Witnessing A Miracle

 

     Elizabeth and Zechariah are given the gift of a child in their old age. Anna and Simeon are given the gift of witnessing the Messiah in theirs. They are devout. They have been waiting. In fact, Simeon knows in his heart he will not die before seeing the king of Israel.

     Unstoppable praise came from the lips of Mary and from Zechariah as they witnessed the wonders of God. Today we walk with Mary and Joseph with the new baby Jesus to the temple. There is more praise to come.

(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord.”)  Luke 2:23

          Simeon sees the child. This child. THE child.

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the sight of all nations, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”  Luke 2:28-32

     Joseph and Mary marveled at his words. Simeon witnessed the baby and worshiped. And there is another at the temple. A woman named Anna. She prays at the temple night and day. She became a widow at a very young age, after being married for only seven years. She is now eighty-four.

Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

     Anna and Simeon, aged and devout, written about in the Holy Scriptures. They recognized the Lord. Will you? When you see Him, will you praise Him from your heart and will you, like Anna, tell others about Him? If you believe in Jesus, your name in written in the Book of Life and, like Simeon, one day we will be dismissed in peace. Spontaneous worship. It stirs my heart. Have you witnessed the miracle of Christ?  Paul reminds us that this is what we are to do:

…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20

Dear Jesus,

The longer we know You ,the more we want to praise You.  We celebrate the miracle of Your birth, Your life on earth, Your death and resurrection. Hear our worship and praise.

Amen

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I pray you will be filled with the presence of God. See you back here January 3^rd!

Praising A Miracle

 

     The angel’s news is ringing in Mary’s ears. God has chosen her. The Holy Spirit has overshadowed her and the young, virgin girl is to give birth to the One and Only, the Son of God.  Elizabeth’s baby leaps for joy in her womb, as he recognizes the Messiah within Mary.

     Mary can no longer hide her praise. Words come flowing from her. Words that are sung over and over again in churches worldwide, thousands of years later. Maybe you have heard them. Here is, what is called, Mary’s Magnificat:

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, for the Mighty One has done great things for me-Holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as He promised our ancestors.’  Luke 1:46-55

     Let this be your worship today. God is mindful of you. He blesses your soul. He will do great things for you and Holy is His name. He is merciful. He has performed mighty deeds in the past and His deeds will continue into the future. His promises never fail. Let Him stir your heart to praise Him, just as He stirred His mother’s soul thousands of years ago. We praise you Jesus.

Lord,

Like Mary, we want to be filled with praises that overflow. We thank You for coming to this earth to save us. Your miraculous birth leaves us in awe of all You did for us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Sharing A Miracle

 

     Do a few special people come to mind when you need to share exceptionally good news? More than likely these are the same people you run to with news that is not so great. Our loved ones increase our joy and cut our burdens in half. Life is meant to be shared.

     Yesterday, we shared some good news with Elizabeth and Zechariah. They were to have a baby boy in their old age. Today, Gabriel makes another visit, about six months into Elizabeth’s pregnancy. This time it is not only good news. It is THE GOOD NEWS. I encourage you to read through the full exchange between Gabriel and Mary beginning at verse 26 in the 1st chapter of the book of Luke. The part I want to share today is this:

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:35-37

     Mary responds in obedience and immediately gets ready and travels to the home of her relative, Elizabeth. Wouldn’t you love to hear the entire conversation as they compare their encounters with Gabriel? The names of their sons are chosen; John and Jesus. One is to prepare the way. The other is The Way. There was so much to share. Mary would stay with Elizabeth for three months.

     This 1st chapter of Luke’s gospel is filled with the Holy Spirit. It is filled with rich and deep conversations and songs of praise to God. The angel told Zechariah that his baby boy would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth and we see proof of that at Mary’s arrival to their home. Here is what happens:

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promise to her!” Luke 1:41-44

     This is profound. Don’t you love the exclamation points? Don’t you love the fact that John recognized the Messiah even before their births? Don’t you love the obedience in Mary? She is blessed to believe. And so are we! All we need is to believe in that same news! The One conceived in human form. The One who would one day take the suffering of our sins on His shoulders. The One who will overcome death.

     For now, let’s sit and take in the joy of the women sharing this momentous news, pondering the future, making plans, looking ahead to their sons and all they would do for them and for the world.

