"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -- Romans 8:37-39
It would surprise most people who have known me to hear me say I have always been a very lonely individual. For as long as I can remember, I have had a loneliness in my heart that nothing could overcome.
As a very young child, I played outside of my house from early morning until dark. When I was old enough to start spending the night out, I would, as much as possible. I would never have anyone to my house to spend the night. As I have mentioned, my Father was Bi-Polar and an alcoholic. I never knew when he would go off on a rampage...screaming, violence...so I made sure not to invite people to my house and I tried to escape as much as possible.
After my Father left, when I was a teenager, I still spent most of my time trying to escape my house. My Mother, God rest her soul, worked very hard to support us, but she also spent a good bit of her energy in bitter regret of what her life had become. I couldn't stand being there and seeing it. I can remember spending weekends away with friends and then upon my return home feeling an overwhelming suffocating loneliness. It was palpable. Oh how I hated that feeling.
When I grew up, I became a leader in everything I did. I wanted respect and love from people. I thought if I could establish myself as a leader, I could get the admiration I longed for.
In my first marriage, I remember feeling like my husband just couldn't love me enough. No matter what I did, I never felt really truly loved. I left him because I wasn't happy, and I couldn't logically explain why.
I spent the next ten years looking for a love I just couldn't seem to find. I found myself in very destructive relationships, did things I am extremely ashamed of, all on the quest for someone to love me.
I threw myself into a career where I excelled so I could garner admiration. Neglecting my family in my attempt to feel something I always knew was missing.
I finally found myself married to a wonderful man but still feeling incredibly alone. I couldn't understand. I should have been so happy but I wasn't. The loneliness that had been with me from my earliest remembrances wouldn't let go. What was wrong with me?
Finally, one August morning, I was so desperately alone I was physically hyperventilating. I had taken two Xanac and could get no relief. I had called my sister on the phone, crying hysterically but not able to tell her what was wrong. I hung the phone up and right then, not knowing what else to do or where else to turn, I hit my knees and cried out to God.
I listed out every bad thing I had done, and like I said, that list was long and shameful. I told him I had no idea what I was doing nor did I think I deserved forgiveness, but I asked him to please take away the pain in my heart, the all consuming loneliness. I begged for peace.
God met me right there. He told me to get up look on my computer and he found someone to help me. In one click, I found Kay Arthur and her Precepts for Life. She was doing a bible study on the Holy Spirit!! I watched everyone episode.
God showed me clearly in the days and months that followed exactly what I was missing. It was His love my heart was aching for. We were made to love and be loved by God. Without that relationship we whither and die.
I can now say the empty space in my heart has been filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. I know with absolute certainty I will never be alone again. I will never suffer those feelings again. For God so loved me, He gave His Son to die for me (Jn 3:16). All those awful things I had done in search for love were forgiven. I was born anew in Christ.
Sure I will face hardship and disappointments, but God will be right there with me. I now walk with Jesus everyday. I have a newfound purpose in life. I am complete!!
I know God will use all of my life experiences for His good. My experiences, as shameful as they might be, can be used to help others who are feeling that same loneliness. My New Year's resolution is to tell my story and reach out to those who need to find the peace and love only God can give them. For I understand first hand what it feels like to be consumed with loneliness.
"And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The greatest of these is Love
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." --
Ephesians 2:14-19
Oh how I wish I had heard this verse five Christmases ago...
Christmas 2004 was the worst of my life, for you see, I was living a worldly life of sin and paying the price. I had been involved with a married man for over a year, believing he would leave his wife and we would live happily ever after. I loved him with all of my heart. He gave me the attention I had always longed for. I believed he loved me more than anyone had ever loved me.
In early December of that year, my world came crashing down. His wife had found out about us and he had chosen to stay with her. He told me it was over. Broken hearted doesn't begin to explain the feelings I had hearing those words. In all my life I had never suffered that kind of heartbreak. It was suffocating. How could he do this to me, I gave him everything.
That Christmas, my children spending it with their father, I found myself alone for the first time in my life. Waking up alone Christmas morning was torture. The house deftly silent. There was no joy. I cried and I actually prayed that God would change his mind and he would miraculously show up at my door. I think about that prayer and think Jesus must have been shaking his head and saying that poor girl, if she would only truly turn to me, I would give her peace.
But I didn't. By that night Christmas night I was out with friends in a bar, drinking away the pain and flirting with the next guy in my long list. Unfortunately, not even the sinful devastation of that experience turned my heart to God. It took four and a half more years of loneliness and sin before I finally realized what I was missing all along....the love of Christ. A love which would never forsake nor disappoint.
