Happy Wednesday Everyone! If you are traveling today, please drive carefully. I pray for God’s hand to guide you wherever you go. If you are having big gatherings this Thanksgiving, remember to keep that hand sanitizer nearby.
Tomorrow we give thanks for all we have as Americans. But today, as I was driving home, a beautifully scenic route through the southside of Savannah, crossing over the Vernon, Little Ogeechee, and lastly the Ogeechee River, on a decently cool fall day, I just was overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude for everything I have in my life. My God who adores me. My Savior who pursues me. My beautiful, loving wife. My fun, sweet, precious children. A career I absolutely love. Living near a city unlike any other place in America. A country that has more potential than any country in the world. Breath in my lungs and a beating heart! Praise the Lord.
I have to remind myself quite often that this year has been challenging to many. For millions, it has been the most difficult year in their lives. For those still struggling to see the light in the darkest places, just remember, He understands.
November 25
1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,
To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
2Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Jude 1, 2)
Jude is the last epistle in the classic New Testament canon. Doing some quick research, there is some debate over who Jude is. There are some who believe that Jude is the brother of Jesus, much like James. The Cathoilic church recognizes Jude to be the half-brother of Jesus, the Protestant church believes Jude to be the brother of the other James of the Disciples. That Jude is the same as Thaddeus, because Judas Thaddeus was his full name. And the early church decided to call him Jude because Judas Iscariot brought such a bad rap to the name “Judas” Thaddeus became known as just “Jude.”
Personally I am torn to who this Jude is. I would like to think that it is the half-brother of Jesus, but you would think he would have opened his letter up noting that. Although James did not call himself Jesus’ brother either. Both did open their letter stating they were “servants” of Jesus Christ. Who Jude is does not matter, what is important is the depth of teaching this man packs into this two page letter. We’ll explore that in these final days of the month.
Reading plan: Old Testament reading only
Deeper reading plan: Zephaniah 1:1-9
Prayer and meditation: Today we thank God for all the prophets of the past, present, and those to come. We thank God that He chose these amazing people to speak to the world and teach us of our Creator’s glory and grace. Pray for common sense to infect the minds of all of America and we respect the results of our election process. Pray for peace, pray for calm. Pray the revival in your heart overflows to all those around you.
Fitness challenge: Day 86-86 Reps
- Hand-release Push-up
- Sit-up
- Jumping squat
- Leg lift
- Burpees
Run: Wednesday is our sprint work-out. No ladders this month, just straight speed work.
Common Sense Reborn 