     Human delight.  A God infused womb. Two of them, in fact. Cousins sharing secrets, secrets soon to be shared. And it will change the entire world. A shared joy, shared history.

     And we share the same news in hushed wonder. He is born! Over two thousand years later, the news resonates in our souls. A Savior is born. Let’s share it with those we love. It is the best news. It has to be shared.

Jesus,

The story of Your birth continues to amaze and astound us. We can only imagine the hearts of these two faith-filled women. Thank you for Your encounters with us today. Just like Mary, we are blessed to believe. As Gabriel reminds us. Your Word never fails.

Amen

Anticipating A Miracle

 

     Let’s go back to a time, a few months before the manger scene. One was to go before Jesus into the world to prepare the way for His ministry. Who was it? Let’s visit Elizabeth and Zechariah. They share the spirit of anticipation. They join in the joy with Mary, as well as celebrating a miracle in their own lives.

But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.  Luke 1:7

    They were unable to conceive. They were both very old. But God chose them. God chose them and He sends an angel to tell Zechariah the good news that is about to unfold. Gabriel is one busy angel.

But the angel said to him; “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.  He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth. Luke 1:13-14

   Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary, all found favor with God. All devout in their faith. In fact, Zechariah and Elizabeth both fall in the line of priests. Elizabeth’s line dated back to Moses’ brother, Aaron. Joseph is in the line of King David, the line leading us to Jesus, the Christ. I want to find favor with our God. How about you? 

     God continues to use us as long as we walk the earth. Feeling a little used up, feet shuffling a bit tired with age? Not in God’s vision of you. He sees that light shining from within, the ability to share His love with others. He hears your prayers. He understands your willingness to trust Him through it all, right up to your very last day on earth. He sees the value and the worth. He sees the important things in life. He sees the heart.

     Ask Moses, or Abraham, or Caleb, or the disciple John. Ask Zechariah and Elizabeth. Ask Billy Graham. Old age is nothing in God’s eyes. God’s wisdom only sharpens with age. Faith is rooted a little deeper. An angel just may whisper in your ear, “it’s time now for a miracle. God has some good news for you.”

 Dear Jesus,

Help us to honor the aged, the wise, the wonderful elders in our midst. You have purpose for us each and every day for as long as we live. Give us a message of hope today. We are Your children. Find favor with us.

Amen

Faith Supports

 

     What have you built your life on that will hold you secure when the first sign of a storm appears? Will you sink when the waves crash into you with force? Or are you built on the firm foundation of faith in Christ?

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds beat and blew against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:25-27

     Our faith provides a firm foundation, built on the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. He will hold you up through the greatest storms in life and will not allow you to crash. Rely on Him.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

     Our faith will sustain us through the flames and the waves, through the storms of life. Be assured of Jesus. Find hope in Him alone. Build your spiritual house on the solid rock.

But the Lord has become my fortress and my God, the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:22

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

Father,

Our foundation is secure, set, on the Rock of our salvation, Jesus. Our faith assures us of heaven, even through the trials and tests on earth, You are there to protect and provide.

Amen

    

Faith Protects

 

     Satan is real and active, devious and aware. We have spiritual armor to wear with confidence each and every day. You can read through each piece of armor in Ephesians 6:13-18. For today, we will focus on the shield that protects us from the fiery arrows of our enemy.

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

     God provides everything we need. If only we would remember to clothe ourselves with our helmet of salvation, our breastplate of righteousness, our shoes of the Gospel of peace, our belt of truth, our shield of faith, our one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, all tied together with prayer.

     Faith protects us from the voice of Satan filling us with doubt, with worry, with temptation, with greed and envy, with pride. He knows how to push our buttons and wants us to remain in a weak position, unable to speak truth, to bring glory to Jesus with our lives.

     Today, hold up your faith with confidence and joy. You’ve got this! Jesus provides protection against every single arrow pointed at you.

Lord,

We thank You for the weapons of warfare against evil. We lean on You for protection in this world as we await Your coming. The darkness has no power over Your light.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Faith Assured

 

     Have you felt the presence of God in a real way, known that a prayer has been answered, smiled and said, “That was You, Jesus?”

