The Voice

There is nothing more heart warming than hearing the voice of a loved one saying “Hi, I’m home” or a baby when they utter their first word and their voice is revealed. You may have been told or have told someone, “It’s so great to hear your voice”. Perhaps even heard the words, “Just hearing your voice makes me feel better”.  You have a one of a kind voice. It is as unique as your fingerprint and its sound is distinguishable from any other. It’s so unique that when you are on the phone others can identify you by your voice. 

God knows your voice. He cherishes its uniqueness and can distinguish it from all of the world’s noise. Your voice is a gift and you choose the way to use it. You can use it to speak up against injustice or to gossip and complain. It can be a vehicle to encourage or cast as a weapon in tearing others down. It has the potential to acknowledge and speak out against evil or remain silent and allow evil to triumph. Your voice can be raised up in praise and blessing or to curse the situation you find yourself in.

God desires to have you speak to and cry out to him. He also longs to hear you use your voice to fill others up with hope and to inspire the weary; to tell someone they matter, are important and to not give up. Often just a word of kindness and care can make all the difference. God knows this too and is speaking to you. You may hear his voice through the words of a loved one or raised by an individual you pause to acknowledge and get to know.

Of all the voices you will ever hear, God’s voice is the one that matters most. Take the time to be quiet and listen. When you do you will find he will provide a word that is incredibly meaningful or an entire conversation impressed upon the silence of your heart.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3

Getting to the Heart of Love

It's February and that means it's time for Valentine's and hearts. There are many expressions related to the heart. You have heard "take heart" meaning be encouraged; also "have a heart" referring to being compassionate or empathetic; and of course "heart felt" referencing sincerity. The emphasis on the heart is significant and meaningful because the heart is equated with love. 

In the Bible we are told love is the greatest of all attributes. Further we are told "love is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or selfish or rude. Love isn't irritable or touchy and doesn't hold grudges. Love is never glad about injustice and rejoices when the truth wins out. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Our lives, families and communities can certainly use more love. In fact, a scarcity of love can be attributed to many of the problems in the world today. The solution to this isn't money because you can't buy love. The solution isn't power because you can't demand love. The solution is to increase love. That capability lies in every person starting with you and me. 

Maybe you aren't sure about the way to increase love in the world around you. Take some time to reflect and consider the way you might begin to love others with heart.  You can start  by reading the text below replacing the word "love" with your name to gain some insight.

"Your name" is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or selfish or rude. "Your name" isn't irritable or touchy and doesn't hold grudges. 

"Your name" is never glad about injustice and rejoices when the truth wins out. 

"Your name" always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.

Wishing you much love!

Speaking of Faith

Christmas Nativity by Diane Wigstone 

https://bit.ly/2EMtvBD

Imagine. You are faithful to God; in love with Him. You lie a righteous, humble life. Suddenly, an angel of God appears to tell you that you have been chosen to change the world. What would you think? How might you feel? Yes, of course you would be awe struck. You may even feel honored that God selected you. You might whole hearteedly affirm God's plan or you may have doubt about his calling.

For Mary, the mother of Jesus, she faithfully accepted God's decision for her life. Perhaps that is the reason God selected her. Maybe he knew she would trust him. The results of her faith and trust in him impacted the world and mankind for eternity. What about you? Is there something God is calling you to? Are you accepting the call or are you hiding from it and struggling with doubt? Maybe you are questioning God's choice and asking "why me"? 

This Christmas season, be open to the voice of God and trust his calling. Say "yes" to the possibilities he has placed before you.  You may not feel worthy to be chosen by God to change the world, however you should know that you are just the right person to be used by God. Perhaps he has a plan that doesn't have you changing the world. He may have a desire to have you change someone's world for the better - perhaps even yours. 

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "I am willing to do whatever he wants." Luke 1:38

Merry Christmas and a blessed 2019 to you and your family,

Gail 

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "I am willing to do whatever he wants." Luke 1:38

Simply Christmas

Beyond the strings of twinkling lights, passed the holly and beneath the decorations that provide a reminder of many yesterdays, is Christmas. Christmas doesn't require snow, fancy gift wrap or overstated grandeur. It arrives just as is has for over two thousand year with simple beauty, incredible joy and the promise of God's never ending love. Ready or not, just as it was the very first Christmas, the day is here. 

Imagine the emotion of the first ever Christmas. The wonder, joy, peace and beauty of the simple and humble arrival of the Christ child wasn't intended to end that day. Jesus lives today as he did that day in a manger and he continues to fill us up with the truth of His glory. It is simply Christmas that changed our lives from despair to miraculous. 

So put away the hustle and bustle, lighten up your "to do before December 25th" list, and spend time in the presence of the God of miracles and wonders. It is not the presents of Christmas but God's presence in your life that matters. Experience the simple beauty of Jesus. He is the most incredible Christmas gift you could ever receive.

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

Soul Space

Photo Credit Dean Johnson

There is a space in your life that only God can fill. You can't see it or feel it like other parts of your being. It resides within your spirit and much like your beating heart it is constantly moving, sustaining, and providing. It is your soul space. That unique, everlasting part of you created to connect you to eternity. Your soul space needs attention and care like the rest of you. It flourishes and thrives on love, kindness and alignment with your creator - God. 

How are you caring for your soul and what is filling up your soul space? Are you feeding it daily with the Word or are you starving it because you spend time only in earthly things including stress, worry, negativity and grief? Much like your diet and filling your body with healthy foods and nourishment, your soul needs to be filled up in a positive way. 

Today is a great day to step away and pause for a soul space check up. Sit quietly, clear yourself of distractions and ask yourself how life is going. Are you balanced, joyful, grateful and enveloped in the love of Christ? Are you connected to the very source of life and filling up daily on His sustaining peace? If not, your soul space is depleted and in the need of refreshment and restoration. Spend time listening to God's voice. Read the Word and pray for peace. Fill up on the Holy Spirit's warm embrace. Seek beauty and grace. 

You are what you eat and when it comes to the space that harbors your soul, you are what you watch, think, and fill your life's moments up with. Choose to fill up with the love and peace of Jesus Christ. When you do, your soul will be eternally blessed.

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Psalm 23:3