Praises

 

     Moving our attention heavenward will allow us to praise God through all circumstances. Psalm 100 is a short Psalm of praise.  Lift your eyes as we end this year and move into the future. Praise His name. His love endures forever!

Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His names. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:1-5

Praying for a New Year filled with blessings from God.  See you Monday!

The Light of Christ

 

Your sun will never set again and your moon will wane no more. The Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:20

     I pray for you as we enter a fresh new year. May this be a year of new light, of new beginnings, of astounding hope and possibilities such as you have never seen or experienced. Believe in God. Believe in the way He sees you as His beloved child. And as His child you can shine His love light wherever you go.

     Pray for each family as you look through your Christmas cards. Reach out to others. If you are going through a time of difficulty turn the focus on to someone else, if possible. Bake some cookies. Give a word of encouragement. Pay a compliment. Let Jesus shine through you. The more you give away the more you will receive in great blessings. And if you are in deep despair or struggle, accept help. There are others willing to listen, to drive, to cook, to be there.

     I pray for you dear children of the light, as the Son prays for you. Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed He would be glorified and He prayed for all of us to be one with The Son and the Father. Let’s unite in His name.

“The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.” Robert Murray M’Cheyne.

Jesus,

Shine Your divine light on us and through us in the new year. May others ask about You because of us. We can make an eternal difference for You.

Amen

Children of the Light

 

     The longer we walk with Jesus, the more we recognize His faithfulness, His love and His grace. He forgives and forgets. He allows us to grow more and more into His image as we follow Him. We no longer belong to the darkness. We walk in the eternal light of life.

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

     As we continue our journey in Christ, the follies of the night no longer satisfy. The old passions fall by the wayside as we move into more and more light. What a gift! Removing our hearts from the night brings great freedom and joy

Your word is a lamp for my feet; a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Lord,

Show us the way. Light the path ahead. Lend us Your hand and lead us out of darkness into a life of light. Your Word will light the way and show us how. You know the way.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Child Is Born

 

     Merry Christmas! Sing the hymns. Praise His name. Light the candles. Remember the reason for the season. Remember the precious Son of the living God born in Bethlehem in a manger. God with us, Emmanuel. Listen to the words of Mary as the angel Gabriel gives her the news of the birth to come.

And Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

     Let your soul and spirit magnify and glorify the Lord Jesus this Christmas.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:11

Father God,

We worship and praise You this season. May the miraculous birth of Your Son remain in us every day of our lives. Thank You for the greatest gift ever given.

Amen

Merry Christmas!  See you Monday

 

The Light of Life

 

     Jesus is the light of the world. Light came to live among us and the darkness has not overcome it. Just as the sun sustains life and without it there is death and darkness, so it is with the Son. Jesus removes us from darkness and shines on us and through us to give real life.

In Him was life and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

     Allow Jesus to sustain and nourish you with the light of life. Without Him there is darkness. And with Him you will never walk in darkness again. Look up and feel the warmth of His love. Bask in it. Delight in it. It is yours forever.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus,

As we follow You, You remove the darkness from us. Let Your light shine in our hearts as we get ready to welcome in a new year. You promise us the light of life.

Amen

 

Look for the Light

 

     Today is the shortest day of the year; the winter solstice. The sun comes up late and goes down early. We could choose to focus on the darkness. Or we could watch for the first rays of the dawn. The shortest and darkest day of the year is the end of one season and the beginning of another.

     With God, each ending brings a new beginning. Each omega brings the promise of another alpha. Darkness comes just before the dawn. Satan wants us to focus on the darkness. He confuses darkness with light and sometimes we are fooled. We talk ourselves into staying in a dark place. It feels comfortable. We make the best of it.

     God offers full light, beacons of hope before the fullness of the sun. His hope is always there. Brightness is ahead. Full summer days to bask in His light. Let the hope of fresh beginnings fill you this morning. Take a deep breath and watch for the dawn. Count your blessings and pray for fresh light.

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

Father,

We wait in hope for the new beginnings you have in store for us. Shine your beacon of hope through the darkness of these days. You are making a new path for us. You are the God of new beginnings.

In Jesus name,

Amen

NOTE: Even though Saturn and Jupiter are millions of miles apart tonight in the Southwest sky they will appear close together. Some are calling it “The Christmas Star." Watch for it just after sunset.

 

A Safe Place

 

     This week we have withdrawn to solitary places to seek God. We have stilled our minds and hearts to know God. We have slept in peace as we trust God. We have found a solemn place to worship God. Silence, stillness, sleep-filled peace and solemnity bring us to our safe place in Jesus.

