CHRISTmas Challenge

I'm a couple of days behind on this challenge, but better late than never. Christmas is just around the corner, 40 days as of Monday until we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This challenge is actually from our Youth Director, but figured why not pass it along to everyone.

If you read my first blog then you may have noticed that I stated Jesus has only been Lord of my life for the past couple years. Well you may be wondering what changed. What changed was a multitude of things, but one of the most prominent was that I began to be in the Word on a regular basis. In 2009 I can say that I've read my Bible every day. Now with that said, it's not about me. It's about seeking God through His Word, yearning to know Him more. The Word of God is so inspiring, so captivating that it keeps you wanting to come back for more. I know most of you are thinking, are you kidding me, how can the Bible be that exciting. Well, that is part of the challenge. I challenge you to be in the Word for the next 38 days, seeking God during this CHRISTmas season instead of the material holiday season we have all come to know.

Ok then, where would I start? I recommend starting with one of the Gospels, but Luke would be great since it's the Christmas story. As you read, take your time, soak in what God is trying to tell you. If you really seek Him, he will speak to you, but you have to be listening.

1 Kings 19:11-12 And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.

Guys, most of the time God speaks to us in this "low whisper" and if we aren't listening, we will miss it. If we take time to slow down this CHRISTmas season, focus on God and listen for His "low whisper" then we will find Him. Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wnder from your commandments! Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. As you read, ask God to speak to you, to change you, and to motivate you. Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

Just one final thought. If you are currently in a relationship or married, what would happen if you never talked? How would you learn about each other? How do you think that relationship or marriage would be? The answer is simple, it wouldn't be very good. Most people think of Christianity as a "religion", but it's not, it's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If we don't take the time to talk with Him, how can we expect the relatioship to grow.

So I ask you, WHY NOT NOW?

In His Holy Name,

Hutch