Cornerstone

Monday, December 29 – Read Isaiah28:15-17
Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith.  We are intended to build our lives around his life, death and resurrection.  The measure of our faith, how well we live it out will be in the ways we seek justice for all and righteousness for ourselves.  In what ways can you work for Justice this week?  Pray for a righteous heart today.

Tuesday, December 30 – Read Matthew 2:10-11 and Matthew 28:16-17
As you look ahead at 2009 the opportunity for a new resolve presents itself.  As mentioned above, righteousness if a part of the faith life of a Christ-Follower.  Righteousness evolves out of an attitude of worship.  What worship resolution will you make for 2009?  Pray that God will provide you with reminders, like a star over Bethlehem, to take time to worship Christ in the coming year.

Wednesday, December 31 – Read Luke 24:13-35
The two disciples in this story weren’t expecting Jesus to walk with them for two reasons; first, he was dead, and second, they weren’t familiar with the scriptures.  Often we miss the most important things God wants to share with us because we are not familiar with the Bible.  In 2009, what resolution will you set for yourself to cause you to focus more deeply on the scriptures?  Pray for a deeper appreciation and understanding of what God has written for you in the Bible.

Thursday, January 1 – Read Acts 2:41-43
Some choose to make Sunday morning the only time of the week that they come into contact with those who are making a whole hearted attempt to follow Christ.  One of the great gifts that Jesus gave his disciples prior to being raised up to heaven was the gift of friends to encourage each other in their faith walk.  Gathering with others to talk about and encourage the faith is one of the cornerstones of Christianity.  What group of people will be helping you in your faith walk in 2009?  Pray for a group strong enough to help you grow.

Friday, January 2 – Read James 5:13-16
James, the brother of Jesus, held prayer in high regard.  With an older brother myself, I can only imagine how strange it must have been for James to consider prayer to his own brother.  Yet this was a man of faith who believed sincerely in the power of prayer.  In 2009 I encourage you to explore for yourself the power that prayer can play in the life of a Christ follower.  Today pray…. well, just pray!

Saturday, January 3 – Read 1 John 1:1-3
This little letter from John is power packed with great advice for anyone trying to live the life of a Christ follower.  Here, at the very beginning of the letter we find John proclaiming the good news of Christ to us.  The clear implication is that one of the marks of a Christ follower is that we don’t keep it to ourselves but encourage others to get on the path that leads toward fulfillment in this life and eternal fellowship with Christ in the next.  Who will you invite to go on a faith walk with you this year?  Pray fo the wisdom and courage to share your walk with someone who appears lost.