from Pleasant Grove Baptist Church http://bit.ly/2EIdXyy
via IFTTT Christmas Eve. The day before the big event. Like the moment before a glorious dawn, the breath before birth, the anticipation of a flower bursting open into beauty. The day before. On this day before the entry of God into our world as one of us, it would be wise to hear and heed these words from the wilderness. "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" Do we dare celebrate the birth of the saviour with any selfishness, unbelief, stubborn will, hidden sin still within our hearts? How can we celebrate light while holding into darkness? No! First make the paths straight, ready yourself, repent! Repent of what? That is what you must seek God about. What is left within you that you don't see? Have you still any self ambition? Any bad habits? Any selfish thoughts? Are your feelings still important? Have you left a hurt in someone? Do you still live by what makes you happy? Do you spend money without seeking God? Do you harbour resentment to one who hurt you? Do you enjoy the pleasures of fun, food, friends more than presence of God? Have you spent more time with a tv or a Bible this week? Have you put yourself above anyone else? Anyone? Sin! All of it! "Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God". "Be holy, even as you Father in heaven is holy". "Avoid the very appearance of evil". How do we prepare for Christ's birth? Fall on our face before God and cry out in anguish over our deceitful rebellious sinful heart! Ask God to reveal that darkness within, that part we ignore but still coddle, the stuff that keeps us from walking like Peter. After Pentecost the mere shadow of Peter touching the sick would bring healing. Does your shadow touch others with Gods presence and power? Why not? Sin. Repent! Before we celebrate, see the wretch that you are, to feel just how amazing that grace is. Get alone with your saviour and let Him reveal to you what He will. Let Him prepare you through true submission. Lay it all down at the cross. Give your life to Him. All of it. Ask Him to expose and cleanse what you have been holding back. As the rich man asked "what do I still lack?". As Jesus answered that day, so He will answer you today, if you truly want to hear. God can do anything, even clean out that darkness still in your soul. What better birthday gift to the One who died for you, than to give Him what you have held back. Be clean this Christmas season, experience all God has for you. Make straight the way of the Lord, for the Kingdom is upon us!
