For many people, another Christmas season is merely a re-run of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration.

During the early days of parenting, when I really struggled with priority setting and balance, I often referred to the following story that reminded me of the precedence God places on my life and family. The following story changed my life and dramatically impacted the time I devoted to being a father.

Often people who do not have a dynamic relationship with Jesus are more open to hear about His story and your witness. Please pray in advance for every gathering over the holiday season that hearts would be open and that you would have an opportunity to share how Christ has changed your life.

When others evacuated the top of the ridge, Doss stayed to save lives. Despite being ordered off the ridge, he barked back at his commanders, “No, I’m staying. There is just one more life I can save.” His prayer throughout the long evening as he was surrounded by the enemy was, “Lord, please help me get just one more.”

In Ezra 3 we read about the rebuilding of the altar so that the exiled Israelites could again freely worship their God. Once the altar and boundary walls were completed, the rebuilding of the Temple itself began. There was much rejoicing and thanksgiving as they saw their land restored.

Words like this came up in the discussion: apprentice, follower, servant, mentor, devoted believer, a special kind of learner, leader-in-training. While all these words are pieces of the definition in defining our relationship as authentic disciples of Christ, there needs to be further explanation of the context of our relationship to Jesus and one-another.

Fear is something that can extinguish the joy in life. It can make the healthiest person sick to their stomach. It can paralyze your ability to think clearly. Those who regularly experience fear know too well its byproducts — discouragement and doubt.

Does the Spirit of Christ shine through your life? I often reflect upon my daily thoughts and attitudes and how they mimic the love of Christ. Scripture tells us to be “like-minded” and to be one in spirit and purpose with Jesus.

His Word tells us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

Like the prophets and poets of the Old Testament, Jesus used birds to illustrate His teachings. He described the care He desired to provide by comparing it to the protection given by the wings of a hen over her brood.

This plant is indicative of several people I’ve had the privilege of knowing. They grow where they are planted and succeed regardless of the environment or circumstances they face.

Often people making major decisions in life will ask the question, “I wish I knew God’s will in this situation.” Our Lord gave us a prayer that helps direct our attention to knowing His will for our lives…

For many the serenity of an outdoor experience offers numerous opportunities to think through problems, relax your mind, get caught up on prayers, and listen to God. Scripture tells us that Christ spent many hours in quietness. His meditation experiences were special and allowed Him time to commune with His Heavenly Father.

I will often monitor our fire department communications to determine if a chaplain is needed at a serious accident, fire, rescue, or suicide attempt. In addition to those responsibilities, I endeavor to call upon first responders in their time of need. Hospital visitations, crises within a family, or emergency counseling is part of the job.