Good Tidings of Great Joy

 

     Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. Remember His light as you enjoy the warmth of a fire, the twinkle of Christmas lights, the glow of candlelight. Over two thousand years ago, a Savior was born. Let this truth, this light of the world, shine through your Christmas holidays. A child is born. A Savior has come. Emmanuel, God with us.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “ Luke 2:10-11

     The baby, born in a manger, was sent to be the perfect sacrifice for you and for me. The good news of Jesus, so monumental, so magnificent, so miraculous, takes our breath away. He is our Savior, Christ the King. Come to worship in glory, in grace, and in truth.

Father,

There are no words to thank You for sending us Your holy Son. Because of Him, we no longer fear death. Let us worship our Lord and our King, Jesus.

Amen

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  See you back here on January 2^nd.

Perpetual Light

 

     As believers in Jesus, we have perpetual access to light. In fact, we are called to shine the light of Christ. When Jesus walked on the earth, He was the light.  Jesus said:

“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

And, He reminds us, we just need to believe!

“Believe in the light while you have the light, so you may become children of light” John 12;36a

     The light of God belongs to us. And we are to shine!

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:15

     The light that shines through us is for one purpose only. To glorify our Father in heaven, to represent Him, to share Jesus. Shine!

Lord,

This generation needs You. Allow Your light to shine through us so that we may be like stars glorifying our Father in heaven.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Glimipse of Light

 

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 radiant with light, more majestic than the mountains rich with game. Psalm 76:4

     You may have heard the term, “It is always darkest before the dawn.” The darkest part of the night is broken with the first peak of morning light. The sun shines through. There is light

     In our own darkest hours, just a glimpse, a glimmer, a flicker of light brings hope. God is pure light. When the clouds finally open up to clear skies, look up in the middle of the night. Imagine the stars as openings into heaven, into the light that never fades.

     Ask for the light of Christ to shine on you and within you. Feel the warmth of the Son. His light shines through the darkness, always and forever. Let’s find hope together.

Lord,

You are pure light and goodness. That light will never fade away, and soon we will be living in the midst of pure light with You. For now, shine some warmth and light into our days.

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Light of Life

 

     Jesus is the light of life. I love that term, “light of life.” Darkness appears to reign all around us, doesn’t it? Darkness is equated to evil in the Bible, but our God offers the light of life. And light always exposes darkness. Light has the power of God, and Jesus is the light.

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 1:5

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

     Let’s overcome darkness with light. We follow Him and we walk in the light. Remember that today. Turn on the light within your soul and allow Christ to shine through wherever you go.

Jesus,

You are the light of life and the darkness has no power to overcome it. You are in all and through all and all things were made for You. Give us the light of life on this day.

Amen

Comfort Peace Light

 

     This week we have looked back to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have studied the truth of His amazing word, and how it can transform our lives with hope. And we have recognized His presence through our most trying times, how He comforts and consoles, gives rest to our weary bodies and souls, and fills us with eternal hope. Here are words for us from Jesus Himself.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11;28-30

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

     Let these words of Jesus bring you comfort and rest. Run back to Him time and time again. His arms are always wide open, saying, “Come to Me.” When we are troubled and afraid, He says, “I give you My peace.”

     Allow Him to take you out of the world, into His presence. It is filled with light.

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

     I don’t know about you, but I can use some peace, some comfort, some protection and some light today. Let’s allow Him in and be filled.

Lord,

Your promises are true and worthy. Your light shines through the darkest night. Your light may be just a glimmer through our times of trouble, but Your peace and hope always bring us back into Your glorious, healing light.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Close to the Brokenhearted

 

 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

     If you are brokenhearted, Jesus is close to you right now.. Unburden your heart to Christ. Let Him hold on to your burdens and heaviness. He is able and willing to bear it with you and ease the load. He will use your pain to assist others, to bring others to Himself, to give comfort, just as He has comforted you.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the Lord of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     God blesses us when we are a blessing to others. His plans and His purposes are good. Allow Him to work your pain and suffering for good. Only He can do this. Let Him help you find peace and joy again. Let Him give you tender loving care, as only a holy, loving Father can give.

     And watch what He will do next. He may use you for His good purposes, in ways you can’t imagine. As hearts heal, we can bring healing to others. When we are hurting, the process begins again. Until one day, our suffering will be done as His plans are fulfilled forever.

