that 322 Christians are killed every month for their faith while millions more suffer persecution on a routine basis.

Daily Prayers for December “...And then, just when everything is bearing down on us to such an extent that we can scarcely withstand it, the Christmas message comes to tell us that all our ideas are wrong, and that what we take to be evil and dark is really good and light because it comes from God. Our eyes are at fault that is all. God is in the manger, wealth in poverty, light in darkness, succor in abandonment. No evil can befall us; whatever men may do to us, they cannot but serve the God who is secretly revealed as love and rules the world and our lives.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sunday, December 1st: Jesus refers to Himself as the Bread of Life, and we are told that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. That should tell us something. We have a choice as to how we partake of the sustenance we are being offered, just like we have a choice every mealtime about what we’re going to consume. One choice is a TV dinner. It’s quick and easy, we get some nourishment and maybe even flavor from it, but more often than not it is eaten alone. One of our favorites might be a buffet. We have a vast array of choices, and typically the quality is better than the TV dinner and we’re probably dining with others. We get to choose what we take and what we leave. Then there’s the meal prepared for us. The one where we sit at the table with loved ones, and if we’re culturally sensitive we know to eat whatever is placed in front of us. I think we tend to approach God’s word much the same way – with choices as to how we’re going to partake. It should be obvious that our best bet is the last option. We are intended to be in communion with the Father and others, and we know that all scripture is God-breathed and profitable for us. I know He doesn’t call Himself the broccoli of life, but He still created it, and it has so many nutritious attributes. Let’s choose to trust Him and to accept everything He offers. Don’t settle for a TV dinner faith when He is preparing a table for us that is gourmet fare for our souls and our spirits. It is truly life-giving, will satisfy our deepest needs, and we should be enjoying and sharing it with others. Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Hebrews 5:12-14

Monday, December 2nd: As humans, we must be willing to confess that we contribute to the pain and suffering in the world. Even though we ourselves may be in pain and suffering, intentionally or unintentionally we do the same to others. Our sins may feel too big to us, but they’re not too big for God. God’s face is turned towards us. God gazes at me with deep love. God gazes at you with deep love. God gazes at every one of us and all of creation with deep, deep, deep love because we are the work of God’s hands. This first week of Advent (arrival) we have waited for God. We have searched for small signs of God’s presence. We have faced the darkness of our lives and the darkness of the world and experienced healing and new life. We have turned towards God’s face shining brightly and the hope that Jesus provides. How will you carry God’s hope with you through the rest of this Advent season? Pray- God of Hope, I confess that I have sinned against you and against the people in my life. Heal me. Bring me to wholeness and new life. I am grateful for your gaze of love today and always. Isaiah 64:5, 8-9

Tuesday, December 3rd: Recently while prayer walking Pure Heart’s campus, one of those praying was struck with an image similar to a phenomenon from Chronicles of Narnia. The children always entered the alter-reality of Narnia through a portal. The back of a wardrobe ushered them into another world where their identities were the same yet different. This led the prayer walkers to begin praying for those who would come onto our campus to be so overwhelmed with the Presence of the Holy Spirit that they would feel they were entering into an alter-reality. And then it occurred to them – not only was the prayer for “alter” reality, but also for “altar” reality. Lord, as we come into Your Presence, may it be a reality for us that reverently brings us to Your altar and transforms us into Your superior design for our lives. You have created us to be so much more than we could imagine, but we can only realize that through entering into Your plans. Cause all who come onto our campus to find that entrance and to eagerly enter Your reality. 2 Corinthians 5:14-19; Romans 12:2

