Monday November 15

Read Ephesians 1:1-6. 1 Peter 1:18-21

As we move foreword rapidly to Christmas let me encourage you to slow down and to take time regularly (would daily be pushing my luck???) to  think deeply about the meaning and the history of Christmas - it really is more than an old fat-man wearing a ridiculously red suit climbing down your non-existent chimney and leaving presents for you and the children.

Have you ever really taken time to think through the wonder of Christmas? Have you ever thought about where Christmas began and why it began?

Obviously, the first Christmas began with the birth of our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth but the idea of Christmas began well before that.   Read Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20. Christ was chosen from before the world’s creation to be our Saviour. Even more so, you and I were chosen to come to Christ for salvation before the creation of the world. The mind boggles as to the supreme wisdom of God who can choose us in Christ and still allow us to come freely to Christ by our own volition!

But let’s focus on Christ and not ourselves (that’s always a good idea, isn’t it??). Jesus was chosen from before the creation of the world to be our Saviour. That means  the whole Old Testament is a preparation for his coming. That means we should be able to read through the former covenant and find traces and glimpses that point forward to His coming.  That is exactly what we find in the Old Testament. Those who knew God and were close to God were watching intently, waiting for the true Saviour to be revealed.

And on the first Christmas, some 2,000 years ago our Saviour was born  - not with trumpet blast and fanfare but humbly, in a stable with lowly shepherds and Eastern Star gazers giving Him glory. Such a small, seemingly insignificant event would grow to change the very fabric of society, the nature of the world and bring light and hope to millions  upon millions of lost souls.

Daily Diary

Often our prayers reflect our immediate concerns and issues. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with praying through these issues. It’s even commanded in Scripture. However, we can have a more fulfilling, more rewarding time with God as we add a depth to our prayers and a quality to our time with God. Let me suggest that you journal for the duration of this sermon series and then re-evaluate your prayer time/ quiet time with our Lord. For journaling, you can use a note pad, an exercise book or even an electronic device like a phone or pda. I prefer to use my phone as it has music on it, a Bible and a place to take notes but use whatever suit your situation and level.

The following structure of prayer takes about an hour to work through and adds depth of prayer and biblical input into your life. The headings are listed with a short description what each entails.

Today:  Use today’s Date as a heading for future reference.

Take a few minutes to think about the day you’ve had and jot down the pertinent points. Include feelings, reflections, leadings by God, good points, bad points etc.

This will help clear your mind and get you ready to focus on God. It will help  you get a better perspective on what to pray about.

Forgiveness

Jot down what you’ve done today that displeased God. Ask for forgiveness and meditate upon some forgiveness passages.

Keep short accounts with God. Don’t let sin build up.     Honestly seek His forgiveness each day.

Today’s Passage: Hezekiah 15:32

Read a passage of Scripture and jot down what happened or what is said. Note what you learn and what strikes you as amazing. Make a note of other relevant passages and the relationships you observe.

The more you do this, the easier it gets. Don’t worry if you can’t write a commentary the first time around!

Praise:

Given the passage you’ve just read, how can you praise God. Think about the day you’ve had and the passage you’ve read and spend time praising God.

Include only heart felt praises here not stuff you think you have to praise God for. Focus on what you’ve witnessed God doing.

Supplication:

This is where we pray the normal type of prayers asking God to intervene in our lives and others’ lives.

If you keep a mental list through the day you can jot them down here.

Keep space for answers.

Adoration:

This is where we thank God and declare God to be amazing. Focus on God and His characteristics, not on what He’s done. Read Psalm 29 to see an example or Romans 11:33-36. Here you can play a “worship” song and sing to God. You can sing your own favourite song to God in adoration.

By adoring God we grow in love for God. Don’t leave this out, even though it’s hard at first.

What’s God Saying to me?

Briefly read over all you’ve written today and think about What God is saying to you. Think about how today’s time with God will change your life and what God wants you to be doing.

What God is saying will never contradict Scripture. Think about your life and your own situation.

As you begin to diarise or journal with God, make sure that you are comfortable and free from interruption for about an hour. Make sure that you have everything you need at your fingertips - pens, paper, bible, CD for music if necessary.

Each day when you begin your time with God, spend a few moments to look back over where you and God have been so far. Take time to jot down answers to your prayers. Re-reading them will greatly encourage you. Don’t forget to share the answers with others.

Finally try to meet with God in the same place each and every day. It builds momentum, expectation and allows you to get into a routine that is helpful, beneficial and comfortable.