February 22, 2010 - Posted by admin - 2 Comments
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread
alone, but on every word that come from the mouth of God.’
Matthew 4:4
What we place in our body determines how well it will function. If all we eat is junk, we become tired and eventually we could become very ill. If we don’t feed ourselves at all we will starve to death. It’s the same principal for our Spirit. The Word of God is our only source of ”good food”. God created us to need Him and how he speaks to us is through His Word. We need full course meals of His Word and hey! we can have as many snacks as we want too! One way to do this is through memorizing verses.
The Word “is” God! (John 1:1)
God has given us His Word that is “near” to us.
(Romans 10:8)
His Word is a “lamp” to our feet
and a “light” to our path. (Psalm 119:105)
His Word is “truth”. (John 16:26)
His Word is “flawless” (2 Samuel 22:31)
But don’t just hear the Word
be a “doer” of the Word
(James 1:22-25)
All passages taken from the NIV version
We are all made up of 3 parts Body/Mind-Soul/Spirit. But God has also given us His Spirit that comes to live within us when we are saved. He is given as a gift to lead and guide us. When we read the Word of God and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit His fruit will be produced into our lives. Here is some good food for thought!! I encourage you to chew on it, meditate on it, and get it deep into your heart.
Joy!
Jeremiah 15:16
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my hearts delight, for I bear your name O Lord God Almighty.
John 15:10-12
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Peace!
Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Patience!
Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick tempered man displays folly.
Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
James 5:7-8
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Kindness!
Proverbs 11:17
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 14:21
He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Goodness!
Proverbs 3:27
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Proverbs 14:22
Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
Matthew 12:35a
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him.
Luke 6:27-28
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
1 Timothy 6:18-19
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Faithfulness!
Psalm 18:25a
To the faithful you will show yourself faithful, Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.
Psalm 97:10
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Proverbs 3:3-4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
Proverbs 28:20
A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Gentleness!
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh word stirs up anger.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:15-16
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Self-Control!
Proverbs 6:6-11
Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest– and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
1Peter 1:13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
and the Greatest of these is…
Love
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 19:22
What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Matthew 19:19
honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.
John 13:34
A new command I give to you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
1 Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophesies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
February 1, 2010 - Posted by admin - 2 Comments
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Lamentations 3:22-23a
They are given every morning….accept them as the gift they are! The mistakes and failures of yesterday do not need to determine what we do today. If Paul had always looked back into his past he never could have been the man of God that he was.
The dictionary defines mercy as leniency.
There are times I am lenient on my children. They face the consequences of their choices, but I am not harsh punishing over and over, No I give them another chance to show that they can make better choices. I believe God does the same for us. That is how I see mercy, being given the chance each new day to start with a clean slate, to show God I can make better choices.
After David committed adultery with Bathsheba not to mention having her husband killed to get to her, he prayed this great prayer of mercy and God responded.
This prayer is a great example to each one of us.
His repentance was heartfelt and sincere, he came to God broken asking “create in me a clean heart…restore the joy of my salvation…grant me a willing spirit” . No matter what you have done you can come to God with a sincere heart and ask the same and he will give it to you. This will be another step to break down any walls that might get in the way of your relationship with him and again that is where true innerpeace comes from–a relationship with the source of Peace, the Prince of Peace Jesus.
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions
and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I
sinned
and done what is evil in your
sight,
so that you are proved right when you
speak
and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother
conceived me.
Surely you desire truth in the inner
parts;
you teach me wisdom in the
inmost place.
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I
will be clean;
wash me and I will be whiter than
snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed
rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out my iniquity.
Create in my a clean heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within
me.
Do not cast me from your
presence
or take your Holy Spirit from
me.
Restore to me the joy of your
salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to
sustain me.
Then I will teach transgressors your
ways,
and sinners will turn back to
you.
Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your
righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your
praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I
would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt
offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit;
a broken a contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
In your good pleasure make Zion
prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then there will be righteous
sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight
you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
January 25, 2010 - Posted by admin - 2 Comments
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the “whole” armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:11-18
Loins girt about with truth:
Dictionary Def:Girt- encircle or bind
Psalm 86:11 (KJV)
“teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”
Truth should be the characteristic of the Christian life whether it is politically correct or not. It should be held onto regardless of the outcome in any situation we face in life, even if it’s the most difficult thing we would have to go through. God will give you the strength and the words if you are ever in a tough situation…just ask. He loves to give wisdom to those who ask, for his word states,
Luke 21:15
For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Breastplate of righteousness:
Dictionary Def: Righteous- doing right
Proverbs 11:5-6 (KJV)
“The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way:
but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them:
but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.”
