Set Your Seasonal Heart

 

     December is here, ready or not. The church’s calendar is turned to the beginning of a new year. The four weeks leading up to Christmas are celebrated as the season of Advent. It is a time of anticipation, expectation and preparation. Sort of fits in with our cultural relationship with Christmas, doesn’t it?

     Could these weeks be a time to fill our hearts with joy and gladness? The light of the world is coming! The Word is about to become flesh and dwell among us! The God of creation is about to humble Himself. He will be born in human form to become a servant to all. Yes, His first coming is a time to celebrate the miracle that changes everything. Emmanuel, God among us, is about to be born.

     Let’s take a peek into the cast of characters surrounding this great event. We will see how God worked through the most ordinary people to show His glory. He does the same with us. He can use the craziest circumstances, the darkest of days, the most challenging journeys and suddenly show up in the most miraculous of ways.

     Put your feel up. Take a few minutes each day as we revisit Joseph on his difficult journey, the Magi taking a completely different route after seeing Jesus, the shepherds retelling the tale after witnessing the heavenly host. Will you recognize Him and be changed?

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

Dear Father,

Walk with us through the greatest story ever told. We listen with expectation as we await the celebration of Your Son’s birth. Let the joy and gladness seep into our very souls over these next few weeks until we are changed forever. The light of the world has come. Oh, come let us adore Him.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Thankful For You!

 

     This is a tough year for so many. Whether you celebrate with family or are alone this Thanksgiving, I pray you will find peace, joy and hope. Enjoy time with family, if possible. Remain thankful in Jesus. He is our constant companion, our closest ally, our protector, our God, our friend, the One who died for us. Spend time with Him and thank Him for all He has done for us.

     See you on Monday. I am thankful for you!

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3

Jesus,

Thank You for giving us brothers and sisters in the faith. We need each other to remain rooted and strong. We are grateful to You for so much. Give us hearts of thanksgiving each day and please give comfort and strength to those struggling this week.

Amen

A Heart of Praise

 

The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. Therefore, my heart exults and with my song I will thank Him. Psalm 28:7

     A heart of thanksgiving brings deep joy and blessing. Even through the storms of life, we have Jesus with us in the boat. He calms the wind. He is the peace in the midst of the struggle. His name offers great power as we pray.

     Praise Him for who He is, for His willingness to walk alongside us through this life, until we are home with Him. He longs to see us as much as we long to see Him. If you are a believer, you have work to do! He has a purpose, a way to serve, a way to show others who He is!

     The Lord is our strength and our shield. Let our hearts trust Him and worship Him. Let our hearts rise up in song to praise Him.

Father,

We exult in our worship. We praise You through our joy-filled moments and through our dark storms. You are with us and will protect us and guide us until we arrive in heaven. Remind us to have an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving for who You are, not for what You can do for us. We praise You!

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Blessing Beyond All Blessings

 

     Beyond the blessings of our personal belongings, our homes, our food, and beyond the greater blessings of our spouses, our children, our families, and our friends, remains the truest blessings of a loving heavenly Father. This loving Father offered His Son as a living sacrifice so we can live forever!

     Beyond this very short life lies life forever in the presence of the glory of God or life forever separated from God. The images of both are beyond our imaginations.

     Today, thank God for your faith. Thank God for Jesus Christ. And thank God as we pray for those who do not yet believe, that He will continue to work in their hearts and open their eyes to the best blessing of all.

In that day you will say, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Isaiah 12:4-5

Heavenly Father,

You are the blessing beyond all blessings. We give You thanks and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to be exalted above all names. Let the world hear about You.

Amen

Contentment

 

     What brings us contentment? What needs have to be met? Do our situations and people around us need to live up to our expectations? How about interruptions? Do they cause a disturbance in your mood? Do you react to the actions of everyone and everything around you as if they need to accommodate you? During this time of great division, of living with a pandemic, of civil unrest, it would seem nearly impossible to remain content!

     Can we use the Holy Spirit’s help to stay content throughout the day? It’s not easy. Stress finds us out of sorts and anxious. A disagreement over the simplest of things hits us right in the stomach.  A sleepless night or two leaves us grouchy and sensitive.

     As the Bible says over and over again, “But God…” He always comes through for us and peace and contentment are promised by God. Turn to Him in thought and prayer when you feel the seeds of discontent about to plant themselves within your heart.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

      The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, lived in poverty, arrested and put in jail. Here is his answer from within the prison walls.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.

