Revive | Grace Community Church

28 DAY | CATALYST - DAY 1

Catalyst from GraceTV on Vimeo.

When encountering a new culture many Christian workers watch for what has come to be called the principle of redemptive analogy” — of finding customs and traditions within a culture that can be used to present the Gospel in an understandable and non-foreign way.

Examples might be: a re-birth ceremony in Ethiopia, a “peace child” in Papua New Guinea or adoption practices in the western world.

Jesus regularly used this communication tool when he said, “The kingdom of God is like…” Read Matthew 13:44. Is it not clear how valuable the kingdom really is?

As you pray today, ask God for insight and creativity for those who are seeking ways to make the “Good News” of Jesus Christ clear and understandable; to open minds through the use of “redemptive analogies.”

28 DAY | CATALYST - INTRO

WHAT IS A CATALYST?

By Steve Rumpf, Global Outreach Pastor

The idea for CATALYST took root years ago when I read a book about discipleship entitled Change Agent. I remembered my college chemistry class and the function and characteristics of a change agent known as a catalyst. I wondered then – and still do – if a witness for Christ isn’t a great deal like a catalyst.

 Then in the 1970’s automobiles came out with catalytic converters* and I was sure my thinking was right. “Catalytic Converter” seemed like a good description for Billy Graham.

“Catalysis is the process in which the rate of a chemical reaction is either increased or decreased by means of a chemical substance known as a catalyst. The catalyst may participate in multiple chemical transformations.

Catalysts that speed the reaction are called positive catalysts. Catalysts that slow down the reaction are called negative catalysts or inhibitors.”

Did you notice words like process, multiple, transformations, positive & negative? And the definition goes on to say, “… the reaction rate depends on the frequency of contact of the reactant…”

“Although catalysts are not consumed by the reaction itself, they may be inhibited, deactivated or destroyed by secondary processes.” Sort of reminds me of the big three negative “secondary processes” believers face: The World, the Flesh and the Devil.

Like most metaphors, this one falls apart at some points. Chemists know that a catalyst is not consumed by the reaction itself. Whew! That is not true for many who testify of the claims of Christ in extremely hostile environments of physical disease and personal dangers.

I believe the first missionary said something about being poured out like a drink offering, and having fought a good fight, he finished the race, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

This booklet is designed for two purposes; to honor and glorify God and to help you as you pray for world evangelization – specifically our missionaries.

It is both a 28 Day Devotional and a Missions Directory. It is my hope that you will be well prepared as a catalytic change agent for God.

[ Download Catalyst ]

Prayer - Days 27 & 28 | The Weekender

Days 27 & 28 Theme:
"I was reminded again this week how powerful prayer can be when it begins and ends with worship...    I know that if you continue to discipline yourself to discover truth for yourself and live in the light of it, God will bring you to even greater maturity and usefulness in His kingdom." -Kay Arthur           (emphasis mine)

I'm all over that...I really don't want to review the basics of Christianity, again.  I want to talk to my Heavenly Father about every aspect of life and be maturing in my faith as well as focusing more and more on giving Him the glory He deserves.  And as for usefulness in His kingdom; I want to be just that! I want to be mindful of His kingdom every day.

Prayer - Days 20 & 21 | 28 Day Experiment

Days  Theme: Days 20 & 21 The Weekender

"Remember, God ordained the Sabbath as a day of rest--and devotion to God.  It is in Him that we live and move and have our being. The very breath you breath is a gift from Him and is meant to be used not only to sustain life, but to sustain communication with God through prayer."

Prayer - Day 18 | 28 Day Experiment

Since I started walking with Christ, one thing has been revealed to me.  I am a very selfish person. 

I am.  Very selfish.  I find myself that when God and I have our conversations,  they always seem to revolve around me.  They are all about what I want, what I need, how can God bless me, how he can help the people that I love…

Me, me, me…

Prayer - Day 17 | 28 Day Experiment

By Guest Blogger, University Blvd Campus Worship Pastor Chris Cullins

For the past two days we have talked about being still in front of God and being honest with him in our prayers and conversations with him.  