     When I was 28 years old, I was driving down 28^th Avenue in South Minneapolis on a bright, sunny day, driving my pale-yellow, stodgy 4-door Dodge K-car, feeling very sorry for myself. My dream in life, from the time I was a small girl, playing with my baby dolls, was to be a wife and a mom.

     At the time,38 years ago, I was dating someone I knew did not want to be married or to have kids. Many of my friends were married with children and I was filled with doubts about life and what direction mine was going. Out of the blue feeling washed over me. I felt it from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. I know now it was the Holy Spirit, but at the time, I was not in a deep relationship with Jesus. God begins His work in us long before we open our hearts to Him completely.

     The assurance was real. I knew that I knew that I knew I would be married and have a little girl named Angela one day. (My favorite name way back to those baby dolls) A smile of pure joy broke out on my face, driving alone in my car. But I wasn’t alone.

     I never doubted that deep truth, even though I would go through many trials in the next few years. I married my love at the age of 31 and had my first child at 33. Yep, you guessed it. A daughter, named Angela. My husband did have a say in our second beautiful daughter’s name, Lauren, a couple of years later.

     I love to hear stories of prayers answered, of knowing God is real and involved. The Holy Spirit is alive and well and I (and you) have many stories to share. My faith has not wavered. The assurance of faith is real. I want to share a verse that hangs over my kitchen sink on a sun catcher. It is a good one to memorize. Faith and hope are real. God is there.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance for what we do not see. Hebrews 11;1

Father,

We know You are there. We are assured of our faith in Jesus, by the work of the Holy Spirit. Fill us with the assurance of Your good work in us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Faith Tested

 

     Has your faith in God been tested? The Bible is clear. It will be tested. The testing of our faith produces good. So hard to understand when we doubt, when we wonder, when we suffer, when we ask, “why?”  And there are so many struggles in life that bring about the testing of our faith.

     God will be present through it all. Even at our bleakest moments, He will return us back to Him, and bring good things from the pain.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you have trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work, so that you may be mature not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

     Have you persevered, wondering how you would make it? I know I have. When we come out on the other side of suffering, we find our faith has increased, our trust in Jesus made stronger, and our hope assured. Not easy. Would never ask for it. But God is good. All the time.

In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

     Rejoicing in grief? I am certainly not there yet. But faith remains through it all. All to the praise, glory and honor of Jesus.

Lord,

Make Your powerful presence known to those in deep suffering right now. May they feel the comfort and peace and hope that only You provide. This fallen world is filled with imperfect people, with all kinds of trials, but our hope is in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

The Gift of Faith

 

     It’s all about faith. Our faith, our belief, our trust, our hope all depends on one God. One faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The assurance of our home in heaven. One faith pleases our God.

And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

     To find Him, we must seek Him. Are you looking? Wondering if there really is a God? Read through the Scriptures. Pray and ask. He is there, waiting.

Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

     Jesus will not come into your life without seeking, knocking and asking Him to be your Lord and Savior. And faith will be yours forever!

     Faith will do that. Give us confidence and assurance. We do not see. But we believe. Our hope is secure in Him.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of the faith that pleases You. Give us complete assurance today in all You have planned for us. We love You.

Amen

Everlasting Light

 

     Try to imagine the radiance of heaven. Picture the glimmering new city of Jerusalem, the spectrum of colors beyond anything the human eye has seen, the sea of glass, the trees producing new fruit each month, no more night, no more sorrow, no more pain, surrounded by pure light.  (Revelation 21)

    Humans cannot experience the full glory of God and live. Even with God’s back turned to him while hiding in the crevice of a rock and with God’s hand over that crevice, Moses’ whole countenance changed.

     Reflecting the light of Christ is just a small part of the unimaginable glory of heaven! Keep that in mind always as we stumble, fall and pick ourselves back up again and again throughout our lives. There is a future filled with forever light!

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 fully, even as I am fully known.  1 Corinthians 13:12

There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light and they will reign forever and ever.  Revelations 22:5

Dear Father,

We thank you for the light of Christ, the light of the world, the light of our hearts and the light of heaven. Show us how to shine with His light throughout our earthly lives. One day we will witness Your full glory. Let that always bring hope.

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Unveiled Light

 

     The closest any human has come to seeing the glory of God is Moses. When God called him to lead his people into the promised land, he did not believe it. He was not ready. He was not qualified. He wanted God to pick someone else. All of us can relate! Moses asked God to see His glory. You can read through the encounter in Exodus 33 and 34.

