DECEMBER 8 – POWERFUL GENTLENESS

 The disciples of Jesus did what Jesus instructed; they brought the donkey and its young colt. Then, Jesus sat on their coats atop the colt. A massive crowd gathered, spreading their coats and tree branches on the road before Him. The crowd burst into praise, surrounding Him and shouting, “Oh, save us Son of David! Celebrate the one coming in the Lord’s name! Oh, save us Most High!” (Matthew 21:6-9)

                  Have you ever noticed – those who truly have great authority, strength, and power don’t really need to advertise it? People who wish to be thought powerful, or to be feared, will often flex their muscles to be sure they are noticed and admired by others. Men and women who are focused on the work, and especially those who are intently focusing on the people who will benefit from their work, don’t really have time to pose and flex.

                  People gave Jesus great authority over their lives because they saw evidence of great power and strength in His actions. But, rarely did Scripture record an action where Jesus raised His voice or became aggressive in any way. The power He exhibited was God’s transforming, healing, restoring strength. It flowed through Jesus with only a simple word or a gently touch. You have that power and strength within you as well.

                  Pursue the vision God has given you with the quiet, gentle confidence that comes from knowing your God is in control of your life and the world around you.

DECEMBER 7 – CONSISTENT FAITHFULNESS

 You are true to your word; faithful from the beginning to the end of all time. Just as you created the earth, and it remains through time. (Psalm 119:90)

                   Do you realize that your best efforts are certain to fall short of perfect? Part of the human condition is inconsistency. Inconsistent behavior makes it a certainty that men and women cannot be and do everything they wish to do perfectly. So, how do you be that person who has the integrity to consistently be and do what you should – faithfully; every time?

                   The psalmist repeatedly observed evidence of God’s consistent faithfulness, both in relationship to him personally, and in the world at large. But, as life’s experience proves, he surely found that it was impossible to emulate that character. Jesus revealed the problem (John 15:4-5). Paul explained God’s answer for that problem, as he said, “Although I can’t do the right things I wish to do on my own (Romans 7:19-24), Jesus lives in me (Galatians 2:20), and that life that Jesus lives in and through me gives me the ability to accomplish God’s purposes (Colossians 1:27).”

                   Don’t do your best. Don’t settle for that. Hold out (wait) for Jesus to live in and through your life as your hope for consistency and faithfulness to God’s will.

DECEMBER 6 – GOODNESS

 And Jesus said, “Why do you say that I am good? No one; nothing except for the Lord, God is good (excellent, virtuous, principled…).” (Mark 10:18)

                  What is your standard for excellence in attitude, thought, and behavior? Do you have a list? Have you worked hard to assemble a self-created code of laws to govern your own conduct and that of your people? If so, you are settling for something that is less than ideal.

                   Jesus is here answering the question, “What must I do to become an heir to the life God offers?” This statement is Jesus’ summary of that answer. He continued with a reference to God’s law and challenged His questioner. Finally, Jesus observed the hopeless condition of a person who thinks he or she can find real life, meaning, and purpose – either here on earth, or eternally – apart from relationship with the living, virtuous God who truly is good. The Lord, God has values. He has a framework designed specifically for your life, and for the life of each of your people. Your list of rules is not adequate to govern you, much less will those rules be enough for the unique, diverse people you will lead. Your words and actions must encourage them to find relationship with Jesus if you are to help them prosper.

                   Don’t settle for human goodness. Put all your hope in the Lord’s complete goodness

DECEMBER 5 – UNFAILING KINDNESS

 (In my despair and anguish) Yet I go back to this – and so I have hope. It is because of the Lord, God – His unfailing love that we have not been killed. His kind mercy comes every morning – always. So, I know the Lord, He is where I live. In Him alone will I hope. The Lord, God cares for each one – each of the people who follow Him. (Lamentations 3:21-25)

                  Are you ready to put this together? Will you try? God is faithful! Place all your hopes and dreams – all your life – in His hands.