     Is it any wonder the jailers in charge of him accepted Christ? When we stay joy-filled and peaceful (with the help of God) it becomes contagious. Rely on Jesus. He can help. We’ll never get it just right, but He can transform us, day by day.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  Philippians 4:11

Dear Father,

Contentment is hard to find in these crazy days, but with You all things are possible. Give us peace and contentment within our hearts and souls, no matter the circumstances. We can and we will rejoice in You always.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Seasons of Joy

 

     There are seasons of sadness, seasons of the unknown, and, thankfully, we experience seasons of great joy. Holding a new-born baby, experiencing deep love,, finding a cure, or experiencing a miracle. I pray your life will have many joy-filled seasons.

 Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

     As believers, we are to live with each other through it all, just as Jesus lives through it all with us.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15

     I pray that each of you will have times of great joy over this next year. And when you do I rejoice with you. May joy come to you in the morning and cause you to dance!

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.  Psalm 30:11

Jesus,

Thank you for the moments of joy that fill our hearts. Bless us with those moments this year and remind us to stop, cherish and hold them close when they come to us.

Amen

Yearning for God

 

     King David wore his heart on his sleeve. I am so thankful for the words he penned so long ago with his strong emotions that match our own. David fell in love and committed great sin because of it. He cried out for forgiveness. Another time, with his enemies surrounding him, we understand his great fear. And, like us, there were days he did not understand his deep anguish and sadness.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so distraught within me? Psalm 42:5a

    Through it all, his faith in God remained. In fact, the Bible calls him, “a man after God’s own heart.” We can learn from this man. He is not shy about pouring his heart out to God. Throughout the Psalms he moves through his life seeking God, praising God and loving God. In the second half of the verse above, even with his downcast soul, and his distress he continues:

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5b

    If great sadness surrounds you today, cry out to God. And yearn for his presence. If you are scared, His protection surrounds you. Read these beautiful words that begin this Psalm.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2

Jesus,

We yearn for the living water of your grace. Even through the times our souls are downcast within us, You are there. Hear our cries for help today. Hear our voices filled with sadness. You hear us and we will ever praise You, our Lord.

Amen

 

When We Are Scared

 

     Joshua took the place of Moses as the Israelites finally made their way into the promised land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Those wilderness experiences in our own lives can leave us feeling lost, confused and filled with fear.

     Taking a step into the unknown future can be frightening. There are obstacles in the way and we can’t see our way around, over or through them. And we stop and ask, “Why, Lord?” or “When, Lord?” or “How, Lord?”  The key word in all of those questions is, “Lord.” Keep Him involved in your questioning. Allow Him into your deepest fears. Ask Him to help.

     Before the Jordan River dried up and the Israelites were able to cross into the long-awaited promised land, God asked the priests to take a step into the river. Maybe we need to take a small step of faith right now, too.

    And we just might find the courage to take another small step into the future. The path may change. The water may be deep. The outcome may still be unknown. But we choose to move. And Jesus? There He is within us with His comfort and His peace as He surrounds us with protection and with heavenly power. And our Father in heaven speaks to us just as He did to Joshua all of those years ago.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord our God,

You are with us wherever we go. Take away our fear and discouragement as we make the difficult decisions in life. Guide our thoughts to dwell and focus on You through it all as we take another step of faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Don't Understand

 

     The disciples of Jesus were Jewish men awaiting their Messiah. Their expectations for Jesus were for Him to rule and reign on earth. Jesus told them on more than one occasion what was to come. Here is one example. This conversation takes place as Jesus and His followers are journeying to Jerusalem for Passover, shortly before His crucifixion. The disciples had been with Him for nearly three years.

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going to Jerusalem and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him. They will flog Him and kill Him. On the third day He will rise again.”  Luke 31-33

     From this side of the cross it all makes sense. Did they listen and ask what it all meant? Here is their response.

The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them and they did not know what He was talking about.  Luke 18:45

     Not only were they confused. Did you catch it? The meaning was hidden from them. Even the disciples would not understand God’s plan until after the resurrection. In fact, all of the disciples scattered as Jesus was brought to the cross. All but one. John.

     I’ve had the urge to run away from God now and again. It’s easy to turn away when we don’t understand. We tune out. We try to escape from what is before us. We long to control the situation and deny the reality. God seems so far away. Has He deserted us? We thought He was the One. Isn’t He the One to watch over us and take care of us?

