lucado life lessons christmas devotional - week 4

8/8/2019 Lucado Life Lessons Christmas Devotional - Week 4

1/22

W e e k F o u r :S a y H u s h t o Y o u r S o u l

T H E L U C A D O

L I F E L E S S O N SC H R I S T M A S D E V O T I O N A L

Inspirational Applications for Living Your Faith


2/22

Let one of Americas most-loved pastors guide yon a memorable journey to the manger. Sit besid

the babe. Know what it was like. Be inspired to lou t your fait h for H im.

Experience this Chris tmasseason l ike never before wi th

th is s ix-week devot io n a l f rom M a x L u c a d o
http://bit.ly/9BDYcchttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://bit.ly/bhgjzyhttp://bit.ly/aXPVCFhttp://bit.ly/9NxMlHhttp://on.fb.me/c1hADGhttp://bit.ly/cfgDzWhttp://bit.ly/9xWYXuhttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://bit.ly/bhgjzyhttp://bit.ly/9BDYcc


3/22

1

Week Four: Say "Hush" to Your Soul

Day 1: A Just Man

Then Joseph [Marys] husband, being a just man,

and not wanting to make her a public example,

was minded to put her away secretly.

(Matthew 1:19)

Situation in Matthew 1:125

Because Matthew wrote for a Jewish audience, he began his Gospel by showing

through family records that Jesus was a descendant of both King David and Abraham.

Observation

Joseph found it difficult to understand the supernatural conception and birth of

Jesus Christ.

Inspiration

Matthew describes Jesus earthly father as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). He lives

in Nazareth, a single-camel map dot on the edge of boredom.

Is he the right choice? Doesnt God have better options? An eloquent priest from

Jerusalem or a scholar from the Pharisees? Why Joseph?

A major part of the answer lies in his reputation: he gives it up for Jesus. Matthew

calls him a "just man" who wanted to quietly "put away" Mary after he heard her news.

With the phrase a just man, Matthew recognizes the status of Joseph. Nazareth viewed


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him as we might view an elder, deacon, or Bible class teacher. Joseph likely took pride in

his standing, but Marys announcement jeopardized it. Im pregnant.

Now what? His fiance is blemished, tainted . . . he is righteous, godly. On one

hand, he has the law. On the other, he has his love. The law says, stone her. Love says,

forgive her. Joseph is caught in the middle.

Then comes the angel. Marys growing belly should give him no cause for

concern, but reason to rejoice. She carries the Son of God in her womb, the angel

announces. But who would believe it?

A bead of sweat forms beneath Josephs beard. He faces a dilemma. Make up a lieand preserve his place in the community, or tell the truth and kiss his reputation good-

bye. He makes his decision. Joseph . . . took to him his wife, and did not know her till

she had brought forth her firstborn Son (Matthew 1:2425).

Joseph swapped his Torah studies for a pregnant fiance and an illegitimate son

and made the big decision of discipleship. He placed Gods plan ahead of his own.

Do I? Do you? I wonder . . . how might God's plan change your own plans this

Christmas season?

(Adapted from 3:16 by Max Lucado)

Application

Gods plan encompasses your personality, your talents, and your future. Ask God

to help you be a witness to His Son this Christmas, open to new assignments and eager to

grow in faith.


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Exploration

Jesus Family HistoryRuth 4:1822; 1 Chronicles 3:1017; Luke 3:2338.

Virgin Birth of JesusIsaiah 7:14.


6/22


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he was wax before the sun. A candle in a hurricane. A minnow at Niagara. Gods glory

was too great. His purity too sterling. His power too mighty. His holiness too blinding.

Isaiah learned that God is holy, holy, holy.

And yet . . . Jesus chose to leave behind the splendor of heaven and its

shimmering holiness in order to come and live among us. He donned the costliest of

robes: a human body. He made a throne out of a manger and a royal court out of some

cows. He took a common nameJesusand made it holy. He took common people and

made them the same.

This year, when you sing "Silent Night, Holy Night," why not ask God to helpyour lips match the lyrics?