     His protection is ours for the asking. His promises are there for all of us and He is faithful. His resurrection is sure and so is ours. We need only to believe. The resurrected Jesus is coming soon. Look up and get ready and rest assured. You will be escorted safely home. Seek Him, find Him and rest in Him today, tomorrow and forever.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

Do not withhold your mercy from me Lord, may your love and faithfulness always protect me. Psalm 40:11

Father,

Your promises are faithful and true. We rest in them. Protect us. Give us peace. Give us sanity and serenity and safety throughout this season.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Solemn Place

 

     See the bright and shining star? It hovers over the greatest miracle on earth; the birth of a Savior, the baby Jesus, the One who came to save us. Sit in solemn wonder and fill your heart with the awe of it. It is the greatest story ever told and the greatest gift given to mankind. He came for you.

     This innocent child would grow into the sinless man, fully man and fully God. He took our place. This Christmas be reminded of the miracle that is Jesus at His first coming, His most humble beginnings, born in a manger in the presence of common shepherds. 

     In His second coming, we will see Him in full majesty as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He came as a Lamb. He will come back as a Lion. Bow in reverence and solemn wonder.

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

Jesus,

Don’t let us get comfortable with the Christmas story and take it for granted. Give us the true hope and joy of the miraculous moment when You came into this world. The Son of God, the light of the world, the Messiah, the Lord stepped from eternity into space and time. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men. (luke 2)

Amen

A Sleepy Place

 

     I don’t know about you, but I could stand a good night’s sleep. Can Scripture help? Try these verses below tonight as you give your troubles to the One who never sleeps. He will watch over you.

Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4

     Let His peace wash over your mind as you drift off to sleep. Trust Him with everything. Give Him your burdens and Your worries and rest your mind and your weary soul. Ask Him to protect you and hold you safely for this night.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

When you lie down you will not be afraid. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You.  Isaiah 26:3

Jesus,

Sometimes sleep eludes us. We toss and turn. Our minds and our hearts keep us awake hour after hour. Let these words from You filled with promise allow us that deep peace that comes from You alone. Give us sweet rest as we count on Your protection.

Amen

A Still Place

 

     For some of us complete silence or quiet time are nerve wracking and awkward. The TV or the radio blares with background noise. We text. We call. We compute. Even fifteen minutes a day will allow God to speak in those quiet moments. A deep thought may escape from within to give each of us new insights.

He says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

     And in the quiet time, the waiting time, the watching time, God works for us. Let Him take control. Let Him fight the difficult battles. He will help you overcome them all with peace in your soul. Just listen.

The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Father,

Let us be still and behold Your presence. Let us be quiet and watch You work. Take care of our needs today as we witness Your miraculous ways. We will be still and know You.

Amen

 

A Solitary Place

 

     My husband and I are both introverts by nature. I love being home alone, studying, reading and writing. We both love our friends and family, but we are often the first to leave a gathering. We spend most of each day together, but we both appreciate the reality of the man cave.

     Today, even for you extroverts, try to embrace your inner introvert. God will meet you right where you are. Even for us solitary souls, we are never alone. Knowing Him and His word and what He says about our short lives on earth allows us to fulfill the purpose He has in store for each of us.

     Jesus often went away by Himself to pray.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went ff to a solitary place where He prayed. Mark 1:35

At daybreak, Jesus went off to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them. Luke 4:42

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5;16

     If the Son of God Himself needed time to withdraw and pray, how much more is it necessary for us?

Lord,

Remind us to spend time with You. Let that be a priority in our lives. Help us to prioritize You above all else and give us those in need of prayer.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Yes and Amen

 

     Let's finish out the week with praises to God! We say “Yes!” and “Amen!” to Him on this beautiful Advent day. His glory shines brighter than the brightest sunshine. His grace falls upon us when we don’t deserve it. His mercies are new every single day. Think about Jesus as you go about your day and represent Him well. Seek kindness and goodness. Forgive and show love. Smile with His joy and rest in His peace.

“Yes!” “Amen!”

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen  Romans 11:36

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen! Galatians 6:18

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen  Ephesians 3:21

To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:11

Jesus,

In Your name the powers of heaven and earth rest. To You comes the glory forever and ever. Let it be so.

Amen

Yes and Amen

 

     One day every person under heaven and earth will see Jesus. For many it will be too late to stay in the presence of God. Why not bow the knee to Him today and say, “Yes!”  All of His promises have come true. All of creation is waiting for His return. Are you? Wait expectantly for Him to work in your life. Wait expectantly for Him to show Himself to your friends and family. And wait expectantly for that day when He returns for us.

