Simply Christmas

Imagine. You are faithful to God; in love with Him. You live 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 heartedly 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  saying yes, impacted the world, mankind, and you for eternity. 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

Understanding Thanksgiving

Recently  I visited two large stores. Of course, they were decked out for Christmas and every Christmas decoration, toy, and pre-packaged ready to give gift was right there front and center. Several people I know announced they completed their Christmas shopping and have the gifts wrapped and ready and yes, one has the Christmas tree up for a week already! The radio has a totally Christmas channel airing. I ask.... what happened to Thanksgiving? Is it just a steppingstone to the Christmas festivities? Has the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the focus on praise and thanks to God been hijacked by the commercialism of Christmas?

There is plenty of time to prepare for Christmas, but let's first stop and give thanks. Let us not be so rushed and so preoccupied we fail to understand and enjoy the season and experience true Thanksgiving. Let's not get so caught up in food, and black Friday that we miss the point. Thanksgiving is an opportunity for us to share our faith and give thanks to God.  Through his grace we stand delivered. Through his goodness and love we enjoy a blessed life. 

Lord God, you are great. It is your majesty and glory that we acknowledge this Thanksgiving. May we always give you thanks and praise. You are the One who provides, sustains, and loves us. We raise up our hearts and hands in thanksgiving to you. Thank you for your love and for all our blessings today and always. Amen!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

 

Holy Spirit

If you haven’t yet had an opportunity to study the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to do so. This time of year, is the perfect time with many celebrating Halloween, formerly known as “All Hallow’s Eve”. Hallow means holy or saint. In the early church All Saints Day was created to honor saints and martyrs and the night before, All Hallow’s Eve, to ward off evil spirits. 

The Holy Spirit, or Spirit of God, has always existed. In Genesis 1:12 we learn, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” 

In the Old Testament the Spirit came upon individuals temporarily and selectively and gave life, courage, strength, guidance, physical power and boldness. This included:

Gideon: “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon.” 

Samson: “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson.” 

Ezekiel: “The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me and set me on my Feet.” Ezekiel 2:2

Job: “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4 

And more including Micah, Nehemiah, and Isaiah 

In the New Testament, the Spirit dwells in believers permanently. 

This was prophesied in Joel 2:28-29, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy.” 

At Pentecost, the prophesy was fulfilled:

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts of the Apostles 2:2-4 

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as recorded in John: “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” John 14:15-17

We are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit living in us as believers! It’s incredible to know that the same Holy Spirit who moved in creation, inspired prophets, and empowered kings, lives in us. Praise God!

Letter From Christ

As a Christian, whether you realize it or not, you are a letter from Christ. Those that interact and observe you, see you sharing what Christ has done in your life and the way you live because of Him. That means that you are "being read" like a letter by those around you. What kind of letter from Christ are you? 

Are you a:

Complaint letter - constantly highlighting all that is wrong with life and the world 

Short letter - with little to say because you keep Christ all to yourself

Run-on letter - filled with complexity and mystery about what really is a simple message of God's grace

Resignation letter - letting others know that you tried but are giving up on Jesus and being his follower

Warning letter - preaching without reaching a soul

Unopened letter - staying silent in fear of sharing your faith

Thank you letter - telling real life stories of the way God has been there for you and can change the lives of others

Love letter - sharing words of encouragement, joy, love and praise and the truth about the Good News of Christ and God's love

Today and every day, you represent and reflect Jesus Christ to the world. Are you a letter worth reading? Do you present the love and truth of Jesus to those hearing from you?

Choose your words, message and tone carefully. Remember, you may be the only letter from Christ that is shared today. Make sure you represent Him well.

"You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." Corinthians 3:2-3

Be Strong In the Lord

Photo by Doreen Dawson-Becker

Ephesians 6 reminds us to be strong in the Lord by putting on the full spiritual armor of God to stand against the enemy. We are told to stand our ground by first putting on the belt of truth and then the full armor including breast plate, shoes, shield, helmet, and sword. 