Lord,

Keep us focused on You, as You heal our wounds, as You comfort us when our hearts are broken, as You lavish us with love. We will be Your hands and feet as we walk in the world. There is so much pain. Show us how to help.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

As In a Mirror

 

     God’s word, the Bible, is living and breathing.

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

     Miraculously, over time, God works in us to become more like Christ. We will never attain His righteousness, but the word of God is compared to a mirror. As we look into it, our reflection can change. Listen to these words from the half-brother of Jesus.

Anyone who listens to the Word and does not do what it says, is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it-not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it-they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:23-25

     The word of God transforms lives. It brings peace, comfort and deep joy. It fills souls and keeps hope alive. It blesses us over and over again. We will never understand God completely, until we meet Him face-to-face, but He allows us into His inner sanctuary.

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

     How comforting to know that we are fully and completely known. God knows us more intimately than any other. And one day, we will see Him face-to-face

Jesus,

Teach us to “do” the word. Your word is alive and active, the bread and water of life for our souls. Give us a hunger and a thirst to know more about You, as You are reflected to us.

Amen

The Suffering Servant

 

     Over three hundred prophecies came to fulfillment in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. These prophecies were written by numerous authors over hundreds of years. Some of the prophecies were written by the prophet, Isaiah, more than 600 years before the birth of Christ. He tells us Jesus will be a man with no distinct features, a suffering servant sent to heal our wounds.

He grew up before him like a tender shoot and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:2-3

     Jesus hid His glory for us, coming as a servant, with no distinguishing features and mankind rejected Him. But because of Him, our souls are healed. Here is more from Isaiah.

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

     The Bible holds an astounding account of history, science, and truth. Not one jot, not one image, not one historical, archeological, geological or scientific fact, from the word has been proven false. Each prophetic word has been 100 percent accurate and there are more to come in the second coming of Christ.

     His footsteps draw ever closer and one day soon, evil will be vanquished and a new heaven and a new earth will be ours forever. Link your heart to the suffering servant. He found a way for us to be united with a holy God. He now lives in glory, forever, Lord of all.

Father,

The miraculous prophecies of old have proven true in the first coming of Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to pay the price for us. Your word shines as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105)

Amen

An Anchor of Hope

     Crises and times of suffering can come upon us without warning, or seep into our lives gradually or may even cast their shadow over a lifetime. Several friends are dealing with serious health issues and another is finally dealing with a lifetime of hiding depression and anxiety.

     This is a fallen world. There is no escaping the tough times that may surround us. This time of the year can be especially hard. Jesus overcame the world for us. He conquered death and felt the sin, the disease, the evil, all of the suffering in His earthly body. We can’t imagine the pain He endured, the price He paid, and because of His suffering, He understands.

     Many times, we come to our knees at just such times of suffering. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to go another minute without recognizing my need for a Savior, a comforting friend, a loving Father, a living Lord, a conquering King.

     It can feel impossible to figure out how to comfort and support our friends and families, but no one on the planet can bring more hope and peace than Jesus. His hope moves us beyond this life, into the heavens; hope beyond anything this world offers.

     In addition, He can use our suffering. I don’t completely understand it, but looking back over the decades, I recognize His presence, His power, His ability to use pain to offer solace to others, kindred spirits in need of comfort. The God of eternity offers guidance along the way. He is our anchor of hope, our foundation in a world that can bring pain.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Hebrews 6:19

Father,

We need You to get us through. Comfort those who grieve. Bring peace to those in pain and let us know and understand hope eternal. Keep us anchored in You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Read Pray Listen

 

     This week we talked about ways to regain our peace, our joy and prioritize our time with God. Studying and reading the Bible. What a precious gift this is. The word of God is alive and necessary for us to follow.

With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I delight in Your decrees. I will not neglect Your word. Psalm 119:13-16

     And we can pray.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

     Finally, we can listen. The Holy Spirit of God resides within us as believers. The Spirit will open up the word of God to our hearts, will intercede with us when we don’t know how or what to pray and will relay God’s desires for us as we move through our days, nudging, warning, guiding, teaching, and opening our eyes to opportunities. Listen to the voice within. The very Spirit of the living God.