Therefore, My people will know My name; therefore, in that day, they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I! Isaiah 52:6

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 on heaven and on earth and under the earth. Philippians 2:9-10

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

     One day every single knee will bow, even the demons under the earth. Say, “Yes!” today. He gives everyone a chance to do so. He does not want to lose even one.

Jesus,

Your name has the power of heaven and earth within it. We praise Your name today above all else. God has given You all authority over heaven and earth. You came for us to save us.

Amen

Yes and Amen!

 

     Let your soul say, “Yes” to God’s rest. Give Him every achy muscle, every worry of your heart, every unanswered question, every unkind thought, every unhealthy habit, every anxious moment and lay it at His feet. He will guide the works of your hands today. He will be beside you to listen. The future is in His almighty hands. Yes, it is.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God, my hope comes from Him. Psalm 62:5

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us-establish the work of our hands for us-yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Lord our God,

We find rest in you. Quiet our anxious thoughts. Establish our ways to align with Yours. We say, “Yes!” to You. Shine Your favor on us

in Jesus’ name.

Amen

Yes and Amen!

 

     The word, “Amen” is a universal word. There is no other way to say it in every culture. When we say, “Amen” after a prayer or after hearing a sermon, we are agreeing wholeheartedly with what has just been said. The meaning may be defined as, “Let it be so.”

     The Jewish people traveled to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. As they moved up the hills to the temple, they would sing and speak the Psalms of ascent, followed by “Amen!”  Let it be so that we may praise the Lord and glorify His name.

Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.  Psalm 72:19

Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen! Psalm 89:52

Jesus,

We say “Yes” and “Amen!” to You every day as we sing Your praises. May the whole earth be filled with Your glory.

Amen and Amen

Yes and Amen!

 

     Jesus never changes. He is eternal. He is Creator and Lord. All things were made by Him and for Him. He is not surprised by the world. He has overcome it. He knows the words you will speak before one comes out of your mouth. (Psalm 139) Why do we continue to doubt? Why do we fear? Why do we fret? So much of life appears to be beyond our control. But not His.

     When we sin, He forgives. When we doubt, He reassures. When we fear, He comes alongside. When we grieve, He comforts. When we are burdened, He says, “Come to Me.” (Matthew 11)

     Believe in His sovereign grace to see you through this often impossible life. He works for your good. He turns things around. He redeems and restores. He is your Lord. You can put everything in His mighty hands. Yes and Amen!

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us for the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Jesus,

We say “Yes!” and “Amen!” to You. Give us Your complete peace with the understanding that You are sovereign above all things. We trust You to work through our circumstances to show Your glory.

Amen

An Ordinary Night

 

     It was an ordinary, quiet night for the shepherds; leading their flocks through the mountain fields, tending to their needs, keeping them safe. There was nothing unusual at all, until the heavens opened up around them, that is. I will let the beautiful words of Scripture remind you of the familiar story.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” Luke 2: 8-14

     I love this! God chose Mary and Joseph, an ordinary couple from humble homes. Now He opens up the heavens with a host of angels praising God to a group of shepherds. What did they do? Just like the wise men, they went to find the baby. And when they found Him, when they understood, what did they do next?

When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  Luke 2:17-18

     Something about meeting Jesus makes us want to talk about Him. We cannot help but speak of all we have seen and heard. (See Acts 4:20) Have you amazed anyone lately with stories about Jesus? Filling up on His glory, recognizing the heavenly hosts surrounding us with protection and sustenance, finds us unable to keep it to ourselves. This kind of news needs to be shared.

     And for all of us who have encountered the Savior, one day the heavens will open up for us and we will witness the heavenly host of angels sayings, “Glory to God in the highest.” And we will be singing and shouting right along with them.

Dear Father in heaven,

Thank you for showing Yourself to ordinary folks like us. Your glory is beyond anything we can imagine and one day we will be in the midst of it. One day that will last forever. Each day of our lives is precious on this earth. Let us make the most of them, as we speak of the Good News. A child is born in the city of Bethlehem. He is the Messiah, the Lord, the Christ!

Amen

Wise Men Still Seek Him

 

     The wise men from the East saw the star. Not many did. How did they know? What was it about that star that brought them in search of the Messiah? Were they familiar with Jewish Scripture?

“A star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” Numbers 24:17

     It is ironic that King Herod, the king of the Jews, calls a secret meeting with the Magi. He had consulted with his advisors and teachers of the law. He asks the three men to seek out this child and report to him, and they go on their way.

     God leads them to Bethlehem. That same star is just ahead of them.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.  Matthew 2:10-12

     The virgin birth, the town of Bethlehem, the star rising, and now the gifts of the three Magi, all prophesied hundreds and even thousands of years earlier. Statistically impossible by human standards. But with God, nothing is impossible.

