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Written by Duncan Smith, a contemporary pastor.

The first time that I encountered God was in Colorado at Estes Park. When I heard the gospel preached, when the altar call came, instead of running up to the front, I ran outside the building. As I went stumbling up this mountainside, I literally walked smack into the presence of God. Although He was invisible, I knew I was standing face to face with Jesus and I was in His presence. I hit the deck right there. I just collapsed into the pathway and wept before God as I felt this incredible weight of all of my sin, and yet His incredible love, washing over me. Instead of killing me, He lavished His love on me, and called me His son and called me into His kingdom. I have never ever been the same since.

Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.    [Proverbs 30:5]

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Written by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582, a Carmelite nun, prominent Spanish mystic, and religious reformer.  This is an excerpt from E. Allison Peer’s book “The Complete Works of Saint Teresa of Jesus.

My soul was growing weary, and, though it desired to rest, the miserable habits which now enslaved it would not allow it to do so. It happened that, entering the oratory one day, I saw an image which had been procured for a certain festival that was observed in the house and had been taken there to be kept for that purpose. It represented Christ sorely wounded; and so conducive was it to devotion that when I looked at it, I was deeply moved to see Him thus, so well did it picture what He suffered for us. So great was my distress when I thought how ill I had repaid Him for those wounds that I felt as if my heart were breaking, and I threw myself down beside Him, shedding floods of tears and begging Him to give me strength once for all so that I might not offend Him…Knowing that the Lord was certainly within me, I would place myself at His feet, thinking that my tears would not be rejected. I did not know what I was saying, but in allowing me to shed those tears He was very gracious to me, since I soon forgot my grief.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [Galatians 5:24]

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Written by John Calvin (1509-1564), a French theologian, pastor, and reformer in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation. This is an excerpt from the preface to his book “Commentary on the Psalms.”

My father intended me as a young boy for theology. But when he saw that the science of law made those who cultivate it wealthy, he was led to change his mind by the hope of material gain for me. So it happened that I was called back from the study of philosophy to learn law. I followed my father’s wish and attempted to do faithful work in this field; but God, by the secret leading of His providence, turned my course another way…When I was too firmly addicted to the papal superstitions to be drawn easily of such a deep mire, by a sudden conversion He brought my mind (already more rigid than suited my age) to submission [to Him]. I was so inspired by a taste of true religion, and I burned with such a desire to carry my study further, that although I did not drop other subjects, I had no zeal for them. In less than a year, all who were looking for a purer doctrine began to come to learn from me, although I was a novice and a beginner.

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. [1 Thessalonians 2:11-13].

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Written by Judy Walters from the Village Church.

During my childhood, one of my earliest encounters with Jesus began with a tradition of creating a front door decoration to welcome family and friends to our home during Advent. The scent of fresh greenery from the yard is something I fondly remember.
An exquisite holly tree provided glossy leaves and red berries.  We cut sprigs from pines and evergreen trees, pinecones, boxwood, and variegated ivy, which grew on a wall.  Nature provided a bountiful array of texture and shades of green.  Faux greens and glue guns had not yet been invented, nor were there Michaels and Hobby Lobby to purchase supplies. We used wire and string saved up in the garage from past projects.  The only thing purchased was ribbon, unless we had some left over. I recall such a sense of pride and familial unity as Mother, my sisters and I held the greens, while tying and wiring them together in a pleasing way to make a Swag. Then, we attached a bright red or plaid ribbon.  Our Dad ceremoniously hung it on the door. Each part of the finished piece symbolizes the Christmas story.  Holly represents Christ’s crown of thorns, while the red berries are the Lord’s blood.  Ivy represents the Virgin Mary, while Martin Luther believed that pine, fir, and spruce symbolized immortality and eternal life.  I continue to encounter Jesus each Advent while creating a fresh swag year after year, and listen to a favorite old English carol, “The Holly and the Ivy,” while remembering our family tradition.

For my father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. [John 6:40]

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Written by Sarah Young, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from her book “Jesus Calling.”

Try to view each day as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective. A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. [Psalm 118:24]

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Written by L. B. Cowman (1870-1960), an American author.

