Reference: Warren, Rick (2008). The Purpose of Christmas. Howard Books, pp. 61-66.
How are we doing, ladies? I hope coming by this blog is a moment of refreshing for you – remember, this mini-study is intended to help us relax amid the rush and to focus, however briefly, on the core of Christmas. If it has become one more thing you need to do, that’s Satan talking, loud and clear! (He’s the only one I know who talks more than I do – I will be so glad when God shuts him up for good).
Oh, yes, back to our study . . . .
Today, we continue our look at Christmas through the lens of salvation. If Christ only came to save us from sin and death, that would be a gift beyond measure. But that is just the beginning! The good tidings of great joy are that He not only saves us from something; He saves us for something. Warren writes, "Although God created each of us for a purpose, we’ve all taken many detours in life, thinking we knew better. [OUCH] So God had to send Jesus as our Savior – to redeem us from sin, to reset the directions of our lives, and to restore us to His original purposes for our lives" (p. 62, emphasis added).
The babe in Bethlehem’s manger holds the key to all my happiness in the here and the hereafter. Because He came, I can find relief from the sin that binds me AND I can jump into the flow of furthering His kingdom. That’s where it really gets exciting! Christmas is a time to pause and remember the things that bring me the greatest joy: my family, my work and the certainty that this life is just a precursor to eternity with the Lover of my soul.
What about you? What has Christ saved you for? Take time to think about the things that bring you the greatest joy; take time to thank a tender Baby for making it all possible!
May you feel His grace today,
Gail W.
The last Word:
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8: 28, 29, NIV.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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7 comments:
I praise Him for all of my joy.
I'm not exactly sure what He has in mind for me, but I think it must have something to do with these beautiful children!
Glenda, you are SOOOOOO right about that!!!! And that's all you need to know for sure to live today well. Enjoy those angels - that's EXACTLY what He has called you to right now. Love ya!
Gail---I can't explain why...but today---brought tears when I read this.
"The babe in Bethlehem’s manger holds the key to all my happiness in the here and the hereafter"...He has always held my key---but so many times I had withheld the lock. It's open wide now though. For HIS work!
I love appreciate you!
Saving us not just from something but for something. Powerful concept. One that I understand but don't always fully live. I know that God has saved me for...
my children's sake.
my marriage's sake.
being his light in a dark world.
being a friend to the friendless.
hugs.
genuine, compassionate tears and the response therein.
touching the unlovely.
expanding my heart to love more purely, more deeply.
heaven's glory...who can fathom such an eternal gain?
So much he's kept me from and infinitely spurring me toward.
All for him, sweet friend, all for him.
I'll be back tomorrow!
peace~elaine
Gail,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's nice to "meet" you. :-)
I haven't read Rick Warren's latest book, but am a huge fan of his. How true that the gift of salvation is priceless beyond measure!!!
Thanks for the inspired words today.
I cannot thank you enough for your sweet prayers for my dad....
I am blessed!
Julie
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