Did Jesus Come to Make a Big Splash?

Many of Jesus' followers in our culture are convinced that if there is no WOW factor, then the world will not notice there is a God. I can’t help but notice that Jesus came pretty inconspicuously to an overcrowded, sleepy little town called Bethlehem — to be born in a stable and laid in a feeding trough to sleep.

No musical, drama, parade or toasting of the arrival of the King of kings. Just a stunningly beautiful star, a brief, frightful announcement by angels to some smelly shepherds about the Christ’s birth and a compelling invitation to some scholarly men who travelled far from the east to greet the tiny King.

Seems the real splash Jesus made, came from His very presence as He grew and spent His time with people who, though religious, had drifted far from God. It was His very presence that was polarizing. People would either take NEXT steps to get closer to Him or they would reject, criticize and abandon Him.

The same is true today. His presence is either compelling or repelling. Which will it be for you and me? Yes, He did come to make a splash. But the splash is all about His powerful, convicting and comforting presence. Perhaps the “WOW” is designed to be seen in how you and I truly love others.

The message of Christmas cannot transform us, but the Christ of Christmas can ... and will, if we follow Him.

DAY TWENTY-EIGHT

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

God never promised that He would give us peace like a puddle or a pond. He promised that His peace would be like a powerful, flowing river!!  And He promised that if we lack wisdom, just ask of HIM and pursue His heart, and He’ll give us deeper understanding and reveal His heart to us as we follow HIM.

Thank you for joining me on this 28-Day Challenge in the Word. This challenge was designed to just spark your appetite for getting much deeper in the Word as you fall more and more in love with Jesus and pursue His design for your heart and life. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy your time with family as you remember the incredible blessings and grace of God extended to us.

                                                        ~  Dave

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DAY TWENTY-SEVEN

Exodus 3:14-15

“God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” 

God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ 

“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to 

generation.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

HE is the same yesterday, today and forever! He promises to be your All in All now and forever. He promised that if we’ll do our part for one generation, He’ll do His part for a thousand. That sounds like a God deal to me!

Thank You, Lord for your faithfulness from generation to generation! Fill us with Your grace and as we grow in that grace, may we learn more and more to serve You and others.  

    ~  Amen

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DAY TWENTY-SIX

Psalm 94:18-19

“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” 

Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. 

When anxiety was great within me, 

Your consolation brought me joy.”

In the Bible, the phrase, “unfailing love” is used 32 times. Not once is it used to describe human love. Only God’s love is completely INCAPABLE of failure. 

Thank You, Lord, that Your unfailing love lifted me and sets me on the Solid Rock. Lord, help me to walk, love and grow in Your amazing grace!    ~ Amen

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DAY TWENTY-FIVE

John 16:33

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. ⁱIn the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:37

“We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”

NEVER WILL HE HOLD  YOUR HAND MORE TIGHTLY  THAN WHEN HE IS LEADING  YOU TO BE AN OVERCOMER — NO MATTER HOW DARK IT MAY BE AROUND YOU.

Thank You, Lord that You have overcome the world! And we claim Your powerful promise to overcome the world in us.   ~ Amen

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DAY TWENTY-FOUR

Psalm 95:6-7

“ Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.”

The path to His peace in our lives is paved with knee prints coming from those who will bend their knees to His trustworthy authority. Though all of us can say we have not always found man to be completely trustworthy, God has never failed to live up to His Word in relationship with His people.

Lord, I know you will fulfill Your purpose for me and in me, if I will diligently seek to be Your child and do Your will. Thank You that Your love endures forever!  As I walk this path, give me the strength to…

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DAY TWENTY-THREE

James 4:10

“ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

Luke 1:52

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has lifted up the humble.”

True humility! Yep, it’s that important! In order to remove the obstacle of pride, we have to view pride as an absolutely dangerous enemy. Conversely, we must view humility as a very dear friend. For it is only in embracing true humility that we can have a heart of worship that pleases and honors God.

Father in heaven, deliver us from Me-ville.

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