A Christmas Prayer

A Christmas Prayer by Robbie Iobst

Empty me, Lord, of
the idea of a perfect Christmas.
Fill me with 
accepting life as it comes.
Empty me, Lord, of
the pressure to have my home decorated like a Martha-Stewart-worthy Winter Wonderland,
Fill me with
the peace of simple beauty.
Empty me, Lord, of
the gluttony around Christmas sweets and treats.
Fill me with
glad-hearted moderation.
Empty me, Lord, of
the need to have my calendar full of holiday fun.
Fill me with
the desire to spend extra time with You.
Empty me, Lord, of
the temptation to spend more than I have on gifts.
Fill me with
the kindness of unpretentious thoughtfulness within my budget.
Empty me, Lord, of
the black hole of “gotta-get-It-done” that tries to swallow me in December.
Fill me with
the unending pool of Your peace each moment, each day.
Empty me, Lord, of
the tyranny that Christmas can become.
Fill me with
the wonderful joy of Your birthday party.
Amen.

Following God's Direction in Your Life

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." - James 4:17
So how do you know the direction God is guiding you? In James 1:5 it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Prayer is central to communication with God, but hearing God's answer isn't always easy. Sometimes we struggle with the guidance He's given us, or it seems too challenging. Our human nature often guides us to take the path of least resistance or to doubt the power of God's plan or question it entirely. There is a certain peace in trusting in God and his plan, however. In Philippians 4:7 we read, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Peace is something that we all seek in our lives. In our marriage, work life, and even when we eat or sleep. It's difficult to stay focused in times of turmoil and stress. Believing in God's plan and His will in our lives is often difficult, but when we experience the peace of knowing we're working to serve Him, the storms of life aren't nearly as intimidating. As challenging as life can seem, He is with us through it all, and your labor is not in vain. When we are trusting in the Lord and His direction in our lives, even death will be swallowed up by victory through Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." -1 Corinthians 15:58

~ Matt Croti Maddalena

Discernment Tests

My friend, Carla sent me a neat email and I thought it would be beneficial to share with others too. Carla was my room-mate in college and she has interesting perspective on life (that we could all learn from) because she grew up as a missionary kid in South America. Her pastor preached a sermon a couple weeks ago that included the following:

1. The World Test – (Does it make you part of the world?)

2. The Quality Test – (Is it good for you?)

3. The Temple Test – (Your body is God’s temple. Is it good for your temple?)

4. The Glory Test – (Does it glorify God?)

5. The Blessings Test – (Can I ask God’s blessing on it?)

6. The Reputation Test – (Will it damage my testimony?)

7. The Consideration Test – (How will it affect others?)

8. The Appearance Test – (Will it look bad or immodest?)

9. The Weight Test – (Will this hold me back from doing God’s will and running the race?)

10. The Coming of Christ Test – (If Christ came back while I was doing this would I be ashamed?)

11. The Companion Test – (Can I invite Christ to be with me?)

12. The Peace Test – (Do I have perfect peace after praying about it?)

Remember: There are some sins that even when they are forgiven you will still carry the scars.