Merry Christmas!

     Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Reflect on hope and I will be back on January 7^th. Each year I pick a “word of the year.”  “Beginnings” was my word for last year. And I have a precious grandson, a retired husband, an engaged daughter, and a full-time blessing of caring for our sweet Gavin. May your dreams come true in the coming year and may they include Jesus. I will be praying for you.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Peace and Joy

     I  pray for each of you to find joy and peace this season. This can be a difficult time of year for those in grief, for the lonely and the tired. This season can be a reminder of sadness, of things lost or never found. Jesus is the reason for the season, and He has been lost in Santa, in busyness, in decorations and in too much of…well…everything!

     This time of year, maybe after the hoopla of the season fades, can be a time for reflection. Often, this can be a time of hope, of new beginnings, of resolutions. Is it time, to slow down, to spend more time with God? It can be hard to find that time.

     I wish you all the peace and joy of Christ in the coming year. He is the one of hope, the encourager, the comforter, the companion, the good Shepherd, Our king and our friend. I pray you find Him in a deeper way this year, throughout all circumstances, in each day. Give everything to Him, the God of all hope.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth and a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

     This promise is ours forever! Take comfort from the promises of Jesus as we end this year. Celebrate His birth and remember His resurrection. His coming was for us. Our inheritance is secure. No more fear! Rejoice!

Lord,

As we near the end of another year, fill the lonely with comfort, fill the weak with Your strength, fill our hearts with hope. Our hope today, tomorrow and forever in found in Christ.

Amen

A Child Is Born

     The life of Christ fulfilled hundreds of prophecies written by many different men of God, over hundreds of years. The Bible is filled with truth. He would come from the lineage of Abraham (Genesis 12), through the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49). The eternal kingdom would come through King David’s offspring (2 Samuel 7) Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7), born in Bethlehem (Micah 5).

     God’s timing was perfect in the life, death and resurrection of our Savior. Anticipate the miracle of His birth this season and celebrate! How blessed we are to know Him, to follow Him, to sit in awe and wonder at all He has done.

     Take a minute to read through Luke 2 and experience the magic of the child born in a manger, to bring joy and peace to a sin-filled world. Rejoice and be glad! A child is born.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. For today in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Father,

The story of the birth of Your Son fills us with wonder. The angels, the shepherds, the stable, all foretold. We are filled with joy at this time of the year. Let it follow us all year through.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Weak and The Foolish

     It’s easy to imagine the Biblical greats as wise, larger-than-life, chosen heroes. And yet, each and every one of them was an ordinary human being, like you and me. God chooses the weak and the foolish in this world to promote His ways. That’s me! That’s all of us. I love these words from the apostle, Paul.

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one can boast before Him. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

     God Himself became a servant, born in a manger, a carpenter’s son, a common man, to become sin for us. He lived the one and only perfect life so that we can have freedom in Him.

     It is all about Him, so no man can boast. We are strong in Him in our weakness. We are wise in Him, though we are foolish. We can do nothing without Him.. What a glorious truth. Just believe!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves. It is a gift from God-not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Father,

It is by grace we are saved. We humble ourselves before You, as weak and foolish. We rely on Your strength and power. Without You we can do nothing. (John 15) Thank You for our faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Magnificat

     Mary’s song of praise to her Lord is known as “Mary’s Song,” or “The Magnificat.” It is found in Chapter 1 of the Book of Luke in response to God’s plan for her. These beautiful words in verses 40-55 reveal Mary’s deep faith, even in the midst of questions. How can a virgin possibly give birth? Her words of acceptance to God’s plan should mirror our own, “Let it be to me, according to His plan.”

     At first Mary is “deeply troubled.” And then, she questions. Why? How? What? The same questions we all ask when we don’t understand. So much in life is filled with question and doubt, isn’t it? And yet, like Mary, we can respond to God with praise and peace. He knows the plan. He knows the number of our days. He is in control.

     Mary did have an angel to reassure her. Don’t you wish you could hear the voice of an angel or see one? I know I do. They are around us and God’s presence can fill our deepest desires and give us peace in our unanswered questions. Let’s praise God, along with Mary today, as we anticipate the celebration of our Lord, Jesus. Let it be so.