Wednesday, December 4th: Jesus told us to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, strength and minds, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That’s a pretty tall order, but He would never ask something of us if He weren’t also equipping us to be able to accomplish it through the power of the Holy Spirit. This time of year can make that mandate both easier in some cases and harder in others. We tend to pay more attention to ways we can bless those we love, and hopefully we are also reflecting on the true “reason for the season” – the birth of Jesus. That’s the easy part. The crowds of hurried, anxious, often rude and self-absorbed people we encounter may not be so easy to love. Or maybe they’re as close as the other room! That’s when we need to remember the order in which He told us to love: Him first, with every fiber of our being; then others. When we keep that priority, the rest will fall into place much more easily. That doesn’t mean it will be effortless, though. Sometimes it will be a sacrifice of praise, meaning it will have to be a conscious decision to display His nature rather than reacting in the flesh. That’s when we take a breath, whisper a quick (silent) prayer for strength and grace, and turn the other cheek. It’s amazing what a soft answer and extending unmerited kindness to someone can accomplish in promoting peace and good will. So let them see Him in you, the embodiment of Christ come to earth for them. Luke 10:27; Ephesians 5:1-2

Thursday, December 5th: We read a few different messages about the character of God in these verses (Isaiah 40:9-11). Is God some muscular enforcer, or is God more of a kind, gentle shepherd? Regardless of how we may envision God, we are called to proclaim God’s presence in the world. God is here! How many times have you ever proclaimed God’s presence in the world? I’m not necessarily talking about getting a milk crate and a megaphone and waving the Bible in the air like a street corner preacher, but perhaps in more subtle ways. How can we share with our friends that God is present in our daily lives? On the soccer field, in detention, on the bus, as we walk down the city streets. How would you describe God to the people you care for most? Would God be large and in charge? Or would God be gentler and loving? Which of these images do the people in your world need in this season? Pray- Lord, I want to be a messenger of your presence here on earth. What words should I use? What actions can I take? Help prepare my heart for your presence each and every day. Isaiah 40:9-11

Friday, December 6th: While we’re busy baking cookies and other special treats, there are homeless children just wondering sometimes where their next meal will come from…if it does at all. We have an opportunity tomorrow to join at the Resource Center to fill lunch bags for our local homeless youth and to write a note of encouragement for each recipient. What a positive way to spend a Saturday morning, and what a beautiful expression of a Father’s love – food for the body and food for the spirit. Let them know that they’re important and not forgotten. This, after all, is the heart of our Father God. Be for them a light in the darkness and ask Him to guide you into a prayer over each bag and an uplifting word to feed their souls. Isaiah 58:10-11; 1 John 3:17-18; Proverbs 14:31

Saturday, December 7th: There’s someone I’ve been witnessing to who is not yet a believer. He concedes that Jesus lived and was a good man, but he can’t wrap his head around the leap of faith it takes to see Him as God. When I challenged him with the wealth of Messianic prophecies Jesus fulfilled, his comeback was, “Then why don’t the Jewish people believe in Him?” My first impulse was to tell him to ask a Jewish person, but as I considered the question I realized that a major road block is a misconception on their part. They expected Messiah to be a political leader who would overthrow the existing governing authorities. The problem is, when you begin with a faulty premise, everything after that doesn’t make sense because it doesn’t “line up” with your expectations. For a visual expression of this, look at the Tower of Pisa. Its foundation was not solid and sure, and the results are obvious. There’s a lesson to be learned. We need to make sure what we expect in Jesus lines up with truth as revealed through the Bible and isn’t dependent on what we want to believe or what tradition has taught us. Lord, may our foundation and plumb line always be Your unwavering, inerrant truth. Keep us firmly grounded and on the straight path so we’ll never be blindsided and miss fully knowing You. Isaiah 28:16-17; Luke 6:47-49

Sunday, December 8th: A little over a month ago I was driving past the Peoria campus on a Saturday morning and felt compelled to park the car and take an impromptu prayer walk around the campus. That particular day there was a function taking place in the park adjacent to our property and the streets and parking lot were filled with cars. I was impressed with the fact that less than 100 yards away was a carefree crowd of people enjoying a time of recreation. If only they knew how close they were to a place of true re-creation! We tend to think of recreation as leisure, playtime, amusement; but the origin of the word is actually from the Latin recreare which means to refresh, restore, make anew, and revive. That’s what life in Christ can offer – exchanging our old life for one that is revived and cured, made fresh and new. And we have people in desperate need of that right at our doorsteps. Pray for God to turn their gaze and attention from simple diversion to a dynamic conversion. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-7

