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Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.  Matthew 1:2 (ESV)

ACTION PLAN: Think about the members of your earthly family. Are you holding onto any resentment, bitterness, or unforgiveness towards any of them? Is your identity negatively shaped by your childhood experiences? Remember how badly Joseph’s brothers treated him, but that God meant it for good. In light of this truth, thank God for your family and ask him to soften your heart and bring you to the place where you can forgive whoever it was that hurt you.

Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them . . . ‘I know the Lord has given you this land,’ she told them . . . ‘For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.’         Joshua 2:8–9a, 11b (NLT)

Before they left, the men told her, if she wanted to be saved, when they entered the land . . . ‘When we come into the land, you must leave this scarlet rope hanging from the window through which you let us down. And all your family members—your father, mother, brothers, and all your relatives—must be here inside the house.’ . . . ‘I accept your terms,’ she replied. And she sent them on their way, leaving the scarlet rope hanging from the window.

                                                                                                                  Joshua 2:17–18, 21 (NLT)

By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.       Hebrews 11:31 (KJV)

ACTION PLAN: If you aren’t currently serving, ask yourself to what extent it is because you feel disqualified because of your past failures, or your past sins. If you have felt that way, take comfort in Hebrews 11:31, “By faith the harlot Rahab…”. Her faith in “the supreme God of the heavens above and below the earth” (Joshua 2:8-9a), was enough to save her family from destruction and to be listed in the Book of Hebrews’ “hall of faith”. There are hundreds of ministries at Saddleback with opportunities to serve. Go to saddleback.com/connect/ministries to start.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength!    Habakkuk 3:17–19a (NLT)

Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?          Romans 8:32 (NLT)

ACTION PLAN: Begin a gratitude list. Before sleep each night, write down ten things that you are grateful for. Think about what you can give to God who ‘did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us…’ this Christmas.