daily prayer

Good morning! How are we faithing? Survive the Christmas weekend? I hear people saying,"glad it's over" and "aw darn, it's over". I guess it's from what vantage point one views through determines which statement applies. The advent season is alot of things to alot of different people. I saw in Jerusalem a Rabi was condemning Christmas trees and he had a point from a legalistic view. I see churches putting up those same trees out of tradition. What the Rabi missed although technically correct, was the representation and mindset the people who celebrate and use that icon. Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of the savior but in the eyes of believers in messiah they bring to remembrance the birth of that said savior. Crosses hung around necks or the star of David on a necklace in of themselves are nothing but what they represent....ah now that's another thing altogether. Idolatry in the sense that that Rabi was referring to is not good and is very dangerous but icons used to remind us of our convictions and beliefs are fine as long as we do realize that is what their purpose is and indeed there is no power in them. That goes along with,"don't say that! You're in church!" What? It's ok out of the building? Hogwash. If it isn't acceptable in church, why would it be outside the walls? We as Christians really need to think about what we do and say and compare it with the Word. So when the question comes about the icons we use, be sure you know why we use them. Be sure to point to Jesus and explain the grace and love we now enjoy. If you find out you are doing something unacceptable, repent and maybe even wear an elastic band to remind you of that behavior...just food for thought.

Jer 10:12-16
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance--the LORD Almighty is his name.
NIV

Remember Jill Cutler as she heals...Michael Riddle...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son's birth that led to our redemption. Help us realize the things we idolize and help us put into perspective those things. Lord we ask for healing in Jill and Michael today. We also ask for your touch on our lives and help us be the people we need to be to lead others to you. Forgive our sins cause we know we have a bunch. Grant us wisdom and peace in our days and it's in the precious name of Jesus we ask, amen