DEVOTION # 51 “PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS”
Dec 17, 2023 06:42:14 #
Greetings and Happy Sunday to all Fishing Stagers and guests!
First, I want to apologize to all who may be Jewish or anyone who celebrates Hanukkah, for not posting this sooner. I didn’t realize that Hanukkah was so early this year, but want you all to know that I understand that “preparing for the holidays” includes not only Christians, but also Jews. I am also aware that non- believers celebrate Christmas, much the same as believers, as was/is demonstrated by Plumbob’s recent thread, here on FS. So… regardless of how you identify, this one’s for you!
There are many, many ways we prepare for the holidays, this time of year - putting up a tree, decorating it, our homes, yards, and offices, buying gifts for family and friends, cooking and baking all kinds of special things with lots of calories, and some even still send out holiday cards to family and friends. Well… this devotion is about
NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Today we’re going to talk about preparing OURSELVES for the holidays. There’s no cost involved, other than a little of our time.
Believers and unbelievers alike, would do well to check their own hearts and minds before the holidays to make sure they are ready for what’s coming. It may be relatives of the “opposite party”, or opposing opinions, or even a different favorite NFL team. Maybe you will be celebrating with a friend or relative, and you or they are harboring resentment for some reason. We all need to make an intentional effort to remember that
how we treat others, may be how they treat us. ( no guarantees, but it’s worth a shot!) Make an effort to avoid subjects that you know are “sore spots” with someone, or will
cause friction. Try to release past resentment toward relatives if you can. Do the same if you are holding resentment toward God.
For believers, the Bible says we should check our faith to make sure it’s real. If you’re a Christian, act like it. Prepare your hearts with prayer.
”Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.“
2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT
What is the most important thing we can share with our family, friends, or those we come in contact with, during the holidays?
Is it presents? Food? Love? Memories? How about Jesus?
All of these are GOOD things!
As I mentioned above, some people are carrying resentment or unforgiveness toward others or toward God. This will just weigh you down and take away your joy!
The Bible says:
”The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.“
John 10:10 NKJV
If you are suffering now, or have resentment toward God for any “bad things” that have happened to you or your family, please don’t blame God. It is Satan who caused sin and suffering to come into the world, clear back in the beginning, and it is STILL he who is responsible for our pain and suffering today, not God.
During this holiday season, remember God is good and He sent His Son so we could celebrate ALL that’s good that He provides for us.
Don’t be afraid to take a stand for the One we’re celebrating while at your holiday gatherings - even if it’s nothing more than leading a group
“Happy Birthday to Jesus” song!🎶
In the following video by Pastor Allen Jackson, he talks in detail about more things we can do to make the holidays better and how we, as Christians, can “Establish a Legacy of Faith”.
Enjoy the message and have a great Lord’s Day!
https://www.youtube.com/live/HG0Y3fr1onc?si=E3yZglAU0p2PDTA-
First, I want to apologize to all who may be Jewish or anyone who celebrates Hanukkah, for not posting this sooner. I didn’t realize that Hanukkah was so early this year, but want you all to know that I understand that “preparing for the holidays” includes not only Christians, but also Jews. I am also aware that non- believers celebrate Christmas, much the same as believers, as was/is demonstrated by Plumbob’s recent thread, here on FS. So… regardless of how you identify, this one’s for you!
There are many, many ways we prepare for the holidays, this time of year - putting up a tree, decorating it, our homes, yards, and offices, buying gifts for family and friends, cooking and baking all kinds of special things with lots of calories, and some even still send out holiday cards to family and friends. Well… this devotion is about
NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Today we’re going to talk about preparing OURSELVES for the holidays. There’s no cost involved, other than a little of our time.
Believers and unbelievers alike, would do well to check their own hearts and minds before the holidays to make sure they are ready for what’s coming. It may be relatives of the “opposite party”, or opposing opinions, or even a different favorite NFL team. Maybe you will be celebrating with a friend or relative, and you or they are harboring resentment for some reason. We all need to make an intentional effort to remember that
how we treat others, may be how they treat us. ( no guarantees, but it’s worth a shot!) Make an effort to avoid subjects that you know are “sore spots” with someone, or will
cause friction. Try to release past resentment toward relatives if you can. Do the same if you are holding resentment toward God.
For believers, the Bible says we should check our faith to make sure it’s real. If you’re a Christian, act like it. Prepare your hearts with prayer.
”Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.“
2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT
What is the most important thing we can share with our family, friends, or those we come in contact with, during the holidays?
Is it presents? Food? Love? Memories? How about Jesus?
All of these are GOOD things!
As I mentioned above, some people are carrying resentment or unforgiveness toward others or toward God. This will just weigh you down and take away your joy!
The Bible says:
”The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.“
John 10:10 NKJV
If you are suffering now, or have resentment toward God for any “bad things” that have happened to you or your family, please don’t blame God. It is Satan who caused sin and suffering to come into the world, clear back in the beginning, and it is STILL he who is responsible for our pain and suffering today, not God.
During this holiday season, remember God is good and He sent His Son so we could celebrate ALL that’s good that He provides for us.
Don’t be afraid to take a stand for the One we’re celebrating while at your holiday gatherings - even if it’s nothing more than leading a group
“Happy Birthday to Jesus” song!🎶
In the following video by Pastor Allen Jackson, he talks in detail about more things we can do to make the holidays better and how we, as Christians, can “Establish a Legacy of Faith”.
