Saturday December 5

9Give victory to the king, O Lord; answer us when we call.*Psalm 20:9
In prayer, we ask for many things.  Help for people in need, countries in distress, soldiers lost in battle and those still fighting. We ask for personal blessings and sometimes selfish wishes.  And we praise and thank God.  But I have to remind myself to listen to his answers.  It is sometimes difficult in this busy Christmas season to find the time to do just that-sit and listen.  Listen to the Lord speaking to our hearts and our minds.
18for they said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.’19It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. 20But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to*  eternal life. Jude 1:19-21
Every year I enter the malls and search for gifts and review my kids wish lists and overspend and wonder why I do it? Am I indulging in ungodly lusts?  I know that prayer alone will not do the Christmas shopping for me, or bake the goodies for the parties, or cook the Christmas dinner, but I have chosen to take a step back this year.  Perhaps the current state of the economy has helped me choose, but I will spend less money and spend more time this year. Time with friends, time with family, time with community and time in prayer.
And so I am reminded, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ Matthew 22:21
Have a blessed Advent