Spiritual Forecasts for 2006
Christmas Bliss
- Begin with a heart filled with abounding love.
- Sprinkle a little kindness wherever you go.
- Add a joyful disposition to your daily routine.
- Add a dash of soul searching in regard to your thoughts and deeds.
- Keep sifting in more faith building practices like daily prayers and Biblical scripture readings.
- Mix it all together with a generous cup full of thankfulness to the Lord God Most High for the wondrous gift of His Son – Jesus Christ.
 Advent 2006 (begins Dec 3, 2006)
“Celebrating the coming of Christ.”
Advance your spiritual growth thru prayer & Bible study.
Daily devotions to God.
Venture into a deeper relationship with God – surrender your will over to God’s will in your daily life.
Exercise your faith muscles.
Notice the needs of others.
Treat others with kindness and do good deeds.
Advent is the period including the four Sundays before Christmas.
Light a purple candle on the 1st Sunday; this candle represents joy.
Joy – The celebration of Christ’s birth and the coming of His earthly and heavenly kingdoms.
On the 2nd Sunday, light another purple candle. This 2nd candle represents hope.
Hope – Taking comfort in Christ's words and promises and the knowledge of His second coming.
On the 3rd Sunday, light the pink candle. This represents Love.
Love – "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." – John 3:16."
On the 4th Sunday, light the last purple candle. This candle represents peace.
Peace – To experience the calming presence of God’s Holy Spirit surrounding us in His glory and protection.
On Christmas day, light the large white Christ candle. This candle represents Christ’s birth and the expectation of His second coming. The surrounding evergreen wreath represents eternal life with Christ the Lord.
*Also, include scriptures and songs in this candle lighting ceremony. What a wonderful and meaningful family tradition and faith building experience!
What's in your heart?
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
– Hebrews 4:12-13
What’s in your heart? Do you have an idea or even an inkling of what is deep within your own heart? Now is the time to begin to examine your true feelings and the true attitude of your heart. God is fully aware of our daily actions, but he is most concerned about what is in our hearts. We can put on a facade in front of family, friends, and acquaintances, but we cannot fool God. Who we really are and what we truly feel and believe is fully exposed to God as he reads our hearts and minds.
When we become a Christian, the Holy Spirit begins to work more fully and effectively in us and through us. As we grow, a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ develops and we tend to seek to learn more Biblical truths and spiritual knowledge. However, in order to become a mature Christian it is necessary for us to transfer all our knowledge and experiences from our minds into our hearts. As we transfer all that we have gained into our hearts, the Lord provides us with greater insights, true wisdom, and enlightened understanding of His ways. If you are truly wise it will quickly become very apparent to you that with the more knowledge you gain, the more you realize how little you really know. No matter how much knowledge we possess there is always something more to learn about God and His kingdom. Each of us should be asking God daily, “Lord, is there something more?”
Read 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31 “Christ the Wisdom and Power of God”
So be wise and examine your own heart and make all the necessary adjustments before the final judgment of your heart by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Lenten Challenge - 2006
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we obey His commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”– 1 John 2: 1-6
I am issuing a challenge to all individuals, organizations, and churches in the Christian community. Take this opportunity to reevaluate your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Are you continually growing in your faith walk? Or are you stagnant in your faith?
During Lent is the perfect opportunity to expand your growth in faith and to learn more about your purpose in God’s family and how to serve God most effectively. Lent is a time for deep reflection. During this time you should be actively pursuing to renew your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
How do you begin this journey of growth and reflection?
The answer to this question is very simple; make God your first love and top priority in your life. The best way to do this is by giving your will over to God’s will and control in all aspects of your life. God’s love for you is pure and true and extremely trustworthy!
Will you welcome an exciting and intriguing adventure in your faith walk? Do you want to take a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ?
The Lord Jesus Christ is hoping that your answer to the above questions is a resounding yes!
Will you face the Lord Jesus Christ and answer him?
As for me personally, each day I face the Lord Jesus Christ and I ask for forgiveness for all the sins I am aware of and especially for all the sins that I am unaware of that I committed in thoughts and deeds. Also, every day I give my will over to God’s will and control in every aspect of my life.
My hope for all God’s children is that each and every one of you will truly experience God’s all encompassing love and His gift of grace.
Please come and join the Lord Jesus Christ on this exciting faith journey.
When the Lord Jesus Christ calls your name, will you be prepared to face him and answer:
Lord, I will!
Love and Blessings,
Cheryl |
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