Monday, December 9th: This time of year can be especially difficult for those who are dealing with grief, loneliness, financial hardships, guilt, or any other number of issues that the enemy would like to keep unresolved. We look at the holidays as a time of rejoicing, but it may not feel like that for everyone. Just like the coming of Jesus into a fallen and dark world brings hope to us all, so can knowing that we’re not alone, that nothing is beyond His reach, and that He has shown His faithfulness and restoration in the lives of others to demonstrate that we can all find that same peace and wholeness again. That’s what Darkness to Hope is all about. This Friday those who have experienced the oppression of the enemy but have found deliverance and hope will share their personal testimonies of God’s amazing grace, love, and second chances. He is truly faithful and able. If you or anyone you know is in a dark place, allow Him to reach into the hollowness and hopelessness so that He can bring healing and wholeness. Check the Pure Heart calendar for the exact time and place this Friday. Thank You, Jesus, that You truly are light and in You there is no darkness. Psalm 36:5-9; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Peter 2:9

Tuesday, December 10th: We’re in one of the seasons in Phoenix that requires us to regulate the temperature in our homes. Only a few months ago we desperately needed to cool things down, and now we require some heat, at least at night, in order to be comfortable. We check the thermometer when we’re not feeling totally comfortable and adjust the thermostat accordingly. According to Cheryl Sacks, our homes also have a spiritual climate, and as Christians we can either be thermometers that simply reflect the atmosphere in our homes or thermostats that regulate it. It isn’t difficult to determine the atmosphere; the power of His Presence is reflected in harmony, joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, respect, humility. Conversely, a negative environment is characterized by chaos, control, hopelessness, bitterness, anger, sarcasm, impurity, fear. If we passively accept such an environment, we’re just being thermometers, and you can be sure that everyone in that home is being influenced by the atmosphere! We can’t allow the enemy to be in control – his agenda is to steal, kill, and destroy. God has given us spiritual authority, but we need to ask Him to come and rule in our homes, and that means we need to make it inviting to Him. We need to honor Him in our choices in music, what we watch, and how we personally treat and interact with other members of the family. The more members we can get onboard, the more powerful the impact. Worship and heartfelt prayer are two of the most potent weapons against the enemy, so be sensitive to the prevailing climate in your home, and when you sense a needed adjustment, use them and become the thermostat! Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:13-14; James 5:16

Wednesday, December 11th: In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus calls on us to be salt and light. There are so many things that can be drawn from these two metaphors. First, salt was used as a preservative and to add savor to food. It can also be used as a disinfectant or to remove certain stains from clothing or cooking utensils. Even after it loses its saltiness, it can be thrown on a path to prevent the emergence of unwanted weeds. We should strive to never lose that which makes us distinctive, imparts healing, adds flavor and interest, and guards against decay. Let there be light are the first recorded words of God in Genesis 1:3. His very first act was to dispel darkness. Jesus Himself, who came to defeat the darkness, is called the Light of the world. When we look at some of the characteristics of light, we see that it is essential for growth, promotes healing, can direct our steps and keep us from stumbling or straying, and can promote a feeling of general well-being. This is what the Light of the gospel – the Father of lights – His light shining through us can bring to a dark and dying world. Be the salt and light! Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 4:1-6; Isaiah 9:2

