But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  1 Peter 3:15

One of the greatest ways to experience the life God has in store for you is by sharing your faith with people who are completely clueless about Jesus. It’s what we’re all here to do. Yet, many people hesitate or do the push back because they think that talking about Jesus is reserved for the preachers and Bible teachers of the world. But sharing your faith isn’t about debating cold hard facts, historical dates or genealogical statistics. It’s simply about sharing your personal story.  Your story is something that has happened to you. If you are a Christ follower, then you have a “before I met Christ” and an “after I met Christ” story. That’s all you need to know in order to effectively share your faith. God allows us all opportunities to share our stories with people around us. Remember, you may be the only link that someone has to Christ. And your story may be the one thing they need to hear in order to turn to Jesus. Are you sharing that story? It’s time that you did. And leave the rest up to God.

Lord, Because of your grace in my life, I have a story that you want me to tell others about how I met your son. Help me to gain the courage I need to effectively share my faith, and please give me the words to say to help bring them closer to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be of good courage . . . all ye that hope in the Lord.  Psalm 31:24

Meditateing on a verse of scripture and listening for God’s word is a step toward becoming a new creation. God created us through the word; God’s message in the Bible also recreates us.  However, when I sit quietly, meditation often puts me to sleep. But when I was hiking in the woods, I experience the blessings of meditative prayer.  I used to spend time hiking on the Appalachian Trail. Each morning before I began my hike, I chose a verse of scripture. For several days, I pondered the words of just one verse, Psalm 31:24, and waited to hear what God would say to me through them. I heard God saying to me that courage is being scared of something but acting anyway. This was wisdom I needed to take to heart.  I had plenty to be afraid of. I’d never camped by myself. I’d never carried a heavy backpack. I’d never made a campfire. Could I do this? The Spirit said within me, “Face your fear and try.” So I did. When I failed, I learned from my mistakes and tried again. With each new challenge, my heart grew stronger. By the grace of God, I was and am becoming a new creation.

God, grant us the courage to do what you ask us to do and to try what seems impossible. We ask through Jesus Christ, who had the courage to face the cross and was raised to new life. Amen.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.  2 Corinthians 8:7

All of us, no matter how much money we have, is susceptible to a greedy mentality. So often we convince ourselves that, though we have some, we deserve more. But that line of thinking falls miserably short of the plan God has for us—and for the blessing he has given us. The reason we have been blessed with what we have is so that we can bless others, not just so we can want more.  There’s nothing wrong with the desire to excel in our careers or enjoy nice things. But God also wants us to excel in giving. Because when we are more concerned with accumulating wealth than living the life God has in store for us, our riches actually decrease the value of our lives. 

Are you caught in the grip of greed and materialism? If so, it will end up robbing you of your true worth. Remember, God wants you to excel in life in every way possible! Start today by realizing that living a great life is not just about obtaining things. It’s about excelling in the grace of giving.

Dear God, I understand that because of grace, I have been given the greatest gift of all, which is an eternity in heaven with you. Help me to extend this grace to others so that with your blessing, I can also excel in this life you have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Years back, my wife and I took our young son to a nearby farm looking for a Christmas tree. The huge farm was unkempt, having been neglected over many years. The trees were overgrown and had been picked over for years, so only the less desirable ones were left.  Walking over the farm, we saw trees that were crooked, washed-out, and full of dead limbs. Others were poorly shaped, infected with insects, and had trunks too large for the tree holder. As we continued to search for a suitable tree, I overheard a young woman tell her husband, “I have never seen so many trees with something wrong with them!”

This statement reminded me of a contrast. While families desire a near-perfect tree at Christmas, Christ accepts us as we are, warts and all. Christ is not particular. He welcomes the poor and the wealthy, the disabled and the robust, the downtrodden and the acclaimed. He embraces thieves, abusers, and sinners of all descriptions. He embraces you and me. It’s impossible not to qualify for Christ’s love. His grace and forgiveness is available to all — if we only ask.

Strengthen our faith, loving God, as we rely on your grace. Amen.

The grace of God that brings salvation . . . teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives . . . while we wait for . . . [our] Savior, Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:11-13

THIS Christmas season our family members have baked and bought and wrapped and donated. We have also volunteered time with those in need. And we plan to put aside family differences to enjoy Christmas Day together.  The time is coming to eat all those cookies, unwrap the presents, and enjoy a few precious days off work with family and friends. But is that all? Our reading for today is not a let-down-your-hair message of celebration. Instead Titus speaks of renouncing impiety, of self-control, of redemption, and of zeal for good deeds.