Recently we as a staff talked about 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  Paul simply says “Pray without ceasing” or as the New Living Translation puts it “never stop praying”.  

Just 3 words had us talking for a while.  Never stop praying.  What does that look like?  What does it mean to pray without ceasing?  Does it mean that all that we do is pray, that every word we speak, every thought we think is a prayer?  

In my opinion, I believe what it is asking us to do is to be in constant conversation with God.  To not limit our time with him to a set schedule every day.  I do believe that this is good, but I don’t think we should confine our talks with him to that either.  

Today as you go about your day, pray little prayers to him all day.  If you are having a rough day, just say “God, I’m having a tough time.  Please help.”  If you are outside and the day is beautiful, pause and say “thanks God for such a beautiful day.  Today try and not limit your prayer time to right when you wake up or right before you go to sleep.  Take moments in your day and just talk to him.

Smith Wigglesworth said, "I never pray for more than 30 minutes, but I never go more than 30 minutes without praying”

I think Smith had it right.  Talk to him throughout the day.  Let your prayers be little moments of worship with you and the Father.  

Never stop praying.

Prayer - Day 16 | 28 Day Experiment

Guest Blogger, University Campus Worship Pastor Chris Cullins

Growing up in the church, I always knew that prayer was vital and the lifeblood of our relationship with Christ.   

But so many times, when it came to my prayer time, I would put on a false front in front of God.  I would always start my prayers with “Father, thank you for this day….”  No matter what the day looked like.  I could have the worst day of my life and start with “thank you for this day.”   

But I realized something was wrong in my prayers.  Yes, I did want to thank him for another day-but my prayers were not real.  They were me putting on the best face in front of a God who knew me intimately.  Not only were my prayers not real, I was not being real with God.   

Psalm 139 speaks of how intimately God knows us, it says:  

O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

Prayer - Days 15 | 28 Day Experiment

By Guest Blogger Chris Cullins

We are nearly halfway through the 28 day experiment, and we have learned so much about prayer. We have learned about the many different names of God, we have learned about the character of God, and we have been challenged to rethink how we look at prayer (sound a little familiar?).  

But today, I want to pause just for a moment, and just breathe. Just to sit and be still in the presence of God. 

Just to be still.

Prayer - Days 13 & 14 | 28 Day Experiment

The Weekender

Days 13 & 14 Theme:
"Learning to pray God's way, according to His Word, becomes a pattern when we spend time with Him every day.  That is why this weekend exercise is so important...

Read Matthew 6:24-34 aloud this Saturday and Sunday. Read it slowly, thoughtfully.  Ask God to search your heart with the light of His Word."

PRAYER DAY 12 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

Lord, Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days: pgs. 87-93

Day 12 Theme: ‘Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’
“The One who teaches us to pray, ‘Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven,” is our greatest example of submission to the will of God.” (pg. 87)

Scripture:
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5

Observation:
In today’s reading we visited Gethsemane…One of the most somber and desperate locations in all of scripture. The place where the reality of what was to come collided with the extravagant love of Christ. It caused in Jesus a dissonance so severe that his sweat turned to blood and his anguish was tangible. Many have remarked that this is one of Jesus’ most human moments; a moment of weakness and despair. I consider it one of Jesus’ most divine moments. Only in His divinity, in His eternal nature could He understand the magnitude of what lay before Him. To truly understand what brought Jesus to this point of desperation, we need to understand where He started from. 

PRAYER - DAY 11 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

Lord, Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days: pgs. 79-85

Day 11 Theme: ‘Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’
‘Your will be done’ is a prayer that applies to much more than the coming kingdom and the coming age. It is a heart attitude of submission to the sovereignty and will of the Father. One of the evidences of salvation is a willingness to submit to God – to recognize that because He is God and you are His creation, you are to bow your knee in surrender and accept Him as Lord.
(pgs. 79, 82)

Scripture:
“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.” 1 John 3:21-22

Observation:
Submission: the act of submitting, yielding, or surrendering. (Webster’s New World Dictionary). 