     God told Moses that His presence would pass by, but no man could see His face and live. God hides Moses in a crevice in the rock and God passes by with His back to him.  Moses’ encounter with God leaves him radiant. In fact, he has to wear a veil! His countenance is so bright the Israelites are unable to look upon him.

     Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus leaves him blinded as he is given a new name, a new path, a new ministry. He is changed forever. Read all about it in Acts 9. Isaiah is allowed a peek into the throne room of heaven. He immediately says that he is undone and that he is a man of unclean lips. Encounters with the living God bring us to our knees in humility and awe, in fear of His holiness (not afraid, but a reverential fear) and we are undone. The power and the glory of God change us. We will never be the same. And His glory shines on us and through us.

     Remember that the veil to the temple was ripped from bottom to top when Jesus was dying on the cross. The veil separated the ordinary folks like us from the Holy of Holies.  The death and resurrection of Christ left us with full access to the throne room. The high priests were the only ones able to enter the inner room of the temple where the presence of God resided. Listen to what Jesus has done for us!

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

     I pray for each of us to be completely changed by the living God! His love is deeper. His light is brighter. His glory is beyond anything our earthly eyes can see. Someday we will see Him face to face. We’ll talk about that tomorrow. In the meantime, go boldly to the throne room time after time and be changed by the radiance of Christ.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18

Dear Jesus,

Let these words rock our world! You transform, you change. You mold us more and more into Your image. We come before the throne room boldly in need of Your mercy and grace and glory.

Amen

Let It Shine!

 

     You know the song. You sang it in Sunday school, “This Little Light of Mine,” The chorus includes these words, “I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine let it shine.” Picture a very dark cave. You cannot see your hand in front of your face. You struggle, groping in the dark, trying to find a way out. And then you spot it; a candle ahead, brightly lit, on the floor of the cave.

     This tiny, intimate light changes everything. This small light will guide you out of a dark place. It lights the space around you, bringing awareness to the truth of your surroundings, a beacon, a feeling of warmth, a way out. It brings hope. A small count of light will offer the same into the darkness around us. Our little lights can bring hope and guidance. The light in us is Jesus.

     We can’t shine for others until we are emptied of the darkness within and filled with the light ourselves. Jesus exposes darkness, all of it, and heals it with His love and light. Allowing Him into our secret places isn’t always easy. We are comfortable there. Can we trust Him? Can we trust Him with the hurt stuffed down deep within, all of the past and present grief? Can we bring it out into the light and allow the God of love to remove the darkness? He is the great healer. He will do it!

     And nothing can snuff it out again. Even if the enemy of our souls tries and tempts and entices, Jesus is more powerful. The light dispels the darkness. The darkness has lost its power.

The light of the righteous shines brightly but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.  Proverbs 13:9

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:5

    If there is darkness engulfing your life right now with dread, worry, hopelessness or fear, God can handle it. That darkness has no power over Him. Fill up on His light.

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine! (Matthew 5:14-16)

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for Your words to us today. With You in our hearts, our minds, and our spirit, we can bring Your light to a darkened world. Remind us of that truth. Where You are, there is light. You have come into the world as light and Your glory will shine within us and through us until we witness Your full glory.

Amen

God's Words Are Light

 

     Jesus is the light of the world and the lamp of heaven. It is no wonder we read that the Bible is a lamp and a light. Jesus is the word of God come to life in the flesh (see John 1)

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

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

     The word of God gives life and hope. It brings words of healing and conviction. When we read it, it reads us! The word might give us just enough light to take one small step during a difficult season. Other times, it shines like the noon-day sun, giving immediate joy and warmth to our whole being.

     I love the second verse above. The unfolding of the Bible opens up new understanding. God wants every part of us, spirit, soul and body under His direction. He can handle every part of our past. As He unfolds His wisdom, little by little, everything can be brought into His glorious light. If there are simmering coals of hurt, anger, unforgiveness or past shame still being covered by activity, addiction or despair, give it all to the light of the world.

     Do not fear. He is a mighty God. Our pasts will be used in a future filled with the light of Jesus and the lamp set before our feet. Light exposes darkness. The unfolding of our lives under the power of God’s word leads us onto a stable and firm and open path filled with light and freedom.

