Friday, December 21, 2012 -- Advent Week 3 -- Comfort And Safety
Friday December 21, 2012
Within the safety and the comfort of God’s favour and unfailing love for us, we were meant to have the strength and care that would enable us to develop sound and trusting relationships in our family circle and with friends. However, for many of us Christmas was, and for some still may be, a time where addiction and violence continue to come forward in unsettling ways. Memories that trouble our hearts begin to surface. Our comfort level goes down as we think on things that happened to us, or things we may have done to others on past Christmases. Our trust in ourselves, and in others, becomes fragile as we remember the numerous disappointments we have endured or were the cause of.
God knows these things and cares about each of us. He encourages us to think on those things which are good in our lives today. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT)
God offers us forgiveness, acceptance, tenderness, and comfort. We have a choice each day whether or not to live as persons of integrity within our families, in our work relationships and in our friendships. If we listen, God’s voice will give us guidance and direction in all that we say or do. God is able to make us stand in that place where we will find comfort and trust in Him as we obey His word. Other relationships will be rebuilt as we take steps to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.
Jesus forgave even those who crucified Him. When we realize how much we have been forgiven we will choose not to withhold our forgiveness of others. The birth of Jesus truly was the dawn of redeeming grace. GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to GOD’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. (Psalm 18:20-24 MSG)
We may be close or distant from family or friends this Christmas season, however, God will enable us to live well in the place where we are. He will comfort me as I trust Him to walk with me wherever I may go. There's no need to hide from Him because of my past. He knows all about me anyway. Advent's invitation today is to let God heal me. Today I will give thanks to Him and rejoice that I am not where I once was. I will let Him build faith and trust in me for He is faithful, even when I am unfaithful. He truly is Immanuel, God with us.
Silent night, Holy night. Son of God, Loves pure light. Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus Lord at thy birth. Jesus Lord at thy birth.
Audio for Friday, December 21, 2012 -- Advent Week 3 -- Comfort And Safety
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