This word, used in common society, draws forth a myriad of responses, and little of it is encouraging. Several prominent denominations have been lambasted in the media, and in both secular and Christian culture for promoting the idea of submission; typically in the context of the marriage. 

I’ll start by saying that I believe that the concept of submission to Christ and submission to other believers and in the context of Christian marriage are essential tenants of our faith. However, I think I understand the gut reaction of those outside the church and I don’t think the reaction is entirely wrong.

PRAYER - DAY 10 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 10 Theme: ‘your kingdom come…’
“The world is on God’s heart, and needs to be on our hearts as well. It’s on your knees, precious one, that you make your commitment, bowing before Him, honoring your Father as your God, and making yourself available as His ambassador wherever He sends you. It is on your knees that you water the soil of men’s hearts through prayer, so the ground is ready to receive the seed of His Word.” (pgs. 75-76)

Scripture:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Observation:
What do you pray for; what regularly makes your prayer list? Is it the friend that lost their job… your grandmother in the hospital… doing well on that project at work? Is it for your marriage… a tough decision you need to make… or for your house to finally sell? 

You should be praying for these things. God cares about your grandmother, your friends, your job… all the details of this life. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

Are you also praying for that friend that claims to be an atheist? For your uncle that used to go to church, until he lost his job and had to file bankruptcy? The guy at work that isn’t completely honest on his expense reports?  Are you praying for an opportunity to share your faith with someone?

PRAYER - DAY 9 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

Lord, Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days: pgs. 61-70

Day 9 Theme: ‘your kingdom come…’
“The kingdom of God is all about His authority over us, over all mankind. There is one God- only one- and it’s not you or me! And because He alone is God, I owe my total allegiance to Him and no other. It’s one thing to make an accurate declaration of who God is and another thing entirely to give God our full allegiance.” (pg. 65)

Scripture:
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:37-38

Observation:
Is there anything in your life that preempts your time with the Lord? Anything that distracts you from seeking first His kingdom?  What about your job… your kids… your finances? Maybe it’s even that favorite show you hate to miss or checking up on your Facebook friends? 

PRAYER - DAY 8 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

Note: if your following along in the book, the weekend days aren't numbered, but we are including them for the purposes of this blog. So, today's post is for Day 8 of the experiment, but it's listed as Day 6 in the book.

Lord, Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days: pgs. 57-60

Day 8 Theme: ‘hallowed be your name…’
Prayer begins with worship. Worship begins with knowledge. When Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6, He started with “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’ As we learned last week, the names of God are not just an association; they reveal God’s character. Knowing and exclaiming the character of God in worship is where life-changing prayer begins. It also reminds us what prayer is really about: glorifying Him!

Scripture:
“’No longer will they teach their neighbors, or say to one another, ‘know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 31:34

Observation:
How does starting with worship fundamentally change our prayers and their efficacy? Let’s take a look at one of the Bible characters we studied today: Hannah.  We were only asked to read 1 Samuel 2:1-10, but I’m going to look at the first two chapters of 1 Samuel. 

Hannah was a simple woman. She was a woman of deep faith and was beloved by a husband that diligently served the Lord. And yet Hannah endured a deeply intimate hurt and desire; a heart-rending sorrow born from years of unmet expectation.

It’s not hard to understand Hannah’s plight. Is there something in your life that you’ve held out hope for, for weeks? ...months? …years?  Do you have a wound that causes you deep sorrow to this day? 

Prayer - Days 6 & 7 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord Teach Me to Pray In 28 Days; Pg 53

The Weekender

Days 6 & 7 Theme:
“Learning to pray God’s way, according to His Word, becomes a pattern when we spend time with Him everyday.  Therefore we have a Saturday and Sunday assignment designed to help you include time with our Father over the weekend.

