Christmas: Monday, January 4, 2010

Old Testament Lesson

Joshua 3:14-4:7

We see the Lord bring the people across the river Jordan. They have reached it! They are in the Promised Land! They have crossed over to the land that God has promised, they have reached the place where their faith is now sight! Through God, they have done it!

But, they are not done. While they have reached it, there is still work to do. There is still more than must be done. So, God has the people build a memorial. To remember. To remember that God brought them this far. To remember that God was with them. To remember that God would not leave them.

God has brought you to this New Year. You have crossed over. God has much for you in this New Year. And He will not leave you alone in it. He will give you to the grace to do all all that He has called you to in this year. Believe. Trust. God is with you.

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 5:1-20

Paul warns us today - live! Don't sleep through life. Don't live in a way that is shameful to God or the faith. Live as God would want you to. Realize all you have, and all God has given you, all God has called you to, live! Live right, live boldly, live faithfully. Live with passion.

This is the only day you know you have. We can't do anything about the past or the future. We only have today! Don't waste it. Live.

Gospel Lesson

John 9:1-12, 35-38

Jesus healed through a variety of ways. Sometimes He touched. Sometimes He spoke. Sometimes folks touched Him. Sometimes He wasn't even in the same town as the one that He healed. He healed in many, many ways.

Max Lucado one wrote that this was his favorite miracle. Why? Because if Jesus can use spit and dirt to heal someone, He can use anyone, or anything. I don't care who you, what you've done, any of the things. God can use you. Today. You can be used by God for some great purpose day. A smile. A hug. A friendship. A shoulder to cry on. An ear to listen. A mouth to speak. Today, you can be used by God for a great and good purpose. No matter what!