This Christmas is the happiest I have ever celebrated. Not because we have a lot of gifts or decorations, it isn't in the material. No, this Christmas I have received for the first time the true gift of Christmas, the love of Jesus Christ. I no longer look for love in others, because God has filled me to the measure with his abounding love. Sure, I love my family more than words could express, but the love of God is even greater than that and makes this Christmas and the love I have for them the richest of my life.
I am sad for the Christmases lost, but I know God saved me in his time, so I could use all of my experiences for His good. I hope sharing this very personal story will help someone out there realize the love they are searching for is the free gift of God. It is right there for the taking, open the bible and drink it up!!
Merry Christmas to all. I love you.
"Lord, thank you for your love, a love which has no measure and has no cost other than faith in you. Help me to pour that love out on others so they too may know the peace and joy that comes from loving you. Amen."
Ephesians 2:14-19
Oh how I wish I had heard this verse five Christmases ago...
Christmas 2004 was the worst of my life, for you see, I was living a worldly life of sin and paying the price. I had been involved with a married man for over a year, believing he would leave his wife and we would live happily ever after. I loved him with all of my heart. He gave me the attention I had always longed for. I believed he loved me more than anyone had ever loved me.
In early December of that year, my world came crashing down. His wife had found out about us and he had chosen to stay with her. He told me it was over. Broken hearted doesn't begin to explain the feelings I had hearing those words. In all my life I had never suffered that kind of heartbreak. It was suffocating. How could he do this to me, I gave him everything.
That Christmas, my children spending it with their father, I found myself alone for the first time in my life. Waking up alone Christmas morning was torture. The house deftly silent. There was no joy. I cried and I actually prayed that God would change his mind and he would miraculously show up at my door. I think about that prayer and think Jesus must have been shaking his head and saying that poor girl, if she would only truly turn to me, I would give her peace.
But I didn't. By that night Christmas night I was out with friends in a bar, drinking away the pain and flirting with the next guy in my long list. Unfortunately, not even the sinful devastation of that experience turned my heart to God. It took four and a half more years of loneliness and sin before I finally realized what I was missing all along....the love of Christ. A love which would never forsake nor disappoint.
This Christmas is the happiest I have ever celebrated. Not because we have a lot of gifts or decorations, it isn't in the material. No, this Christmas I have received for the first time the true gift of Christmas, the love of Jesus Christ. I no longer look for love in others, because God has filled me to the measure with his abounding love. Sure, I love my family more than words could express, but the love of God is even greater than that and makes this Christmas and the love I have for them the richest of my life.
I am sad for the Christmases lost, but I know God saved me in his time, so I could use all of my experiences for His good. I hope sharing this very personal story will help someone out there realize the love they are searching for is the free gift of God. It is right there for the taking, open the bible and drink it up!!
Merry Christmas to all. I love you.
"Lord, thank you for your love, a love which has no measure and has no cost other than faith in you. Help me to pour that love out on others so they too may know the peace and joy that comes from loving you. Amen."
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Yes, I'm ready....are you?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16
How many times this week have you heard or you yourself asked someone, "So, are you ready for Christmas?" I would guess many as it seems to be the thing to say during this week before Christmas. The "how about this weather?" of late December.
This is the first year I have ever really stopped to think about that common question. People asking if you have all the shopping done, all the cooking done...do you have everything necessary before they close the stores and you are put on the spot Christmas morning without a gift for someone or missing an ingredient to the favorite family recipe. The question implies a sense of panic before the big day.
Funny when you stop and think about it. I mean Christmas is the celebration of God's entry into our world. His fulfillment of a covenant made long before. Christ was God's gift of salvation to us. It is so simple it can be summed up in that one simple but most beautiful verse of John 3:16.
However, my point today is "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. While most people who have ever been exposed to any church have heard John 3:16, how many have read the rest? I hadn't. In those next verses lies the answer to the question, "Are you ready?"
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3: 17-18
During this Christmas season examine your heart. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, submitting your life to His will? Have you put aside the world? Have you come into the light? When you hear "Are you ready for Christmas?" in the next couple of days will your answer be "Yes, I am ready."