My sheep listen to My voice. I know them and they know Me. John 10:27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with us with wordless groans. Romans 8:26

     Read, pray, listen. He is our Lord and Savior and He always leads us in the best, richest, most satisfying ways. He is life, life to the full, the abundant, blessed life. And He is ours! Sit with Him. Hear Him. Be filled with peace and joy and rest.

Lord Jesus,

Keep us steadfast and trusting. Keep us less busy in order to keep You in first place where You belong. Please let Your Spirit guide us today and every day until we reach our heavenly home.

Amen

    

It's All About Love

 

     I feet better already. Thanks for reading this week. I needed these verses and reminders. We all do. Think about the lives of our grandparents and great-grandparents. Can you imagine them witnessing our world today? It is no wonder we become stressed or anxious. We move too fast, use screen-time too much, get stuck in traffic, and it is easy to see why we often lose our way.

     Jesus asks us to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, our souls and our strength. Jesus summed up the greatest commandments for us.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 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 22:36-40

     Loving God first. It encompasses everything important in life and eternity. That love encourages us to love ourselves and others. Losing your way? Put priorities in order. And others will recognize Jesus through our love.

By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:35

     Let Jesus change your heart into one of love, peace and joy.

Jesus,

Let others recognize us as Yours. Only placing You truly first in our lives will fill us to the brim until we overflow with Your Spirit. Help us find time to be with You.

Amen

Sleepless and Impatient?

 

     When I am distracted by too much going on, choosing to spend too much time on Facebook, or fretting over even special and happy events in the future, I lose my peace and joy. Can you relate? Our lives move too quickly, ending up being too restrictive and full. We become spiritually undernourished and it shows.

     Patience can be lost. Kindness goes by the wayside. Anxious thoughts fill our minds and we can’t find the joy in our days. If you find negative emotions replacing what Jesus has to offer, maybe you need a little nudge in our Lord’s direction.

     Prayer is a necessary part of our faith life and Jesus loves hearing from us. Give all of your anxious thoughts, your over-booked minds and schedule to Him. Let Him lead You into His good graces once again. He is available 24/7 and I find myself talking to Him over and over in the middle of the night, which is great, but He also promises us good rest. And I would much prefer daytime prayer!

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

     The definition for “steadfast,” includes reliable, dutiful, unwavering. Are you trusting Jesus with your life, with your plans, with your days and nights? I fall short in that steadfast trust that leads to perfect peace and I suffer from too many sleepless nights. Let’s move it onto His shoulders and get some perfect peace and rest.

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

     He, alone, offers complete safety. He, alone, offers perfect peace. He will give us rest and sleep as we give ourselves to Him.

Father,

Your Son has everything we need. Thank You for His grace that is sufficient for us each day. We rely on Him. Keep us steadfast and trusting.

In His name,

Amen

Worried About Many Things?

      Do you remember the story of the sisters, Mary and Martha? Company was coming to their home, including Jesus! Oh my. I don’t know if hospitality is your gift, but it is not mine. I would love to be the one sitting in a corner, talking to one person, hoping someone else is handling the cooking and cleaning. Fretting over company comes naturally to me.

     Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, worshipping, listening, savoring time to be near Him and spend time with Him. Her sister, Martha? She was doing all of the preparing, all of the work. Busy, busy, busy. Cooking, cleaning, slaving away all by herself. Well, you can imagine her emotions. I would feel the same way.

     Here is the conversation between Martha and Jesus.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. You are worried and upset over many things, but few things are needed-or indeed, only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42

     Jesus understood what needed to be done. He wants to be first, before all of “what we have to do!” Hospitality is a vital gift in the body of Christ. Welcoming, feeding, comforting, and opening our homes and churches are necessary and wonderful. But Christ reminds Martha of the first thing. Spending time with Him is most needed.

     Jesus, may be repeating your name, reminding you. Are you too busy with many things? Have you moved Jesus away from being the “better choice?”

Lord,

Keep us from becoming too busy with everything else. Show us how to sit at Your feet and listen and spend time with You and Your word. Help all of us to find the time, placing You first in our busy lives.

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Quiet Time?

 

Then, because so many people were coming and going, that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and rest for awhile.”  Mark 6:31

     Is life moving too quickly for you? Too much to do? Too much coming and going? Too many details, social media, work, kids, Christmas preparations, life? I know the feeling. Even when we are not in our “too busy” mode, we find ourselves forgetting to spend time with Jesus.

