Expect Christ: Day 15

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to the third Sunday of Advent. Again, you are encouraged to treat Sunday as a true Sabbath, attending worship, where we have many opportunities to pray. Also, disconnect from the patterns of the week as much as possible! Believe it or not, God actually encourages us to do nothing of worldly importance from time to time. Ideally, the prayer patterns established over six days of the week lead you to a Sabbath of constant spiritual communion with God.

Here’s a text to consider today, as we move closer to the story of the incarnation.

Luke 1:67-69
John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

“Bless the Lord God of Israel
    because he has come to help and has delivered his people.
He has raised up a mighty savior for us in his servant David’s house,
    just as he said through the mouths of his holy prophets long ago.
He has brought salvation from our enemies
    and from the power of all those who hate us.
He has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
    and remembered his holy covenant,
        the solemn pledge he made to our ancestor Abraham.
He has granted that we would be rescued
        from the power of our enemies
    so that we could serve him without fear,
        in holiness and righteousness in God’s eyes,
            for as long as we live.
You, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High,
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
You will tell his people how to be saved
    through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of our God’s deep compassion,
    the dawn from heaven will break upon us,
    to give light to those who are sitting in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
        to guide us on the path of peace.”

Here are some questions I would suggest as you dwell on these words. If you’re not familiar with Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, you might want to back up in Luke and understand his full story.

What would it be like to prophesy about your own child’s future?

Do we see how Christ marks a new dawn, one that guides us on the path to peace?

Expect Christ: Day 14

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Saturday, Dec. 10, the fourteenth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 41. There’s no doubt Jesus cared deeply for those on the margins of society, offering them healing grace.

Let’s also pray these words:

“Lord, if we are to glorify you, we need the courage to go among those who struggle to acquire their most basic needs. Enlarge our circle of praise, Lord; help us find brothers and sisters in Christ in unusual places. Thank you for the resources we have. Amen.”

Confession. Let’s search our hearts, recognize our sins, confess them to the Lord, and accept forgiveness.

Petitions. As we pray for others, and ultimately, ourselves, where are we actually the answer to prayers?

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1-8. Hannah knew God could and would turn the world upside down.

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If you want to start a conversation about Christian meditation techniques, use the Comments section.

Sleep well, and as you drift off, ponder this. Where would you invite God to turn your world upside down?

Expect Christ: Day 13

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Friday, Dec. 9, the thirteenth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 23, a most familiar psalm. Perhaps a more modern translation will reveal something new to you.

Let’s also pray these words:

“Loving, Perfect Shepherd, you guide us, you rebuke us, and astonishingly, you died for us so we could be kept safe from sin and death. Keep us focused on your voice; do not let us be lured to other flocks and dangerous, worldly shepherds. We adore you and look to you with love. Amen.”

Confession. Let’s search our hearts, recognize our sins, confess them to the Lord, and accept forgiveness.

Petitions. As we pray for others, and ultimately, ourselves, where are we actually the answer to prayers?

Scripture: 2 Peter 3 :11-18. Peter speaks of the need to ready ourselves for the end of all things, which of course marks the beginning of something new and more glorious. Do his exhortations make sense to us?

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If you want to start a conversation about Christian meditation techniques, use the Comments section.

Sleep well, and let’s be mindful of how endings mark powerful new beginnings when we walk with God.

Expect Christ: Day 12

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Thursday, Dec. 8, the twelfth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 8. As people who seek holiness, we can sometimes beat up on ourselves a little as we consider sin. But let’s never forget that we are wonderfully made.

Let’s also pray these words:

“God on High, God with Us in Flesh, God Among Us as Spirit, we declare your majesty! Why do you love us so? The only answer can be that you are love. As we receive your loving grace, may we return it to you in blessings and to those around us who feel lost and forgotten. We know the well of grace never runs dry. Amen.”

Confession. Let’s search our hearts, recognize our sins, confess them to the Lord, and accept forgiveness.

Petitions. Again, as we ask for God’s intervention today, let’s try to see in our heads images of the people and places where we hope to see a miracle.

Scripture. Ruth 1:6-18. This is a portion of the Book of Ruth, which I think really needs to be read in its entirety. Perhaps you can set aside a little extra time today to hear this story.

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If you want to start a conversation about Christian meditation techniques, use the Comments section.

Sleep well, and as we dream, perhaps we will have visions of those who have loved us unconditionally.

Expect Christ: Day 11

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 7, the eleventh day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 2. As we read it, let’s pray our worldly leaders serve the Lord reverently every day.

Let’s also pray these words:

“Dear Lord, we praise you in part so that our minds and hearts are lifted out of the world for a moment. As we praise you for your great love and astonishing plan, we see our own compromise, the ways we shrink from our individual callings. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, continue to show us your better way. We bless you and glorify you! Amen.”

Confession. Where have we sinned? Where have we failed to trust in God’s plan for forgiveness?

Petitions. As we ask for God’s intervention today, let’s try to see in our heads images of the people and places where we hope to see a miracle.

Scripture. Matthew 12:33-37.

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If you want to start a conversation about Christian meditation techniques, use the Comments section.

Sleep well, knowing the Holy Spirit is re-creating our souls, and thus, our words, as we dream..

Expect Christ: Day 10

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 6, the tenth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 118. Where in life have we had to trust in the Lord rather than any human?

Let’s also pray these words together:

“Dear Lord, you are our Great Helper, in the form of Christ and among us now as Holy Spirit. We rejoice in how we have been lifted from the grave even before we enter it, knowing our spirits will fly to you. May every aspect of our lives continue to glorify you this day. Grow us in your grace so our praises may be more worthy each day. Amen.”