Lord, help me to understand the true gift of Your Son. Let me examine my life so that I can honestly say "I am ready"...ready to live a life worthy of Christ. Worthy of the gift you gave. Let me wake up each day and seek Your will, not mine, so that I may serve You. In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
How many times this week have you heard or you yourself asked someone, "So, are you ready for Christmas?" I would guess many as it seems to be the thing to say during this week before Christmas. The "how about this weather?" of late December.
This is the first year I have ever really stopped to think about that common question. People asking if you have all the shopping done, all the cooking done...do you have everything necessary before they close the stores and you are put on the spot Christmas morning without a gift for someone or missing an ingredient to the favorite family recipe. The question implies a sense of panic before the big day.
Funny when you stop and think about it. I mean Christmas is the celebration of God's entry into our world. His fulfillment of a covenant made long before. Christ was God's gift of salvation to us. It is so simple it can be summed up in that one simple but most beautiful verse of John 3:16.
However, my point today is "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. While most people who have ever been exposed to any church have heard John 3:16, how many have read the rest? I hadn't. In those next verses lies the answer to the question, "Are you ready?"
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3: 17-18
During this Christmas season examine your heart. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, submitting your life to His will? Have you put aside the world? Have you come into the light? When you hear "Are you ready for Christmas?" in the next couple of days will your answer be "Yes, I am ready."
Lord, help me to understand the true gift of Your Son. Let me examine my life so that I can honestly say "I am ready"...ready to live a life worthy of Christ. Worthy of the gift you gave. Let me wake up each day and seek Your will, not mine, so that I may serve You. In Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gift of Hope
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -- Jeremiah 29:11
What was the best Christmas gift you ever received? Was it a bike, a doll, a video game, a ring?" I used to think the brand new ten speed I got when I was 9 was the greatest gift I ever received. You see, my childhood as the daughter of a bi-polar father was up and down. Sometimes we had, and sometimes we didn't.
The year and a half prior to that Christmas had been rough in my family. My Dad was in a depression cycle. We had moved to Mobile from Birmingham for a great job. It didn't last long...six months into our new home in Mobile, we had lost our house and moved into a little apartment, all seven of us!!
I had the greatest purple bike with a banana seat. I loved that bike. I used to ride it all the time. Well, we had a bully in the apartment complex and one day he took my bike and broke it, beyond repair. I was heartbroken. Even at that young age, I knew we didn't have the money for a new bike.
Over the next year, life was tough, my Dad stayed in the bed most of the time. We didn't have much. However, I really wanted a new bike. I knew my only hope was Santa. Would he bring me a new bike? Maybe if I was good enough...I hoped.
By Christmas morning, life was better, we had moved out of the small apartment and into a house. When I woke up Christmas morning, I rushed to the living room and stopped at the door. What if Santa hadn't brought it? I was no stranger to disappointment. I hoped...I peeked in and there it was. I think that was the happiest I had ever been...my hope didn't disappoint!!
I look back on that Christmas and smile, the innocence of a child, placing all her hope in a man (Santa) she had never seen.
Now, as a newly saved Christian, I feel the same way. After so many years of suffering alone, I have been given the enormous gift of hope. Hope in Jesus Christ. Hope that everything will work out for good. Hope that I will see my deceased loved ones again. Hope of eternal life with my Lord and Savior. A hope that doesn't disappoint!
I equate my feelings of elation with the child like-thrill of that new bike. Out of despair, I am new again with the hope of a glorious and blessed future. All because God sent His Son to become man, to become sin so that we could live and have hope...Amen.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." -- Romans 5:2-5
What was the best Christmas gift you ever received? Was it a bike, a doll, a video game, a ring?" I used to think the brand new ten speed I got when I was 9 was the greatest gift I ever received. You see, my childhood as the daughter of a bi-polar father was up and down. Sometimes we had, and sometimes we didn't.
The year and a half prior to that Christmas had been rough in my family. My Dad was in a depression cycle. We had moved to Mobile from Birmingham for a great job. It didn't last long...six months into our new home in Mobile, we had lost our house and moved into a little apartment, all seven of us!!
I had the greatest purple bike with a banana seat. I loved that bike. I used to ride it all the time. Well, we had a bully in the apartment complex and one day he took my bike and broke it, beyond repair. I was heartbroken. Even at that young age, I knew we didn't have the money for a new bike.
Over the next year, life was tough, my Dad stayed in the bed most of the time. We didn't have much. However, I really wanted a new bike. I knew my only hope was Santa. Would he bring me a new bike? Maybe if I was good enough...I hoped.
