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Are you familiar with the concept of delayed gratification? Do you ever wonder if the sacrifices you make for me are worth it? How much more could gratification be delayed that to look forward to a reward that you will not receive in this lifetime? My people have been strangers and sojourners in this world because they could see a heavenly city afar off. Can you? This is the trial of your faith and patience that are so precious to me. Your present trials and afflictions, which are but for a moment, are not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed in you. This is my reward for my good and faithful servants. 

Today I was reading the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel. Luke was not only a physician, but a gifted historian who carefully chronicled the early days of Christianity in two volumes (Acts being the second volume). Once again, I was struck with the power of his introduction to God’s Great Story, bridging past and future, preparing the way for a whole new reality.

Have you ever done something casually that turned out to be an offense to someone else? Perhaps you were not even aware that it caused a problem. If others do such things to you does it create a vivid and enduring memory? Does it seem unfair to you that offenses that can occur so easily have such a negative impact? I said woe unto the world because of offences, and for good reason. Do you think of blessings as things you get? Can a blessing be something you get rid of? Come to me with your hurts and painful memories. Part of my redemptive work in your life is to release you from these things, to take away your burden of cares and woes.

Children are so cool! They all have different personalities, are all sizes, shapes, colors and varieties, but I totally believe God has a unique and special calling on every child's life. One thing I've always wondered, though. Why do we wait until they get older before we begin to feed and use those anointings?

How can you walk in this world and remain pure? I have called you to come out from among them and be separate. Yet it is not feasible for you to isolate yourself completely from the culture around you. It is necessary for you to work and trade in the commercial world, and this can bring you in contact with some impure influences. How do you reconcile this dilemma? To the pure all things are pure. If you diligently seek me I will protect you so that you can conduct your necessary business in this fallen world and remain undefiled by it. The light shines in the darkness and dispels it. Let your light shine before men that they may glorify me. Overcome evil with good.

Zig Ziglar died Wednesday, November 28, 2012. He was 86. Born the tenth of twelve children in backwoods Alabama without running water or indoor plumbing, he set forth on a marvelous journey; one that would take him around this great world and into the hearts and minds of millions of people. His life and books have impacted me greatly over the years and today we keep Zig's attitude and teachings in memory. Below are several of his quotes. Prayerfully read down through them, and see if God leaps any off the page for you.

Holy Lord Jesus, I need a word for Your people in this Christmas season.

Do you assume that a sense of community is difficult to achieve in a large church, and that it comes automatically in a small group? There is nothing automatic about a sense of community in any group, large or small. Have you ever heard of a group of people being in the same boat? This is a metaphor for community, but at the most basic level it just means that they will arrive at the same place and the same time, and they share the hope that the boat will not sink. A true community of believers requires more than this. I draw together members of enormous diversity into my body, giving them unity in my own identity, a common destiny and purpose, and deep involvement with each other.

Do you think of loyalty as a highly rated virtue? Many will pride themselves on how many years they have belonged to a particular church. Do you think it is possible to have a distorted sense of loyalty? Obedience to me is a higher principle. There is no virtue is remaining committed to something when I am calling you to move on. My word uses the clear imagery of a walk and a journey with me, running the race set before you as my follower. This implies a moving and dynamic relationship. Yet do not think of this only in terms of church affiliation. I can call you to move on even as you remain in the fellowship where I have placed you. 

Do you hate it when people interfere in your life? You would prefer to solve your problems on your own, but there are some problems that are too big for you to solve on your own. The next best thing is for you to seek help by your own initiative, but what if you lack the willpower or humility or moral resolve to do that? If your friends love you they will intervene in your life without your request or permission. Woe unto the world because of offenses, but it is more important to remain on the path that leads to life, so this is an extreme case in which it is worth it to take the risk. Blessed are those who are not offended with those who correct them unto righteousness.