No Trespassing

The sign is up. It was posted some time ago but it is still in effect today. The perimeter has been appropriately fenced and the gate installed. The audible alarm is on and the door and window locks in place. Still, no matter what you do, and no matter how proactive you are, there are trespassers. Trespassers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They may be family, friends, neighbors and yes, even spouses. Trespassers come at all times of the year. No season is off limits. They may trespass during a holiday celebration or while you are on vacation.

Trespassers use various modes to accomplish their act. Some text, others call on the phone and many send their stinging message by way of a third party messenger or accomplice. Shock, disbelief, anger and hurt feelings typically follow the trespassers act. How could they? What were they thinking? It is hard to understand and even harder to forgive them. 

Forgiveness is a gift that you give yourself. It may seem that you are letting the trespasser off the hook but really when you forgive them you release their hold on you. Without forgiveness they hold you hostage. You are the one reeling in anger, re-thinking and re-telling the story and being stuck in their selfish and ignorant web of insensitivity.

Think about it. When you do, you may decide to change the no trespassing sign you carefully placed to one that reads "No Trespassing but if You do I Forgive You."

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? “Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22

Is There Room?

Rise and shine! Time to start the day. Hurry and get ready. Just a few minutes to grab something to eat and time for making a lunch. Hit the road. Travel and then a full day. Back on the road heading home and a stop at the grocery store. Dinner is on and afterwards time for clean up. Time to address the family needs and get ready for bed. Lights out. Oops! Forgot something. 

Dear LORD,

Today was busy as usual. I totally lost track of the time. Forgive me but I almost forgot to thank you. That was not my intent and I feel really sorry. I saw you in the sunrise peeking over the horizon and you made me smile. I felt your hand upon me when I swerved past that car that ran the red light. I heard you in the voices of my family as they said their gentle "good nights". Thank you Jesus for always being there for me. It is my desire to love and honor you every day. I am committed to making room for you in my heart and life. Happy birthday to you Jesus. To you be the glory, praise and honor always and forever.

Amen

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Reflections

Recently I transitioned to a new organization for work which is faith based. It has been a wonderful transition with new people and much to learn. One of the things I have been impressed with is the thoughtfulness and pace of the interactions. Rather than feeling rushed and starting ever meeting with "let's roll", this organization begins each meeting with a pause and reflection. Some reflections are prayer like, while others are stories or things to ponder and consider. The amazing part of this practice is that it "sets the table" so to speak for what will be served up in the discussion that follows.

As Christians we are called to be a reflection of Jesus. Imagine the way he would interact, share a story or listen if he were to meet you at your home or work place. He would be kind, thoughtful, intent on understanding the discussion and listening to the words and thoughts being shared. You as his followers are called to conduct yourself in the same manner. 

How are you doing in this regard? Are you a reflection of Jesus in the interactions and dealing you have with others? It is not always easy to be Christ-like. In fact, it is very difficult most of the time because life is so busy and complex. Still, those you interact with including your children, parents, colleagues, neighbors and strangers all need Jesus. You may be the only glimpse of Him they have the opportunity to see. That is something to think about and reflect on this Christmas season and all year through.

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Every year it happens sooner and sooner. Perhaps it is what happens as you age. For some reason Christmas seems to arrive out of no where. Yes, you know it's coming. There is no way to not anticipate its arrival with the way Christmas is so commercialized. Right after summer the signs all begin to point to it. Once October is fully in swing the Christmas decorations start to pop up at every store. As the Thanksgiving parades passes through and then the calendar turns to December, you may start feeling as though you won't be ready for Christmas and will need more time. 

It is interesting really. We also know that Christ is coming. All the signs point to His return. It is getting closer and closer and still we may not be ready for Him. The Christmas season is a perfect time to reflect on Christ's imminent return. As you shop for the perfect gift and make all the preparations to celebrate Christ's birth, spend time preparing yourself and those you love for His return. If your loved ones don't know Christ, it is the perfect season to introduce them to Him. He's the best gift you can give your loved ones. The gift of knowing Christ as your Savior lasts forever and makes a big difference in daily life and in eternity.  Celebrate the birth of Christ, enjoy the season and keep looking up because before you know it the Reigning King will be returning. Hallelujah! 

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Giving Thanks

Our ancestors really knew us well. They understood that we needed to be reminded to stop and give thanks to God. It must have been obvious to them that we are people programmed to receive. If you doubt that just take a look around you. More and more you will see the focus on gaining, getting and being given more and more for less and less effort. In addition, it has become a holiday tradition to focus on commercialism, shopping and creating profit rather than what the purpose of Thanksgiving and the season was created for. 

Perhaps you have fallen into the trap too. It's never too late to reverse the trend. Start this Thanksgiving. Praise God. Give Him true thanks. Show gratitude through prayer, worship, saying grace before the meal on Thanksgiving and all through the year. Give of your gifts and talents graciously. Bless others. Have gratitude for what matters most. 

Remember, it really isn't important if the table you gather around looks like what you saw in a magazine or on Pinterest. It's not important if the turkey isn't quite moist enough, hot enough or if you have turkey at all. It isn't the end of the world if those you love are across the country or having to work. What really matters most is that the God of the Universe, the Creator of the world and the One that gave you life, loves you so much. He gave His Son so that you can be in eternity with Him forever. That is worth all the thanks you could ever give. Face it. No matter what, you are BLESSED so raise your hands to the Heavens and give thanks to God.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving From The Daily Journey 

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. Revelation 11:17