Dear Father,

Your word fills us with joy, with hope, with new beginnings. Continue to open our understanding as You light the path before us and remove the darkness behind us. We take one more step into a future with You today. Make our stories count for You. Take our hand and walk with us into a brighter future.

In Jesus name

Amen

Light

 

     God is love. God is light. As believers we are children of the light. We no longer live in darkness. I could use a little extra light right now. How about you?

This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you. God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all.  1 John 1:5

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

     How blessed we are to be called children of God! We have been drawn to the light of Christ. We have been drawn to hear His Gospel. Our souls have been renewed. The Holy Spirit within us continues to draw us to the pure light and love of Jesus. I pray you hear these words and take them in. As believers God continues to work in us. We are continually being sanctified, made more and more into the image of Christ.

     Only a miracle-working God could take lumps of clay like you and me and mold us into something new. His love and light have turned my world upside down and I only grow deeper in my love for Jesus as the years drop away, one by one. Each day brings us closer to our heavenly home and each day on earth can draw us closer to the transforming light of Christ.

Dear Jesus,

We no longer walk in the dark. You have shown us the light of the world. It is You. The darkness no longer has power over us. We are Your children today, tomorrow and forever. Give us lives of passion and purpose to shine Your light before others.

Amen

Cheerful Generosity

 

    God loves it when we give to others with our whole hearts. He loves a cheerful giver.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9;7

     As we strive to give everything to Christ, to do everything in love, to give our all to bring glory to Him, He asks us to give cheerfully, to live sacrificially, and not grudgingly, without grumbling. I certainly need His guidance in this!    

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Philippians 2:14

     Using what God has given us, including our gifts and talents, will bring blessings to others as well as blessings to our lives. And He asks us to do it all generously and cheerfully.

If it is to encourage, then give encouragement. If it is giving, then give generously. If it is to lead, do it diligently. If it is to show mercy, then do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

     His words to us this week include doing all things as if we are doing them for Christ, to do everything without grumbling or arguing, to do everything in love, as well as giving cheerfully and generously. All of these attributes can only come from walking closely with Jesus. He will lead the way into the abundant life that shines with His glory.

Father,

We need Your help as we struggle with our human tendencies. Fill us with Your Spirit as we move out into the world around us, as we strive to do everything for You and with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

    

The B.I.B.L.E is the Book for Me!

 

     How do we live according to God’s plan for us? The only way to understand who God is and what He loves and what He hates is to know and to continually study His word. The word of God is alive and will speak to us in unique and personal ways.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

     God tells us to meditate on His word, to etch it on our hearts and to live it out as we give everything in life to Him. Other types of meditation call for us to empty ourselves, while the meditation instructed by God is to fill ourselves to the brim with His life-altering words

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

     God’s words to Joshua inspire me to remember to meditate on the word night and day. You will find just the right words for any situation. The Spirit will bring words to mind as needed from the Bible as we go about our daily business. With our Bibles in hand, we can fight off the wiles of Satan and live the abundant life that only comes from Jesus. B.I.B.L.E. “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” “If your Bible is falling apart, there is a good chance you are not!  Enjoy this day.

Lord,

Today we thank You for Your word that is alive and active. The word will be like a sword against the enemy’s schemes. It will comfort us, inspire us, teach us and guide us into living the lives you have called us to live.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

All In Love

 

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

     Everything in love? All things in love? What about the neighbor keeping me up last night? What about the friend who spoke untruths about me? What about the rude cashier? We can come up with a thousand reasons a day not to walk in love, can’t we?

     Jesus loved us enough to die for us, each one of us. He has forgiven us past, present and future. While we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, Jesus loves us enough to forgive us for all of it.

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

     Forgiveness is tough. After all, there are some who do not appear to deserve it! Can we speak gently to the one who is rude? Can we bring hope to an angry acquaintance, or stay calm in a tense situation? Can we focus on our spouse’s great qualities and not the things that drive us crazy? Can we consistently walk in love?

     Only when we are filled with Christ Himself can we live in love. He gives us the strength and the hope we need to walk in step with Him. Let’s give Him everything today, in love.

Lord,

Your love knows no bounds. You give grace and mercy where none is deserved. Continue to show mercy to us as we struggle with our days. Reduce us to love today.