     Our Lord is our place of peace and rest. The details and scurrying can wait. In fact, He will help us move step by step in peace and joy, if we just let Him. He is our Rock, our Shepherd, our quiet place to rest for awhile.

     That sounds good to me right about now. You, too? Let Him take you by the hand, lead you to a quiet place and let Him nourish your soul. His word feeds our deepest needs. His love penetrates our weary hearts. His peace eases our distracted minds. Give it all to Him in a quiet place, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

     Let His peace wash over you as you sit in a quiet place and rest.

Lord,

Thank You for Scriptures that reminds us of all You do for us. Keep us from being distracted from what should be the first things in life. Our very first and most vital need is to spend time with You. Lead us to that quiet place today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Strength in Joy

 

     Deep joy brings strength. Strength to take the next step, to move ahead when you want to go back, to get the treatment, to make the break, to change the plan, to figure it out.

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

     God’s joy is soul-deep. Most of us live on the surface. You hear it in our conversations. God allows us to go deep. God loves the deep things of life. The true spiritual life runs into the darkest corners, the deepest hurts, and the healing begins.

The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. Proverbs 20:5

Jesus,

We pray to have eyes to see into the deep issues of life, to draw others into complete healing from You. Help us to show others a way to jump into deep waters without fear.

Amen

Happiness vs. Joy

 

     All of us want to be happy. We want our kids to be happy. Our culture tells us we deserve to be happy. The Bible leads us into something more; a deep, soul-filling joy. Yes, there is a difference. Happiness depends on circumstances. To be happy, this has to happen; the right job, the perfect partner, the deserved vacation, or___? You fill in the blank. What blanks are you waiting to be filled in order to be satisfied? Instead, maybe we should ask to be filled with a perpetual spiritual joy.

     No matter how we try to fill our lives without Jesus, they remain half-empty. There will forever and always be a God-sized hole. Jesus promises us a joy that can never be removed. I have seen this deep joy in others around me; in my friend, still suffering the repercussions of a severe stroke suffered many years ago. I have seen it in a woman I visited over the years, suffering with heart failue, with an attached oxygen tank and blindness. How?

     They know Jesus. They know Him intimately. He is real. He is there. He fills them with true joy. Every step they take relies on Him. Every word they speak is spoken in service to Him. They give to others sacrificially, even in a state others may view as impossible. Jesus offers a new type of joy.

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

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

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

     Don’t rule your life based on finding fleeting happiness. The happenings in our life don’t guarantee a worldly contentment. But Jesus does. He will bless us no matter what. He will fill our souls with His kind of love and joy. And it is heavenly.

Jesus,

Only You have the way, the truth and the life. It is an abundant life. The life that is led by You offers deep joy. Lead us into that kind of joy. It is unlike any other.

Amen

Abundant Joy

 

     God can fill in our missing pieces. He will give us the right words. He will provide what we need, when we need it. Do you trust Him and His word for you? Will you believe He is working for you and not against you? Will you allow yourself to feel His peace and joy as He removes your doubt and fear and guilt? Here are some words from our Lord just for you and me as we begin our day.

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

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

     I want to take this into my heart today. God offers to bless us abundantly (until it overflows) giving us all things at all times that we need in order to abound in all we do. Take Hm at His word. He will do it.

Jesus,

Thank You for bestowing us with the blessings of heaven. We long to trust You above our circumstances, knowing You have just what we need. Thank You for providing for us in every way.

Amen

Comfort and Joy

 

     Has our Lord given you comfort? Has His word spoken directly to your heart? Has His love overwhelmed you? Have you gone back again and again asking for His mercy and grace? Me too. Because of that love and compassion and mercy and forgiveness and comfort and love, we are called to give the same away to others.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

     This is God’s work in us. As we receive blessing after blessing, comfort after comfort, grace upon grace, joy upon joy from Him, we will pass it on. Give out the blessings and comfort and compassion to those in trouble today. Pass it on.

Father,

You are the God of all compassion and comfort. As we have received so much from You, let us show the same love to those around us in the same way. Show us how today. Open our eyes and ears to those around us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Sorrow and Joy

 

     Grief has a life of its own, with peaks and valleys, harsh waves and sweet soothing memories. Grief is varied and never easy. Jesus can and will make a difference in the journey of grief.