Thursday, December 12th: Jewish leaders had been waiting for signs of the prophet’s arrival for generations, and with John coming onto the scene the way he did, they were right to wonder if perhaps he was the one, they were waiting for. So, they sent some priests and Levites to him to question him. John replied to their questions about his identity by quoting Isaiah, “I am a voice crying out in the wilderness, Make the Lord’s path straight.” To make the path straight can also mean to clear a way, to prepare and provide. Sometimes that means we need to get out of the way in order for God to show up. We all have a role to play in our journey and the journey of others as we strive to know God better. Sometimes it is preparing the way or pointing others to God. What are things you need to clear out of the way to make room for God to arrive? Pray- God, help me to know when to make a way, and when to get out of the way so that your glory is made the center of every interaction. Help me to point others to your guiding light. John 1:19-23

Friday, December 13th: There was a provocative Christmas song some years ago entitled “Mary, Did You Know?” We know that the angel appeared to Mary and told her that she would conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God who would be given the throne of David. Pretty impressive, to say the least. But, as Paul Harvey used to say, “And now the rest of the story.” The song poses some questions for Mary. Did she know that He would walk on water? ...heal the blind, lame, and deaf? ...calm storms? …be her Savior? …become the perfect Lamb of God? Her initial response to the angel’s message was that she was humbly the Lord’s bond slave. When she visited her relative Elizabeth, who was already carrying the unborn John, the baby leapt in her womb and Elizabeth immediately recognized the Presence. Mary rejoiced beautifully with what has come to be known as the Magnificat. Would her response have been as joyful had she known the full extent of what this would entail? Would yours? Is yours? We merrily celebrate the coming of Messiah in the manger, but His message to us is to join Him not only in the wonder of His miraculous birth and life but in the trials and death to the world that will bring eternal joy. The Christmas tree becomes the cross. Lord, help us to fully embrace the entire message and journey. Fill us with Your Spirit to receive both the blessing and the burden with equal joy and submission. May our response be that we are Your bond slaves, willing to be whoever You have called us to be. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 2:20

Saturday, December 14th: In the poem, “Sometimes” (2008), Mary Oliver says these are the “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” When is the last time you and I can say that we were really astonished at something? And if it’s been awhile, perhaps a better question for us to ask is, when is the last time we were really paying attention? More and more, I’m convinced that paying attention is the most important spiritual work we can do. To be present to the people and the moments God has entrusted to us. To be curious. To notice the burning bushes that lie just beyond the beaten path. To be mindful of the ways in which God is with us — and mindful of the ways in which God seems absent. Even, or perhaps especially, in the dark times, to relentlessly watch for each and every small spark of light. “The Lord your God is in your midst,” Zephaniah reminds us. Maybe we will catch a glimpse this Christmas… if only we would pay attention. Zephaniah 3:14-17

Sunday, December 15th: A friend recently shared an interesting perspective on the difference between having to do something and getting to do something. She stated we only have to do what we don’t want to do; we get to do what we’re called to do. I really liked that take on it. And then I started thinking – a lot has to do with how we view have to. When it’s something we don’t really want to do, the emphasis is on the task: I have to clean the bathroom; pay the bills; finish my homework! They’re things we would rather put off for a later time. But there are other situations where the emphasis is on the action because we are compelled to follow through at once: I have to call my best friend to share this! It has to do with our mindset and how we approach any given undertaking. If only we could look at every assignment as God-given and realize what a privilege it is just to still be here and breathing. It’s certainly an upgrade from the alternative. And when you look at things in light of eternity (God’s perspective), the things we grumble about having to do are usually just unpleasant and temporary – momentary light affliction, if you will. Look at every task as a “God opportunity” to honor and glorify Him and hopefully reflect His faithfulness and provision to those without the hope and promise of the blessings that will follow. Philippians 2:14-15; 2 Corinthians 4:15-18; Colossians 3:23-24