So what is your Saturday and Sunday assignment?  It is to spend the weekend 'hallowing His name'.”

Scripture:

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.”  Proverbs 18:10

Hallowing His Name ~
Choose one or more of God’s names from this list (from page 47). Look for a name or names that deal with where you are right now.

Prayer - Day 5 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days; Pgs 43-51

Day 5 Theme:
“To worship God is to bow before him, acknowledge His work and give Him the honor and reverence due His holy name. When you think about it, for prayer to begin and end with worship of the One who is in heaven – above the earth, above all – is only logical. The LORD who has “established His throne in the heavens” and whose “sovereignty rules over all” (Psalms 103:19) is able to do “according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth” (Daniel 4:35). Worship correctly prepares us for all that follows in prayer.”

Scripture:
“He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!” Psalm 111:9

Observation:
When I think of a name that commands respect I immediately think of POTUS. POTUS is an abbreviation of President of The United States; Mr. President. I’ve heard it said that when a man takes the office of President he takes on the title with a grave seriousness. And upon taking the title the man is addressed by the title and no longer his formal name.

Why? To show incredible respect for the power of the office the man now holds. He is no longer a mere man but the leader of the free world. He is Mr. President. o address the president with anything less than his formal title is to show incredible disregard for the man and the office.

Prayer - Day 4 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days; Pgs 33-42

Day 4 Theme:
“Today we will begin looking at this pattern for prayer sentence by sentence. As we look at it one precept at a time, I will take you to other scriptures that amplify, illuminate, illustrate, or substantiate each particular precept.

Lord’s Prayer:

Pray then like this:

Subject 1: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Worship

Subject 2: Your kingdom come,
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Allegiance

Subject 3: your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Submission

Subject 4:Give us this day our daily bread, and
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Petition & Provision

Subject 5: forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Confession & Forgiveness

Subject 6: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Watchfulness & Deliverance

*Subject 7: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Topic: (Kay Arthur’s Answer) Worship

Book of Matthew, 6:9-13

*Note: Subject 7 was not in the original manuscripts but was added at a later date.

Scripture:
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Book of Hebrews, 11:6 ESV

Observation:
First of all, do you believe that God exists? Not as a figment of imagination, not as an opiate of the masses, not as a sky fairy, but as Ruler of The Universe? Do you believe that He’s benevolent and His generous hand is extended toward us to do us good?

Are you a child of God? Does your mind think thoughts like, “How can I serve God at my job, in my family, with all of my life?” Are you seeking Him?

Prayer - Day 3 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days; Pgs 27-31

Day 3 Theme:
“It’s easy to feel inadequate when we read of giants of the faith like the prophet Elijah. We tell ourselves, “Never never never could I ever pray like that! No, not me. Not an ordinary Christian like me. Praying and getting answers like that is for some ‘supersaint.’”

“What God wants us to see is that regular, everyday people-like you and me-can accomplish extraordinary things through prayer.”

Scripture:
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Book of James, 5:16

Observation:
Years ago, I came to know the actual, tangible evidence of the power of prayer. After several days of being sick I laid in bed racked by intense pain in my abdomen. My mother knew a missionary who served a lifetime, literally, deep in the brush of Africa, of whom it was said, “She lived by prayer.”

Mother arranged for this elderly missionary named Evie to call. As my wife and I waited the pain intensified. When I took the call a soothing comforting woman's voice on the other end asked, “May I pray for you?”

I said yes. I need the prayer of a righteous person!

Prayer - Day 2 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days; Pgs 17-26

Day 2 Theme:
“You can develop and maintain a life-giving, ongoing conversation with your Creator. Just know that it will only come little by little with knowledge, application, time and experience. The disciples knew this, and so they began where each of us must begin if we are ever to learn.”

“They began with a hunger to be taught.”