(Adapted from When God Whispers Your Name and When Christ Comes by Max

Lucado)

Application

God is much more than a cosmic buddy. Yes, Jesus was born in a stable and

placed in a mangerbut let's be careful not to think too little of God. Ask God to grow

within you a respectful, humble attitude that won't make people wince when you say,

"Merry Christmas!"

Exploration

Cup of Gods JudgmentIsaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15; 49:12; Habakkuk 2:16;

Revelation 14:10; 16:19; 18:6.


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Day 3: A Bit Of It All

Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet,

and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared;

for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the L ORD is your strength."

Nehemiah 8:10

Situation in Nehemiah 8:118

Nehemiah and Ezra assembled the people in Jerusalem to hear the law of Moses.

Many wept when they realized how disobedient they had been, but the assembly became

a festive time when the people reclaimed their legacy as Gods chosen people.

Observation

Nehemiah not only encouraged the people to consider the day sacred but also to

rejoice in the Lord, their source of strength. They could seek Gods holiness and be joyful

at the same time.

Inspiration

Last night during family devotions, I called my daughters to the table and set a

plate in front of each. In the center of the table I placed a collection of food: some fruit,

some raw vegetables and some Oreo cookies. Every day, I explained, God prepares

for us a plate of experiences. What kind of plate do you most enjoy?

The answer was easy. Sara put three cookies on her plate. Some days are like that,

arent they? Some days are three cookie days. Many are not. Sometimes our plate has

nothing but vegetablestwenty-four hours of celery, carrots, and squash. Apparently


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God knows we need some strength, and though the portion may be hard to swallow, isnt

it for our own good? Most days, however, have a bit of it all. Vegetables, which are

healthy but dull. Fruit, which tastes better and we enjoy. And even an Oreo, which does

little for our nutrition, but a lot for our attitude.

All are important and all are from God. We know that all things work together

for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose

(Romans 8:28). We, like Paul, must learn both to be full and to be hungry, both to

abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

(Philippians 4:12, 13).Christmas is a time for cookies, but also for kettles clanking with donations. We

rejoice over the coming of the Messiah, but also mourn over our sin that made the

incarnation necessary. We celebrate God for the Oreos, offer praise for the fruit, and give

thanks for the veggiesall of it. Christmas teaches us that holy times can also be happy

times.

Oh, and one last thing. It's also a good time to ask ourselves, What are we doing

to bring Christ's "Joy to the World"?

(Adapted from The Great House of God by Max Lucado)

Application

Are you a joyful Christian or a grumpy one? How can you make the joy of the

Lord your strength this Christmas season? What can you do to make this the most joyful,

merriest Christmas ever, whatever your circumstances?


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Exploration

JoyJohn 15:1-11; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22, 23; James 1:2, 3; 1 John 1:1-

4.


11/22

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Day 4: The Best Is Yet to Come

The Deliverer will come out of Zion,

And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;

For this is My covenant with them,When I take away their sins.

Romans 11:26, 27

Situation in Romans 11:136

Were the Jews still Gods chosen people? What role did non-Jewish people have?

Paul set out to answer these questions.

Observation

Christians often feel superior to other groupsas if we had done something great

to earn our acceptance before God. Instead, Gods gift of salvation should make us

humble and grateful.

Inspiration

Do you come from a family of present shakers? Not content to wait until

Christmas to find out what's beneath all that bright-colored wrapping paper, these folks

wait until no one's around and then quietly, stealthily snatch their presents from under the

tree. Then they shake them, tap them, roll them around, mentally weigh them, put their

ears next to them, smell them, put them up to bright lights, and anything else they can

think of to get a foretaste of what's inside. They just can't wait.


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In a similar way, Paul calls the Holy Spirit a foretaste: We have the Holy Spirit .

. . as a foretaste of future glory (Romans 8:23 NLT). No person with a healthy appetite

for food or for gifts needs a definition for that word. Even as I draft this chapter, my mind

drifts toward a few foretastes. Within an hour Ill be in Denalyns kitchen sniffing the

dinner trimmings like a Labrador sniffing for wild game. When shes not looking, Ill

snatch a foretaste. Just a bite of turkey, a spoon of chili, a corner of bread . . . pre-dinner

snacks stir appetites for the table.

