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MEDITATION:

This meditation is from a daily devotional from Worthy Ministries.

A young couple was visiting a renowned jewelry store in New York City. They browsed through cases of magnificent diamonds with their gleaming yellow light along with many other splendid precious stones. Among those beautiful stones, one in particular caught his wife’s eye. It was completely lusterless and didn’t seem to be in the right place.

“That is one terrible looking stone, do you see that?” she said. The curious husband asked a clerk if they could see the stone. The clerk opened the case, took out the stone and held it in his hand for a few minutes. When he opened it, there was a perfectly flawless stone. There was not a place on it that didn’t gleam with the splendor of the rainbow. “How did you do that?”, they asked in surprise. “This is an opal”, he replied. “It is what we call the sympathetic jewel. It only needs contact with the human hand to bring out its wonderful beauty.”

Merely a touch brings out this stone’s beauty. We live in a world where beauty is hidden under pain, sin, and suffering. How many lives only need the warm touch of human sympathy, love, and compassion, to make them gleam with a radiant splendor? Reach out and touch someone today for His glory! Share with them the love of God and not only will they receive a glimmer of joy, but you will gleam with His radiance too! When the Lord asked whom shall I send, Isaiah replied “Hineni (here am I)”.  Let’s say “Hineni” today and be used by the Lord to bring out the beauty of those around us!

PRAYER:

Written by George Whitefield (1714-1770), an English Anglican cleric and evangelist who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement.

You who holds the wind in your fists, and the waters in the palms of your hands, accept our thanks for your past mercies. Set apart our travels, and if it is best, carry us with speed to where we should go. Send me wherever and whenever it seems good to your divine majesty.

Raise my heart and make your power known in the hearts of your people. Add daily to your church those who will be saved. They are noted in your book; let them also be written on my heart.  Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by N.T. Wright, a contemporary theologian, writer, teacher, and Anglican bishop. This is an excerpt from his book “The New Testament In Its World.”

A Christian worldview generates basic beliefs about God, Jesus, the atonement, resurrection, spirit, the future, and so forth. We might see this set of beliefs as those elements of the Christian faith that transcend culture (though they include the call to be culture makers and culture transformers). They constitute a kind of portable story which Christians take with them wherever they go. And from the basic beliefs there emerge what we may call consequent beliefs, beliefs that vary more widely based on context and environment, as Christians in all places have to navigate and negotiate how to live faithfully in their unique situation.

Part of the urgent task facing global Christianity in our  day is to figure out what is basic (and therefore unalterable) and what is consequent (and therefore open for debate). The New Testament provides the basis for a theology and a worldview in which we can explain and enact, under the guidance of the Spirit, several things universal to human experience: justice, spirituality, relationships, beauty, freedom, truth, and power. A Christian worldview tells us what those things mean, what to do with them, how to enjoy them, and how not to abuse them. A Christian worldview, focused on such topics, will enable us to engage in authentic worship, enact the Christian vocation, and promote the flourishing of humans, individually and together.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the United Church of Christ Book of Worship.

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;

a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect; a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by James Allen (1864-1912), a British philosophical writer. This is an excerpt from his book “As a Man Thinketh.”

And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the vision (not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your vision, your ideal. You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration…

In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. “Gifts,” powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.

The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart—this you will build your life by, this you will become.

PRAYER:

Written by Alfred the Great (871-886), King of the Anglo-Saxons.

Lord God Almighty,

shaper and ruler of all creatures,

we pray for your great mercy,

that you guide us towards you,

for we cannot find our way.

And guide us to your will, to the need of our soul,

for we cannot do it ourselves.

And make our mind steadfast in your will

and aware of our soul’s need.

Strengthen us against the temptations of the devil,

and remove from us all lust and every unrighteousness,

and shield us against our foes, seen and unseen.

Teach us to do your will,

that we may inwardly love you before all things with a pure mind.

For you are our maker and our redeemer,

our help, our comfort, our trust, our hope;

praise and glory be to you now and forever. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897-1963), an American Christian pastor, author, magazine editor, and spiritual mentor. This is an excerpt from his book “Following Hard After God.”