     I’m not saying Jesus removes the agony of grief. He grieved Himself, before His crucifixion and in witnessing the grief of His good friends.  Every single person handles grief in a unique way and over different lengths of time. But Jesus offers hope. He offers peace. He offers deep joy in the midst of deep sorrow. And He understands sorrow and suffering. He felt it all on the cross. His suffering brings hope. His death became our resurrection. He is waiting and so is heaven.

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

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13    

     We will experience grief and sorrow on this earth. And Jesus has overcome death. Love never ends.

Father,

Comfort those who grieve. I pray for Jesus to hold them in His loving arms. His peace and comfort are beyond this world. They are eternal.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Thankful Hearts

 

     This is a tough year for many. The holiday season can be a lonely one, a time filled with grief for loved ones we remember. 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

Thanksgiving and 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

Thanksgiving

 

     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, there remains the truest blessing, of all,  a loving heavenly Father. This loving Father offered His Son as a living sacrifice so we can live forever!

     Beyond this very short earthly life of ours, lies life forever in the presence of the glory of God. The image is 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

Now What?

 

     You may have made the most important decision of your life, to accept Jesus Christ as Savior. I pray this sacrificial price He paid, the gift of grace He offers and the hope of life everlasting will fill you each day with peace and joy and blessed assurance.

     I want to relieve your mind with the “Now What?” question. After we are saved, as we saw yesterday, the Holy Spirit moves into our lives. The very Spirit of our loving God, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, now seals us and fills us. With the guidance of this powerful, Holy Spirit, God will continue His work in us.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

     The word of God will continue its work as we read and study. Nothing has added more to my life than the Bible. It is the living, breathing testimony to Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. And somehow, miraculously, over time, we begin to grow in the image of Christ. The Bible becomes like a mirror, in which we begin to see ourselves and the beauty of Jesus within us! And as we grow, he moves us from glory to glory.

And we all, 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

     Our lives are precious and short, even if we live to be 100. Having an eternal perspective and following Jesus, gives us purpose and hope. Keep asking for His love to guide you, for His Spirit to fill you and thank Him for giving you eternal life. Read the word of God faithfully and He will continue his good work in you. I will continue praying for you. Hear this benediction of blessing from the word of God.

Tthe Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

    

      

Signed Sealed Delivered

 

     If you have believed in the Gospel of grace and accepted Jesus, I humbly thank him. My greatest desire is to share his deep and abiding love with others. It is a life-changing decision. If you are a believer, your sins are forgiven, past, present and future. You now have the Holy Spirit of the living God living in you!  Jesus’ words on the cross remind us that he gave everything and we don’t have to do anything ourselves.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

     It is finished. Feel that freedom. He fills us with his light, his truth, his wisdom, his peace, and his joy. The very Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit seals us the moment we believe. You may not feel different, but you are sealed forever, already seated in heaven for eternity.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

     You believe. You are sealed. And now, nothing, not ever, can separate you from the love of Christ. Take in the following verses. Let them go straight to your heart.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, not anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Jesus,

Continue to grow us in our faith. Thank you for the gift of salvation, for the Bible to guide us each day and for loving us. Grow us in your love, so we can show others the way to you and your truth.

Amen

Just Believe?

 

     Can it be so simple? The Gospel tells us the good news of Jesus coming to earth to save us. Now what? If you believe it is true, and I pray you do, all He asks of us is to accept his grace-filled, sacrificial gift. That’s it. Don’t let anyone add to or take away from this truth. The thief next to Jesus on the cross believed right before his death, and Jesus promised him they would be together in paradise.

     If you are tired of living life on your own, trying to figure things out, if you feel guilt or shame, wouldn’t it make sense to rely on the Creator of the world? The one with unconditional love, sacrificial love beyond any earthly love we have had or will ever share? If you realize you need a Savior, tell Jesus you believe in Him. Humble yourself before Him and seek His forgiveness and ask for new life in Him. He meets us exactly where we are. Ask him into your life and when you seek him, he promises you will find him. Here are two Scriptures of reassurance. Just believe!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

     Did you notice the verse above says “whoever?” That’s us.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

     If you profess your faith with your mouth and believe it in your heart, you WILL be saved. A life forever in heaven. Why would anyone turn it down?