Righteousness is how we live in light of the truth– We need to live up to the truth that we believe and do it for Christ. His righteousness will direct our path if we walk in our own ways we will fall into many traps. You need to know what his truth “is”, in order to walk in it. I took passages from “The Message” as it uses language of today. I hope these encourage you and I challenge you to find more that are meaningful to you each day.
Proverbs 1:7
Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God;
only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.
Proverbs 2:6-15
And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
So now you can pick out what’s true and fair,
find all the good trails!
Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
These losers who make a game of evil
and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
Traveling paths that go nowhere,
wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.
******
Proverbs 3:3-12
Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
a father’s delight is behind all this.
******
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me;
those who look for me find me.
Proverbs 10-12 speak a lot about what righteousness brings, what he does for the righteous, why righteousness is a good thing to strive for.
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Dictionary Def: Preparation- fit for a purpose, make or get ready for use.
Romans 10:14-15(KJV)
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
You become more prepared to share the Gospel with others as your relationship with God grows and this comes from living in righteousness, “living right” and being at peace with God. It comes from reading his word and getting it deep in your heart so that when the time comes you will be ready to answer any questions brought before you.
1 Peter 3:15
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Shield of faith:
Dictionary Def: Faith- Trust, belief
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Some versions say specifically “Above ALL” put on the shield of faith so this is an important piece of armor to be certain we are wearing everyday. We can extinguish the fiery darts in many areas of our lives. Physical, emotional, and financial to name a few. We need to trust God that it’s going to be ok. God is standing in the water waiting to catch us. He is lifting us up and allowing us to fly when there is no place to stand. You have been given the faith through grace you have it whether you feel it or not for faith is not a feeling. Test yourself regularly to be sure your faith is strong, don’t take it for granted just assuming God is giving you enough grace.
2 Corinthians 13:5 (The Message)
Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.
Your faith will be credited to you as righteousness. Keep your faith strong by staying in the word and relationship with God. Put your trust in God that is where the greatest hope is…that hope will never fail you.
Romans 4:5
However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Helmet of salvation
Dictionary Def: Salvation- preservation (as from damnation)
Hebrews 9:28(KJV)
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Salvation= where you will go when you die. Everyone will live eternally, but it’s through Christ that we have eternal LIFE rather than death. We need to daily remember where we are going. The worst that could happen to us is… we could go to heaven. With the helmet of salvation we can mindfully have the confidence of the resurrection.
Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Dictionary Def: Word-spoken or written signal said to conveyan idea; message; command; signal; promise; declaration.
Hebrews 4:12(KJV)
“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
It is important that we “know” the word of God that we may be offensive rather than defensive. Use your concordance to look up subjects that pertain to your situation. Find scriptures that will prepare you ahead of time for things you might face. There are lots of books out there about praying the scriptures. God’s word is the sword that will demolish the strongholds the enemy tries to put up. Let God’s word break down the walls that keep you from relationship with him and build new ones where he can be the stronghold that keeps you save. Let him be your stronghold and refuge in your life…He will never fail you.
January 23, 2010 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
First of all I think we need to reflect “only briefly ” of who we were without Christ. I think the contrast will stand out more clearly in comparison and will be different for each of us, but the one things that’s the same is that we all were sinful, dying, and fell short. We don’t want to ponder too long though and leave a foothold for satan to come in and remind us of all the bad things we have done. Our sins have been forgiven and have been removed as far as the east is from the west.
If you believe in Christ and that He died for you, then now you are a child of God and you are co-heirs with Christ. 10+ years back I was given a great little book at church and I had rights to reproduce and share with others and so I put together a webpage with it contents that you will find here. Its a listing of all the scriptures in the New Testament that speaks of who we are in Christ. Not only should we remind ourselves of these truths, but if we have problems believing them we need to ask God to help with our unbelief. When you go into the listing grab a couple that are meaningful to you and memorize them so that you can recall them on days that you feel like you fall short. If Satan is reminding and telling you that you are not good enough you can recall God Word of Truth. Speak it out loud because Satan will flee in fear amidst the word of God.
James 4:7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
All we have to say is “NO” aloud and the Devil scampers away as “The Message” puts it. So if our Word ”No” has him fleeing how much more fear do you think God’s truth will put into the devil. God’s Word says that Faith comes by hearing the word of God so we need to constantly be hearing his truth too.
Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Who are you? You are God’s Child, redeemed, you have eternal life, out of your innermost being flows living water, you are loved by Jesus, you are love by the Father, you belong to him, you are protected from the evil one, you have been forgiven, you are freed from all things, you have grace through faith, you have perseverance, character, and hope. There is so much more you can check out here in His Word.
Be encouraged!!
January 22, 2010 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
We have come to be a society that is busy with lots of good things and some things that are not so good too. It has taken us to a place where we are so crazy busy and distracted to the point where we have no time for God. Every year we make resolutions that we are going to spend more time with God. Every night we say maybe tomorrow I can spend more time with him then, we reach the next night and we were too busy again. We get prompted by devotions or reminded by tragic events that we need him. We can be good about saying our quick little prayers which are mostly filled with “God please help me with______….” you can fill in the blank.
Many days we are tired, over stressed, overwhelmed, we just want some “PEACE”. We try soothing music, lighting candles, getting a pedicure or massage. We will fill our mouths with goodies to give us comfort and make us feel better, but how long does that last?
The only way you will achieve true Peace and an innerpeace that will surpass all understanding from human terms is by seeking the true source of peace who is the Prince of Peace…Jesus.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This is a beginning of a series of writings that are going to take each letter of INNERPEACE and expand on various principles that God has shown me and have helped me to develop a closer relationship with him. I have achieved days where I have had peace that I can’t explain in human terms…things have been crazy all around me, but my spirit was at peace, but it only happens when my eyes are on him and I am following these principals in keeping up my relationship with him…it can happen no other way and has been proven to me time and time again. Praise the LORD!! Thank you Lord for the way you created the process and that you love us so much that you want a “personal” relationship with each and everyone of us.
January 14, 2010 - Posted by admin - 1 Comment
Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. Psalm 104:1-3
Wow doesn’t this make you look at God in a new light by imagining him riding this cloud. How magnificent and Powerful he is…nothing is impossible for him and you can count on him to work everything out for your best each day. Are you struggling with something that seems impossible to ever work out or you see nothing good to come from it. Give it to God and thank him for what he will do in the situation ahead time before its done…then guess what? You can bask in the peace he promised you.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t trust what you see or don’t see instead trust this big God that will travel through any storm to deliver and rescue you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Trusting in him will make sure you will always be moving on a straight path. David had to repeat to himself many times, “Why are you downcast O my soul, put your trust in the Lord for he has been good to you. So don’t beat up yourself if you have to keep reminding and bringing yourself back to the trust….just keep doing it. Hey that’s why I am writing in this blog so I can keep coming back and remind myself of what I am learning about God.
January 12, 2010 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
This Sunday we started a new book called Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
by Francis Chan. Wow just the first chapter really got me looking closer at everything in life and seeing God in it. In nature I cannot understand how people can’t see that there is a God its so amazing the beauty, intricacy of details, what animals were created to do just by instinct, how even our goose bumps have a function. Do we look at the amazing things God has created….things he does and really put “who he is” in perspective everyday…or do we just try to put him in a box of what we want him to be. God told Moses “I am who I am” we need to learn more everyday who he is so that we can base the faith we have in Christ Jesus on that not from our own perspective of who we think he is.
Sunday was such an emotional day for me as I was excited at the “new thing” I learned and the possibilities of how it was going to change my life. I went over the chapter again at home and went to the site the book recommended and listened as I recommend to you today. Monday came and I tried to reproduce that emotional excitement. First I went online looking at pictures of nature and anything else that I felt would inspire me. This continued all day long, but I didn’t have the emotions like the day before and I spoke later with my husband about it. Well as it happens many times, just speaking out loud I had my own answers. ”Faith is not a feeling” really look at that….say it a few times…”Faith is NOT a feeling”. I had heard that many times in my life and then about 2 years ago the light went on and I really heard what I read. No matter how I am feeling it doesn’t mean I don’t have faith. In the process of grieving we need to go through anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance during this time it doesn’t mean our faith has wavered. We can even be angry at God and it doesn’t mean our faith is suddenly lost. Now mind you a constant moving away from God, his Word and teachings we can lose faith, but another great thing I learned is that we can’t lose our salvation. There is nothing we do to gain our salvation, as its a gift of grace from God and there is nothing we can do to lose it either…what a peaceful encouragement huh?