     God has always and will continue to watch over us. He understands and He offers hope. Can we listen and trust when we don’t understand? Will we run from His presence rather than wait patiently under His protective wings? Or will we stand by the foot of the cross as John did?

     Let’s bring it all to the foot of the cross where He took on all of what we are facing, right this minute. He rose again. And so will I. And so will you.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in Me. John 14:1

Dear Jesus,

The stories in Your Word give us hope. Even those You were closest to on the earth ran from You. Don’t let us go when things get tough and we don’t have all of the answers. You do, and we trust You.

Amen

A Perfect Kind of Love

 

     A perfect kind of love, an unconditional kind of love, a sacrificial kind of love, a God in human form kind of love, a suffering servant kind of love, a heaven-sent kind of love. All of the above have been given to us, even while we were still sinners.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

     Turning 65 puts life in perspective. I recognize the fact that I have many more years in my past than in my future. I pray that age brings wisdom and an acknowledgment of what is most important in the years ahead. I understand I have the perfect love of Christ with me and within me. He gives all of us purpose.

     Living in relationship with Jesus should cause each of us to look and act more and more like Him. Have I changed in my attitude toward others? Am I acting out in love? Do I need to be right or can I humble myself to listen to the needs of others? Do my family, friends and neighbors know Jesus? Am I praying for those not yet in His family?

    Only those things we do for the kingdom of God will travel with us into heaven. We won’t be playing harps and sitting on clouds forever. We will have so much to do and we will have the entire universe as our playground. Focus on Jesus. He will give you the answers to this life and the life to come. His perfect love is yours for eternity. Let’s put our lives into His hands and walk in hope and grace for the benefit of others. His perfect love is ours into our old age.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He. I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Psalm 16:4

Jesus,

Teach us Your wisdom. Teach us the vital lessons we need in order to live a life of purpose. Show us what is most important to You. Help us to leave a legacy of love. Thank You for being with us as long as we live.

Amen

 

Eternal Love

 

     Has the hope and truth of eternal life changed you? When you have no fear of death, perspective on this life changes. Our fear is wiped out.

There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18a

     This perfect love came in the form of the perfect man. He took the pain and suffering of our sin unto Himself and He asks us to believe. Take these beautiful words of hope for eternal life into your very soul today and never forget them. You are heaven-bound! Death unto life is ours and heaven will be beyond anything we can hope for or imagine.

Very truly I tell you; the one who believes has eternal life. John 6:47

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28

And this is what He promised us-eternal life. 1 John 2:25

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Father,

Thank You for the gift of Your Son. In His name we have eternal life. Remind us of this hope throughout our lives, through the joy and the mourning, through every season. Keep us anchored in You. We are Yours now and forevermore.

In Jesus name,

Amen

God's Love Letter

 

     I don’t think it’s possible to take in the enormity of God’s love for us. It may take until we step into eternity to realize it fully. One way to understand God’s faithful, patient, enduring, unconditional love for humanity is to read His love letter. This letter, written over thousands of years, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has been revealed progressively through the centuries.

     The Old Testament and the New work together to tell the story of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ given to save a fallen world. The more you read it, study it, and meditate on it, the more peaceful and rich life becomes. It is our plum line, our guide book, filled with lessons on how to live life. It is Jesus. He is the Word, the one sent to save.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

     The Word of God brings hope and truth and light into our lives. All of it, every single word. Do not neglect it!

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.  Romans 15:4

     May this Word give you peace and joy as you take on the day!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13     

Amen!

A Forever Kind of Love

 

     Hold on to God’s love for you even in the depths. He is right there beside you. Did you know the Bible tells us that nothing, not anything, can ever separate us from Him? This life will be done one day. And we will step into forever. Whatever today brings, joy or sorrow, doubt or hope, loneliness or fellowship, worry or confidence, Jesus is holding you up. Nothing will ever take Him away.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, not anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:37-39

Dear Lord,

These words bring such encouragement to us. Not even death will separate us from Your love. Surround us with that love and heal the hurting world around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A God Kind of Love

 

     I don’t know about you, but I can use some God kind of love to surround me these days. Each relationship with Jesus is unique. He knows our quirks, our faults, our personalities, our doubts and fears, our strengths and weaknesses. He loves us; each one of us, right where we are right now, this very minute.

     Sometimes we compare ourselves with each other, even with those in the body of Christ. And we think we could be more like her or him. Maybe I should pray more? Should I try to teach or sing? Why can’t I be more like her or him?

