 Scripture: Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14 NLT Application: If we truly want others to have peace, pray that they will be pleasing to God. It begins with them joining you, me, and a chorus of mighty angels in giving God all the glory. Prayer: Father God, we pray that all the Earth will know clearly how to give You glory, and that all who are pleasing to You will have peace. Glory to You in the highest, in Jesus Christ's holy name, Amen.  Scripture: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV) Application: We are like works of art created by God, God's "handiwork." Like sculpture molded from earthy clay, we are dirt and dust formed into beauty using the blood of Christ. We can't brag. We didn't create our reshape ourselves. The attitude of gratitude should come through us as we live our lives. Prayer: Today dear God we see that You have formed us into better beings, and we truly appreciate You for seeing so much more potential in us than we saw in ourselves. Amen.  Scripture: "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20 (NIV) "for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes." Revelation 18:5 (NIV) Application: Death doesn't give anyone an escape from their evil deeds. God remembers every act of greed, meanness, and arrogant disregard to the Lord's call to righteousness. But the flip side is astounding, too: Those of us who have given our lives to the Lord and strive to be like Him will be rewarded for every act of charity, love, and service to Him and others. That's a beautiful symmetry of eternal elegance, isn't it? Prayer: Dear Father, show us how to increase our treasures in heaven and deplete our earthly failings every day. In Jesus' name, Amen. |