Samplings from heavens kitchen do likewise. There are moments, perhaps far too

few, when time evaporates and joy modulates and heaven hands you an hors doeuvre. Your newborn has passed from restlessness to rest. Beneath the amber light of a

midnight moon, you trace a soft finger across tiny, sleeping eyes and wonder, God gave

you to me? A prelibation from heavens winery.

Youre lost in the work you love to do, were made to do. As you step back from

the moist canvas or hoed garden or rebuilt V-eight engine, satisfaction flows within like a

gulp of cool water, and the angel asks, Another aperitif?

The lyrics to the old carol say what you couldnt but wanted to, and for a

moment, a splendid moment, there are no wars, wounds, or tax returns. Just you, God, a

Bethlehem star, and a silent assurance that everything is right with the world.

Rather than dismiss or disregard such moments as good luck, relish them. They

can attune you to heaven. And while I don't recommend you play swami with your

Christmas gifts (too much can go wrong; trust me on this), use this time before December

25 to attune your heart to heaven's best gift, Jesus Christ. Think of all your Savior has

done for you. And then recognize, the best is yet to come.


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(Adapted from Come Thirsty by Max Lucado)

Application

Some startled shepherds working the fields around ancient Bethlehem got a

foretaste of heaven's glory one night when a band of angels appeared to them to announce

the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. As you prepare to celebrate that long-ago birth,

look around for your own foretastes of heavenly glory. And give thanks.

Exploration

Gods Choice in SalvationDeuteronomy 9:4, 5; Romans 2:4; 8:28, 29;

Ephesians 1:4, 5, 11; 2:8, 9; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4; Titus 3:5.


14/22

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Day 5: Garments of Salvation

You shall put the holy garments on Aaron,

and anoint him and consecrate him,

that he may minister to Me as priest.Exodus 40:13

Situation in Exodus 39:140:38

Moses provided instructions about the priestly garments and other matters

pertaining to worship and the tent of meeting.

Observation

Some people believe that outward appearance determines inner quality. With

God, it's the other way around: outward appearance should reflect inner reality. The

priestly garments reflected the holy character of the priests as they communed with a holy

God.

Inspiration

"Christmas finery," it's called. It used to refer to the fancy lace dresses and crisp

new suits worn by yuletide revellers. These days, however, the term gets used to describe

anything from Santa bibs on Chihuahuas to ersatz gold lam knickers for Happy Meal

figurines. Somehow we think that adorning ourselves (or our significant others) with

outlandish seasonal apparel makes for a merry season. It doesn't, of course. Real gaiety

has to come from the inside.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ," Paul says, "and make no provision for the

flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:14).


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For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as

were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26, 27).

This clothing has nothing to do with fur and red hats and snowflake designs and

electronic boutonnires that sing "Jingle Bells." Gods concern is with our spiritual

garment. He offers a heavenly robe that only heaven can see and only heaven can give.

Listen to the words of Isaiah: I will greatly rejoice in the L ORD , my soul shall be joyful

in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me

with the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Remember the words of the father when the prodigal son returned? He wanted hisson to have new sandals, a new ring, and what else? New clothes. Bring out the best

robe and put it on him (Luke 15:22). No son of his was going to be seen in shabby,

muddy rags. The father wanted the son to have the best clothing available.

Your Father wants you to have the same.

This Christmas season, get decked out for your Father. This has nothing to do

with what the store sells youbut everything to do with what God gives you when you

give your life to Him.

(Adapted from When Christ Comes by Max Lucado)

Application

What sort of "Christmas finery" do you hope will make you look good this year?

How much time do you take each day to develop your inner character? Knowing that the


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latter matters much more to God than the former, get up early for the rest of this holiday

season and start your day in prayer.

Exploration

God and ClothesMatthew 6:2830; Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:2629; 1

Timothy 6:68.