Confession. Where have we sinned? Where have we failed to trust in God’s plan for forgiveness?

Petitions. Ask for God’s intervention, be our concerns global, national or local, in our schools, churches and communities, or in our families and homes. And certainly, let’s ask that our individual needs be fulfilled, especially where there is spiritual poverty in our hearts.

Scripture. Isaiah 41:14-20. How do you imagine God transforming a broken world? How will the unholy or unfruitful aspects of creation be remade?

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If you want to start a conversation about Christian meditation techniques, use the Comments section.

Sleep well, knowing the Holy Spirit is performing the work of remaking the world even now.

Expect Christ: Day 9

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Monday, Dec. 5, the ninth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 72. It speaks of a king, but much of it applies to Christ the King.

Let’s also praise God, simply acknowledging who God is:

“King of all Creation, we bow down before you. May the day come soon when all you have created acknowledges in one voice your supremacy. Let us hear even from those aspects of your creation destined for remaking or destruction. You are glorious and holy. May your glory shine brightly in our lives this day. Amen.”

Confession. Where have we sinned? Where have we failed to trust in God’s plan for forgiveness?

Petitions. Ask for God’s intervention, be our concerns global, national or local, in our schools, churches and communities, or in our families and homes. And certainly, let’s ask that our individual needs be fulfilled, especially where there is spiritual poverty in our hearts.

Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. What in your life is not yet dedicated to God?

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If it has been a while since you tried the meditation techniques offered earlier, might this be a good night to try again?

And as you sleep, may your dreams inspire you to a deeper life with God.

Expect Christ: Day 8

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to the second Sunday of Advent. Again, you are encouraged to treat Sunday as a true Sabbath, attending worship, where we have many opportunities to pray, and disconnecting from the patterns of the week as much as possible. Ideally, the prayer patterns established over six days of the week lead you to a Sabbath of constant spiritual communion with God.

Here’s the text I plan to preach this second Sunday of Advent.

Philippians 4:4-9 (Common English Bible)

Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.

Here are some questions I would suggest as you dwell on these words:

Does the idea of constant gladness or rejoicing seem feasible to you?

Few of us are physically violent, but does that mean we are always gentle?

Am I praying in times of turmoil in a way where I find peace?

Have a blessed Sabbath day, one that truly changes the rest of your week.

Expect Christ: Day 7

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Saturday, Dec. 3, the seventh day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Let’s begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 24.

Let’s also praise God, simply acknowledging who God is:

“Dear Lord, we lower our eyes and bow our heads in your presence, knowing full well that you are the Creator and we are merely the created. And yet, you lift up our heads and let us know we are loved. You turn our eyes to the cross so we can see the easy path to salvation you have cleared for us. Fill us with your grace so that we may worship and praise you properly through the day. Thank you for the gifts you have given us, gifts of eternal value! Amen.”

Confession. Let’s bring before God how we have strayed from his will, knowing our Lord will forgive us. Let’s be bold enough to name our sins, even if they seem small, so we squash them before they grow. Let’s open our hands and receive his forgiving grace.

Petitions. Ask for God’s intervention, be our concerns global, national or local, in our schools, churches and communities, or in our families and homes. And certainly, let’s ask that our individual needs be fulfilled, especially where there is spiritual poverty in our hearts.

Scripture. John 1:19-28. What is your role in the coming of Christ’s kingdom?

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If it has been a while since you tried the meditation techniques offered earlier, might this be a good night to try again?

And as you sleep, may visions of future service in Christ’s name inspire you.

Expect Christ: Day 6

~ Chuck Griffin ~ Leave a comment

Today is Friday, Dec. 2, the sixth day in the Advent season.

Morning

Praise and Thanksgiving. Today, we begin by prayerfully reading Psalm 16.

Let’s also praise God, simply acknowledging who God is:

“Father! Son! Holy Spirit! Creator! Redeemer! Sustainer! These words describe you, yet as powerful as they are, no single word describes you in full, Lord of Our Lives. We go left or right, and you are there. We go forward or backward, and you are there. We look in or out, and you are there. This is a good and joyous truth because we realize holiness is offered to us everywhere, through the incredible sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We bless you now, as a prelude to eternal blessings. Amen.”

Confession. We easily identify where we have violated God’s will, assuming we take time to stop and consider our actions. As we find those moments, let’s surrender them to God, knowing he will cleanse us while also exhorting us, “Go and sin no more.“

Petitions. We usually are encouraged to focus our prayers outward, but let’s take time today to pray very intentionally for our own needs, knowing that changes in our lives will benefit those around us greatly.

Scripture. Acts 13:32-46. When did we last hunger for the word so greatly that we clamored for it, asking for more?

Silence.

Noon

Let’s continue to pray this prayer together daily:

“Lord, we have entered a season of expectation. We remember the Israelites’ past desire for a savior to arrive, and we mirror what they felt as we long now for the return of Jesus Christ. Come Lord Jesus, come! We pray this with some trepidation, knowing we never feel completely ready for such a day, and that loved ones around us may not be ready. And yet we continue to pray, Come Lord Jesus, come! We trust that your grace at your return will so overwhelm sin and death that all will be set right. As we pray for your full arrival, teach us how to make ourselves ready, living as watchful people. Amen.”

Night

At a minimum, let’s spend some significant time in a quiet, reflective state before retiring for the night. Embrace the day’s spiritual victories and release the failures.

If it has been a while since you tried the meditation techniques offered earlier, might this be a good night to try again?

And as you sleep, may resurrection promises guide your dreams.