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