It is amazing how many people know the first two verses in this passage of scripture, and yet so few pay attention to verse 25. We all know we can have the faith to move a mountain. So why don't we? When's the last time we've moved a mountain? I haven't seen anything on the news lately.

As it says. "But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against…" Ouch, that hurts. Does that mean we have to forgive people before we can expect things to move? Yes, it does.

Proverbs 3:34 in the New Living Translation says, "The Lord mocks at mockers, but he shows favour to the humble." Aren't we called to account for everything we do? Then why are we holding grudges against each other?

Many times God has sent the Spirit to help me counsel people via the Internet. I have found on many occasions that individuals expect the person they're arguing with to apologize to them and to forgive them.

If I am expecting a person who has held a grudge against me to forgive me, then there's definitely something wrong. In many cases both sides are expecting an apology from the other. In other words, everyone's waiting for an "I'm sorry" from the other.

We simply must not hold grudges against people! If I think another person has a single grudge against me, then I ask for an apology. If another person hurt you, you apologize. For what? For holding a grudge!

We need to remember to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and not to argue about something that's happened a while ago, but instead to apologize. We need to humble ourselves, so we are not called to account for it.

Prayer: Lord, humble our hearts. Keep us true and give us the courage to forgive others. Show us anyone against whom we may be holding a grudge. Reveal to us anyone who has been hurt by our words and actions. Amen.

Every year there is this one day on which many of us go to church to celebrate the birth of a virgin's son's in a town in the middle of the boondocks. And then we come home and we open presents! Yes!!

We get this cheerful message that "the true meaning of Christmas is the spirit of giving". But what does it mean?

John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." From this, we know that Jesus had been around long before Mary's time; in fact we know that He is God. What we don't always realize is that this "spirit of giving" was demonstrated when Jesus left His throne in heaven to come down to us. He gave up His throne for thirty-three years (or so) to come to earth to teach us about the truth.

Then the most amazing part: He suffered for us. His flesh was ripped off because of us. His blood ran down because of us. It sounds gruesome, but He died for us.

That is the spirit of giving at Christmas time. Jesus left His throne to suffer so that we may live again.

It isn't just a day for presents; it's Jesus' birthday. Isn't it weird? Everyone receives a present except Jesus.

One could say, "Well, what can I give Him? He has everything." Yet, what can we do for Him? Let us find a way to serve God this Christmas. Ideas: work at a homeless shelter, show love to enemies, preach to others about the love of God, welcome neighbours into our homes, shovel another person's driveway. Let us realize that it's His birthday, and let's show it. Let's do things that Jesus would have done.

We all know it's hard to live a Christian life every day. My challenge: Let's go overboard on Christmas. Let us show the most amount of love that day, and let us show the time we have. Let's do as much as we possibly can. Let us ask our churches if they're doing anything for the community. If not, then let's plan something. Are there any homeless shelters or places in the neighbourhood to visit?

Prayer: Lord, please bless us with a hunger to go out to the world and show people the love you so had for us, when you came from heaven into flesh to free us from our sins. Give us a strong desire to serve your will. Thank you, Lord. Amen.