Scripture:
“Lord, teach us to pray” Book of Luke, 11:1

Observation:
Remember when you first received the faint glimmer of desired love from someone that your heart yearned for? Remember the anxious expectation for a moment you could steal away with that special someone? Remember the hushed tones of sweet nothings whispered into your ear promising undying forever love?

Remember how you desperately desired more?

Maybe you look with fraught hope at the blossoming relationships your friends & family experience biding time knowing that soon your day will come, soon your prayers will be answered, soon the desire of your heart will be actualized.

Remember how you desperately desired more?

How much more so is our elder brother Jesus’ love toward us? He made a way for us to show forth righteousness to a God who demands holiness. He made a way for us to be filled with the constant intimate presence of the Holy Spirit. He made a way for us to be seated next to Him in heavenly places.

Jesus made a way.

Prayer - Day 1 | 28 Day Experiment

Lord’s Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days; Pgs 11-16

Day 1 Theme:
“Too often we find ourselves in a dizzying whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and ministries to others. In the midst of our busy lives and multiple ministries to others, we need to periodically stop and evaluate our priorities. Otherwise we too might very well neglect the essentials.”

Scripture:
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Book of Acts, 6:4

Observation:
After a harried day full of life’s stressors you finally make it to bed both worn and weary. As you lay your head on the pillow consumed with the could haves of yesterday and the maybes for tomorrow, your thoughts drift toward well intentioned goals of beginning the day with prayer and a moment or two in the Bible. Wandering through your stream of consciousness edging closer to sleep you somehow manage to cobble together a few requests to God and then you…

Groggily wake up after hitting snooze a few times to once again find the house is full of chatter and noise. Everyone is rushing to get to their place. It’s a nerve-racking scheduled trauma every weekday morning as the family bustles to avoid being late. For a moment you recall your hope of being disciplined enough to pray & delve into God’s word but the real mounting pressures of the all too real world bear down on you and steer your attention toward “more pressing matters.”

ADVENT - DAY 28 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 28 | Thursday, December 25^th | Focus: Peace

Reflection: Am I putting limits on a sovereign God?

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
[Luke 2:15-20]

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay tending their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
[Traditional 13th century English carol]

~~~~~~~~~~

The birth of Christ is the exact moment the Kingdom of God meets the kingdoms of this world.  Astonishingly, the Kingdom of God comes by way of weakness, insignificance, and vulnerability.  This meek baby laying in what was likely a feeding trough was, then and there, the King of world. 

Thank You, Father God, for this true story that we get to remember and celebrate each year.  Please teach us what it means to be weak as You were weak—that we might have Your character reigning in our hearts and minds.  Praise You that Your power works best in weakness (2 Corinthians 12).  When the world tries to teach us otherwise, please wake us to this truth each and every day.  Amen.

ADVENT - DAY 27 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 27 | Wednesday, December 24^th | Focus: Sacrifice

Reflection: How can I put others first today?

 

Please light the white Christ candle tonight (or tomorrow) in your advent wreath.

Noon

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
[Luke 2:8-11 NIV]

6pm

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night, holy night
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
[Josef Mohr, John F. Young]

~~~~~~~~~~

On this very night in 1818 A.D. in the town of Oberndorf, Austria, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht was sung for the first time.  The story goes that Father Joseph Mohr, priest at St. Nicholas Church of Oberndorf, was told the church organ was broken and would not be available for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  He needed a song that could be sung acappella or with guitar.  He penned this now famous lyric, and Franz Gruber, who was the choir director at St. Nicholas Church, immediately put it to music.  190 years later, Silent Night has been translated into over 300 languages and is one of the most beloved songs of all time.

ADVENT - DAY 26 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 26 | Tuesday, December 23^rd | Focus: Giving

Reflection: What am I holding on to too tightly?

