I"m thankful to be off work today because of the cold weather and slushy roads. There is nothing I love more than unlimited time to read my devotion and work my way through the Bible. I BELIEVE that in order to get the most of out of reading my Bible... I need a plan. Last July I started reading the Bible in chronological order. I had never really understand that concept until a lady in my Bible study shared it with us. It changed my life. It made me BELIEVE even more than I already had! For something to match up so well in all areas was amazing to me. This year I've been working on reading the Bible through again with another plan that rotates from the Old Testament to the New Testament. I BELIEVE because I see God's word every day and see how the predictions and miracles happened. I BELIEVE because of verses that tell me to have faith. I BELIEVE because I see what God has done for me.
BELIEVING is more than just that though... BELIEVING is acting. I have read the Bible through once and I'm working on the second time, so I'm no expert.... but I have never seen anywhere in the Bible that tells me I have to be at church on Sunday and Wednesday... or every time the door the opens. BUT... I have seen where the Bible tells us in numerous places to gather together with other believers and to be a part of the body of Christ... I BELIEVE that corporate worship is important. I BELIEVE that above all else it should be top priority to worship with other BELIEVERS. Am I at the church every time the doors open? No, but I do know that my weeks just somehow seem a lot easier when I put God first on my priority list and attend church on Sunday. It's uplifting and encouraging to be with other members. If you don't like the music of the church you attend... if you don't like the preacher of the church you attend... if you don't like the order of service of the church you attend... look at yourself first! Church isn't about you going to be filled up by humans... it's about you allowing the Holy Spirit to be a part of your life. Don't rely on other humans to make you have Joy.... Joy comes from inviting Jesus in your heart... I have sat through many a sermon that I was bitter... it changes when you have a different perspective... I have sat through many a service where it sounds like someone is playing with their elbows instead of fingers... read the words to the music and don't focus on the sound... and I've sat through many services where I thought "I'm glad such and such is here because they need to hear this and go down to the altar"... WOW... how dare me to think those things... I should be ashamed. When you BELIEVE, you want to be in church... you want to be with other Christians... and you want to soak in all things dealing with Christ. I need to be in church for me... not worrying about all the others who are there and their part in the service! And... Don't be a CEO of the church... you know... Christmas and Easter Only... go to church.... put that as a priority of your life!
The wisemen believed.... they are in the nativity scene for you and me... they are our models on how to behave just like the other characters. Are you being wise? Are you going to church? It's the hardest thing in the world to walk into a church where you haven't been in a long time... or go to a new church... just DO SOMETHING... BELIEVING is ACTION! Be wise... read your Bible... attend church... and let your heart be filled with the JOY that Jesus can bring you! The wisemen acted on their BELIEF... BELIEVE this Christmas season!
*** My box came from Kirklands... it was on sale for $10. I really didn't need one more Christmas decoration, but I love a box.... I might turn it around after Christmas and use it as a reminder that even thought I can't see BELIEVE.... even though I can't see JESUS... I know HE is there!
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