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:10

     When we believe, we are cleansed from all sin and “justified.”  It is “just as if” we never sinned. If you are ready, pray the following prayer, believe it deep in your heart, and you will be adopted into the family of God!

Dear Jesus,

I need you in my life. I humble myself before you, asking You to forgive my sins, past, present and future. I believe that You died for me, that You were buried and that you rose again on the third day. I ask you to be my Savior, to seal me with Your Holy Spirit and to give me Your peace that passes all understanding. Please walk with me through the rest of my life and give me the promise of eternal life. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

     If you have believed, stated your faith and accepted Jesus as Savior, welcome to the family of believers! Remember, there is no work we can do to earn it, nothing of our own volition. It is a true gift. Read these beautiful verses.

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

     There is no greater gift. Amazing grace! Amazing God!

The Profound and Simple Gospel

 

     Today is the day to read the simple and profound Gospel truth. It is straightforward. It is what Jesus has done for you and for me. It is a gift. You don’t need to jump through hoops, go through a daily ritual, follow impossible rules pray at certain times of the day or go to church every week. God doesn’t go by rules. He meets us right where we are. He offers his heart and He sees ours. He gave everything for us. The apostle Paul writes the words of the Gospel for us Paul had been a religious leader, a Jew above Jews, a master of the law, until an encounter with Jesus, the day his life was changed on the road to Damascus, when Jesus showed him the truth.

For what I received, I passed on to you as of first importance, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas and then to the twelve. After that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6

     The Gospel, pure and simple. Christ came to earth, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man, and willingly went to the cross to pay the price for each one of us. The perfect, sinless man, bearing the sins of the entire world. He was buried and three days later rose again. Hundreds witnessed him after the resurrection, a promise of life eternal, when each of His believers, will have bodies like his, able to eat and drink and walk and talk! What do we do with this Gospel?

     Join me tomorrow.

Jesus,

We thank you for moving from the glories of heaven to become earth-bound as one of us. Thank you for taking our sins upon You and for rising from the dead. You overcame death for us! It is almost too much to take in. Help our unbelief.

Amen

Is Jesus Real?

 

     Those of you who know me, know Jesus has transformed my life. It doesn’t mean my life has been pain-free or easy, but over the last 35 years, I have grown deeper in love with Jesus. In spite of circumstances, he brings a deep peace, an abiding joy and a purpose-filled life. This week I want to share the simple, profound and amazing gift of the Gospel. Maybe you are turned off by religion. Jesus was too. He called the religious leaders of his day vipers and hypocrites and white-washed tombs filled with everything unclean. (Matthew 23) Maybe you’ve been hurt by a church or know a hypocrite or two yourselves! Me too. I have also been privileged to know hundreds of true believers filled with the light of Christ. Don’t listen to a particular denomination or to one certain preacher as having all the answers. Go directly to God’s word and listen to Him. I pray you will take a few minutes each day this week to open your hearts and your minds. If you seek him, you will find him. Don’t put too much stock in my words, but read the Scripture verses chosen just for you this week. I am praying for you.

     For those of you with logical, rational minds (like my husband) it might help to know that more evidence exists that Jesus walked the earth than almost any other person in history. The Bible has been 100 percent accurate in its prophetic words, in historical accuracy, in archaeological proof and in advanced scientific knowledge. An example would be a verse that describes the earth as a circle (Isaiah 40:22) written in the 8^th century BC) hundreds of years before anyone else mentioned the earth as a sphere. (I recommend these two books for the left-brained among us., “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and “Surprised by Faith” by Don Bierle)

     The claims of Jesus himself cannot be reduced to his “being a good man or teacher” as many argue. C.S. Lewis says in “Mere Christianity,” that our choices are to deem Jesus as a lunatic, as a liar or as Lord. God is a holy and righteous God. As fallen humans, there is no way to connect with him. The plan to redeem humanity came in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

     He was the perfect sacrifice for sin, being the only one to live a sinless life. He shed his holy and precious blood and died the most agonizing, horrific death that has ever been suffered. Why? To bridge the gap between us and our Father in heaven. He felt every disease, every sin, every mistake, every torture, every terror, every trauma, every tragedy, every one of them as he died. And he overcame them all. His sacrifice was for you and for me, for everyone. Here are some words for our first day this week spoken by Jesus.