     Let Christ’s love wash over you and let it be enough. Once you are His, He will never let you go. Relax in His presence. Tell him everything on your heart. He won’t tell anyone! And He is there to help, to guide, to teach, to give you power and strength and love. His kind of love is made just for you.

     Just as each of our earthly relationships is unique, one-of-a-kind and special, so is the relationship with our Lord. Yes, we are somewhat of a dysfunctional family. There are various factions and denominations. But, if we have accepted Jesus as Lord, we are sons and daughters of the King! We are children of the most-high! We are brothers and sisters in the faith. Enjoy your relationship, just as it is, made just for you and Jesus. He chose you. You are His.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you.  1 Thessalonians 1:4

Jesus,

Thank you for loving us, each in our own way. The deep understanding, patience and kindness You give each of us cannot be measured. Meet us right where we are and show us the way forward.

Amen

Legacies of Love

 

     Is there someone you want to emulate? A parent, a friend, a movie star, or singer? Someone with tons of money, power or youth? What drives you each day? What are the motives of your heart? All questions worth pursuing.

     The older I get the more I want to be like my father-in-law, Bert, or my friend, Marcia. They represent those who pour out love even when they are suffering, even during struggles. The husband who never complains when his wife no longer recognizes him. He just loves. The friend who cares more about you than about the pain she is in. Those able to sacrifice their own agenda and their own selfish desires to do what Jesus asks.

     The apostle Paul experienced great suffering throughout his life. You can read a list of just some of what he went through in 2 Corinthians 11. Here is what he wrote from his prison cell:

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

     And he also reminds us to rejoice always. Sounds impossible. But with God all things are possible. To show strength in suffering, sacrifice in struggles, wisdom in worry, love in loss. And maybe, just trying to be kind to everyone.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:31-32

When Jesus was asked, which is the greatest commandment?

Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22-38-40

     Good words to meditate on this morning. Be kind. Be compassionate. Love God. Love others. Why? Because Jesus says so. And, oh how the world needs Him.

Dear Lord,

We grumble and criticize and lash out in our human frailty. Teach us how to be kind and loving to each other. Will you show us how today? Let our lives be a legacy of love.

Amen

Life Legacies

 

     Our beautiful daughters, long ago, accepted Jesus as their Savior. If that is the only legacy my husband and I leave on the earth, it is enough. We are blessed. In our eternal perspective, leaving a legacy of loving Jesus and sharing His light is what our lives are about.

    The very last verse in the great love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 is this:

And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.  1 Corinthians 13;13

     During a stormy season in life, stuck in debt, worrying over a health crisis, whatever your needs are today, remember, faith and hope in Jesus are always available to us, as we are covered in His love. The greatest of all is love and that is what will follow us into heaven. Our faith will be realized and our hopes fulfilled as we step into heaven and meet Jesus face to face. The love we shared in His name will remain forever.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know full even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

     We are children of the most-high God, forever written in the Lamb’s book of life. Nothing can erase it. Your sins are forgiven, past, present and future. We have freedom to live in truth and love. How then do we live?

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

Dear Jesus,

Love and hope remain. Fill us with Your light as we live out the rest of our days. Give us courage to live out our faith and hope in You, as we share the love You first gave us.

Amen

Life Legacies

 

     I wrote this from the vantage point of my father-in-law many years ago, when he was dealing with the difficulty of seeing his wife in a nursing home. Maybe some of you understand how difficult it is to see a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

 

                   My Wife of 50 Years

     I can’t find her in the place where she lives, my wife of 50 years, even though I try. I bring her clothes, make sure she’s clean and listen to the words I no longer understand. I can’t stay away and I can’t stay long.

     I return to the home we shared, she and I, and there I find her, my wife of fifty years. I find her in the scent of the vanilla perfume sitting on the mirrored tray. I find her under the quilt she made, and I find her in the brush that I use on my fine, white hair; the brush she used each day trying to manage the hair that never stayed just right.

     Her hair is the one thing that brings a rare smile as I say, “Honey, your hair looks pretty today.”

     I guess when you worry and fuss about something your entire life you never forget, even in a mind almost gone. And so I chuckle a little and I sniff, and I snuggle and I brush trying to find her, my wife of 50 years.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Dear Father in Heaven,

Comfort those suffering today in their own bodies and minds or in dealing with the suffering of loved ones. You understand us even when we don’t. You know our hearts and we trust You with it all, until, one day, there will be no more suffering or tears or pain.

