Every child is a reminder of God's goodness and potential for greatness. As a church family, we commit to nurturing our children in God's love and trusting Him to do something great in their lives. This dedication is a commitment to trust God and nurture our children in His love, recognizing the potential for greatness in every child as a masterpiece made in God's image. By doing so, we can help guide them on their spiritual journey and support them in becoming who God created them to be. [01:11:41]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to nurture the spiritual growth of a child in your life, and how can you support them in realizing their God-given potential?
Day 4: Embracing the Great News of Jesus' Birth
The announcement of Jesus' birth is not just good news; it is great news that changes everything. Jesus brings hope, love, and salvation to all, transforming our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. His birth is a reminder of God's immense love for us and the promise of salvation through Him. By embracing this great news, we can experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus as our Savior. [49:29]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you share the great news of Jesus' birth with someone in your life today, and what impact do you hope it will have on them?
Day 3: Discovering Christian Truths in Symbolism
The "12 Days of Christmas" is more than just a festive song; it holds deeper meanings that point to Christian truths. Each element of the song can be seen as a representation of these truths, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the partridge in a pear tree. This reflection reminds us of the depth and richness of our faith, encouraging us to explore the symbolism and meaning behind the traditions we hold dear. By doing so, we can gain a greater understanding of our faith and its significance in our lives. [45:03]
"Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law." (Psalm 119:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate the symbolism of the "12 Days of Christmas" into your spiritual practice, and what new insights about your faith can you discover through this reflection?
Day 2: Seeking God Through Prayer and Fasting
As we prepare for the new year, we are called to engage in a 21-day period of prayer and fasting. This time of consecration is an opportunity to seek a deeper relationship with God and to pray for the salvation of our loved ones. Through prayer and fasting, we can draw closer to God, aligning our hearts with His will and experiencing a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual discipline helps us to focus on God's presence and His plans for our lives. [40:04]
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." (Joel 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: What specific intention or prayer will you focus on during the 21-day period of prayer and fasting, and how can you prepare your heart for this time of consecration?
Day 1: Jesus Transforms the Ordinary into Extraordinary
In our lives, we often encounter moments that feel mundane or ordinary. However, the presence of Jesus has the power to transform these moments into something extraordinary. Jesus takes what is good and makes it great, offering us a life that is not just better but greater. This transformation is available to all who invite Him into their hearts. By embracing His transformative power, we can experience a profound change in our lives, moving from the ordinary to the extraordinary. [49:29]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one ordinary aspect of your life that you can invite Jesus into today, asking Him to transform it into something extraordinary?
Day 5: Inviting the Peace of the Prince of Peace
True peace is found in the presence of Jesus, not in the absence of problems. His peace surpasses all understanding, providing calm and assurance even amidst chaos. By calling on His name, we invite His peace to reign in our hearts and lives. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the peace of Jesus stands as a profound presence that calms our inner storms. His peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep assurance that comes from His presence. By calling on His name, we invite His peace to reign in our hearts and lives, providing calm and assurance even amidst chaos. His peace surpasses all understanding, offering us a refuge in the midst of life's storms. [52:59]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite the peace of Jesus today? How can you create space for His peace to rule in your heart amidst the chaos around you?
Day 4: Experiencing the Might of God
Jesus embodies power and might, capable of breaking through any limitations or challenges we face. His resurrection is a reminder that nothing is too hard for Him, and His power is available to us as we navigate life's difficulties. The might of Jesus is not just a concept but a reality that we can experience in our lives. His resurrection power is a testament to His ability to overcome any obstacle we face. By relying on His strength, we can break through limitations and challenges, knowing that nothing is too difficult for Him. His power is available to us as we navigate life's difficulties, offering us the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. [46:32]
Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."
Reflection: What challenge or limitation are you currently facing that you need to bring before Jesus, trusting in His mighty power? How can you rely on His strength rather than your own in this situation?