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Jesus Front and Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas its self does not need to be mended but the approach of many could use some tweaks. The goal of this series is to help us mend our attitudes and our approach to the season. Our focus will be to learn how to experience God's presence, what to look for, what to focus on, and how to receive and give the greatest gift of all.

 

 

JESUS FRONT AND CENTER
Series: Mending Our Approach to Christmas
Luke 21:25 - 36

 

Advent is "the period of expectant waiting and preparation of the Nativity of Jesus."

 

Celebration of the first coming and the hope of the second coming of Christ are closely connected.

 

Both events teach the principle that God has a plan and a purpose and He is inviting us to plug into it.

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33

 

Habits to make you strong...

 

1. Keep Looking Up.

 

When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:28 NIV

 

When people look to God in challenging circumstances, God comes through for them in a powerful way.

 

Joseph - Daniel - David - Jonah - Paul / Silas - Peter

 

Those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 37:9 NIV)

 

2. Take Hold of Your Heart

 

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come upon you unexpectedly. Luke 21: 34

 

But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Luke 21: 34 The Message

 

Many live as through there were no consequences.

 

Keep your heart with diligence. For out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

 

Set your hearts on things above." Colossians 3:1

 

Take hold of your heart and place it where it belongs.

3. Pray for Strength.

 

Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass. Luke 21:36

 

Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass. Luke 21:36 NIV

 

"Pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors." Luke 21:36 New Living Translation

 

He is talking of a time before the second coming when life on earth will be difficult to live and the trials we face in our current situation.

 

Approach these days as you should approach your last days on this earth. To thrive and not just survive keep Jesus front and center in your life. 

 

Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Psalm 24:7 NIV

 

 

To survive what life throws your way, keep looking up, guard your heart, and pray for strength.