GPS-Green

07 / Sunday Read John 10:10 (NRSVUE)

Overview: Green is the color of life. Evergreens (Christmas tree, wreaths, and garlands) symbolize everlasting life as they stay green all year round. In winter, when all the world looks dead, the green evergreens remind us of life – life that Jesus the Messiah brings.

08 / Mon – Look for all the green in wintertime  |  Read John 15:5

When the beautiful fall leaves are gone, evergreen trees continue to grace the skyline. Even when covered with fresh snow, life still courses through their branches in the harshest of temperatures. Every time you see one, let it be a symbol of God’s life flowing through your spirit. Just as green trees depend on their roots, so your life in Christ depends on him. What can you do to stay rooted in him, no matter the season?

09 / Tue – The source of the green  |  Read Psalm 1:1-3 / Isaiah 55:9-11

According to Psalm 1, what are the characteristics of one who is blessed? What do they avoid? What keeps life flowing through his or her spiritual veins? Do you see any changes you might need to make or a new direction you want to focus on as this year ends and the new one begins? Don’t feel overwhelmed. Simply plant yourself in God’s word. Ask Him to flow through your mind and heart. This stream never dries up, even in life’s droughts. You can count on His promise in Isaiah.

10 / Wed – Eternal life defined  |  Read John 17:3

Many Christians think about eternal life as what they will inherit when their physical life is over. It is comforting to know that, when the body gives out, there is a new one waiting and it will last forever. But read what Jesus said in his final prayer before the cross. How did he define eternal life? Is this what you’ll experience only after leaving Earth? Or can you have that life right now? If so, what effect will this have on today? How might you adjust your priorities and pursuits in the here and now?

11 / Thu – Your words  |  Read Proverbs 12:18 / James 3:2 / James 1:19 / Colossians 4:6

Consider how you have the power to bring life or death into someone’s heart just through your words? Think about recent conversations. Where did your words light up the hearer’s face? Were there times when your words caused confusion or dismay? It can be common to speak impulsively, not considering how your words will impact another person. You might want to make it a habit to pause before saying anything. One way is to take a breath before you speak by breathing in with ‘Holy Spirit’ and breathing out with ‘guard my tongue’. He loves to put His words in your mouth.

12 / Fri – ”It isn’t easy being green”  |  Read Ephesians 3:19

You may recognize this quote from Kermit the Frog of Sesame Street fame. The same is true of a healthy Christian life. It is only possible when you are filled to the rim with God’s fullness, which comes from being rooted, established in, fully grasping the knowledge of how wide/long/high/deep God’s love is, only possible through His power at work within you. You don’t have to wrestle and struggle to understand it. You just ask that it would be revealed to you by the Spirit. Will you do that, right now? If so, then rest in Him as He unveils the depths of His love to you over time.

13 / Sat – The life of a seed  |  Read John 12:23-25

Human and animal life, vegetation, and even new ideas start with a seed being planted. Like the ones you plant in the garden, it is often hidden. The outer shell needs to die or dissipate for new life to take root and grow. The Holy Spirit has planted seeds in your inner life in various ways. Some take root immediately, but with others, the outer shell stays hard and unproductive because you are afraid to surrender that area. Will you ask the Lord to reveal it and help you to let go?