Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

What does practice mean? It means to work at something repeatedly so as to become proficient. This week we are talking about the practice of doing things repeatedly.

I have practiced running. I am still learning and growing through the practice of running. Although I have not mastered it, I have become proficient and developed the practice. In 2019 my Word of The Year was “influence,” meaning the capacity to influence the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In October of 2018, I started a fast so I could prayerfully know what my influence needed to be with the blog, my writing, my social network, my family, my friends, and my job. In a 40-day fast, I discovered that God was preparing me for 2019. This was the year my dad was diagnosed with cancer and I became a runner through Upward Running, formerly known as Run for God.

In reading today’s key verse, think about who is within your influence. Are you encouraging them to develop healthy practices? And are they encouraging you? Be reminded that iron sharpens iron.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for our circles of family and friends. Help us to sharpen each other so that we can develop healthy practices. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

@youversion @biblegateway

This week we will talk about the practice of doing things repeatedly. Do you have a life verse? Or a favorite verse you turn to?

Take time today to meditate on this week’s Bible verses:

Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV –“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ‭‭‬‬

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

@youversion

@biblegateway

This week we will talk about the practice of doing things repeatedly. The habit of practice isn’t always easy. Sometimes we have to fight for it and sometimes we are not ok. With God’s help, we can do hard things.

Take a moment to worship with the following songs:

Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake

I Am Not Okay by Jelly Roll

@brandonlake @jellyroll615

Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Join us on our YouTube channel as we wrap up the week on giving Christmas away.

Join us again next week with Julie sharing on practice. Deborah has a fresh hair cut and color.

Matthew 28:16-20 — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This week I have challenged you to give Christmas away this year. In reality, Jesus charged us with giving away the true meaning of Christmas in the Great Commission. In every season, we are to make disciples through our words and actions. Spend some time in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in ways you can intentionally spread the Good News. Take a moment to read the article 5 Fresh Ways To Spread the Gospel for some practical ways to share Christ with others. As we continue to move toward Christmas Day, let’s pause, seek, and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit to guide each of us to give Christmas away to others.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for trusting me to spread Your love to others. Guide and direct my words and actions as I strive to give Christmas away to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Luke 2:10-11 NIV — But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This year, let’s give Christmas away. Yesterday we pondered ways to give Christmas away to those in need. How can we spread Christmas to those around us? 

Throughout the Christmas season there are various programs, sponsored by churches, that share the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps there is a Christmas cantata, singing Christmas tree, or live nativity at your church or one nearby. Take advantage of these opportunities to refocus on the true meaning of the season. Give Christmas away by inviting others to go with you and share Christmas joy with them. By sharing Christmas with others, you will also increase your joy. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Guide me as I invite others to join me in refocusing our attention this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Matthew 25:35 NIV — For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.

This year, let’s give Christmas away. Jesus commands us to feed the hungry. One way to share Christmas with others is to give to those who are hungry. You could give money or food to a food pantry. Perhaps you have time to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Last year our Sunday school class pooled our money to purchase a goat for a family overseas through Samaritan’s Purse. Another idea is to make “blessing bags” to give away to the homeless or those in need. Read the article A Guide To Making Homeless Blessing Bags for ideas of what to include.

Whatever you are able to do, I encourage you to do it with the love of Christ in mind. Intentionally pray for those your hands are blessing. Pray for each one touched. Pray they will receive the true meaning of Christmas by accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the true meaning of Christmas. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Christmas with others by giving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

@samaritanspurse