The doctrine of justification by faith—a Biblical truth, and a blessed relief from sterile legalism and unavailing self-effort—has in our time fallen into evil company and been interpreted by many in such manner as actually to bar men from the knowledge of God. The whole transaction of religious conversion has been made mechanical and spiritless. Faith may now be exercised without a jar to the moral life and without embarrassment to the Adamic ego. Christ may be “received” without creating any special love for Him in the soul of the receiver. The man is “saved,” but he is not hungry nor thirsty after God. In fact, he is specifically taught to be satisfied and encouraged to be content with little…

You and I are in little (our sins excepted) what God is in large. Being made in His image we have within us the capacity to know Him. In our sins we lack only the power. The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition. That is the heavenly birth without which we cannot see the Kingdom of God. It is, however, not an end but an inception, for not begins the glorious pursuit, the heart’s happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead. That is where we begin, I say, but where we stop no man has yet discovered, for there is in the awful and mysterious depths of the Triune God neither time nor end.

PRAYER:

Written by A.W. Tozer, author of the meditation.

O God, I have tasted your goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the Triune God, I want to want You; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Your glory, I pray, that so I may know You indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Say to my soul, “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Then give me grace to rise and follow You up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by Sarah Young and excerpted from her book “Jesus Calling.”

I, the Creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.

It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!

 When things don’t go as you would like, accept the situation immediately. If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment. Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Me you have everything you need, both for this life and for the life yet to come. Don’t let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me. The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you. When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective.

PRAYER:

Written by Martin Luther (1483-1546), a German professor of theology, composer, priest, monk and leader of the Protestant Reformation.

Look, Lord, on an empty vessel that needs to be filled.

In faith I am weak – strengthen me.

In love I am cold – warm me and make me fervent so that my love may go out to my neighbor.

I doubt and am unable to trust you completely.

Lord, strengthen my faith and trust in you.

You are all the treasure I possess.

I am poor, you are rich;

You came to have mercy on the poor.

I am a sinner, you are goodness. From you I can receive goodness, but I can give you nothing. Therefore, I shall stay with you. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Excerpted from the NIV Student Bible Notes “100 People You Should Know: John the Baptist.”

Those who scramble to keep up with the latest trends often have one goal in mind: turn as many heads as possible. Whether it’s sporting the latest fashion, carrying the newest smartphone, or being first in line for the next-generation gadget, the new must stand out to gain attention.

John the Baptist was something new, and he certainly stood out from his surroundings. Though he could have been a priest like his father, he exchanged those linen robes for a garment of coarse camel’s hair. He took to the wilderness, scavenging grasshoppers and wild honey rather than settling in Jerusalem where he could have savored a portion of the offerings people presented to God.

John’s unusual style helped direct attention to his burning message: The Messiah was about to arrive, and people must change their ways. Crowds flocked to hear John, and he baptized them in the Jordan River as a sign of their repentance, thus earning for himself the nickname “the Baptist.” 

How can your lifestyle help prepare people for Jesus?

PRAYER:

Adapted from a prayer written by Sarah Martin, a contemporary Christian author from her book  “The Awe and Wonder of Advent.”

Father, just as You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus, help me to clear the path in my heart, too. Show me the distractions in my life that block me from all-out worship of You. I look toward the day where I will see You face to face. I imagine what it will be like. Give me a heart, Lord, that looks for Your coming on a daily basis. Help me to live my life where I’m constantly seeking Your presence. My offering to You today is my righteous life for I know I am only clean because of Jesus. Show me today how I need to be refined, purified, forgiven. Give me the strength to ask for forgiveness and to then change my ways. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by Dallas Willard (1935-2013), an American philosopher known for his writings on Christian spiritual formation. This is an excerpt from his book “Renewing the Christian Mind: Essays, Interviews, and Talks.”

That’s the secret of Jesus. You watch Jesus, and you see he never did “withdraw” and then “attack.” All of the time people wanted him to do it and in many ways, but he would not. Then to the body of believers he said, “This will show everyone that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” but he had already said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” So that’s the model. In that sense the transformation of the social world is at its heart the transformation of personal relations. That’s the key to transforming society in the larger arena. There is no cure for the social battles that we fight in our culture—and there’s so much grief around race, gender, and so forth—until you eliminate “withdrawal” and “attack” and replace them with “acceptance” and “help.” Once you do that and not just talk about it, these other issues will fall into place quickly. They will not fall into place at all unless it is done this way.