Monday, December 16th: Don’t be discouraged if you feel that God couldn’t possibly use you because right now you’re in the middle of some huge mess. Remember that God took Joseph out of a pit and Daniel out of a lion’s den. Gideon was the youngest in a family that was the least in their tribe. David was the youngest in his family and out tending sheep when he was chosen as king. Yet these were the ones God chose to use and exalt. I recently read an inspiring quote to remind us that God has a curious habit of showing up in the midst of seeming insignificance and trouble – not in its absence. It then offered the observation that He tends to recruit from the pit rather than the pedestal. What a comfort it should be to us that He knows exactly where we are at any given moment, that He always has an ultimate plan and purpose for everything we go through, and it is always for our good and His glory. What the world may see as failure, God sees as future. Psalm 40:2; Jeremiah 29:11-13

Tuesday, December 17th: The Christmas season can be very busy and stressful. Psalm 96 reminds us during this season that so many things ("gods" and "idols") can compete for our attention and our allegiance. It’s different for everyone... What are the gods and idols in your life that compete with the God who is “awesome beyond all other gods” for your time and your heart? Is anticipating and celebrating the birth of Jesus at the center for you this week? How do we make sure we keep our priorities straight? The Psalm tells us: Sing a new song to God, give praise to God, declare to others who God is! You can start by naming a few things for which you are grateful. You will find that the things you name point you to God. They connect you with the Giver. So, go ahead, take some time, and sing a song to God. You can sing a song you like, or maybe make one up. Just sing! Psalm 96:1-6

Wednesday, December 18th: We all should have something that really motivates us. Something that makes us want to reach higher…become better…something beyond the mundane. For the magi it was a bright star shining in the east that sent them on a quest that took several years! (Sorry, but all those nativity scenes depicting the wise men at the manger are in error.) They were driven to seek the meaning of that brilliant star, and as a result they were greatly blessed. In Psalm 84, the psalmist exclaims how blessed is the one whose strength is in the Lord and in whose heart are the highways to Zion. This may sound a little strange, but the underlying meaning here is that true blessedness comes from having a fixed star – a destiny – to which we aspire, and that can only be found in Him, in the person of Jesus - the babe in the manger. This is where we will find our strength, and when this is our pursuit we are given grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold! The implication is that we need to be restless and discontented if we are not actively journeying a path that leads to Him. Praise God that He has revealed to us how to find Him, and ask Him to stir within you a feeling of dissatisfaction in pursuing anything less. Psalm 84; Philippians 3:13-14

Thursday, December 19th: When you are complimented by anyone, especially someone you admire, do you tend to get confused? That was Mary's reaction. Even if we are not often greeted with a compliment, it still feels good to be complimented. Yet here is Mary, a young woman, and God sees a trait in her that is needed to be able to withstand bearing and raising the Emmanuel. It is a trait that is favored in the eyes of God: unconditional love. Mary is not perfect. She is full of love, and she is brave. You are a favored one in the eyes of God. You do not need an angel to come down from heaven to tell you that. And like Mary, God sees something in you and wants to do something in your life. Listening to God, finding out what God is saying to you, is difficult. In this Advent (arrival) week, center yourself to behold a love too immense for our understanding; center yourself to listen to God. Pray- God, I pray that I might understand why you have called me favored, why you love me. I pray for a glimpse of reason in your love, although I know that I might not be able to understand. Grant me peace knowing that you love me, without having to know why. Luke 1:26-29

Friday, December 20th: With all the “traditions” that surround this time of year, it can be easy to get caught up in things that draw us away from what it is we’re really supposed to be celebrating. We can also, in our quest to attract unbelievers, temper the way we represent Christianity in an attempt to make it seem more “acceptable” or in line with the culture. But as Ron Pratt states in Navigate Your Faith, “Complying with a culture compromises your ability to transform it.” Any attempt to modify scripture in order to make it align with culture actually weakens the power of the message and pollutes the purity of true Christianity. Honestly, why would anyone look to Jesus as the answer to their problems if professed Christians aren’t any different than the rest of society? When we are fully trusting in Him, not just with our words but with the way we live, there will be a detectable, obvious difference in what others see in us. The more we look and act like Jesus, the more we will show the world the difference that can make…for the sake of others. Hebrews 10:23-25; Matthew 5:14-16; Ephesians 2:8-10