Amen

Life Legacies

 

     Fellowship with other Christians is deeper and richer than other relationships. Maybe it is because we know we will be spending eternity together! We all share the same Holy Spirit of God. There is a willingness to love, to encourage and to correct when necessary, a true unity. I witnessed a deep and abiding fellowship of friends in action over twenty years ago.

     I was part of a care ministry team in the early 1990’s. It was a big commitment, 50 hours of training, a two-year covenant to stay in the ministry, along with continuing education and ministry meetings twice a month. After the initial training, we would be paired with someone in crisis. The usual pattern was to set up weekly visits that could last for up to one year.

     One of my first care receivers was very ill. She was expected to live for only about six months, as she suffered from congestive heart failure, lung disease and complete blindness. She lived for six years! I never did take a break from visiting her. In Christ’s economy, when you want to share in His name, He gives you blessings in abundance in return.

     Over those years of visiting Marcia, I became familiar with her group of friends and grew to love all of them. (By the way this is a confidential ministry, but Marcia always introduced me around church as “my Stephen minister,” so I know she wouldn’t mind me sharing her story.)

     Marcia’s group of friends had been a part of the same church community for several decades. They had taught Sunday School, raised their kids around the same time, and several had sorrowed together over the deaths of their husbands. They had studied the Bible together and this group of friends rallied around Marcia. They read to her, brought her food, gave her rides and encouraged her.

     I know now that Marcia and her friends were a part of my training. I had no clue as to how to minister to anyone, even though my heart was in the right place. This group was gracious and kind and opened the Bible to me and opened their hearts to teach me and show me Jesus.

     Marcia’s life had shrunk from a large house down to an apartment, followed by a move to her son’s basement, and finally, to a nursing home and hospice. There came a day when we knew the time was near for her to go to heaven and this band of friends allowed me to tag along to say goodbye to our dear friend.

     I said my goodbyes first and told Marcia all she had meant to me and all she had taught me about being physically burdened in ways I could not understand, yet still being able to show and share the joy of the Lord.

     I sat at a table off to the side as her long-time friends circled her bed. They laughed and cried, shared memories and prayed. And then the sweetest sounds came from their lips as they sang hymn after hymn in beautiful harmony. After decades of sitting in church pews together, they could have gone on for days. It was a glimpse of heaven, like I imagine the angels singing. What a sweet remembrance.

     There was something pure and lovely, and holy about that day. It was the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ at work in that room. The following verses speak to how the body of Christ can function. I witnessed the truth of these verses that day.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  Colossians 3:16

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the men and women of faith You place in our lives to teach us about You. Allow us to share with others the great joy of knowing You and how that changes us even through times of suffering.

In Jesus name

Amen

Life Legacies

      The legacies that last can’t be measured, weighed or calculated. They are not in our trophies, diplomas and ribbons. They won’t include the expensive dress, the new car or the prestigious job. What will last? How will we be remembered? What matters?

Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

     As believers, our legacies become His. A long time ago, our Tuesday morning Bible study group delved into Max Lucado’s “God’s Story, Your Story,” where we revisited the old familiar themes of the Bible, from creation, to the baby Jesus, to the cross, the resurrection and our final movement from earth to a forever paradise.

     Seeing the big picture of God’s story gives us new perspective on our own. If our lives belong to Him, what kind of legacy do we want to leave? How has He worked in our lives in the past? Who has been a part of our story? Who shared Jesus with us and have we had opportunities to do the same? What has He taught us through our struggles? How has the Bible changed our hearts and minds?

     Studying these questions brought our group to a place where we decided to share our personal stories with one another. After the study, we took two weeks to share our Jesus stories and called them, “Testimony Tuesdays.” Witnessing about our faith to others can be intimidating. We don’t want to appear foolish or to push people away. 

     But our stories are just that. They are ours to share, as we witness to what God has done for us and through us. And maybe, just maybe, others will ask us questions. When others see changes in us; a new light, a new joy, a deeper peace, a kinder spirit, we can say, “Let me tell you what Jesus has done for me.”

     This week I will share a few stories from my own faith walk and stories of others in my life who have shaped my faith with their own testimonies.

     How would you answer if someone asked you about Jesus?

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story-those He redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:1-2

Dear Jesus,

Storing our treasures for heaven means building up our storehouse of love for others. Give us opportunities to share You with others. Keep us bold and courageous. You love everyone. Let us be a part of sharing that love.

Amen