Friday, December 7, 2012

12/7/12- When Peace is on Earth


Friday- December 7 –
Ephesians 3:14-21  For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, *15from whom every family* in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.

Yesterday we discussed the years the locust eat.  But what about those times when everything is close to perfect?  Christmas can be such a time.  Homes look lovely.  Food is delicious. Children are adorable. Abundance is everywhere and we seem a bit closer to “peace on earth, goodwill to men!”   But we must be careful to depend on God at these times too.  Jesus did not come into the world to make our Christmas dreams come true.  He is not a “Santa in the sky” there only to grant our wishes.  God wants more for us than we even know to ask Him for! The best that we know pales when compared to the riches of God’s glory.  The love of Christ surpasses all knowledge and as we begin to comprehend its magnitude, we are filled with the fullness of God.  How incredible that God longs to accomplish in us more than we than we can dream or even imagine! After all, would any of us have thought a mere babe could change our world forever!?!



Prayer: When times are hard, Lord.  Let me believe that you will restore me.  Keep my hope kindled in you.

Application:  Think of how you can help one person today- maybe someone you run into- and hold the door for them; maybe someone who is down and needs encouragement.  Think of them and then help them. 

Break forth o beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning.
You shepherds, shudder not with fright, But hear the angel’s warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be;
The power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making
.
(PH #26- Johann Rist 1641)

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