“I have told you these things so that, in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

      Tired of maneuvering the world on your own? Weary of asking and not finding answers? Tired of guilt and shame, worry  and fear, addiction or hopelessness? Jesus may be opening your heart to his truth.

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

     Rest and peace, within our very souls. Intrigued? I hope so.

Jesus,

I pray for each person reading your word this week. Speak to their hearts and minds with your Holy Spirit and speak with your truth and your light.

Amen

The Eternal Word

 

     We have been looking into God’s word all week. The word of God is God-breathed, active and alive, sharper than a two-edged sword. Jesus is the word of God come to life! This gives us reason to continue to study and comprehend, to meditate and to look into, throughout our lives.

     Psalm 119 is a lengthy Psalm, but speaks over and over again of the word, the law, the commands of God. Here are a few verses to meditate on today.

I rejoice in Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. Psalm 119:14-16

Teach me Lord, the way of Your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding so that I may keep Your law and obey it with all my heart.  Psalm 119:33-34

Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.  Psalm 119:89-90

Dear Jesus,

You, the word, give us light and hope and a path to follow. Keep us faithful to Your word even when it is difficult. Teach us Your ways and let us follow them. You have the words to eternal life. Your word stands firm in the heavens forever.

Amen

 

What Do We Do With Jesus?

 

     What do we do with Jesus? Many did not know the answer to that question when He walked the earth. Many do not know the answer to that question today. He was and still is mocked. He was and still is tested. Many tried to deny the words He spoke. Many still do. What do you do with Jesus?

     Many have turned away from Jesus. When some of His disciples were leaving and turning away from Jesus, He asked.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the worlds of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69

     Jesus reveals Himself to us. Here are His words and His questions for us. Will you answer as Martha did?

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied. “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-27

     What will we do with Jesus?

Lord,

You have the words to eternal life. You are the resurrection and the life and we will live forever, if only we believe. You are the Messiah, the One that was to come into the world.

Amen

God's Word is Jesus

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.  John 1:1

     Jesus was there from the beginning. Through Him all things were made. And one precious day, in days past, when the fullness of time had come, Jesus stepped out of eternity and into space and time. He did it for you and me. He walked among us. The One with no sin.

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 law of Moses gave us the perfect law. None of us can live it. None of us can obey it. None of us. Not one. But the perfect one came. The One and Only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. He is the word come to life in the flesh. The Word among us. The Word of life for each one of us. All He asks is for us to believe.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Father,

The most beautiful words ever spoken. The most beautiful gift ever given. Your Son, Jesus.

Amen

The Sword of the Spirit

 

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

     If you are looking for an answer, look to Scripture. The word of God has the answers to life. When we look into the word, it becomes a mirror to us and as we grow in faith that image should become more and more Christ-like.

     The word is a sword. It can penetrate deep in our hearts changing our attitudes and thoughts. It cuts away old wounds and binds them back up with pure healing. And it is our weapon against evil. Allow God’s word to work in you today. Let it heal your wounds. Let it change your thoughts. Jesus is the word  Scripture contains great power.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has appointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.  Isaiah 61:1

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

Jesus,

You have the words of eternal life. You renew our minds and transform us through Your words. Let the sword of the Spirit protect us and heal us today.

Amen

God Breathed

 

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

     Studying, memorizing, meditating on and reading through the Bible will lead you to Christ. The Bible will deepen your relationship with God, bring understanding to who He is and what He wants for your life. It brings purpose and power and protection and peace.

     Read through the verses above again. ALL Scripture is God-breathed. The deeper you go in the Scripture the more you will see the miraculous. Every number, every name, every jot and tittle of the word means something. It all ties together and it all points to Jesus.

     Again, looking at the verses above, the word teaches, rebukes, corrects and trains us. I could use all of the above every single day and who better to train and to correct and to teach, than our loving Father, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

     Finally, look at the verses one more time and notice, “thoroughly equips us for every good work,”  (emphasis mine) The word will fill us with what we need. Dive in a little deeper. Join a Bible-based church. Learn as much as you can from Genesis to Revelation.  It is complete. It gives us the beginning and the end. It shows us Christ.

Jesus,

You are the word come to life in the flesh. We thank you for the God-breathed inspired Bible that teaches and corrects. Keep us disciplined to read and study the Word every day.

Amen