And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on, all generations will call me blessed.” Luke 1:46-48

Father,

You work the most miraculous deeds through Your humble servants. Let our questions be answered, our doubts put to rest, as we glorify in You. Let it be so. Your purposes will be fulfilled.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Legacy

     Legacies come in different shapes and sizes; in business, in sports in academics, but the greatest of all is a legacy of faith. Our faith in Christ blesses us today and forever. Our souls and bodies will live forever with Him and we have the privilege of passing it on.

     The gifts He provides and the grace He gives are given individually and we can never compare or compete. My grandma, Pella, is just as loved as Billy Graham, Corrie Ten Boom or any world leader.

     If we listen to Him and say, as Adrian Rogers reminded us this week, “yes, Lord!” He will place people and opportunities right in our path s we step forward in faith. I pray you leave a legacy of faith in Jesus. He does all the work. We just need to follow. How marvelous are His ways!

Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:24

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

     May Jesus guide us and give us all legacies of faith as we pass through these short journeys on earth. It is not about us, but bringing glory to our God.

I give thanks to You, O Lord, my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. Psalm 86:12

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5;16

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10;31

Lord,

Create in us hearts willing to glorify You in all we do. We long to leave leagcies of great faith in Your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray.

Amen

Legacy

     Today’s person of faith is much closer to home for me. No worldwide ministry claimed her, no books were written by or about her, but she left an enormous legacy of faith and a huge impact on my life. This woman of faith was my grandma, Pella. Yes, Pella and Ole never lost their strong Swedish accent, calling me, “Yudy.” They were upbeat and…well…a bit goofy. Grandpa loved playing tricks on all of us, played the accordion, and brought plastic glasses with big noses for everyone to wear at family picnics. His laugh was contagious.

     They laughed like children and loved like Jesus. I still have Pella’s Swedish Bible. I picture her thumbing through this great Book daily, humming sweet hymns as she rocked and read. Her hands were always busy, reading, knitting or twiddling her thumbs. (My husband tells me I have inherited this gene.). The thin, worn-out pages of her Bible remind me of the saying, “if your Bible is wearing out, there is a good chance you are not.”

     Her love of the Lord guided everything she did. My grandma and grandpa, my mom and her siblings all accepted Jesus as Savior at one of Billy Graham’s first tent revivals. I am still partial to the ministry of Billy Graham. Today’s verses are from Proverbs 31 and the value of a faith-filled wife, mom and follower of God.

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Proverbs 31:10-13

     Yes, Pella was a wonderful wife and worked with eager hands. Here are two more verses to describe my wonderful, Swedish grandma.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:25-28

Lord,

Thank You for great women of faith, instructing their families and tending to their needs with the love of Christ. I was blessed to have just such a grandma and just such a mom. I am grateful.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Legacy

     Today’s man of faith is Pastor Adrian Rogers. He died many years ago, but his legacy lives on throughout the world. His work and his wisdom live on in his numerous books and Bible studies. You may still hear His booming voice on KKMS 980 AM in Minneapolis at 1:00 each day. His television program airs internationally.

     He had a way with words. His ability to put sentences together in creative ways lingers long after you hear or read his work. Here are a few quotes from this man of God.

·       It is better to be divided in truth than to be united in error.

·       We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.

·       Man throws broken things away, but God never uses anything until He first breaks it.

·       Anything you love more, fear more, serve more, or value more than God is an idol.

·       Two words will change your life…Yes Lord!

·    There is no promise God cannot keep, no prayer God will not answer, and no problem impossible for Him to solve.

·       Our greatest need is to discover that Jesus is all we need.

·       The Bible is to judge us. We are not to judge the Bible.

     Think of the blessings this man has left with the world. His goal was to spread the Gospel of Jesus around the world and his ministry, “Love Worth Finding” still operates around the world.

Here are our verses for today in honor of great men of God.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:8

Father,

Thank You for Your servant, Adrian Rogers, for His unwavering faith in You from the time He was a young boy. He set an example in this life and He now reside with You. His labor was not in vain.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Legacy

     This week shows the impact one person can make on the world or on another’s life. Corrie Ten Boom grew up as a Dutch Christian and her family protected many Jews in their home during WWII.  Their family home was raided and they were imprisoned in the death camps by Hitler and his followers. Her sister and father would die in those camps. I highly recommend the book, The Hiding Place recounting Corrie’s experience.

     She would live to be 91, write several books and travel around the world speaking on the Christian faith. Here are a few inspirational quotes from Corrie Ten Boom.

“Some knowledge is too heavy…you cannot bear it…your Father will carry it for you, until you are able.”