Amen

Whatever We Do

 

     How do we continue to keep Jesus first in our lives, as our lives become stretched too thin? Calendars fill up. Work and chores need to be done. Friends and family need our time. Worries abound. Health issues arise. Our young children deserve our constant and consistent attention and care. Where does Christ fit in?

     Looking back over the many decades of my life, the times I have been most out of sorts have, invariably, been the times when my focus has been taken off Jesus. Enjoying and welcoming and relying on the Holy Spirit’s lead is the only answer to maintaining a peaceful and joy-filled life. It’s ultimately all about Him.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters. Colossians 3:23

     The definition for “everything” includes “all things” and “life in general.” What if every single thing we do and say, including our actions, our work, our attitudes, could be given to Jesus? He bought us with a price and our lives now belong to Him.  

     I can’t imagine trying to give Him some of the things I have said or the ways in which I have completed tasks half-heartedly, or done something for someone grudgingly. So many instances come to mind as I think about giving everything to Christ. I’m sure Jesus would want nothing to do with some of it.  We will never be perfect, nope, not ever on this earth.

     But, for today, I am going to think and act mindfully as to the Lord, focusing on the way I live and act, as a child of the most-high God, as one who belongs to Christ and is given the honor of representing Him to a fallen world.

Jesus,

Help me to give all of my life to You, to act and do everything in Your honor and with You in mind. No matter how mundane, let us welcome Your presence into all we do, in all things, in everything.

Amen

 

In All Things

 

     Feeling weak? Let Jesus be your strength. Feeling tired? Come to Him and He will give you rest. Feeling unsettled? He will bring you back to peace. Are you grieving? Let Him comfort you. Content and happy? Jesus will rejoice with you.

     Be reminded that Jesus is here. He is alive and well in heaven and His Spirit resides within every believer. He is beside you, within you, around you, above and beneath you. In all things, Jesus is there. All things were created through Him and for Him.

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

     We have been saved for eternity through Christ. He is with you today and tomorrow. He will walk with you, talk with you, listen to you and He is able to sustain you in all things. He is enough. Have faith. Here is the simple Gospel truth.

Through Him, you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:21

Father,

Thank You for reminding us today that, because of Jesus, we have access to You. Our hope and our faith remain steadfast in You. Give us exactly what we need right now, this very minute. We praise You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

All We Need

 

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

     Take in the blessings of God this week. Allow Him to fill the holes in your heart and bless you in all things at all times. Jesus loves you to the moon and back and beyond the stars. After all, He has washed your sins as white as snow. Take that love and the blessings of God and give some away. Count your blessings on Thanksgiving Day and every day. And don’t forget to pray for others and allow others to pray for you.

And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.  2 Corinthians 9:14-15

     God’s gift of grace is meant to be shared. And prayer changes things. Prayer opens hearts and heals wounds and gives peace. I thank God for each one of you and I pray that God’s gifts be given to you abundantly so that you may overflow with them.

Happy Thanksgiving! See you Monday.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for Your indescribable gifts. We take each one as a blessing from above and we ask to be given opportunities to give to others.

Amen

Think On These Things

 

     Well, let’s admit it. Along with the delightful, smells, tastes, sounds and anticipation of the season there is more. More stress, more busyness, more annoying relatives. There are the gifts that don’t work, that don’t fit, that we don’t need. We overeat, we over shop and we overdo. Take a break before the hoopla begins and think on these things.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

     What do you think? Can we rise above the craziness and focus on the lovely and excellent and pure? Focus on the love around you and the One who came for us. It’s all about Him after all. He can change everything.

Jesus,

Calm our spirits as we get ready to celebrate the loveliest and purest gift ever given, the life You sacrificed for us, taking on all of the things that are not lovely and pure. Keep our focus on You and sharing all of the excellent and noble gifts You give to us.

Amen

The Aroma of Christ

 

     The sights, smells and sounds are upon us. Snow will soon fall. Christmas lights and displays greet us. The smell of pine infiltrates our homes. Many of us will savor the smell and taste of our Thanksgiving turkeys. I love this time of the year and look forward to decorating, baking, spending time with loved ones. Picking out gifts and delighting the young ones around us add to the holiday anticipation.