Each piece of armor is provided by God to allow you to stand as you are “not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

God provides the armor as a gift, but you need to put it on daily in order for it to serve its purpose. If not, it is like owning a raincoat and umbrella and forgetting to put them on for protection as you walk in a rainstorm.

God's belt of truth is the most important piece or armor. In Roman times, the belt was important to secure the soldier's tunic and had a place to hold their sword. Jesus is the "way, truth, and the life." John 14:6 and through Him you come to God. In accepting Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in you and will provide gentle nudges to discern truth.  

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects you from the condemnation of the enemy. In Roman times, breastplates protected a soldier heart and vital organs. As salvation protects the head, righteousness protects the heart. In Jesus Christ, you are righteous because He gave his life as a sacrifice for you on the cross. The blood of Jesus and his righteousness covers all your sin. Think of putting on righteousness as wearing a royal robe provided to you by Christ. 

Shoes allow for sure footedness, even on shaky ground. God's shoes are Gospel shoes of peace. When you meet people in the peace of Jesus Christ and share your testimony, you will be able to stand firm and defend the Gospel.

Shield of Faith: The shield is your first line of defense against the enemies fiery darts of doubt, deception, and discouragement which are meant to destroy your faith. Without faith in God you are likely to give up on believing the truth of who you are in Christ and perhaps your walk with Jesus. 

The Helmet of Salvation: protects your mind which is the major battleground. The enemy wants you to believe you are not worthy of salvation. Don’t listen to those lies! Pray and declare the blood of Jesus over your mind. Put on the mind of Christ and take captive thoughts of guilt, shame, and doubt. You cannot earn salvation. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you became His.The price has been paid in full; the helmet reminds you of that and protects you. Nothing can take you from Jesus.Your identity and hope are in Him. 

Sword of the Spirit: The sword is the Word of God. While all the other pieces of armor are for defense, the sword is an offensive piece of armor. God's Word stands as the final authority over darkness. Speaking the Word of God has great power against the enemy. Jesus gave us an example of this when tempted by the devil in the desert saying "it is written" and wielding the Sword of the Spirit to defeat the enemy. 

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.‭‭

Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ‭

Don't Take it Back

Photo by Groovypat

One of the main reasons I order from Amazon is if I am not satisfied with the merchandise, I can simply send it back. Taking things back is an easy process. There are no questions asked and no return fee.

This works great for Amazon but not for God. You may have surrendered a problem or need to him and decided you will handle it on your own. Or you may have become impatient with waiting on God and think you need to step in and help him out. That's taking it back!

When you take something back from God, it demonstrates a lack of faith and trust. Do you think you are more powerful than God or have more knowledge? That's absurd. God is beyond capable of addressing any need you have and orchestrating the perfect solution.

The next time you hand over an issue, or a loved one, to the care of God remember, the Creator of the Universe knows what he is doing. You don't need to be God's project manager. He has been managing the entire universe way longer that you have been alive. Don't give into doubt and fear. God, has it covered. You just need to trust him and be still.

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6 

Victorious in Christ

You know the story of David and Goliath. It’s a miraculous Bible story showcasing the way God uses the most unassuming and seemingly unprepared individual. That’s God! He knows all about the heart of people and their potential once their heart is set on him. 

You have your own Goliath story whether you realize it or not. There is someone or something you are up against that only God working in you can overcome.  A second cup of coffee won’t add clarity for how to tackle the problem head on. No, you don’t need advice from your friend, or a pep talk from your husband to plan a strategy. What you need is to bring the matter to God and hear what he has to say. He may say “be still” or “just let it go”. He could ask “why are you worried?” or “why is your faith so lacking?”. Whatever he says, trust God for exactly what is needed. You see, God has you covered, and he won’t let you down. Just like David, you will be victorious in Christ. 

"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; 

for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 17:47

Welcome to 2025

Is this the year that Jesus will return? Only the Father knows, and still I wonder if it will be. If it is, are you ready? Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and asked Him into your life? We don’t know the day or time. We can’t see into the future. All we know is the One who created time and that we can trust Him.