“Don’t bother to give God instructions. Just report for duty.”

“Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”

“In darkness God’s truth shines most clear.”

“What wings are to a bird, and sails to a ship, so prayer is to the soul.”

“With Jesus, even in our darkest moments the best remains and the very best is yet to be.”

“If you look to the world, you will be distressed. If you look within, you will be depressed, but if you look at Christ, you will be at rest.”

“The measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation.”

“When I try, I fail. When I trust, He succeeds.”

     Today’s verse is in honor of Corrie Ten Boom, who made her past experiences work into God’s plan. God will use every part of our lives as part of His plan for good.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus,

Thank You for legacies of faith, that seek You through the most tragic of times and leave the world a better place for their wisdom in following You and Your light.

Amen

Legacy

    The life and service of George H.W. Bush will live on. I was moved by the legacy he left and by the words of friends and family describing this man of honor, faith, and service. In these days of vicious politics, his example reminds us of what a humble leader can look like. Newsweek called him a “wimp” back in the days of his presidency, but humble leaders leave us with the strongest example.

     Here is part of an e-mail he sent to a friend on 10 life lessons for young people.

1         1. Don’t get down when your life takes a bad turn. Out of adversity comes challenge and often success.

     2. Don’t blame others for your setbacks.

         3. When things go well, always give credit to others.

     4. Don’t talk all the time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them.
     5. Don’t brag about yourself. Let others point out your virtues, your strong points.

         6. Give someone else a hand. When a friend is hurting, show that friend you care.

         7. Nobody likes an overbearing big shot.

        8. As you succeed, be kind to people. Thank those who help you along the way.

        9. Don’t be afraid to shed a tear when your heart is broken or when a friend is hurting.     

       10. Say your prayers.

     Good advice for all of us. This man’s life reminds me of a favorite Bible verse found in the book of Micah.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to show mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Father,

We thank You for men of faith, that walk humbly in Your service and show kindness and mercy wherever they go. Teach us to listen more, to give sacrificially, to walk humbly before Our Lord.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Full Armor of God

     Thank you for sticking with me this week. It is so much easier to put our heads in the sand and speak only of the man, Jesus and His love. That is the greatest command, to love others and to share that unconditional love with the world. But the Bible is clear. Evil is real, and we are in the battle for Christ. Be aware and stand strong.

     And we are victorious in this battle. Look at the spiritual armor we wear each day. Feel the protection as you venture out, and as you continue to step away from the things God does not permit.

Stand firm then with the best of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, always be alert and keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 13-18

     Notice the spiritual armor is all defensive, given by God. Our one offensive weapon is the word of God! Jesus used Scripture when He was tempted by the devil after 40 days of fasting. When you are afraid or tempted or heading down the wrong road, speak Scripture aloud in the name of Jesus. We are protected. We have truth, righteousness through Christ, the gospel of peace, our guarantee of salvation and prayer. Onward Christian soldiers!! Be alert and aware and be at peace.

Lord,

Thank You for Your protection that covers us. We can extinguish all of the arrows Satan aims at us. We pray for those falling away from faith right now. Bring them back to You safely and have them tell their stories. You are victorious.

Amen

Children of the Light and of the Day

     Our eyes are the window to the soul. They contain the light of Christ when we are saved. This light begins to dim as we listen to demonic activity, or show an interest in these deceptive angels of light.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then, the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23

     Keep your spiritual eyes and heart focused on Jesus. I find it intriguing and interesting that much of the spiritual realm apart from Christ occurs in the dark. Ghost hunters scout out cemeteries and abandoned houses. Seances and witch covens meet in their “sacred” circles in the dark of night. We are children of the day and the light.

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

     We don’t understand it all, but our God is just and fair. He gives us all a choice, to choose the true God, and redemption through Christ. Let the Word flow into your heart. The battle is real and we are warriors for Christ. Satan controls certain people, certain spirits and certain principalities.

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. Ephesians 6:12

     Satan has strongholds around the world. If you have met missionaries that have served in Haiti and other third-world countries, you have heard stories about witch doctors, about voodoo, about the overwhelming presence of darkness. The battle is real and we can stand against it. Tomorrow we will move deeper into Ephesians 6 to put on our full armor. Praise God!