                  Lamentations is a unique book. It shows what happens when people rebel against God. This book chronicles the pain and depravity of sin. In the middle of this description of evil and hopelessness, the writer points to the one and only hope; the Lord, God. Apart from His continuing, unfailing, vast reservoir of love, caring, and kindness, there is no hope. Because of that love – while you still have breath – there is hope and opportunity. God created you. He is calling you to enjoy the peace and joy of finding purpose in each moment – not tomorrow, nor when you die – today! God has made you uniquely. He has a plan – a vision – for your life. He has created you to grasp His truth in unique ways, and He will share that values framework with you! He has prepared others to partner with you in the work you will do.

                  Recognize the unfailing kindness of Jesus Christ. Place all your hope in His love today.

DECEMBER 4 – PATIENT PERSEVERANCE

 So, my beloved people, as you await Christ’s return, do everything you can to pursue a close relationship with Him. Persevere in pursuing His way. Be patient, knowing that His patience means opportunity for other people to know His love, just as our beloved brother Paul wrote you from the wisdom that God gave Him. (2 Peter 3:15)

                  Do you ever feel that you are all alone in the battle? Do you get weary and tire of seeking to do the right thing when it is so hard? Do you long for Jesus to return, and bring end to the struggles you face? Should your supply of patience be greater? When you consider Peter’s explanation, does it make you more willing to persevere?

                  Peter has written two letters. Both have urged personal holiness; obedience to the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit – consistently. He has provided the reasons for such faith and he has recited the benefits of that obedience. He has also warned of the dangers and problems that come when people turn away from God defiantly. As Peter closes this second letter, he has come to value perseverance. Interestingly, he includes Paul in his words. Maybe he was reminded of how hard it was for him to keep dealing with Paul, patiently asking God to show them the way to unity. Maybe he is reminding the readers, “I have had struggles too, but with God’s help, I have made it through to my end.”

                  When you are ready to give up, ask God to give you the love for others that will help you to patiently persevere.

DECEMBER 3 – RIVERS OF PEACE

 Aggressively chase after peacemaking with everyone while you seek the personal holiness that enables your relationship with the Lord, God. (Hebrews 12:14)

                  When someone wrongs you, do you understand that the Lord wants you to pursue peace with that person? Do you see that your right-living; your holiness, is closely connected with your relationships with your people? Remember, it is God who has brought these people into your life. There is a purpose. How can you obey His vision for your life if you cannot make peace with the people He gave you to help you in that work?

                  The writer of Hebrews repeats these two challenges – repeatedly (Hebrews 10:23-28, 10:34-38, 13:1-6,13:16). They seem to be a very import part of his values framework. He joins the two values at every opportunity. Could this be one disciple’s effort to wrestle with the words of Jesus when He said, “Love the Lord you God with everything in you – heart, soul, and mind…. And… love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself? (Matthew 22:37,39)” Reading this letter, it also seems he has found a paradox. By peacemaking with others, the writer sees a pathway to right-living and inner peace that he desires for himself. Such insight is available to you if you take the values framework God gives you seriously and ask Him to increase your understanding of His will for you.

                  Find the peace the Lord provides as you grow in relationship with Him.

DECEMBER 2 – WHY UNUSUAL JOY?

 Think of it as joy; be glad brothers, when you find yourself in very tough situations. You can be sure that this test of your faith will build your ability to patiently endure. These trials work to bring you to maturity, sound and complete in every way. So, keep going until God brings you to completion. (James 1:2-4)

                  It is very important for you to have a strong command of the values framework that God is giving you. Words, especially words that describe values, are often viewed differently – sometimes with great emotion attached - by different people. People often define words differently too. So, it is very important that you clearly state, define, and live your values without the confusion of mixed messages.

                  James’ value of being joyful in tough situations is not one most people would choose these days. Some psychologists say everything people do is motivated by a desire to avoid such pain. See how James painted the picture for his reader to help them understand his ‘Why?’ The ‘why?’ is very important when you are arguing for a value that goes against another person’s perceptions.

                   Consider your values and their definition in view of how they will be received by your people. Recognize that your actions and policy can be an important part of defining them. And, don’t forget to tell your people the ‘why?’ of your values