     What about the reason for the season? What about the anticipation of celebrating the miraculous birth of Jesus? The sights and sounds of the choir of angels greeting the shepherds as they tended their flocks? The realization that the Savior of the world was wrapped in swaddling clothes? What were the sights and sounds and smells of the manger where he slept?  The surroundings were common, but the magnitude of the event, astounding!

     Did you know we can be the aroma of Christ? Imagine that as this season engulfs our minds and hearts, as we are distracted from the true meaning of Christmas.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.  2 Corinthians 2:14

Jesus,

Help us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of You throughout this season. We celebrate You. Born of a woman and the Son of God! Sent to save us all. We look forward to celebrating Your birth. Help our focus to remain on You throughout this busy season filled with sights, sounds and smells of the holidays.

Amen

Spiritual Joy

 

    Hope. Jesus returns us, always, back to hope. During the crisis times in our lives, the times of deep suffering, we often lose hope. Where Is God? How did this happen? And why? We have all been through so much, especially those of us who have lived many decades. If you have known Jesus for a while, you know He provides a way through, a way out, a reversal in your circumstances, a fresh beginning.

     Hope and joy. As we move into the holiday season, I pray your times with family and friends will be joy-filled. If it is a difficult time right now, hang on to hope and Jesus. Here is my prayer for us in the weeks to come.

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

     Trust Him with it all and allow His peace to wash over you with hope for the future. May His joy be complete in us.

Jesus,

The joy of the Spirit is unlike any other joy in life. It is eternal and it s filled with hope. No matter what each of us is going through today, would you fill us with that peace and deep joy as we hope and trust in You?

Amen

Spiritual Joy

 

     Deep joy is a promise to believers. It is available to us along with the other fruit of the Spirit. (See Galatians 5) Joy in Jesus does not depend on our circumstances or even our feelings and emotions. It is the constant presence of Jesus within. Feel His joy in your spirit today. Let the joy be complete and steadfast throughout the rest of your life. Jesus brings spiritual joy.

I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

     Believe, just believe and experience spiritual joy, deep and rich and overflowing.

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 1 Peter 1:8

     Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with that inexpressible and glorious joy. It is beyond earthly boundaries, heaven-sent.

Jesus,

We do ask You and Your Holy Spirit to fill us with the deepest joy that only You provide. We pray for our hurting world and that You would come into the hearts and minds of those who do not yet know You. Let Your joy shine in our lives so others may see You.

Amen

 

Spiritual Joy

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance> let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

     The verses above are a challenge to me. Consider it pure joy? The testing of our faith through trials and suffering? That perseverance James speaks of through times of suffering is often utterly impossible. The tears flow, the anxiety appears time and time again, as we fret and fume. We ache for relief. We pray for a miracle. We pray for peace. We long for comfort and hope. And somehow, we persevere. Some days are easier than others, as we place one unsteady foot in front of the other. The wisdom of God grows slowly but surely as we face our trials head on and persevere through the wait.

     God listens as we cry out to Him. These verses challenge us to place our focus on Jesus. To trust Him and believe we will get through this. There will be a purpose and a plan and He WILL work this for good and for His glory. Place your faith in Him and offer it all into His mighty hands, those mighty hands that hold the whole earth and watch as He continues to fight our battles and bring us to victory.

Father,

Please give comfort to those suffering right now. Surround them with a hedge of protection and give them comfort and hope in You. Fill us with that deep spiritual joy. It is ours through Jesus.

Amen

Spiritual Joy

 

     Sitting in the presence of the Lord brings joy and peace. Be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46) Let His presence fill you with what the world is unable to fill. He protects and loves us. Listen to the words of the Psalmist.

But let all that take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. Psalm 5:11

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11

     The poetic words above are written to comfort you, to bring you joy, to recognize the eternal gifts of our God, so deeply felt as we sit in His presence and feel His joy.

Father,

Your words are beautiful to our ears and lift us up to the heavens. Let them sing in our hearts as we go through our day, recognizing who You are and all You have to offer those who love You. We take in the joy of Your presence and Your protection.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Spiritual Joy

 

     Joy. Have you experienced joy? Where do you find joy? Is it elusive and rare? Joy-filled times in my life are etched forever in my mind. A new bicycle. Dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Weekends with good friends. Long summer days. The times I still had my mom and dad around to love me unconditionally. The day I said, “I do.” The births of our daughters and watching them grow. Their weddings ond spending time with our grandkids. The list is endless, isn’t it? Joy-filled times are most often found as we share life with friends and family and with our true love, if we are lucky enough to have them.