Father,

Thank You for providing all we need as your children of light. Protect us from evil. We are yours and we stand against the evil that is increasing. One day, very soon, You will trample it all under Your feet. In the meantime, we wait expectantly and pray for those who do not know You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Dabbling With Darkness

     Jesus remains our Lord and Savior. Dabbling in the spirit world is becoming more and more common, even among believers. This was brought to me like a slap in the face when I heard an interview with a pastor friend of mine. He was instrumental in my faith journey and he is now seeing a medium and studying Buddhism and other religions.

Here are warnings from Scripture to all of us.

The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so. Deuteronomy 18:14\

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:31

When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Isaiah 8:19     

     I truly believe that once we place our trust in Jesus as Savior, we are saved for heaven. Nothing, not ever, can separate us from Him. I am praying for this dear friend of mine and I believe the Holy Spirit will not let him go. This journey away from Christ, hopefully, will turn into a testimony of how Christ brought him back to truth.

     There are many books out there about the reality of this dark world, including those who have escaped from the occult and darkness. They describe journeys into demonic activity which began with harmless curiosity, with a visit to a medium, to a psychic, or to a coven of “good witches.”  The more they moved into this world, the darker it became. They opened doors to demonic activity that became real and terrifying.

     Luckily, many Christians are waking up to this reality and sounding a warning. This is not harmless and “good.” It is dangerous territory forbidden by our God.  Bookstores, movies and media are filled with spells and omens and ghost sightings and the paranormal. This spirit world is real.

     Staying in the word and not in the world is becoming increasingly difficult in this culture of unending information. Scripture binds us to truth. Let’s stand together in the light of Christ.

Father,

Thank You for the words you give us. You guide us into light and truth. Protect us from our enemy. We listen to Your voice about the din that surrounds us. Keep us focused on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Debbling With Darkness

     The demonic world can disguise itself as good. Remember, Satan wants what Jesus has. He wants to be worshipped and followed. He is deceptive and a liar.

The thief comes only to kill and steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10

     Satan and his demonic forces want to kill and destroy our faith. They lull the world with subtle deception, with temptations to sway us from truth and light. They can disguise themselves as angels of light.

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

     Jesus warned us of all of the signs of the last times. Here are a couple of verses that speak of the deep deception that has come and will increase.

At that time, many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.  Matthew 24:9-1

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of false teachers to hear what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

     Sobering words from our Lord. The Bible is all about us gaining wisdom and knowledge and truth. Jesus commands us not to worry or fear, to remain peace-filled even in times of great turmoil and tribulation. How wonderful to be sons and daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

     Let’s be watchful and wise as we await His coming. We are to look up and focus on Him, not wavering and dabbling in the ways of the world and ancient myths.

Jesus,

We thank You for Your words. So many are only listening to part of Your word, watering it down to fit their feelings and needs, rather than learning the full counsel of Scripture from Your word. You are pure light. Keep us filled.

Amen

Dabbling With Darkness

     This week has not been an easy week to write. God has been placing situations and truth in front of me that I can’t ignore and when the Holy Spirit nudges, I need to trust God’s will and not my own. As the coming of Christ draws ever closer, we are told of all that will come to pass. Evil will increase, some believers will fall away from the truth of Scripture, earthquakes and storms will increase. (Did Jesus predict climate change or is this His will being put into motion?)

     Demonic activity is real. C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite Christian writers said something like this: There are two equal and opposite ways to consider the demons around us. One is to ignore their existence completely and the other is to have an unhealthy interest in them.

     This week we will discuss the reality of the evil surrounding us. Before we begin, I want to remind you, that as believers in Jesus, we have the power and the strength of His protection. His Holy Spirit resides within us.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

     Reading through the whole chapter of 1 John 4, written by the apostle John, we are reminded to test all spirits. Any spirit who does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord is demonic and deceptive. Many in our day are turning to witchcraft (yes, it is real) and to mediums and psychics, to Eastern religion. This was foretold in Scripture.

The Spirit clearly says in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 1 Timothy 4:1

     For today, we pray to remain steadfast in our faith, to stand up for Jesus as the Savior, to lead others to the Gospel and to the inherent truth of His Word. Later in the week, we will study the full armor of God available to us each day. We have the power of Jesus and His name.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11

     Satan and his demons know Jesus. Their entire goal is to move people away from the one true God, but their power is limited and they, too, must bow to Him.

Father,

We thank You for teaching us truth. We follow light and not darkness. We listen to the voice of the Shepherd, the name above all names. It is Jesus Christ.

Amen