December
1. Ask God to help you find a new “verse of the
month” and a new “word of the month.”
Post it where you can see it. And
ask Him to help you apply it. (And/or
ask Him if there is any task/challenge He wants to give you this month.)
2. Pick two or three new people to pray for this
month. Write their names down, pray for
them daily, and ask God if there is anything specific you should pray for about
them.
3. What are five things about winter you are
thankful for?
4. Pick another item from your “nice things to
do for others” list and find time to do it this month.
5. Ask God:
“Is there any area of my life that You want to challenge me about? What do You want me to do about it?”
6. What five frivolous or simple things are you
thankful for?
7. Spend at least 30 minutes away from all
technology at least three times this week and do something peaceful and
relaxing instead. Protect your “alone
time” and your time with your family.
8. Ask God:
“Where does “bringing You glory” and “drawing others to Christ” come in
on my list of priorities? Is there
anything I should do differently?”
9. Clean out old, broken toys and things as you
get ready for new Christmas gifts.
10. Pick a verse you’ve always wanted to
memorize. Now memorize it.
11. Ask God:
“Am I chasing after anything else when I should be chasing after a real
relationship with You: recognition, money, security, praise, a particular
answer, etc.? Once again, what are my
heart idols? Am I overly focused on
anything right now: finances, house, impressing others, a relationship,
depression, pleasure, spiritual experiences, etc.? How do You want me to shift that focus? And in what ways am I seeking earthly
pleasures over heaven’s treasures?”
12. What five people who serve you throughout the
year are you thankful for? Hairdresser,
mail carrier, your kid’s school teacher or Sunday School teacher, etc. (Remember to tip the people who serve you
throughout the year, like your mail carrier, who braves heat and freezing cold
to bring you your mail. A simple $10
gift card to somewhere lets them know they are appreciated.)
13. Make some cookies or a special treat this
week and share it with the people you love or with a lonely or grumpy neighbor.
14. Ask God:
“Am I lazy in my spiritual disciplines?
(Or have they become items on a To Do list instead of using them to draw
nearer to You or to get to know You better?)
Am I comfortably living my nice, little life when I should be
passionately pursuing You and seeking righteousness? How do You want me to change this?”
15.
What five sweet or sour things are you thankful for? Five spicy or savory things?
16. Choose from your “nice things to do for
yourself” list. And do it soon.
17. Ask God:
“Where in my heart or life do I need more joy, peace, or patience? How can I do this? (Lord, replace my discontentment with Your
joy. I give You my unrest now and ask
You to fill that area with Your peace.
And slow me down and help me to rest in Your goodness and timing.)”
18. What are five things you don’t want to be
thankful for but know you should be because you know that God has His reasons
for allowing them into your life? Thank
God for them now and tell Him you trust Him, even though you don’t know the
reasons and can’t see the big picture.
19. Donate some money to charity or some food to
the food pantry. Or donate a box of
things you don’t use anymore.
20. Micah 6:8:
“He has showed you, O man, what is
good. And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God.”
Ask God: “How can I apply this verse to my life?”
21. What are five things about Christmas/holidays
that you are thankful for?
22. Turn off the phone and the lights, leave the
Christmas lights on, make a cup of cocoa or tea, and just enjoy the silence for
a while.
23. Ask God:
“When do I feel the closest to You?
And how can I add more of that to my day?”
24. What five things are you most thankful for
right now?
25. Enjoy your Christmas!
26. Ask God:
“Is there any part of my heart/life/past that I have not opened up to
You? And what doubts, fears,
misconceptions, sins, discouragements, etc., do You want me to lay down at Your
feet right now? What are some unanswered
questions that I am currently struggling with?
Lord, help me see it through Your eyes.”
27.
What five things about a “new year” are you thankful for?
28. Next time you stand in line somewhere, pick a
person around you to pray for. And ask
God what He wants you to pray.
29. Ask God:
“Is there something that You want me to do with my life? Something You want me to focus on more?”
30. What are the top five things from this past
year that you are thankful for?
31. What was the best thing that you did or
accomplished this past year? What one
thing would you like to do differently or accomplish next year?