Noon

Christianity promises happiness—that’s part of its appeal—but we will not find it by traveling the route we’ve already laid out in our heads.  Disappointment, severe enough to be called death, is unavoidable in a true spiritual journey.  As Dennis the Menace once told his pal Joey, “Mr. Wilson says that if you want to give God a good laugh, tell Him your future plans.”
[Larry Crabb]

6pm

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
[Mark 10:26-27 NIV]

~~~~~~~~~~

Dennis the Menace and Mr. Wilson…filled with wisdom.  Hope you got a good laugh from this quote, although it certainly has some truth to it. 

Today’s scripture makes me think of one of Doug’s favorite worship songs.  Take a second to enjoy this song of praise.  And if you really like it, go ahead and say so…Doug will appreciate it.

ADVENT - DAY 25 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 25 | Monday, December 22^nd | Focus: Adoration

Reflection: How can I love God more today?

Noon

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
[Matthew 2:10-12]

6pm

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
[John Francis Wade]

~~~~~~~~~~

Worship of God is a constant and on-going activity.  When we come to “worship” on Sunday morning (or on Christmas Eve) we are not starting some kind of new activity.  Rather, we are joining with the angels as they worship the “King of angels”.  Even now there is exuberant praise going on in realms we don’t understand.  I only we wish we had more than words and speech to praise Him.  Imagine what would happen on Sundays if all week long we filled ourselves with His Words, adored Him in prayer, and believed the immense depth of His grace.  Our corporate praise on Sundays would be…explosive and contagious. 

ADVENT - DAY 24 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 24 | Sunday, December 21^st | Focus: Anticipation of Christ

Reflection: How can I prepare myself spiritually for the coming of Christ?

 

Please light the final purple candle in your advent wreath.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."   He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
[Revelation 21:3-5]

Peace be to you and grace from him
Who freed us from our sins,
Who loved us all and shed his blood
That we might saved be.
Sing holy, holy to our Lord,
The Lord, Almighty God,
Who was and is and is to come;
Sing holy, holy, Lord!
Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein,
Rejoice on earth, ye saints below,
For Christ is coming, is coming soon,
For Christ is coming soon!
E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come,
And night shall be no more;
They need no light nor lamp nor sun,
For Christ will be their All!
[Paul Manz]

~~~~~~~~~~

I sang this song by Paul Manz back in college and it still lingers in the attic of my mind.  As we have discussed, Advent is a celebration of the coming of Christ…both for His birth and His returning to earth.  This text is about the latter.  Are you excited for the return of Jesus?  Honestly, it kind of freaks me out a bit…mostly because I have no control.  And yet, His love is so perfect, there will likely be nothing more fulfilling and assuring than His return.  Please take time and pray through this text by Mr. Manz.

ADVENT - DAY 23 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 23 | Saturday, December 20^th | Focus: Confession

Reflection: What sins, thoughts, or actions do I need to confess to God today?

Noon

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
[Matthew 1:20-23]

6pm

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
[Phillips Brooks]

~~~~~~~~~~

My sister called me about a week ago and told me about a song called Joseph’s Lullaby. She had heard it the day before at her church and she found herself crying as she listened at the thought of Joseph fathering the Son of God the night He was born. I have never thought of that moment—Joseph holding Jesus. Usually we focus on Mary and Jesus or Joseph and Mary. Many of us are fortunate to know those first moments of holding a newborn child are beyond measure. Few things lead us closer to the Father than holding our entrusted newborn. What if God had spoken to you and told you this child was His very own Son? And God trusted You to father His Son while here on earth. The thought is almost too much to bear.

ADVENT - DAY 22 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 22 | Friday, December 19^{th |} Focus: Thanksgiving

Reflection: What am I thankful for today?

Noon

They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before God.  After David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.  Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man and woman.

He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel:  Asaph was the chief, Zechariah second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant
of God.
[1 Chronicles 16:1-6]

6pm

Now yield we thanks and praise to Christ enthroned in glory,
And on this day of days tell out redemption's story,
Who truly have believed that on this blessed morn,
In holiness conceived, the Son of God was born.