Saturday, December 21st: At the end of the year we tend to try to fix our minds more on exhibiting kindness than perhaps we do at other times. It’s supposed to be a time to intentionally focus on being thankful, being joyful, and extending good will to all men. It is also such a hectic time that it may make that objective more difficult to attain. But there are actually a number of ways to be kind, and the results are beneficial to both the recipient and the benefactor. It can be as simple as noticing when someone needs a helping hand; smiling at someone who looks harried, hurt, or hopeless; paying a sincere compliment to someone – even a complete stranger! Or maybe we can choose to bite our tongue and not grumble or berate someone who behaves rudely towards us. It can also look like telling someone how much you appreciate or admire them, sending a thank-you to someone who has shown you kindness or sharing homemade goodies with co-workers or neighbors. That warm fuzzy feeling you get when you are kind is not just random; doing nice things actually boosts serotonin which is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and it releases oxytocin which promotes dilation of blood vessels and consequently can lower blood pressure and also reduces inflammation which can lead to all sorts of health problems. In addition, it can relieve our own anxiety. All of this AND it can do the same for those we are blessing! Our God is kind and He desires for us to be kind as well, not just for us but for the sake of others. After all, it is the kindness of God that draws us to Him. Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:3-8; Romans 2:4

Sunday, December 22nd: In the Sermon on the Mount, one of the Beatitudes that Jesus shares is, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” It may not necessarily sound like a Christmas message, but when we consider those who actually experienced the miraculous birth of the Messiah we see that is wasn’t the powerful or the religious leaders, but rather a trusting young couple and lowly shepherds who were willing to believe the message of the angels and seek Him out. To be able to “see” clearly we can’t have anything impeding our vision like religiosity, pride, or preconceived ideas of whom or what Jesus is supposed to be and how God’s plans should unfold. We need to be like little children hearing the story for the first time and wholly trusting the One telling us. If we’re too nearsighted we’ll fail to see the bigger picture and be too absorbed with our own story and its significance. If we’re too farsighted, we’ll be so focused on the future that we might miss what He’s doing right now – right in front of us. God wants us to have unadulterated 20/20 vision that is aligned with His. Lord, clean the lens of our minds and hearts to clearly see your perfect plan. Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 8:26-28,12:2

Monday, December 23rd: Maybe it’s the time of year when you read a particular Scripture, maybe it’s what you’re going through at that moment, but have you ever read a passage and had it leap off the page in a way that was totally unexpected and filled you with inexplicable wonder? For me, it was Psalm 85 where I saw for the first time a perfect representation of the Christmas message neatly tucked away. It tells of God showing favor, forgiving iniquity, covering sin, restoring, and granting salvation. Verse nine tells us that His salvation is near to those who fear (reverence) Him that glory may dwell in our land. But then the remainder of the Psalm is what really gripped my heart. “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring from the earth and righteousness shall look down from heaven.” Christ coming to earth is the perfect reflection of God’s mercy and peace imparted in truth and righteousness in order to make for us a way to experience His glory in a message of hope and salvation found in Him. The Psalm ends with the promise, “Righteousness will go before Him and shall make His footsteps our pathway.” Thank You, precious and merciful Savior, for making a way for us. May we always follow in the path You have given us. 1 Timothy 1:15-17; Titus 3:3-7

