Plug Them In (GodSpeak Readings Dec 14-19)

Christmas Lights: Plug Them In

The whole purpose of Christmas lights is to shine. The only way that happens is to plug them in. Without a power source, the Christmas lights are just a bunch of wire and bulbs. No too impressive. We are also not that impressive, that is, until God shines his light through us.
Daily Prayer: Lord, take this meager human being and shine your love through me to someone today. Amen.

Monday, December 14
Read Exodus 3:1-22 & Exodus 4:1-9. Moses has every excuse in the book to avoid going back to Egypt, especially his own inadequacies. What is God’s response to Moses’ issues? At the end of the day, who is doing the work, Moses or God? What perceived inadequacies are keeping you from serving God?

Tuesday, December 15
Read John 15:1-14. Christmas lights are kind of like a vine. In order for there to be light there must be power. For there to be fruit, the branch must be connected to the vine. Describe a time when you were faced with something you couldn’t handle on your own. What fruit were you able to bear through that?

Wednesday, December 16
Read Acts 2. These disciples were “plugged in” to the Holy Spirit and given a fantastic gift. Why were they given that gift? How did it shine to those around them? God doesn’t always give “fantastic” gifts, but the ones he gives are useful for shining the love of Jesus. What gifts has he given you? How does Jesus shine through you to others?

Thursday, December 17
Read Galatians 2:15-21. Paul says that he no longer lives, but Christ lives in him. How does that work? What must be surrendered in us for Christ to have that place? Is there anything that does not get surrendered to Christ? How are we even able to surrender in the first place?

Friday, December 18
Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 & 1 Corinthians 2:1-4. Paul is very clear where the power of his ministry comes from. Why is it so important to understand that the power comes from God? What happens if we don’t? Recall a story from your experience where people used their wisdom instead of God’s.

Saturday, December 19
Read 2 Corinthians 4. God has enlightened us through the gospel, but the gift is given to imperfect people. How does Paul talk about our imperfections? What is his attitude about being an imperfect vehicle for the light of Jesus to shine?

Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Paul, MN – bethelstpaul.com

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