What tribute shall we pay to Him who came in weakness,
And in a manger lay to teach His people meekness?
Let every house be bright; let praises never cease;
With mercies infinite our Christ hath brought us peace.
[Howard Chandler Robbins]

~~~~~~~~~~

Make petition, give thanks, and praise the LORD…playing lyres, harps, cymbals, and trumpets. I’ve heard of a church that asked their congregation to bring their trumpets to church one Sunday (if they owned one). This was communicated well in advance and everyone knew which Sunday was “Trumpet Sunday”. I believe the trumpets were using during the times of worship as sounds of thanksgiving and praise, as well as during the message. Many trumpets played together can create quite a powerful sound…perhaps we should try this at Grace?!?!?

ADVENT - DAY 21 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 21 | Thursday, December 18^th | Focus: Peace

Reflection: Am I putting limits on a sovereign God?

Noon

[Jesus said,] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
[John 14:27]

6pm

Keep Your people, Lord,
in the arms of Your embrace.
Shelter us under Your wings.
Be our light in darkness.
Be our hope in distress.
Be our calm in anxiety.
Be our strength in weakness.
Be our comfort in pain.
Be our peace.
Be ours.
[based on a Celtic bedtime prayer]

~~~~~~~~~~

I have no idea who wrote this Celtic prayer, but the prose is beautiful, isn’t it? I tend to pray the same prayer each night for my kids. Lord God, I pray for Luke/Mags to be strong and dangerous. And filled with the Holy Spirit so that all evil will shriek in fear of Your presence in their heart, mind, soul and strength. Tonight I will pray this Celtic prayer over them. Anyone care to share what they pray for their children (or family members)?

ADVENT - DAY 20 | 28 DAY EXPERIMENT

 

Day 20 | Wednesday, December 17^th | Focus: Sacrifice

Reflection: How can I put others first today?

Noon

I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in the world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.  That is the way Jesus came to reveal God’s love.
[Henri Nouwen]

6pm

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"  "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"  He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"  Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."  Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
[John 21:15-17]

~~~~~~~~~~

So, why would I include a quote about Christian leadership?  Isn’t that for pastors, elders, ministry-types…?  We are all leaders.  We all have been given a sphere of influence by God.  We are constantly “leaking” what we believe to those in our sphere.  For example, when we let arrogance fly out of our mouths, we are leaking arrogance.  People notice.  And then they often associate THAT TRAIT, be it healthy or unhealthy, with the Christian faith. 

But hold on.  We often want a quick fix here, so we go directly to corrective behavior and we monitor ourselves with more diligence.  RED FLAG!  That’s not the answer.  The answer is to become empty of self so that Christ can have His way in you.  And this comes only from an ongoing RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Himself.  It’s more than quiet time, more than singing on Sunday, more than praying in the car.  It’s a relationship where you and I come to Him from a vulnerable place letting go of pride and self.  Where we are, in fact, irrelevant. 

I dare you to approach life this way today.

ADVENT - DAY 19 | 28 DAY DEVOTIONAL

 

Day 19 | Tuesday, December 16^th | Focus: Giving

Reflection: What am I holding to too tightly?

Noon

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
[Colossians 3:1-4]

6pm

For true devotion to God comes when, with our heart, we keep in view our lowly, empty state apart from Christ.  Walk in the light of this truth.  Do not fix your affection on having any praise and glory here below.  Make it your goal to become so emptied of self that you can be flooded by the presence and power of Christ that comes only from above.
[Saint John of the Cross]

~~~~~~~~~~

St. John of the Cross drives me crazy.  I should have left this quote out!  Alas, here it is…we must deal with it.  The line, “Do not fix your affection on having any praise and glory here below” is so strong and direct that it hits me right in the chest.  This quest will be ongoing till we are done here on earth, but that doesn’t mean we bail on it, right?!?!  I would love to hear from those who have experienced being “so emptied of self” that Jesus flooded your very fiber.  Please share…