I have this little tradition that I started a few years ago. I learned of it on Facebook of all places.
It was someone's tradition to read through the book of Luke. They would read one Chapter a day beginning on December 1st. They explain that they chose Luke for a few reasons. The first was it gives us the most known story of Jesus' birth in Luke Chapter 2. Then we get to know Jesus from the prospective of Luke in his gospel as information gathered from many sources. The last reason is that Luke is 24 Chapters long. We finish the reading on Christmas Eve.
Last year was the first year I missed doing this. I was at a loss for the entire Christmas season. I don't want to miss it this year.
I have don't the readings each night. My home fellowship has often read Luke with me. We hold each other accountable. There is no shame in falling behind either. We encouraged each other to catch up and finish strong. Just like running a race. I don't do this as a mindless devotion. I pray before I read the scripture. I want the Lord to show me something new. And he has each time I did this. I think that is why I was at a loss of missing something when I didn't read Luke last year.
Would you like to join me, we can post here how we are doing, in my little Christmas Tradition? I think it brings me closer to the Lord.
Peace That Stays
Everyone wants peace. In the world, in our homes, and in our hearts. In difficult times, we seek comfort. In heartbreaking moments, we want a peace that remains steady despite the circumstances.
The Bible teaches about this kind of peace. Philippians 4:7 describes the peace of God. No amount of self-talk or meditation can manufacture this kind of peace—it only can come from God Himself. Preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon described this kind of peace as the perfect calm and happiness of God, who is always content.
This peace transcends all understanding. It's the idea that something goes beyond our normal way of thinking. That is a beautiful description of what God’s peace does. It exceeds our understanding and surpasses anything we could expect or imagine. It also guards and protects our hearts and minds.
How do we get this kind of peace? The surrounding verses in Philippians offer guidance. Philippians 4:6 tells us to take every anxious thought and turn it into a ...