The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. — Isaiah 11:1-2

Jesus has come to us from the stump of Jesse.

A branch has grown out of his roots.

During this Christmas season, we thank God for sending Jesus.

The Spirit of the Lord has rested upon Jesus.

The Spirit of wisdom and understanding.

The Spirit of counsel and might.

The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

As we finish another year, Lord, help me to be filled with your Spirit,

With your wisdom and understanding,

With your knowledge.

Fill me with your Spirit and help me to do your will each day.

Build Up Others

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. — Romans 15:2

Tonight we host the middle school group of about 15 for the dessert portion of their progressive dinner.

They will have an ugly sweater contest, so we will decorate ugly sweater cookies.

And roast marshmallows for s'mores.

At times it's hard for middle schoolers to build up their neighbors.

They often tear each other down, instead.

This will be good practice for them to be polite, use their manners, and interact with others in a positive way.

We will sign thank-you cards for the parents who are hosting the other parts of the dinner.

And we will especially remember the birth of Lord Jesus at this Christmas season.

We will listen to Christmas carols celebrating His birth and life.

Each of us should please our neighbors, to build them up!

Jesus, the Bread of Life

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35

Last night we watched some of Ben Hur before we went to sleep.

One of the people in the film was a wise man who visited Jesus when he was born and was now trying to find him, 30 years later.

During this Christmas season, we are thanking God for sending Jesus.

We rely on Him as our bread of life.

He has given us strength to continue when can't do it on our own.

And He has healed me from cancer.

Whoever comes to Him will never go hungry and will never thirst.

Rejoicing in His promises.