“Herds of camels will cover Your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” Isaiah 60:6

    The wise men were watching the skies, waiting for the Messiah. Are you? Jesus could return at any moment. Wise men still seek Him. And maybe, like them, your route will change. Worshiping Him, seeing Him up close and personal, often moves us in a new direction. The three travelers were moved out of the way of a scheming King.

     Which way will He lead you? Away from a poor choice, away from weariness, away from all-encompassing anxiety? After meeting Him for the first time, we turn from despair and move to expectant joy and hope. Just as His mother clothed Him in swaddling clothes, He clothes us with His righteousness. He wraps us in His loving arms and we will never be the same. Keep your eyes fixed on the skies. We are heaven-bound!

Dear Lord,

The stories surrounding your birth astound us. From the ordinary birth in a manger to the brightest star spoken of so long ago, all leading us to You. Keep our minds and hearts focused on You during this season and every single day thereafter.

In Jesus name

Amen

A Humble Beginning

 

     Joseph and Mary have heard from the heavenly host. They are carrying the Son of God, the future King, the Savior of the earth. What would you expect with this kind of news? The offer of a palace with satin sheets and lavish banquets? A parade filled with all of the fanfare expected to herald the arrival of a King? Birth announcements embossed in gold? No.

Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  Philippians 2:7

     Around the time of Christ’s birth there came a decree from Caesar Augustus. Everyone was required to register in their hometown. Joseph happened to be from Bethlehem. Micah knew where the Messiah would be born. He wrote about it hundreds of years before the event.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of ol, from ancient times.”  Micah 5:2

    Yes, Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem and God knew exactly where Joseph and Mary would be on that glorious night. The trip would be long, about 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Where would Joseph and Mary stay at the end of this long and bumpy road? In the presidential suite of the town? Well, not exactly.

     The sounds they would hear on that particular night would not include the voice of the hotel manager bringing them fresh towels and warm food. In fact, there was no room for them. The silence would have been deafening beyond the cries of childbirth. But I am sure they could hear a soft moo, a hushed whinny, a squeaky baa, as the animals, created by God, witnessed their Creator Himself appear in human form on that very special eve.

     How about you? Overwhelmed with a long and tiring journey? Is there a long recovery ahead, an unanswered prayer with no end in sight? Have you been squeezed out by divorce or a family feud? How about your stable mates? Or should I say, stall mates at work? Are they a little stinky, noisy or ill-mannered?

     Imagine a glorious end to the journey, a new birth in a relationship or a witnessing miracle at work. Anything can happen when the Savior is along for the ride. You may recognize a change in your outlook, a peace in the wait, a hope in your heart, a new way to cope. When He appears, anything becomes possible. And then there was light.

Dear Jesus,

The story is miraculous. The characters, regular folks, in regular surroundings. No hoopla, just humility. Your birth. The wonder of it all. We sit in awe of You.

Amen

The Unknown Journey

 

     Joseph was engaged to the young and devout Jewish girl, Mary. Can you imagine his thoughts, his reaction to the news? She was expecting a child. The Bible tells us, “…before they came together, she was found to be pregnant…” (See Matthew1) As was right according to Mosaic law, Joseph was going to petition for a divorce from the betrothal. God had other plans. He often does. God not only chose Mary to carry the Christ. He chose Joseph to raise the child.

     Joseph was a decent guy. He did not want to disgrace Mary. He had in mind to divorce her quietly. No Facebook page announcing the single girl’s pregnancy. No, “How could she do this to me?” Just a quiet exit from a devastating shock. Instead, Joseph had a heavenly encounter with an angel.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

    The virgin birth reminds us that this very news fulfills a prophecy written by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before Christ’s birth. (See Isaiah 7:14)

     God chose Joseph and Mary. He chooses you. He saw you before the beginning of time and He sees your path. He will step in and use you to fulfill His purposes on earth. Joseph obeyed. He took Mary as his wife and they named their newborn son, Jesus. Mary had been told her newborn son would be the Son of God and His kingdom would have no end. (See Luke 1)

     Tomorrow we will journey with Joseph and Mary as they, unknowingly, fulfill another prophecy written 500 years before their child’s birth, and we will sit with them in their unusual surroundings as they and we get ready to greet the Messiah.

Dear Lord,

Your humble beginnings speak to us. Your servant’s heart shows us. The people you chose give us hope. Speak now. Show us today. Choose us. Fill us with that same Holy Spirit that gave birth to the Christ, the same Holy Spirit that resurrects the dead. The Spirit that changes us.

Amen