Making It Real

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough to be in God’s presence? Like maybe you need to talk or behave in a certain way in order for Him to want to spend time with you?

Why do you think you feel this way?

Taking You Back

Read Luke 2:8-20. The shepherds were just a group of ordinary people. They may have smelled a little funny from being with their sheep all day, they also didn’t have any kind of prestigious status that would get them special rights, but they were among the first to see baby Jesus and spend time in His earthly presence.

Isn’t that amazing? When God decided who would be among the first to meet His Son, He didn’t make it exclusive to the richest, smartest, or best-looking people in the world. He chose shepherds, people who had spent their lives out in fields. They hadn’t done anything to earn the right to meet Jesus, but God invited them in anyway.

The shepherds were just like us. They probably didn’t live perfect lives or have things all figured out, but they didn’t have to in order to get close to Jesus. The same goes for us. We don’t have to say the right words or have a special status to spend time with Jesus. He’s there waiting and welcomes us to spend time with Him always. His presence is where we find grace to admit our struggles and peace for what we’re going through in life. There’s no special code or handshake, it’s just Him, and He wants an authentic relationship with you. Just be yourself and share what’s on your heart. He died so you could have this relationship with Him. And when you’ve got it, it will totally change your life.

Your Thoughts

Take a few minutes to write in your journal about what you’ve learned.

• How do you think the shepherds felt as they were among the first to see Jesus – God in human flesh? Do you think it felt different being in the stable, knowing they were in the presence of God?

• Now that we have the Holy Spirit living in us, God is always with us. But are there ever times that you feel like you have to do something special or act in a certain way to be welcomed in His presence?

• What would it mean for you to come to Him just as you are?

From You to God

God, thank you that You accept me just as I am. I don’t have to be perfect or have it all together, but You just want me. Thank you for Your beautiful grace! Please teach me to come to You just as I am — no hiding and no pretending. I want to be honest with You. Thank you that I am in Your presence always. I love You! Amen.

Facebook Fun

Make your status one thing that you feel makes you ordinary (it’s probably something extraordinary in disguise). Be sure to tag SUSIE Mag!

Have a blessed day, SUSIE Sisters! We love you!