So keep in mind being in Awe of God doesn’t always mean that you are going to be filled with such emotions. There may be times but don’t always expect it. If you get this book and it changes your life I would love to get word from you. Comment this entry or send me something private get info on my contact page there is a link at the top.
January 3, 2010 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
Our message this morning was a new look at repenting. We so often have the wrong impression of this word. We think its a series of things that we need to do, like read the Bible more…show more patience…start giving up our own wants more…follow the law of the ten commandments. Just as our salvation was given to us through grace and is nothing we earned, so repentance isn’t something we earn. We certainly do have to make a choice though. We have to choose to turn from the things that go against what the Lord teaches us through his Word. To truly repent we don’t just say that we will try to change, but we actually turn completely around and begin changing.
In the past few years I have had times where I have begun to love the things in my life like designing, watching TV, gain acceptance from others, just wanting my way. I have wanted to change and know that my life will be much better off once I take action and do it….spend time investing in my first true love, Jesus Christ and our relationship. I never really took the time to reflect deeply of the fact that I have to do something else first….I need to repent…turn completely around so that I can move forward in a different direction doing differently than what I did yesterday.
This new year is time for me to reflect on my previous year, decide what things I should no longer do or things that I should, and then turn around and resolve to do them. One thing I should not do though is rely on myself to complete the task. My job is to choose the things and resolve to keep working towards them, but I need to rely on Jesus Christ who has already won the victory to help me through his blood. Trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit that lives in me, and the complete love of my heavenly Father.
December 19, 2009 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
There was no room in the Inn for Jesus to be born and his cradle became a manger. This lowly child was the divine child of God who came to save the world and live with the same temptations and struggles that we do so that he could fully understand our hurts. He cried when Lazarus died, from his own grief and seeing the pain of Martha and Mary. He knew that his death and resurrection had a larger purpose of glorifying God, but he felt the pain non the least. He had pressures of expectation from large groups of people. He got tired from travels, had to work through offenses with people and had to forgive, he was tempted and the list goes on. He knew exactly what he was on earth for and what was to come…the extent of the suffering that was coming…he surrendered and laid down his life because it was his Father’s will out of love for us, but he loved us too. He certainly cried out to his Father in case there was another way, he agonized over it to the point of sweating blood, in the end when this was the only way he proceeded knowing the results would be worth it. We were worth it to Him!
Christmas is the celebration of the Greatest Gift Ever!
Over time we have come to a place where we agonize over things like: are we going to have enough money to get all the gifts…hours of shopping, fighting the crowds, and waiting in long lines of impatient people…We try to work out all the various schedules to see both sides of the family and with divorce comes even more family to see…we travel and for some, very long hours or they try to with the snowy weather…We spend hours making last years lights work again or not , stringing them around the tree and the house until things are to our satisfaction… some people are the loneliest ever because family has passed or unforgiveness has separated them– and who they really need is Jesus to come and fill them up and restore them from the effects of their loss.
In the midst of the busy preparations, unreasonable expectations, effects of our stress and the list goes on we end up having no room for the Greatest gift of all! I have been to this place in the past where when all was said and done my thoughts were “this wasn’t a good Christmas at all. I am irritated, tired, just plain unhappy.”
Somewhere through time my Greatest Gift showed me what things to let go and how to simplify my schedule so I could focus on the things that really matter. Most importantly Him the reason for Christmas and celebrating the gift of eternal life, but also undistracted time with family to really have genuine heartfelt memories being made. Is my house decorated anymore? I have a basic 2-3 foot tree that is pretty and a snow globe of the nativity on my desk to daily remind me of my Greatest Gift and I am satisfied with that and not burnt out from hours of work I used to spend. Do I have enough money for gifts? With our current budget we don’t have a lot of money for gifts so the past few years I have taken my time and heart into making my gifts, so I am not beating the crowds or waiting in lines at all. Am I spending time with all the various families? You betcha and not only that I am not stressed or tired so that I can truly enjoy the time, laughter and great memories with them. Have I lost anyone? I have been fortunate in this area as I still have both my parents, but they are getting older and time is creeping to that stage in my life. I miss my Grandparents, but I know I am going to see them again and that includes one grandpa I never met. I am close with all my family and have lots of friends because I have learned the importance of forgiveness and the benefits that come from it…I have had rewards the were unconceivable in the human realm.
Do I have room for Jesus? How could it really be Christmas any other way.
Come back for when the holidays are over I will be sharing my moments with family and any poetry it inspires.