  

No matter whether it’s this year or another, our responsibility is to follow Jesus, share the Gospel, and love no matter what. Be present. Don’t be distracted. Pay attention. You were  not created for an intermittent relationship with the Most High. You were created to focus and be aligned in fullness with God. In this way, you will experience all you are intended to know and be for the purposes of the Kingdom. Set down your disbelief and skepticism. Know the truth and live in such a way that all who meet you will get a glimpse of Christ 

 

So, celebrate the New Year and embrace the future. Love, worship, pray and remain in Jesus. There you will find comfort in all the days ahead will hold. You are not alone. God sees you. He is walking into 2025 beside you smiling at the masterpiece you are.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 

Just Believing

 

Autumn provides a great opportunity for reflection on the thoughtfulness, love, and order of God. Autumn is a living testimony to the fact that God knows exactly what He is doing. It’s a time for you to recognize the power and provision of the Lord. The harvest is rich with color and abundance of the season. What a perfect plan God established. Summer blends into autumn. The result is a variety of flavorful and colorful fruits and vegetables hand made by God for your pleasure. The weather is cooler, the sky clearer, and the air crisper. It is all by perfect design of the LORD.

 

Jesus Christ is on the throne. His purposes and plans prevail. You may encounter times when it is difficult to believe this, but God will always find a way to remind you. He is in charge. He reigns over everything including the change of seasons and your life. No one can prevent Him from unfolding His plans for your life. Your blessings already have your name on them! Believe that Jesus has your best interest at hand. Believe that His way is the answer. Believe that He loves you and desires to be close to you. Seeing is believing. When you open the eyes of your heart you will see Jesus at work in your life. 

 

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Cross Culture

Imagine the scene. The cross where Jesus was crucified the day following the event. The bible points us to the emptied tomb to communicate the truth that Jesus Christ has risen. There is no mention of what became of the cross.  In today's culture, there would be photos of the cross captured and spread on every news channel and across social media. Christ's cross likely would have been divided up and sold on Ebay or at a live auction.  In a way this is really occurring, as the cross has become a frequently depicted symbol of pop culture, often taken for granted and without reverence to Jesus Christ. It is found on tee shirts, car decals, jewelry and even tattoos.

In the time of Jesus, the cross represented death. For Christians today the cross represents life. Still, in our culture it has lost its significance and true meaning. If the apostle Paul were alive today, what would he find regarding the cross? It is likely that Paul would not find many examples of people wearing or displaying crosses that have died to the world and are living for Christ. Rather, they are living for the world and have little understanding about the significance, power and glory of the cross of Christ. 

What about you? Do you take for granted the truth and meaning of the cross? Are you placing emphasis on the cross as a fashion statement or are you making a statement about the power of the cross through Jesus Christ? 

  "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14

Pray for America

 

God is watching. He sees the heart of the Nation and its people. He gives a Nation the leaders they deserve. The time is now to repent, turn from evil and turn to God for healing, peace, deliverance, and the rescue that only He can provide. God bless the USA, keep enemies foreign and domestic from her and grant wisdom, grace, and revival in Jesus name. Amen.

From God's Point of View

It all seems so ridiculous. Things were going well and then this. Life's road takes twists and turns constantly. One day it is all sunshine and roses and the next it is gray skies and wilted dreams. How can it be? Why does it happen this way and where is God in all this? Doesn't he know your world is being turned up side down? 

Your view of the world is quite different than God's view. Where you see lack, he sees potential. Where you sense limits, he sees a chance for growth and change. Your vantage point gives you a glimpse of what appears to be chaos and disorder. God's larger view provides a clearer picture of a vividly designed perfect opportunity that unfolds exactly on time to provide the right solution. It is as if you are seeing the knotted and loose stringed underside of a beautiful tapestry. God sees the beautiful design. Trust him. Wait on him and know that he has your best interest at heart and blessed plan in hand. God always weaves magnificence. Just look at you! 

