Friday, December 20th

In remembering the season of giving, during our past two days of devotions we stepped outside the box a little and were reminded that there are gifts that we ought to give ourselves. 

1.) Purity
2.) Forgiveness

We understand that these gifts are a blessing to us now but will also be a blessing in the lives of others in the future.  Today's devotion continues the thread.

The gift I'd like to encourage each of you to give to yourselves this Christmas is enjoying a less drama-filled life. 

Have you ever seen someone who is wholly given to being the center of attention---the life of the party---the one who seems to be intertwined into every conflict?  Disagreements happen; we do not have perfect homes, perfect churches, or perfect lives.  But, if you find yourself discontented when there is no excitement going on, chances are you are feeding negatively on your own drama and the drama of others. 

The gift of being drama-less is really quite simple:

1.) Avoid commenting negatively on someone's post on Facebook.  Even if it's something   spiritual---don't Bible bash---especially using social media.
2.) If you know a question or a comment is going to gender strife, don't make it.   Don't ask it.   Even if it's true.  Even if it's what's really going on.  Just. Don't. Do. It.
3.) Don't talk about someone who's not present.
4.) Avoid going into a circle of girls (or guys) whose conversation wouldn't be acceptable if the Pastor or any other adult were standing around.  Even if you're not the one talking, you are the one associating with the one who is talking.

In allowing yourself to be drama-less, I guarantee you will be more contented.  And, isn't that a gift each of us long for---especially at Christmas?  Peace.  Give yourself the gift of peace.


Scripture Reading for the Day:

Proverbs 20
Philippians 3