Joy to The World

 Of late, it would seem difficult to find any joy in the world. Every day seems to bring more bad news, worry and darkness. Still, as a Christian you have a mighty hope and much joy in Jesus Christ. He is your peace and rest. In Him there is so much to celebrate especially this time of the year as you anticipate the arrival of Christmas! 

What an extraordinary gift God gave you and the world in his Son Jesus. Nothing past, present or future compares. There in a manger, Jesus, God in the flesh, entered the world as the Savior and newborn King. Praise and hallelujah was raised by shepherds, men and animals too. The first Christmas was a blessing for eternity. 

No matter what you are facing in life, know that this Christmas and Jesus Christ deserve  acknowledgement and honor. Sure you could just skip it and be gloomy, depressed and hopeless. The enemy would like if you decided to do that and not celebrate the birth of your Savior. 

Do not let that happen. It's Christmas! It's a celebration of the day God sent the most precious gift to you. Sing praises, string up some lights, lift your eyes to the heavens and raise up a happy birthday and gratitude wish to Jesus. While you are at it, why not brighten the world for one or two others as well? 

See, Jesus is your joy. It is because of Him that you can boldly claim and proclaim Joy to the World! Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed beyond measure this Christmas and into the New Year.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   – Isaiah 9:6

If You Listen

Photo credit Casie Steele 

 In the midst of the chaos and madness of the world you may find it difficult to hear anything positive. There is much talk about what you can't do, what is wrong, how bad things are and what trouble looms in the future. Hardly ever do you hear words of optimism and encouragement. If you listen to the world you hear anger, fear, mixed messages and how life is changing for the worse.

 If you listen to God you will hear something very different. Yes, things are changing but God is not. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He hasn't given up on you nor has he stopped being the God of mercy and loving kindness. The issue isn't that things are so bad. The issue is that you are listening to the wrong source of truth.

If you listen to God you will hear the truth that the world can never tell you. Sure, you will need to shut out the world to hear Him and when you do you will hear and have hope. God says that he will protect you, restore you and always love you. He says you are a masterpiece and you have a divine purpose. He says that love and mercy are the answer and that you are the just the person to bring them to others. 

When you listen to God you will learn that if you delight in his word you will be blessed. He promises that all things will work out for God and that you will have comfort in your trials and peace when you pray. He promises he will supply your needs, lift your burdens, and give you power from on high. Best of all, in Him you have salvation and eternal life through his son Jesus Christ.

Stop listening to the world! Make it your goal to listen to and spend time with God every day. Turn off the TV, social media and those friends that are wearing you down. Turn to God and listen closely because he has so much to tell you. He will really make your heart smile and restore your soul. 

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." 2 Corinthians 1:20

The Fabric of Faith

Photo Credit Steele A Peek Photography

Life's journey with Jesus is filled with great riches. Not the kind of riches the world honors, but rather, riches of the Heavenly realm of the Spirit of God. The deepest of these are the ones born out of faith. Through faith, the weaving of life's blessings are the fabric of your journey. The Holy Spirit, your Comforter, provides the power for your faith. For you are not covered in shame, fear and hopelessness. You are covered in the full and complete grace of Jesus Christ. In Him you live, and move and breath. 

For the grace of the Lord and your faith assures you of the fulfillment of every promise God has made. In time you will be before Him face to face for eternity. For now, continue your walk with Christ in faith and peace, as you come into the fullness of your purpose. For only you can complete the work God designed you to fulfill. Your faith and the power of the Holy Spirit will be your guide.

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

May God Bless & Keep You

 Photo credit Instagram Groovypat

God's Peace

Photo Credit Casie Steele 

When asked, "If you could have anything in the world what would you ask for?", there are literally hundreds of responses one could give. Fame, fortune, health, freedom may be among the most popular. Most people would ask for these and even more to improve their current life and secure their future. Of late, I would venture to guess there is another reply that is popular and people are seeking and praying for every day. That simply would be, peace. 

Peace is defined as "freedom from disturbance" or "tranquility". Another definition is "a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there's no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom". Well, that sounds unattainable for sure, right? Not exactly. 

 Trouble with the kids, job matters, financial challenges, and daily life stressors all will take aim at disrupting your peace. You can insulate yourself from all of that and more when you receive God's gift of peace. See, beyond the worldly definition of peace there is peace that God provides. He offers peace in the midst of chaos. His peace doesn’t change with circumstances; it is secure no matter what is happening in your life or around you.

Sound too good to be true? Jesus said, "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." Those weren't empty words but rather an absolute promise. When Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you and peace does too. 

Maybe you aren't living in God's peace. You may be needing to reaffirm and claim it for yourself. Here is a prayer and link to verses about peace:

Lord, thank you for your promise and gift of peace. Thank you that YOU are my PEACE — my perfect Prince of Peace who died on my behalf so that I could live in peace, because you have conquered the king of fear. You have trampled the enemy under your feet. Help me not to be afraid when trouble comes my way. Help me trust and rest in you at all times, regardless of what my feelings try to convince me to think. I joyfully receive your peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/peace-bible-verses/

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart sand your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7