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

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1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Christmas Day is only 15 days away. We are in the throes of searching high and low for the perfect gift for each person on our list. As busy as we are with our preparations, let’s take time to pause this week and prepare our hearts for Christmas. I will go as far as to say, let’s give Christmas away.

Last Christmas season, in the middle of the busy preparations, I heard the song Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West and Amy Grant. I am sure I had heard this song over the years, but when I heard it that day it stopped me in my tracks. Perhaps it was just the jolt I needed to remind me what Christmas is truly about. So this week, let’s focus on ways we can give Christmas away to those who need it most. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Open my eyes to opportunities to share Christmas with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion

Spend some time reading and meditating on this week’s featured scriptures.

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

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.

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.

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.”

Take some time to prepare your hearts for the week ahead by listening to Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West. Allow God to guide your thoughts as you listen to the words. May the Holy Spirit prompt each of us to respond as God would have us.

1 Samuel 17 NIV

Most of us are very familiar with the story of David and Goliath. In this story, God filled David with the courage and strength to defeat the giant, Goliath. 

The story is highlighted in the final verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of David, who made a shepherd boy courageous. I may not face Goliath but I’ve got my own giants.” 

What giants are you facing today? Are you calling on God to help you be courageous? Do you realize you are calling on the same God David called on to face Goliath?

If you have read the entire story of David’s life, you know that David went on to be an adulterous murderer, but God used him to be a great leader of His people. In Acts 13:22 NIV God even called David a “man after my own heart.” Through the life of David, God shows us that no matter our faults and sins, when we confess our sins, repent, and surrender to Him, He can use each of us for His good.

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

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Luke 1:45-56 NIV

If you are not familiar with the backstory to the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to read all of Luke 1 that is about the miracle of His conception. Today’s highlighted scripture is often referred to as the “Magnificat” which is Mary’s proclamation which reflects Mary’s humbleness, God’s favor, and God’s uplifting of the lowly. 

The story is highlighted in the third verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Mary. Whose favor rests upon the lowly. I know with You all things are possible.”

Are you in a seemingly impossible situation? Call on God, lay your troubles at His feet, step back and wait. Allow Him to work in ways only He can and give Him the praise and glory for His favor.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, reflect on the goodness of God. Think about your ancestors who worshiped the same God you have the privilege to worship now. Your heritage goes back as far as Jacob, Moses, and Mary.

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

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Exodus 14:19-31 NIV

If you are not familiar with the story of Moses parting the Red Sea, I encourage you to read the chapters of Exodus leading up to Exodus 14. The short story is Moses was leading God’s chosen people, the Israelites, to freedom from slavery. They had been enslaved to the Egyptians. 

The story is highlighted in the second verse of Same God by Elevation Worship:

“I’m calling on the God of Moses. The One who opened up the ocean. I need You now to do the same thing for me.”

Who or what enslaves you? Are you calling on God to lead you to freedom from something? Do you realize you worship and pray to the same God that Moses called on to open the sea? Do you need God to do the same thing now for you?

Let’s pray the chorus of the song: “O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now. How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of Ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway

@youversion