Advice For Christmas 12/21/2019

Good Morning,

I am enjoying a large mug of Door County Jungle Bell Java Coffee. The coffee not only tastes good, but it feels good too. I just came inside after running our two dogs Gibbs and Leo. It isn't too cold at all, but the dampness set into my body, Thus the coffee feels good.

I read my Bible daily and as I was looking for some Scripture that I could pass on to all of you, that you all might glean at least one thing from,  I read Romans 12:9-13. There is a little something for everyone in this passage. A statement or two might be there just for you. I call this passage "Advice For A  Nice Christmas." I can't take any credit for the words but my belief is that the Bible is God's Inspired Word to us. So if part of these next verses speaks to you, just know that It was God speaking to your heart. What a way to start or end a day!!!

Romans 12:9-13 
9. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. 10. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

To summarize this text. Don't be phony with love.  Don't smile at someone in one minute and run them down when they turn their back, Stay away from evil with all the energy and faith you can muster. Whatever is good, cherish it and share it.  Expend some energy to celebrating Christmas making it the best you can for others. Don't forget to keep serving the Lord through the holiday.  Be joyful that you have hope never count God out of a situation. If you are suffering, do so in a way that shows you have hope! Wait on the Lord with patience and humility, Pray for yourself and those around you. Don't get so busy that you have no time to pray.  Share with others as you are able and open you heart and homes to hospitality.

That was a lot to say for an early Saturday morning, But for me Romans 12:9-13 captures the "Essence Of Christmas". We would all do well to mine some gold for ourselves out of this passage,

So if you still need to shop. Get going. If you need to do a little extra cleaning. Get going. If God has asked you to do something for others., what are you waiting for? Get going.

May your day be merry and bright!

Marty