Tuesday, December 24rd: Isaiah once again reminds us what lies before us when we have God with us. Remember that the Israelites knew what struggle was like, as they had been forced to leave their homes and country and live in exile for many years. During this time, they had to rely on their faith and the stories handed down to them. While the exile made them feel like they were in a drought period in their lives, their faith stories were seeds of joy planted for future harvest. How good it is to have God with you! Sing this song with Isaiah: a reminder of how great it feels – like a bride and groom on their wedding day, wrapped in the finest robes – when our hearts are full of joy. And out of that joy a garden of God’s goodness grows throughout the world. The best part? It grows through us! We’re the seeds planted all around the world! Pray- Joy-giving God, I thank you for the joy I have in you and the reminder that I am a seed of your praise helping to grow your righteousness among the nations. Guide me, God, like the northern star, as I share the joy, I find in you with others. Isaiah 61:10-11

Wednesday, December 25th: For unto us is born this day a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. We celebrate the birth of Christ, as well we should, but we also need to acknowledge His purpose for relinquishing His rightful place in heaven in order to come to earth as a helpless, vulnerable baby who was destined to suffer and die. The actual meaning of the word Christmas is Christ’s death or death sacrifice (mass). One of the most impactful Christmas cards I have ever seen had on the front the imprints of a baby’s feet similar to what you see on a birth certificate. When you opened the card it had the imprint of a man’s hand with the blood-stained wound of a nail in the palm. This is our Jesus. This is our Savior. This is why we celebrate with gifts to those we love – because He gave the greatest gift ever to those He loved and still loves. This is what compels us to sing Joy to the World. And that’s also the greatest gift we can give to those we love – ourselves. Be present. Engage. Celebrate. And then spend some time reflecting on the Who and the why behind this very special day. Have a truly blessed and Merry Christmas. Luke 2:11; Philippians 2:6-8

Thursday, December 26th: We had the pleasure of going to lunch with some friends who insisted we try the “chocolate lasagna” – 10 layers of chocolate and cream cheese which were described as a decadent delight! It was definitely delicious, and I did feel it was a guilty pleasure, but I wasn’t the least bit ashamed at having eaten it. The difference between guilt and shame is we equate guilt with what we do and shame with who we are. Guilt is a sense of conviction over an action; it’s something we can remedy because we know we can ask forgiveness and with God’s help we can make better choices. Shame goes deeper. We can feel trapped in who we are. But the promise we have is that when we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The former self – the guilty one, the shameful one – has been put to death and there is a renewed, redeemed version that is no longer condemned. Paul assures us in Romans 8 that there is therefore now NO condemnation. We’ve been set free. What a cause for praise and rejoicing! Shame is a lie from the enemy. I may weaken and eat another piece of chocolate lasagna someday, but I also know that I won’t be entrapped by that poor decision and that it won’t define who I am. I am a redeemed child of the King. God never consults our past to determine our future. We’ve been pre-approved! Now that’s cause to celebrate, but I would advise avoiding the chocolate lasagna. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:15; Isaiah 43:18-19

Friday, December 27th: One of the hallmarks of the holidays is usually family gatherings and oftentimes extended visits. This can prove to be both a blessing and a burden because it’s typically with family that we are the most real and unguarded in our behavior. And not only us personally, but everyone else we’re interacting with! This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, in revealing just how real our relationship with Jesus is. In our own families we feel we should have the liberty to just do or say whatever pleases us at the moment. We shouldn’t have to hold back. And honestly – we don’t have to. That is, not if our only goal is to be self-absorbed, self-seeking, self-gratifying…Sounds pretty selfish, when you put it that way. To honestly celebrate the birth of Jesus we might focus more on emulating Him who emptied Himself, humbled Himself and encouraged us to live peaceably with one another. In Psalm 101 King David says, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” He knew that in our own homes is the most challenging place for us to walk with integrity, yet it was in his heart to commit to its purity. We can learn from him a valuable lesson. Lord, help us to walk with uprightness, humility and grace at all times. John 13:34-35; Romans 12:9-18 Saturday, December 28th: We know that at Pure Heart we make it a priority to pull the adult table and the kid table together. It’s important that we value everyone and acknowledge that the fellowship and the “food” are for all. We need to also remember the necessity of including the person of our heavenly Father at our table. There are several implications that occurred to me. First, imagine that you had provided absolutely everything needed for a special dinner party – food, venue, service ware, decorations, and proper attire for every attendee – and then you were not invited! On the other hand, you host a sumptuous feast and invite those you love to come and partake, yet when they sit down at the table they act as if you’re not even there! The purpose of a dinner party is camaraderie coupled with delicious and nourishing food. The table represents fellowship, intimacy, and life-giving provision. God has generously prepared the table for us. If fellowship were not an integral piece, we could just as well have Grub Hub deliver to all our friends! God wants to commune with us, and He has extended an invitation. He’s waiting for your RSVP. Psalm 23:5-6; Revelation 3:20