PRAYER:

From the PC-USA Book of Common Worship.

Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, To love one another as he loved them.

Write this commandment in our hearts;

give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, who gave his life and died for us, yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Written by John Calvin (1509-1564), a French theologian, pastor, reformer of the Protestant Reformation, and principal figure in developing the reformed theology known as Calvinism. This is an excerpt from his book “Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life.”

The goal of the new life is that God’s children exhibit melody and harmony in their conduct. What melody? The song of God’s justice. What harmony? The harmony between God’s righteousness and our obedience.  Only if we walk in the beauty of God’s law do we become sure of our adoption as children of the Father.

The laws of God contains in itself the dynamic of the new life by which his image is fully restored in us; but by nature we are sluggish and, therefore, we need to be stimulated, aided in our efforts by a guiding principle. A sincere repentance from the heart does not guarantee that we shall not wander from the straight path and sometimes become bewildered. Let us then search Scripture to find the root principle for the reformation of our life.

PRAYER:

From the PC-USA Book of Common Worship

We need not hide ourselves from you,

before whose justice no one can stand.

Your mercy was proclaimed by the apostles and the prophets,

and shown forth to us in Jesus Christ.

You give your law to guide us,

and you promise new life for all,

that we may live to serve you among our neighbors

in all we do and say.  Amen.

 MEDITATION:

Written by Francine Rivers, contemporary Christian author. This is an excerpt from her book “Earth Psalms: Reflections of How God Speaks Through Nature.”

Rick and I get up early, and we’re often treated to a sunrise casting its glow along the horizon. Early evening brings the sunset. Each winter, winds strip our oak of its broad leaves, so we can see the full blaze of glory from our deck.  Colors, so many colors. Sunrise often brings pinks, lavenders, and pale yellows that give way to pale blue above a sea of white cotton clouds. By five o’clock, the sun is going down. One night, the sky was molten hot red with streaks of fiery orange and gold. Another night, the clouds turned lavender and pink, then purple. When the sun disappeared, the sky turned indigo, then black with diamond dust tossed onto heavenly canvas.

Sunrise, sunset. Both amaze us. Each day is different, unique, rich in variant hues, with swirls of gauzy cloud designs that shape and color by the minute—all painted by the Artist as we watch in awe. I have come to see these time of incredible beauty as God’s daily greetings, a reminder that He loves us and is ever present. We are never alone. We can speak with Him anytime, day or night. Sunrise is God’s “Good morning.” I can look forward to the day, knowing He will guide and protect me. As Scripture tells us, “His mercies begin afresh each morning.” What a wonderful promise! Yesterday’s mistakes don’t carry over. Today is a new beginning, and God can open my eyes to new friends, possibilities, opportunities. And then, in the evening as the sun goes down in all its glory, God’s “Good Night” reassures me that I am in His hand and on His heart, and He watches over me as I sleep. Morning, evening, or in the darkest stretches of the night, He is never off duty. 

PRAYER:

Written by Francine Rivers, author of the meditation.

Lord God, I am grateful for Your amazing sunrises and sunsets, which remind me of Your love and Your presence. Thank You that Your mercies begin afresh each day. Your forgiveness allows me to begin every morning anew, ready to see what You have for me. In the evening, when I lie down to sleep, may I rest in the knowledge that You have been with me all day and will continue to watch over me.

MEDITATION:

Written by Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Bishop of Geneva known for his gentle approach to the religious divisions from the Protestant Reformation. This is excerpted from his book “Introduction to the Devout Life.”

Prayer places our understanding in the brightness of God’s light, and exposes our will to the warmth of His love. Nothing else effectively purifies our understanding of its ignorance and our will of its depraved affections. It is the water of blessing which, as it flows, revives the plants of our good desires and causes them to bloom, washes the imperfections from our soul, and quenches the fire of the passions of our heart. By looking at our Lord often in meditation, your whole being will be filled with Him. You will learn His attitudes and model your actions on His.

Begin any kind of prayer, whether mental or vocal, by recalling the presence of God. Keep to this rule without exception. You will soon realize how helpful it is for you. Do not hurry to say many prayers, but those you do pray, say from the heart.

PRAYER:

Written by Polycarp (65-155), a Christian presbyter of Smyrna and Christian martyr.

May God the Father, and the Eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ, and for ourselves we pray that our fruit may abound and we many be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.