Luke 2:18-19 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

When you hear good news about what Christ has done for others, your heart fills with joy because you know He will bless you also. As we come to the conclusion of advent season, keep close to your hearts about the greatness of Christ and all that He sustained you through in 2008.

Luke 2:15 “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

"This thing" the shepherds had to go see about, they didn't want to trust anyone else's report; they had to see it for themselves. And just like you, no one can tell you about "the things" that God has done for you; you had to see it for yourself. Just knowing that Jesus is near should make you all the more curious to know more about Him…go see about "this thing" that God has waiting for you!

Ecclesiastes 5:19 When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God.

Yes, you attended classes to graduate with your degree. You worked really hard to purchase your house. You saved your money so that you could retire comfortably. Yes, you did all of these things, but it was because God planted His gift of favor in you to complete them. Remember, the gift isn't what you accomplished…The gift IS GOD in you.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God.

Yes you attended classes to graduate with your degree. You worked really to purchase your house. You saved your money so that you could retire comfortably. Yes, you did all of these things, but it was because God planted His gift of favor in you to complete them. Remember, the gift isn't what you accomplished…The gift IS GOD in you.

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Not having Christ in your life or not asking Christ to guide you can leave you weak. When you're weak, you cannot make good decisions or be productive. The next time you feel weak, plug yourself back into Christ and watch your energy become restored.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

When we visit the doctor, a follow up appointment is usually necessary.  Same thing goes for worship.  Once God places a blessing on your circumstance, the follow up is to praise him, tell others of His excellent greatness, and to never cease from praying.  Switch your church membership to true discipleship and watch God enlarge you.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

To rest in God is not to lie down and fall asleep; but to receive peace for trusting Him with what you have given Him. Today, reflect on each time you gave God a problem and remember how He gave you the rest of your victory, the rest of your accomplishments, and the rest of everything you are right now!

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?

Some of us have completed our holiday shopping and others may fear not being able to buy for everyone on the list. Don't allow your Holiday list or your wish list to be a stronghold against your reason for celebrating the season. The Lord has been a good shepherd to you all year long so allow His light to continue to shine throughout this season.

Luke 1:28 The angel went to [Mary] and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

When you are greeted by God with confirmation that He is with you, it then becomes your choice to follow Him. He has already ordained your purpose in life with favor, so allow that spirit to drive you into your next level. Whether everything is going great for you or you just need a little nudge to make it through the day; remember, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you!

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”

New job, new classes, new friends, new career, new goals…regardless of the changes you decide to make in your life, remember to keep God first. If He is first in everything, then you will not lose focus on your path. Remember, keep God first!

Jeremiah 20:18 “Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?

Since the day you were born, a purpose was assigned to you to fulfill. And although you may have experienced rough patches and disappointments along the way, know that each patch made you stronger and wiser in obtaining your goal. Today, don't look at problems as the end but as an opportunity to become stronger in the race…and there is no shame in growing stronger in the Lord!

Hebrews 13:5 “Don't fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or forsake us."

It doesn't hurt to have financial security for you and your family, but don't get caught up in glorifying the money. If you glorify God first, you can then control how you spend and how you save. If every day is about getting the dollar, it will control you. Allow God to always be in control.

Psalm 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Good friends and family are always good to have around; but I can't call any of them my refuge! In God, there is security, there is hope, and there is comfort. Today, tell somebody what God is to you.

Hebrews 10:24 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

We should always be in the business of spreading more positive energy within our circle of friends. If you know someone who is always being negative; encourage them to change their negativity into positive thoughts and they will soon adopt your philosophy about life and will learn to bless other they way you blessed them.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Peace leaves your spirit when you find too much time to concentrate on what's wrong in your life. Today, allow your mind to stay focused on where God is taking you instead of where you've been. Peace will arrive when you let God in your plans.