     But Biblical joy goes deeper. Jesus-type joy is not rare or elusive. It is available every day. Deep-seeded joy grows in our life with Christ, as we are rooted in Him. If everything in life is falling apart, Jesus is there to help put it back together. He is here, there, everywhere. He is near. He is available and we will be with Him one day forever and ever. Let this joy give you strength. This is a favorite of mine:

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

     You are walking on holy ground with Jesus. Let His kind of joy fill you with strength to take on the day. His joy is your strength.

Jesus,

Your joy is soul-deep and available each day. Fill us up with spiritual joy as we go about our tasks today and teach us to savor the moments of earthly joy as we travel through life.

Amen

His Wondrous Ways

 

     As we move into the holiday season, keep in mind what is most valuable, what is most treasured, what is most worthy of our time and focus. God is at work around us each minute of each day. Watch for His blessings. Savor moments with friends and family and watch for opportunities to shine His light.

     Our world is hurting in so many ways. Maybe your prayer list is long, as is mine. What a privilege to go to God for others. And what a gift it is to know others are praying for us. Our family is overwhelmed with gratitude at the continued prayers for our grandson, Gavin, as we continue to navigate this challenging journey with his epilepsy.

     Living life without Jesus is unimaginable to us. How about you? He soothes our soul and finds ways, through others, through His word, through time with Him in prayer, to gather us in His arms and take care of us.

     Wisdom can be gained within the waiting and the wondering.  His ways are good. Count on it. Count on Him.  I am praying for you this morning, that God will meet your needs today. Feel the love. Look for His wondrous ways.

You have multiplied, O Lord my God, Your wondrous deeds and Your thoughts toward us. I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told. Psalm 40:5

Lord,

You are all-powerful, all-knowing, all-encompassing. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit today and make us aware of Your presence in everything we are experiencing.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Godly Sorrow

 

     Those living a comfortable or even prosperous life may be those living the farthest away from God. Those willingly running from God with anger, with an obstinate heart, those following a path of self-destruction or those protesting loudly, “There is no God!” may be the closest to finding Him.

When Jesus heard this, He told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

     Let me explain. Think of all of the people sitting in church pews week after week. Many of those same people have not met Jesus. They listen half-heartedly, glance at their watches, waiting impatiently for the service to be over. What’s for lunch? What time is the game? Some believe they have fulfilled their obligation to God for the week, giving Him little or no further thought.

     The desperate heart, the angry young man, the addict, the prostitute, the atheist, are often the very ones, when they hear God’s words of grace, the true Gospel of salvation, to fall to their knees and ask for help. It takes Godly sorrow, a repentant heart, a humbling of soul, to seek the Savior.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

     God uses the struggle, the pain and the transitions in our lives to reach out and find us, to give us hope and strength. Know someone in great pain? Know someone leading a desperate life? Know someone heading down a path of self-destruction? Wait, pray and watch. You may witness the miracle of a transformed heart.

Jesus,

We don’t understand the sorrow and pain in our lives and in the lives of others. We trust You with the answers and we pray for a miracle for those we love. We pray the test will become a testimony, the mess a message. With You, we believe it can happen.

Amen

 

The Sacrifice of Praise

 

     Are you struggling today? Some days it seems easier to give up, to stay in bed, to embrace defeat in our lives. There is pain, suffering, sickness, worry and stress. Let’s begin this morning by praising our God together. Recognize He shines with victory over our defeat. He is more powerful than our weakness. He is more loving than any other human being. Soak in His love and praise Him for every  blessing.

For everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:4

     This next verse can change your heart and mind. Sometimes our praise is sacrificial. We certainly don’t feel like praising God when everything is falling apart. But God finds great joy in our praise, especially when it is difficult. Praise him for His goodness, His love and His light even when He seems far away. It will turn your attention to Him rather than on your troubles.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15

Jesus,

In our darkest hours, we praise You. In our defeat, we praise You. In our despair we praise You. The joy of our salvation is always with us. Open our hearts to the sacrifice of praise and we will be lifted up.

Amen