From a graphic within the book of Philippians titled "Three Stages of Perfection". Today's is Number 1:

PERFECT RELATIONSHIP

"We are perfect because of our eternal union, with the infinitely perfect Christ. When we become His Children, we are declared 'not guilty', thus righteous, because of what Christ, God's beloved Son, has done for us. This perfection is absolute and unchangeable, and it is this perfect relationship that guarantees that we will one day be 'completely perfect."

"For in Christ there is all of God
in a human body,
so that you have everything
when you have Christ,
and you are filled with God
through your union with Christ."

~ Colossians 2:9 & 10 LAB

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At Christmas, we all should be happy. Rejoicing. Great thinking and experiences. But what happens if 'all is not well with the world'?

Today's Sarah Young "Jesus Calling" may not be for everyone. But if it touches you...

"When you are plagued by a persistent problem---one that goes on and oon---view it as a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable. In faith, thank Me for your problem. Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty. Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down. On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up iinto heavenly places with Me. From this perspective, your difficulty can be seen as a slight, temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease!"

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Dear God,
Thank You for my one difficulty]
that is trying to plague my heart and mind
right now!
I give that diffculty to You!
Like everything else in my life,
I praise you!
Thank You for being You
and for coming into our lives
at Christmas time!
We need you;
I need You in my life
right now!
Thank You!
Amen.

From Max Lucado:

IT MATTERS TO GOD

"What matters to you matters to God. You probably think that’s true when it comes to the big stuff like death, disease, sin, and disaster. But what about the smaller things? What about grouchy bosses or flat tires?  What about broken dishes, late flights, toothaches, or a crashed hard drive? Do these matter to God?

"Let me tell you who you are. In fact, let me proclaim who you are. The Bible says you are an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ. You have a crown that will last forever. You were chosen before the creation of the world. But more than anything else is the simple fact you are God’s child. 1 John 3:1 (NCV) says,, 'We are called children of God. And we really are his children.' I love that: we really are his children. So, if something is important to you it’s important to God!"

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The whole chapter of Psalm 91 is a good one. Here are several verses taken from it!

Theme:  "God's protection in the midst of danger. God doesn't promise a world free from danger but He does promise His help whenever we face danger."

"We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.

"This I declare that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, He is my God, and I am trusting Him. For He rescues you from every trap, and protects you for the fatal plague. He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don't need to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning."

~ Psalm 91:1 - 6 LAB
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Bible Commentary:  "God is a refuge, a shelter when we are afraid. The writer's faith in God as Protector would carry him through all the dangers and fears of life. This should be a picture of our trust---trading all our fears for faith in Him, no matter what kind of fear it may be."

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(An update on our Salvation Army bell ringing set for last Saturday:  we decided not to go. Between low temperatures; at the time, it was snowing and sifty drifting. Just before 'take off', we decided against it. Turned out to be pretty good weather. We could have gone, but... Only the second time in about twenty years, we didn't go!)


When Charlie Brown asked, "I don't know what Christmas is all about, as taken from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, his friend Linus stepped in to tell him. The show originally aired on CBS on December 9, 1965 and has been replaying for the past sixty years: 

“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about,

“Lights, please.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

"That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

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Just started to read the book of Philippians this morning. It is four chapters; it will probably take me a couple of weeks to get it read.

Here are the introduction paragraphs:

"The word 'happiness' evokes visions of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning, strolling hand in hand with the one you love, being surprised on your birthday, responding with unbridled laughter to a comedian, or vacationing in an exotic locale. Everyone wants to be happy; we make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit; spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences.

"But if happiness depends upon our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money is stolen, and the party's over? Often happiness flees and despair sets in.

"In contrast to happiness is 'joy'. Running deeper and stronger, joy is quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our lives, that He will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ."

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It was written by Paul, while he was in jail. Not exactly an opportunity for JOY. Each chapter has a heading with JOY;  'in suffering, ;in serving, in believing, and giving'.

KEY VERSE: 
"Always be full of joy in the Lord;
I say it again, rejoice!" - (Philippians 4:4).

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Thank you, Jesus,
for giving us JOY...
Your Way!
AMEN.

From Max Lucado:

HEART-SHAPING PROMISES

This morning I received this Anne Graham Lotz email in my computer inbox. It talks about 'turning on the light'.

Here in north central Iowa, we have lots of snow cover! While it is dark in the early evenings now; with longer nights and shorter days, I noticed the first evening of the 'white covering' how much lighter it was! The 'white' tended to make the 'dark' lighter! Sort of like the difference God makes in each of our lives!

TURN ON THE LIGHT

"The unfolding of your words give light;
it gives understanding to the simple."
~ Psalm 119:130 NIV

"In the beginning there was no dawn to end the night,

no sun to warm the day,

no moonlight reflected in the swirling water, 

no horizon,

just a never-ending night!

"God didn't leave our environment in a murky, dusky twilight, 'God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light 'day' and the darkness he called 'night' (Genesis 1:4 NIV)

"While the light described was literal, it has wonderful analogy and personal meaning for you and me, because light in the spiritual sense represents the truth, clarity, spiritual understanding, and discernment we receive from God's written Word.  So....read your Bible and turn the Light on!"

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A couple of verses from Psalms to celebrate the beginning of a new week and as we march toward Christmas:

"Sing to the Lord, all earth!
Sing of His glorious Name.
Tell the world how wonderful He is!

How awe-inspiring are Your deeds, O God!
How great Your power!
No wonder Your enemies surrender!
All the earth shall worship
You and sing of Your glories.
Come, see the glorious things God has done.
What marvelous miracles happen to His people!

He made a dry road through the sea for them.
(Red Sea opening up).
They went across on foot.
What excitement and joy
there was that day!

Because of His great power
He rules forever.
He watches every movement of the nations.
O rebel lands,
He will deflate your pride!

~ Psalm 66:1-7 LAB

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