Sunday, December 29th: The winter sky is filled with stars. Somehow, they seem to shine brighter in the winter. We look for pictures in the stars, as we do with clouds. Some people see a line of stars and it becomes Orion’s belt; to others, the same line of stars is a canoe sailing the seas of night. We all seek to label what we see, to find the pattern even in the most cosmic of experiences. John recognized the light of God in Jesus. It was not something that John could define, but it was there, unexpected and unmistakable. Our experience of God can come in predictable ways that fit neatly under our “spiritual” label, or it can come absolutely out of the blue. God finds us where we are: on the banks of a river like John or braving the cold at the bus stop at the beginning of another long day. The light of God is there, transforming our day into a holy space. Breathe deeply. This is the time for you to stop and notice the light on the window, scents in the dry winter air, and the subtle sounds that are the background of your day. Take a moment to notice the beating of your heart and the gentle brush of cloth against your skin. These moments are a gift that Jesus has given you and that you can give back to Jesus, the gift of presence and companionship. Breathe and pause and listen. Pray- Lord God, give me the ability to find your light, even when it is hidden in the daily-ness of my life. Show me the ways you are present in me and around me. Make known to me those holy places all around me where you wait for me.

Monday, December 30th: Dirty eyeglasses are so annoying. And possibly even more frustrating is trying to get them really clean. I remarked to a friend that I thought the spray cleaner you’re given from Costco actually made them worse, to which she agreed and said she just used plain soap and water. So for many months, that was my practice as well. Then one morning I noticed my makeup mirror was quite smudged and decided it couldn’t hurt to use the infamous Costco spray. To my amazement, the mirror became sparkling clean – I just had to be diligent and keep polishing until all the spray and residual haze were gone! I don’t know what all is in that spray, but it’s definitely more than plain soap and water. Sometimes I tend to approach the areas in my life that are a little blurred in the same manner. I want a quick fix, so I seek the fastest and easiest way to remedy the problem. But God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a “solution” that goes beyond natural resources. It’s called the Bible. The trick is, we need to use it as prescribed and not lose heart when we don’t immediately experience complete eradication of the impediments we’re trying to eliminate or the cloudiness that is making 20/20 vision (understanding) a reality. We need to keep at it until we can see clearly. And as we all know, once a week isn’t going to be sufficient. It requires daily clearing away anything that clouds our ability to see without any impairment. Thank You, Lord, for the cleansing, enlightening power of Your word. Psalm 119:18,105,130; James 1:21

Tuesday, December 31st: A look at Noah’s ark may seem an odd way to contemplate entering the New Year, but something a high school friend recently shared with me seemed to be quite applicable. The key verse was Genesis 7:16. We believe that Noah and all the other passengers were safe because he had made the ark according to God’s specifications, and of course, that is true. But what ultimately ensured their safety was that they were sealed into the ark, and God was the One who closed the door. No matter how many precautions we may take to protect ourselves, our families, and the things we hold dear; in the end, God is the only One who can truly keep us safe. It’s like the song we, “There’ll be another in the fire.” So let’s commit the New Year to being sealed in by Him, fully trusting that when the storms come, and they undoubtedly will, even though we may hear the wind howling at the door and see waves crashing all around, He has already closed the door that would let destruction enter in. Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 91