Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
What can I say about Resolutions, some of us choose to live a healthier lifestyle (cut down/out cigarettes our even alcohol), others choose to diet after the festive period because of the amount of food we have eaten not just on Christmas Day but at our work’s Christmas party and any other parties we attend in this period.
On a personal note I don’t do resolutions basically because a couple of days into it and I literally crash.
As it says in today’s reading It is important hat we forget what was behind us and move forward toward the goal of the call of God.
The tune in this video is called ‘Let there be peace on Earth’
2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
The birth of Christ in a manger exemplifies the essence of servant leadership. As Christians we are called to serve rather than be served. A servant leadershipstyle involves putting the needs of others first, empowering members and helping them reach their full potential.
In the midst of challenging circumstances, Mary & Joseph exhitbited grace and compassion towards each other and the new born Jesus. As Christians we are bound to encounter obstacles & uncertainties, and how we respond to these situations impact’s our teams morale & resilience. By leading with grace & compassion, we create an atmosphere of support and understanding, fostering a culture of growth & resilience.
Prayer
Father, we are humbled by the life of Jesus’ humble birth, which teaches us the value of servant leardership. Help us lead with humility,grace and compassion always seeking to serve. May our lives reflect your love & humility, creating a culture of trust, growth & resilience. Guide us to identify with the needs of our members and provide support and empowerment they need to thrive. May we flourish finding strength in humble beginingsand reaching their full potential. Amen
The shepherds’ response of gloryifying and praising God reminds us to give thanks for His guidance in our Christian journey. As Christians we may often focus on the future goals and plans, forgetting to pause and express gratitude for the present moment. Like the sheperds who praised God for the wonderous news of Jesus’ birth, we too should cultivate a heart of gratitude for the oppertunities and blessings God has provided in our lives
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for your giudance and blessings in our Christian journey. Help us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in our hearts and attitudes. May we be quick to praise and give thanks for the opportunities and successes you have granted us. Let our Christian lives be a testimony of your goodness and grace. Amen.
1 Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round the virgin mother and child; Holy infant, tender and mild, Rests in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night! Holy night! Guiding star, lend thy light. See, the eastern wise men bring Gifts and homage to our King, Jesus Christ is here.
3 Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light. With the angels let us sing Hallelujahs to our King, Jesus Christ is here.
The serene lyrics of ‘Silent night’ hold a timeless message of stillness, wonder and the guiding light that led to the birth of Christ. In the midst of our fast paced and often chaotic world, these words invite us to pause and find solace in the profound peace that Christmas brings. As Christians, we can draw valuable lessons from that holy night, recognising the importance of creating moments of calm, reflection and guidance for ourselves.
Prayer
Father, as we meditate on these lyrics, we are reminded of the holy tranquillity that surrounded Jesus’birth. As Christians, help us to intetionally cultivate moments of stillness and reflection in our Christian journey. May we be guided by the wonderous light that leads us to your precence and wisdom. Lord, grant us the wisdom to lead with serenity and peace, creating an enviroment where our members can find solace and encounter your grace. Guide us, O Lord, to lead with humility and grace, reflecting your lov and compassion in all we do. Amen.
Luke 2:19 New International Version 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
Like mary treasured the events of Jesus’ birth, Christians should learn from the busyness of Christmas, It is crutial to take moments of reflection and contemplation, just as Mary did. These times of reflection allow us to gain insights from our experiences, learn from our mistakes and grow as Christians. By cherishing the lessons we’ve learned, we can continually improve and become more effective Christians.
Prayer
Gracious God, We thank yo for the valuable lessons we’ve learned through our Christian journey. As we reflect on our experiences, help us to gain insights and wisdomthat will make us better Christians. Grant us the humility to learn from our mistakes and the courage to grow from our challanges. Amen
11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The prophecy of the shoot from Jesse’s stump speaks of the emergence og new and unexpected leadership. Just as the seemingly lifeless stump produced new growth, God has the ability to raise Christians from unexpected places. As Christians, we should be open we should be open to recognising and empowering emerging members of our church fellowship. By nurturing and empoweringthem we participate in God’s transformitive work in the world.
Prayer
Father, We acknowledge that you are the one who raises up Christians from unexpected places. Help us to nurture the potential in those around us. May they grow and flourish with your guidance. Use us, O Lord, to be instruments of your work in the lives of others. Amen
Matthew 2:2 “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Like the wise men seeking the Messiah, Christians must seek wisdom and guidance from above in their decision making. Just as the wise men followed the star to find Jesus, we too, should rely on God’s leading and seek His wisdom when faced with difficult choices. Trusting in God’s guidance can lead us to make sound decisions that align with His divine plan for us. In the pursuit of success, we may be tempted to lean on our own understanding, but the wisemen’s journey teaches usthe value of seekingthe Lord’s direction first and foremost.
Prayer
Gracious God, we tank yo for the example of the wise men, who sought your guidance and followed the leading of the star to find the newborn King. Help us to seek your wisdom above all else. May we surrender our plans and decisions to you, trusting that you will lead us on the right path. Grant us discernment and clarity as we navigate the complexities of life. Amen
During the period of Advent I itend to post a daily thought and prayer leading up to Christmas day.
Luke 2: 11 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
As Christians let us remember that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of th ultimate servant, Jesus Christ. His willingness to humbly enter the world and serve humanity sets a profound example for us to follow in our Christian roles. In a world that often glorifies power & authority, Christ’s leadership shows us the true greatness lies in serving others selflessly. As we reflect on the manger scene, may it serve as a powerful reminder that our lives should be charecterised by love, humility & compassion, just as Christ demonstrated through his life and ministry.
Prayer
Heavenly Father we come before you in humility, acknowledging that true leadership is found in serving others just as your Son, Jesus Christ, examplified. Grant us the wisdom & strength to lead with love & compassion, prioritising the needs of those we serve. May our leadership be a reflection of your servant – hearted nature, bringing Glory to your name. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
10 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.2 They were all baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.3 They all ate the same spiritual food4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”[a]8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.9 We should not test Christ,[b] as some of them did—and were killed by snakes.10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.
11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!13 No temptation[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
A song of Testimony, and what a testimony we have in verse three. Tis true when we overcome sin we are rewarded by God and it is by faith we conquer that sin. Yes we as humans get knocked back from time to time, but it is through our strength and belief in God that as long as we look to Jesus he will carry us through
11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e]
23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[f] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
What is the love of Jesus to thee? Art thou its claims denying? Dost thou e’er think how he on the tree Gained thy salvation by dying?
Refrain: O remember, O remember All a loving Saviour bore for thee! O remember, O remember Jesus dying on the tree!
What is the call of Jesus to thee? Say, is thy heart replying? Henceforth is he thy Master to be? Wilt thou as rebel defy him?
What is his grace, O sinner, to thee? O ’tis of thanks deserving, Waiting so long thy soul to set free, Love in its purpose ne’er swerving.
What is the name of Jesus to thee? Art thou his fame extending? Dost thou obey? He says: Follow me, Life in my service be spending.
Christian Devotions, Health and General issues of the day 