We come together this holiday season to celebrate the grace of God become flesh — a God who humbly took the form of an infant, born among animals in a strange and unwelcome place. As we rejoice in the appearance of our Lord and Savior, we are called to renounce our worldly passions and to seek redemption and purity — living godly lives for the least and the unwelcome in our communities. May our observances this year display to everyone around us not only our joy and generosity but also the purity and righteousness of Christ who lives in us.

God of life, transform my zeal for worldly goods into passion for your people and your world. Amen.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Ephesians 5:1-2

Have you ever heard someone say, “There has to be more to life than this”? That statement is generally spawned from those who are struggling to climb the corporate ladder or trying to keep up with the Joneses. Yet, that statement fails to encompass the reality that there is much more to life.  Even if your life is going great, God has a better, more beautiful life out there for you. And it begins when you realize that life is elevated through giving, not getting.  Nothing you accumulate can ever take the place of the excitement and joy that is derived from giving. It is exhilarating and energizing. 

When you give generously, you are imitating the very nature of God. You are being conformed into the image of Christ. And you are embracing a quality that has the power and potential to change the world.

Dear Father, I know that there’s more to life than what I have. Please help me to not be concerned about my material wealth or social status. Instead, I want to focus on imitating you, utilizing this life-changing power of generosity, so that I can help others as you have demonstrated to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?   Matthew 6:26

Shortly after moving in, our new neighbors put several bird feeders on a tree at the edge of their yard. I can see the tree clearly from my bedroom window.  At dawn each day, birds of all sizes and colors flock to the feeders. They frantically flap their wings, each one seeking a perch that allows it to reach the food. Although our neighbors supply abundant food, the birds vigorously push each other out of the way to get to the bounty.  As I lie in bed and observe this daily ritual, the words of Jesus come to mind. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” At the same time, I remember that God’s hand also provides our food. I am grateful to live in a country with an abundance of food, but others live where food is scarce.

God is indeed the great provider and has given us food sufficient for all. The birds follow their instincts and push one another aside, but we who follow Jesus Christ can choose to share what God has given us.

Giver of all good gifts, give us compassion and generosity toward the hungry and homeless in our world. Amen.

While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

Years back we took our young son to a nearby farm looking for a Christmas tree. The huge farm was unkempt, having been neglected over many years. The trees were overgrown and had been picked over for years, so only the less desirable ones were left.  Walking over the farm, we saw trees that were crooked, washed-out, and full of dead limbs. Others were poorly shaped, infected with insects, and had trunks too large for the tree holder. As we continued to search for a suitable tree, I overheard a young woman tell her husband, “I have never seen so many trees with something wrong with them!”

This statement reminded me of a contrast. While families desire a near-perfect tree at Christmas, Christ accepts us as we are, warts and all. Christ is not particular. He welcomes the poor and the wealthy, the disabled and the robust, the downtrodden and the acclaimed. He embraces thieves, abusers, and sinners of all descriptions. He embraces you and me. It’s impossible not to qualify for Christ’s love. His grace and forgiveness is available to all — if we only ask.

Strengthen our faith, loving God, as we rely on your grace. Amen.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

One day last week I awoke thinking of things I desired but didn’t have. My first impulse was to complain; then I decided to write down all the things I had to be thankful for. It wasn’t long until I had a list that filled several pages.  When I thought of the many blessings God has given me through Christ, joy rose in my heart. I could sense the presence of God with me. I no longer felt sorry for myself. The temptation to complain about my life had vanished. Tears of gratitude formed in my eyes as I reflected on all the wonderful things God has given me.  I am grateful that God desires a relationship with me and calls me a son. Through reading God’s word, I find many reasons to be thankful. When I focus on all the good things in my life, God’s great love for me becomes real. Now when I am tempted to complain, I get out my list and review all that I have to be thankful for. Then all other concerns are insignificant by comparison.

Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?”  Mark 10:51

A young social worker complained to her supervisor that she had difficulty completing her work. “The trouble,” she said, “is that people keep interrupting me.”  Her supervisor replied, “But those interruptions are your work.”

All of us experience interruptions. However, we can also see possibilities that come to us with them. Looking back, most of us can see how some of the most important relationships we have made, some of the most rewarding services we have performed, have come from what we first saw as interruptions.  Jesus gives us a model for dealing with interruptions. During Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, blind Bartimaeus boldly called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). This journey to Jerusalem was an important moment in Jesus’ ministry; the salvation of the world was at stake! But Jesus heard Bartimaeus, stopped, and healed him.  The mission God gives us is always about people. We can never justify disregarding God’s children. The interruptions in our lives may be God calling us to serve.

Teach us, Lord Jesus, always to be sensitive to the cry of someone in need. Amen.