Daily Devotional: Thursday, Dec 24

Speaker: Dave Nelson

Theme: The Process of Forgiveness

Weekend Music links on iTunes: Majestic by Lincoln Brewster; Hark the Herald Angels Sing arranged by Sonicflood; How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin; What Child is Thisarranged by Cheri Keaggy.

Read: Deuteronomy 7:18, 8:2, 15:15; I Chronicles 16:12; Psalm 77:10 and 78:35

Think: I'm looking through the Christmas cards I've received so far this year. The family photos and recap of the year are always fun to read whether they are from friends near or far. And of course each letter tells of the promotions, vacations, milestones, and accomplishments--and I celebrate right along with them all!!! It got me thinking though - what if we were to write a Christmas letter with all that great stuff, but it was only about our faith and our walk with Jesus?

That's the type of letter I long to read from my friends and my family. I guess that's why I love the video testimonies we often have at church...it's a little bit like reading a Christmas letter of faith when we get to hear firsthand what God has been up to in someone's life. It always does my heart good and I'm re energized in my own walk with Christ.

Of course it's too late to include it in this year's Christmas letter but there's plenty of opportunity all year long to remember and share your spiritual highlights with someone you care about. In fact, if we do, we'd be following a great tradition - throughout the Old Testament we see how God's people constantly remembered what God had done. Scripture gives us great ideas to get us started. Here are a few:

• Remember how the LORD your God led you... Deuteronomy 8:2
• ...remember the LORD... rescued Judges 8:34
• Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles    I Chronicles 16:12
• ... remember the deeds of the LORD... Psalm 77:10
• They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. Psalm 78:35
• But do not be afraid ... remember well what the LORD your God did... Deut. 7:18

Do: Encourage a fellow follower of Christ, tell them what God has been up to in your life.

Pray: God I don't ever want to forget how you have worked in my life. Help me to share all that you have done and continue to do with those I care about. Use me to encourage and build up your people.  Thank you for your faithfulness to me! In Jesus' name Amen.  

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