I need to either move away from what is hidden or bring it out into the open. The secret of success is having no secrets.
What secrets do I have right now?
What do I have a tendency to hide?
Who do I have to share openly with?
Dedication
I will be open having no secrets.
January 16 –Presence with Presents
Meditation
Genesis 33.11 Please accept the present that was brought to you, for God has been gracious to me and I (Jacob) have all I need.”
Examination
One of the contributors to this narrative of reconciliation between Jacob and Esau is the action of Jacob in offering gifts to his brother. Coming into others’ presence with presents is a good way to make an entrance. I have noticed that whether in business meetings or in social gatherings, if I bring an unsolicited offering it creates a bond of deeper association. The forethought put into a meeting adds meaning to the meeting. This forethought does not even have to be a tangible gift but if I can think of who is going to be present and what they may need before I get there I then can make a positive contribution upon arrival. My presence will be an affirmative present of encouragement.
Bringing gifts to meetings is a way of affirming the value of those present.
Do I enter with gifts to give or looking to get?
When is the last time I brought I gift to people I meet with regularly for no specific reason?
How much positive contribution does my presence bring?
What are the needs of people I have meetings with today?
Dedication
I will bring a constant positive presence and occasional unexpected presents to meetings.
January 17 – Do, Do
Meditation
Matthew 12.2 When the Pharisees saw this, (eating grain) they said to Him, “ Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.”
Examination
When I focus on what I do in comparison to what others do I get myself into a whole lot of do-do. I am so thankful for the message of the cross, which is:
1.The vertical beam signifies my dependency on God for grace
2.The horizontal beam signifies my diligence to live graciously.