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Day 6: Christ In His Purest Form

While [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them;

and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying,

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" Matthew 17:5

Situation in Matthew 17:118:14

Jesus followers took a risk when they believed that Jesus was the Messiah and

the Son of God.

Observation

Though they had daily seen Jesus power and authority, this transformation of

Jesus proved that Jesus was Gods Sonthe Messiah.

Inspiration

The shepherds hardly knew what hit them. One moment, all was dark. Silent.

Cold. The next moment, heaven split open and the glory of God poured out on their

frightened, bedazzled heads. "The Savior is here," one mighty angel declared. "Go see

Him."

Too bad none of the disciples were there that night. If they had been, the

Bethlehem light show put on by the angels over a sleepy pasture might have prepared

them for the main event that took place on the Mount of Transfiguration some thirty

years later.


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The shepherds, like the disciples, got up. But they didn't shut up. "Now when they

had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this

Child" (Luke 2:17). Fearful shepherds became fearless witnesses.

Allow the light of Christ to shine out of you this holy season. Who do you know

that needs to know Him?

(Adapted from Fearless by Max Lucado)

Application When did God open your eyes to accept Him? Recount the experience when God

took your heart and made it new. Thank Him for his grace. In your daily routine today,

look for a way to tell someone how the Christ of Christmas has changed your story.

Exploration

Jesus GlorifiedMark 9:28; 16:19; Luke 9:2836; John 1:14; 17:5, 24;

Ephesians 1:21, 22; Philippians 2:9, 10; Colossians 1:1518; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation

5:714; 19:1116.


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Day 7: Out On a Limb

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep,

did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name J ESUS .

Matthew 1:24-25

Situation in Matthew 1:182:23

Jesus was born a descendant of King David during the reign of King Herod. The

Roman Senate had appointed Herod to rule Judea.

Observation

Reaction to Jesus birth was mixed. The wise men came to worship Jesus, while

King Herod tried to kill Him.

Inspiration

Christmas is coming, and perhaps changes are in the air for you. Maybe youre in

the midst of a decision. Its disrupting, isnt it? You like your little branch . . . . and like

Joseph, Mary's betrothed husband, youve been a pretty good branch-sitter. And then you

hear the call: I need you to go out on the limb and . . .

. . . move. Take your family and move overseas, I have a special work for you.

. . . forgive . It doesnt matter who hurt who first. What matters is that you go and

build the bridge.


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. . . evangelize . That new family down the block? They dont know anyone in

town. Go meet them.

. . . sacrifice . The orphanage has a mortgage payment due this month. They cant

meet it. Remember the Christmas bonus you received last week?

Regardless of the nature of the call, the consequences are the same: civil war.

Though your heart may say yes, your feet say no. Excuses blow as thick as golden leaves

in an autumn wind. Thats not my talent. Its time for someone else to take charge.

Not now. Ill get to it tomorrow.

But eventually youre left staring at a bare tree and a hard choice: His will or yours? Despite the hardness of it, Joseph made the right decision. May we do likewise.

(Adapted from God Came Near by Max Lucado)

Application

How may God be calling you to go out on a limb this Christmas season? How can

you best celebrate the birth of Jesus, the King, by responding to his call? What gift can

you bring to Jesus in your prayer, worship, or service?

Exploration

Prophecies about JesusJeremiah 31:15; Micah 5:2.


22/22

Let one of Americas most-loved pastors guide yon a memorable journey to the manger. Sit besid

the babe. Know what it was like. Be inspired to lou t your fait h for H im.

Experience this Chris tmasseason l ike never before wi th

th is s ix-week devot io n a l f rom M a x L u c a d o
http://bit.ly/9BDYcchttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://bit.ly/bhgjzyhttp://bit.ly/aXPVCFhttp://bit.ly/9NxMlHhttp://on.fb.me/c1hADGhttp://bit.ly/cfgDzWhttp://bit.ly/9xWYXuhttp://on.fb.me/a13druhttp://bit.ly/bhgjzyhttp://bit.ly/9BDYcc

lucado life lessons christmas devotional - week 4

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