Enjoy the message and have a great Lord’s Day!
https://www.youtube.com/live/HG0Y3fr1onc?si=E3yZglAU0p2PDTA-
Dec 17, 2023 07:13:46 #
1Oldboat42
Loc: Kearney, Nebraska
Randyhartford wrote:
Greetings and Happy Sunday to all Fishing Stagers ... (show quote)
What you have written here is good and is for EVERYONE. A number of years back there arose a separating strief between our oldest son, and his family, and us. We missed years of our grandkids growing up, but we tried very hard to not dig up skeletons the few short times we were with them. They did the same and now God has healed the relationship and it's stronger than ever. We're all cautious about certain subjects, but unity in the family is priority. (Wish I could underline the last statement) But I will still say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy holidays to me means I hope you catch a lot of fish over Labor, Memorial Day and 4th of July.
Dec 17, 2023 10:51:05 #
Fishing Couple wrote:
What you have written here is good and is for EVER... (show quote)
Thank you, Joel!
God can certainly heal relationships if we let Him - it’s great to hear about you and your son’s.
The message is excellent if you get time to watch it…
Also, thank you so much for your support and for your stand you take for YOUR faith. 🙏🏻
Dec 17, 2023 12:19:20 #
Randyhartford wrote:
Greetings and Happy Sunday to all Fishing Stagers ... (show quote)
Good ideas on making the holidays better Allen has there Randy. Also mentions how easy forgiveness is. Don't bring it up and Let it go, simple as that.
Can't say we ever sang happy birthday at the dinner table on Christmas, but always wished Jesus a Happy Birthday at the end of the prayer.
Dec 17, 2023 12:33:26 #
plumbob wrote:
Good ideas on making the holidays better Allen has there Randy. Also mentions how easy forgiveness is. Don't bring it up and Let it go, simple as that.
Can't say we ever sang happy birthday at the dinner table on Christmas, but always wished Jesus a Happy Birthday at the end of the prayer.
Can't say we ever sang happy birthday at the dinner table on Christmas, but always wished Jesus a Happy Birthday at the end of the prayer.
The “Happy Birthday” song 🎶 is a fun activity for the kids during
“present opening” time….
Dec 17, 2023 12:42:08 #
Randyhartford wrote:
The “Happy Birthday” song 🎶 is a fun activity for the kids during
“present opening” time….
“present opening” time….
I got 4 non believers coming for Christmas Randy, step grands and their parents. They wouldn't get it.
Very sad when we say the grace that look on the kids face like " Who is this Lord guy '
Dec 17, 2023 13:19:50 #
plumbob wrote:
I got 4 non believers coming for Christmas Randy, step grands and their parents. They wouldn't get it.
Very sad when we say the grace that look on the kids face like " Who is this Lord guy '
Very sad when we say the grace that look on the kids face like " Who is this Lord guy '
That is sad… ☹️
Dec 17, 2023 16:52:07 #
Randyhartford wrote:
That is sad… ☹️
The grand kids are a work in progress and showing signs of Hope with whom they hang with, but the parents have all the answers to life.
Dec 17, 2023 16:54:51 #
plumbob wrote:
The grand kids are a work in progress and showing signs of Hope with whom they hang with, but the parents have all the answers to life.
When will they be at your house?
Dec 17, 2023 17:06:28 #
Randyhartford wrote:
When will they be at your house?
Christmas evening family dinner is here.
Wife is at their house tonight with out their parents. She gets a few Jesus references in while she is there.
Dec 17, 2023 18:33:29 #
plumbob wrote:
Christmas evening family dinner is here.
Wife is at their house tonight with out their parents. She gets a few Jesus references in while she is there.
Wife is at their house tonight with out their parents. She gets a few Jesus references in while she is there.
Any “reference” is a plus. The “Happy Birthday to Jesus” is a fun thing for the kids to do and a great way to elicit questions from them - a way to “open the door”…
From there, maybe ask if they would like you to read the Christmas story from the Bible.
(Luke 2; also Matt.
1 & 2)
Dec 17, 2023 18:53:24 #
Randyhartford wrote:
Any “reference” is a plus. The “Happy Birthday to Jesus” is a fun thing for the kids to do and a great way to elicit questions from them - a way to “open the door”…
From there, maybe ask if they would like you to read the Christmas story from the Bible.
(Luke 2; also Matt.
1 & 2)
From there, maybe ask if they would like you to read the Christmas story from the Bible.
(Luke 2; also Matt.
1 & 2)
Depending on the age of your grandkids ( if they no longer believe in SC) Matt. 2 tells about the wise men and their gifts for Jesus. This is a good way to explain to them what started the tradition of giving presents at Christmas time.
Just an idea… 🥴
Dec 17, 2023 19:22:35 #
Randyhartford wrote:
Depending on the age of your grandkids ( if they no longer believe in SC) Matt. 2 tells about the wise men and their gifts for Jesus. This is a good way to explain to them what started the tradition of giving presents at Christmas time.
Just an idea… 🥴
Just an idea… 🥴
11 and 13. Santa is now a thing of the past.
Dec 17, 2023 19:24:04 #
Randyhartford wrote:
Any “reference” is a plus. The “Happy Birthday to Jesus” is a fun thing for the kids to do and a great way to elicit questions from them - a way to “open the door”…
From there, maybe ask if they would like you to read the Christmas story from the Bible.
(Luke 2; also Matt.
1 & 2)
From there, maybe ask if they would like you to read the Christmas story from the Bible.
(Luke 2; also Matt.
1 & 2)
The wife is spending the night with them since the parents went to a wedding out of town. There will be an occasional reference if I know her.
Dec 17, 2023 19:45:53 #
plumbob wrote:
11 and 13. Santa is now a thing of the past.
Plenty old enough to introduce them to Jesus…
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