During the Civil War, a man had an only son who enlisted in the armies of the Union. The father was a banker and, although he consented to his son’s going, it seemed as if it would break his heart to let him go. He became deeply interested in the soldier boys, and whenever he saw a uniform, his heart went out as he thought of his own dear boy. He spent his time, neglected his business, gave his money to caring for the soldiers who came home invalid. His friends remonstrated with him, saying he had no right to neglect his business and spend so much thought upon the soldiers, so he fully decided to give it all up. After he had come to this decision, there stepped into his bank one day a private soldier in a faded, worn uniform, who showed in his face and hands the marks of the hospital. The poor fellow was fumbling in his pocket to get something or other, when the banker saw him and, perceiving his purpose, said to him: “My dear fellow, I cannot do anything for you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to your headquarters; the officers there will look after you.” Still, the poor convalescent stood, not seeming to fully understand what was said to him. Still, he fumbled in his pockets and, by and by, drew out a scrap of dirty paper, on which there were a few lines written with a pencil, and laid this soiled sheet before the banker. On it he found these words:  “Dear Father: “This is one of my comrades who was wounded in the last fight and has been in the hospital. Please receive him as myself. –Charlie.” In a moment all the resolutions of indifference that this man made flew away. He took the boy to his palatial home, put him in Charlie’s room, gave him Charlie’s seat at the table, kept him until food and rest and love had brought him back to health, and then sent him back again to imperil his life for the flag.

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. [John 16:24]

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Written by Sergei Sosedkin, a contemporary Russian-language ministry leader.

As a teenager, I enjoyed going to a neighborhood grocery store. There, my friends and I would get a roll of bread and a few slices of cheese for a snack. An elderly lady who worked at the store would always say some kind and encouraging words to us, as she carefully sliced our cheese. A few short years later the USSR was collapsing. Because of major economic disruptions, all cheese disappeared from the grocery shelves. Most other food items became scarce too. The store was still open, but it sold only bread. My memories of a kind lady who sliced cheese for us seemed almost unreal, but they still warmed my heart in those difficult times. The Bible calls us to be thankful for and content with everything we have. Our family, health, meals we can share with loved ones, and of course life itself— all are precious gifts from the Lord. But discontent, greed, or fears don’t allow us to fully appreciate and treasure the precious gifts of life. We don’t know what the future holds. We might have to go through difficult times of having “no cheese on the shelves”—or worse. But as the children of God we are assured of his continuous love and care. The Lord himself is our helper in this perilous life.

Be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” [Hebrews 13:5]

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Written by Alexis Goring, a contemporary author, editor, and journalist.

Let’s face it: Our world is in complete chaos. But we do have hope! His name is Jesus Christ, and He can help us survive this experience on Earth. It’s easy to get caught up in all that is wrong with our world today: wars and rumors of wars, division in the Christian church, turmoil in our communities in the USA and throughout the world, bad weather wreaking havoc, political upheaval, as well as personal struggles and the trials we all endure as followers of Jesus Christ. Truthfully, it’s a lot and very overwhelming if that’s our focus. But the moment we decide to turn our eyes upon Jesus, that is when our perspective begins to change…God does not expect us to ignore all the problems we have on this planet. Instead, He expects us to serve others as we serve Him. It’s our duty to make this world a better place. We can do that by focusing on our faith walk with Jesus. When we ask Him to show us what He is doing in this world, we can learn what we can do to partner with Him in driving out the darkness. William J. Thoms, a British writer, said, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Therefore, let’s do our best to love God and all people. Our hope is that they will be drawn to Him and learn how much God loves them. When we share the love of Jesus, it helps to ease their pain as they learn how to look to Christ.

I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven. [Psalm 123:1]

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Written by Calvin Hoogendoorn, a contemporary pastor.

The great hymn “Amazing Grace” summarizes biblical faith well: “Grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” If grace reveals that joy is a gift, then prayer is the Lord’s gracious means through which he daily sustains that joy. We sometimes believe we are independent, self-sufficient people. Our tired minds, aching backs, and callous hands that produced a successful career and a comfortable home seem to affirm that myth. But what if corporate restructuring takes away the paycheck, or terminal illness robs our strength and vitality? Anxiety, worry, and fear set in, taking the place of our pride. Life comes from the Lord, and so does daily help. We come to the Lord through prayer, and the fruit of prayer is peace. Yet prayer is not a mantra, and we can’t use it to try to manipulate God. Prayer is a divine gift to strengthen the bonds of love between us and God. The act of prayer itself affirms our dependence on him for peace and joy.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [Philippians 4:6]

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Written by Edwin Hatch (1835-1889), an English theologian and author.

Breathe on me, Breath of God;

fill me with life anew,

That I may love what thou dost love,

And do what thou wouldst do.

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. [Psalm 119:73]

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