Happy is the man who listens, watching every day at my gates, waiting beside my doors. Proverbs 8:34

Fill Up Your Soul

Life’s journey is not always easy. 

You can fill up on the world and be overwhelmed to the point of hiding in alcohol or overindulging in sweets. 

A far better way to be on life’s journey is being in the Word and drinking in the sweetness and love of Jesus. You and your soul will be in awe and in love. 

You Are A Miracle

Hey, you. Yes, you reading this. Do you realize that you are a miracle? Take a deep breath. Let it go. Stop and focus for just a few minutes. Yes, I know you are busy and have no time to take a breath. This, however, is important. You seem to have forgotten, or maybe become distracted but, in any case, you keep discounting the fact that you are a miracle. There you are with all your God given talent, a deeply loved child of the Almighty God. You are designed and handcrafted in God’s love and still you act ordinary. 

Take today, for example. Did you rise proclaiming, "Lord, thank you for the miracle that I am, for all you have provided me and for your hand upon my life to display your love and beauty through me".  No. Well, you should! You should know that you are a miracle. Your life, talents, personality, strength, and uniqueness are one of a kind. 

You were created just the way you are for a purpose. Not just any purpose, rather a God-given purpose that only your miraculous self can complete. Whatever ails you, drags you down, limits you and has you doubting your greatness, is merely a tactic of the enemy to defeat the miraculous self God wants you to be. 

Don't just sit there! Stand up and demonstrate the miracle you are. God expects nothing less. In fact, he is counting on you. So am I.

You are the God who performs miracles; 

you display your power among the people.

Psalm 77:14

The Missing Ingredient

Perhaps this has happened to you. You set out to make the perfect cake. Butter - check. Eggs - check. Sugar - check. Flour- check. Mix and bake. Wait. Something is wrong. The cake is flat. The batter looked fine. Even a secret taste test of the batter (shhh) tasted yummy. The mixer worked great; the oven was set to the right temperature. It must have been an ingredient. Oh no, the baking powder! That's what is missing. The missing ingredient resulted in a flat cake instead of a fluffy raised cake.  

 

A missing ingredient can also impact life. Home - check. Family- check. Career - check. Pet - check. Mix in friends and stir. Wait. Something is wrong. Life doesn't quite meet the expectations that were set. It looked pretty on the outside and sounded like it would be happy, successful, and full of love, but something went wrong. Oh, yes. There is a missing ingredient. Jesus Christ. Life without Jesus is flat and empty. It falls short of the full life that God intended and never turns out as wonderful as it could be. 

 

What about you? Is Jesus the main ingredient in your life or is your life Jesus-free or Jesus-lite? Is He fully integrated in your life or just sprinkled on top for appearance? The recipe for life can include all kinds of variation except for the one key ingredient that makes everything else worthwhile - Jesus Christ.

 

The humble shall see their God at work for them. 

No wonder they will be so glad! 

All who seek

God shall live in joy. 

Psalm 69:32

Warming Up by the Fire

In most of the country, it’s a bit chilly outside. Some have snow and others just frigid temperatures and ice. The best thing to do is wear lots of layered clothing to keep warm or better yet, cuddle up and sit by fire. There, by the fire’s glow you can settle in and rest. You may even opt for a warm beverage or perhaps throw on a comfy, soft blanket to snuggle under.

 

The feeling of warmth and comfort by the fire is much like the warm, loving glow you feel when you take time to sit and rest in the presence of Christ. Jesus is the Light of the World. It’s impossible to be with Him and not feel His loving presence and warm tenderness. After time with Him you will be all aglow with radiance and grace.

 

Do you think this is true? Go ahead and discover it for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you sat in His presence a day ago, two weeks ago, or not for a year. After all, Jesus gave His life to be with you. When you surrender to His gentle comfort, and share your heart with Him, you will be filled with the warmth of the Spirit and your soul will shine anew. 

