An Advent Retreat Excerpt Day Fifteen

Day Fifteen

Where she entered the house of Zecariah and greeted Elizabeth. Luke 1:40

Personal Reflection

                                    Kinship

                    Greetings to ones who know

                        have been touched by grace.

                        Relief in their presence

                        honesty without apology.

                        Guidance by sharing

                        praying together.

                        Rest apart from prying

                        tongues anxious for gossip.

                        Grateful for kinship

                        molded by prophecy.

                        Reconciliation ahead

                        prepare the way.

                        Glory announced

Writing Prompt

1.     Through unexpected joys or sorrows, have you ever become isolated from friends and family, unable to share or communicate your experience?

2.     How did that separateness add stress?

3.     Like Mary, did you find a soul kinship to walk with you? In what ways did you help each other?

4.     Do you think that sometimes we are called into isolation to be only with the Lord? Why or why not?

Psalm of Worship

            And wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart. Psalm 104:15

Today’s Thought

Bird Struck! Parrots

Family Devotional

Day Fifteen

  

“Let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word.” Jeremiah 23:28

Author Diana Wells states that “tame parrots learn to speak with uncanny accuracy, and can even be taught to count.” They also can live for nearly a hundred years.

Parrots are usually sought for their ability to talk and entertain. They are often considered of no value if they keep silent. However, their silence does not mean that they don’t understand, and often the words they hear they will repeat much later, sometimes with embarrassing consequences.

The apostle Paul often admonishes new believers to watch what they say and how they act. Life with Jesus means following His example and His words rather than the culture around us.

It’s easy, and sometimes fun, to learn new slang and new ways of communication. But we too need to pay attention to the meaning behind words.

“Set your mind on things above,” Scripture says. We’re not to repeat random words like parrots, but instead to think about what we are saying and why.

Others may be listening or overhear us talking. If we are always speaking words of truth and hope and encouragement, then we can reflect and repeat Jesus’ character. People value others who speak honestly.

Action

1. Choose three or four of your favorite Bible stories. Write down what words best describe them.

2. Use those words whenever you can this week to encourage others.

3. Or use them to pray silently.

Read More

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