 

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.” Psalms 16:11

 

 

 

Miraculous Appearance

 If you had to sum up in one word what currently matters most in American culture, a good describer would be "appearances".  Yes, appearances seem to be what is most important to people. There are influencers, celebrities, and even famous people with no talent appearing to be important, wealthy, cleaver, or have some special quality that others are chasing after.

The truth is, things are not always as they appear. What is visible to the world via social media, Hollywood, or the news is almost always a made up version of reality. That is not surprising when you consider we live in a fallen world. Jesus warned us that Satan is a liar. His goal is to distract, attract and attack. He even tried tempting Jesus. He will stop at nothing to make what is bad look good, just to get his way.

God's "appearances" are quite different. With God we learned to never judge a book by its cover as he uses the small, unassuming, and meek to do mighty and often miraculous work. His ways are awesome and awe inspiring. He sent the Savior of the World as an innocent newborn baby and had angels and a star appeared to announce His arrival.  He used a small shepherd boy to take down a giant and become King. He chose an orphaned girl to grow up and become a courageous queen, saving Israel from annihilation.

What about you? Are you getting caught up in appearances and becoming distracted from what matters most? Are you focusing on Christmas gifts, decorating and hosting the perfect "celebrity"  version Christmas for yourself, or are you celebrating the true meaning of Christmas? No matter how things appear, Jesus Christ, and the joy that comes from knowing Him as the Lord of your life, is the greatest gift of all.

Praise honor and glory to you Jesus Christ! 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: 

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

You Are a Gift

Have you ever felt invisible? Maybe you have felt as though you didn't matter, weren't important, or were forgotten. It's not a very good feeling. In fact, it can lead to depression, sadness, doubt, and even hopelessness. The truth is you aren't invisible. You have been created by the God of the Universe in His image. You are vibrant, strong, smart, kind, loving, and so important to God. 

God know all about you from before you were born and into the future. Your life, and His Son Jesus Christ, are gifts to you. He sees your ups and downs, wins and losses, shining moments and defeats. He loves every part of you, even when you are sad and down on yourself. God is cheering you on. He knows your potential and is watching for you to grow into it. His blessings will chase you down because God finds you impossible to ignore. You are always on His mind and heart. He loves you deeply.

So, don't just sit there. Get up and show God how much you appreciate the gift of life, and gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, that He has given you. 

"Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed." Deuteronomy 28:6

Spiritual Eyes

Look around. What do you see? Are you witnessing despair, confusion, and fear or do your eyes see possibility, grace, and encouragement? Your sights may be on the natural while the supernatural looks very different. You see rejection. God sees the path He is setting you on to fulfill your destiny. You see loss. God sees blessings and new experiences you never thought possible. 

While your vision is limited, the supernatural view is limitless. God has angels, guides, and paths surrounding your journey that your human eyes can’t even imagine. When you feel like things aren’t going your way, find yourself hitting a brick wall, and getting no positive answers, God is in control. He knows exactly where you need to be and the precise timing to take you there. 

Instead of feeling frustrated and asking why, set you sights on Jesus and know the answer will be revealed in His timing to provide the blessings that already have your name on them. Nothing is eternal until God acts and He is working all things together for good. Keep looking up and know God has things well in hand to provide all you will need to be walking the journey He designed just for you. 

“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭

Blessed

Photo Credit Casie Steele

It may not seem like it. There are all kinds of issues to deal with and even more to be concerned about. The news is going from bad to worse to the point where you just shut out that noise and pray. Every day presents another challenge, hiccup, problem or setback. Still, no matter the picture or details of what you are dealing with, you are blessed. 

To start with, if you are reading or having this read to you, you are alive. God loves you and created you to be the one and only you there will ever be in all eternity! You are one of a kind, unique, special and His very own child. 

You may not have everything in life that you want or dreamed, but no matter the situation you have your Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. You have the promise of eternity and in this place the promise of His mercy and grace. Through Him you can do all things. You are blessed.

If you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world. If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and some spare change you are among the top 8% of the world's wealth. If you woke up with more health than illness you are more blessed than the million people who will not survive the week. 

Yes, YOU are BLESSED.

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8