By Christmas morning, life was better, we had moved out of the small apartment and into a house. When I woke up Christmas morning, I rushed to the living room and stopped at the door. What if Santa hadn't brought it? I was no stranger to disappointment. I hoped...I peeked in and there it was. I think that was the happiest I had ever been...my hope didn't disappoint!!
I look back on that Christmas and smile, the innocence of a child, placing all her hope in a man (Santa) she had never seen.
Now, as a newly saved Christian, I feel the same way. After so many years of suffering alone, I have been given the enormous gift of hope. Hope in Jesus Christ. Hope that everything will work out for good. Hope that I will see my deceased loved ones again. Hope of eternal life with my Lord and Savior. A hope that doesn't disappoint!
I equate my feelings of elation with the child like-thrill of that new bike. Out of despair, I am new again with the hope of a glorious and blessed future. All because God sent His Son to become man, to become sin so that we could live and have hope...Amen.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." -- Romans 5:2-5
Monday, December 21, 2009
God's People
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:3-5
As I read the Christmas story, I am filled with wonder at the simplicity of God's entry into this world. Amazed at the people he chose to use in His plan to save mankind. He didn't come into this world with pomp and circumstance, which He certainly had the power to do, he came in quietly, announced by angels to the least of men.
Take Mary and Joseph, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time. Very young and Jews, certainly not the most powerful or respected tribe in the world. They lived simply and worked hard. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both well beyond their prime....face it they were just OLD.
Jesus was born in a stable, had a manger for a bed. No castle fit for a king. Sure, God sent his heavenly host to gloriously announce the birth of His son, an announcement fit for a king....but He sent them to shepherds in the field. Shepherds!! They were about the lowest of the low when it came to the social strata of Israel. Yes, kings did come and brought gifts fit for the King. But these kings were foreigners. We all know about foreigners from the east!!
So, God chose to send His Son into the world, simply, humbly and relatively quite. Why?
I believe there are two big reasons. The first being, our salvation, while a gift from God, freely given, comes through faith. If God had sent His Son to earth on a cloud with all the hosts of heaven escorting Him, it would have been obvious who he was and there wouldn't be much faith in believing it. I mean, to believe the King of Kings was born an innocent baby, in a manger, announced to shepherds, raised a Jewish carpenter, and followed by fishermen. That takes faith on the our part, the faith necessary for salvation!!
Second, God wanted everyone to understand His gift was sent to everyone. Not just the rich and famous. He sent His Son to save the entire world. Jews, gentiles, rich, poor, famous, unknown....He came as a simple servant, humbled himself to be a servant, to let us know He came for all of us....thank God!!
Lord, help me to realize that while your coming was simple, its magnitude changed our world forever. You sent Your Son, to live among us as an ordinary man, so He could save us from ourselves. You could have made it clear to all who He was, however, you continue to allow us the choice, life through faith in Jesus Christ, or death in sin. Thank you for giving me the choice and for opening my eyes to Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:3-5
As I read the Christmas story, I am filled with wonder at the simplicity of God's entry into this world. Amazed at the people he chose to use in His plan to save mankind. He didn't come into this world with pomp and circumstance, which He certainly had the power to do, he came in quietly, announced by angels to the least of men.
Take Mary and Joseph, who couldn't have been more than 16 or 17 at the time. Very young and Jews, certainly not the most powerful or respected tribe in the world. They lived simply and worked hard. Zachariah and Elizabeth, both well beyond their prime....face it they were just OLD.
Jesus was born in a stable, had a manger for a bed. No castle fit for a king. Sure, God sent his heavenly host to gloriously announce the birth of His son, an announcement fit for a king....but He sent them to shepherds in the field. Shepherds!! They were about the lowest of the low when it came to the social strata of Israel. Yes, kings did come and brought gifts fit for the King. But these kings were foreigners. We all know about foreigners from the east!!
So, God chose to send His Son into the world, simply, humbly and relatively quite. Why?
I believe there are two big reasons. The first being, our salvation, while a gift from God, freely given, comes through faith. If God had sent His Son to earth on a cloud with all the hosts of heaven escorting Him, it would have been obvious who he was and there wouldn't be much faith in believing it. I mean, to believe the King of Kings was born an innocent baby, in a manger, announced to shepherds, raised a Jewish carpenter, and followed by fishermen. That takes faith on the our part, the faith necessary for salvation!!
Second, God wanted everyone to understand His gift was sent to everyone. Not just the rich and famous. He sent His Son to save the entire world. Jews, gentiles, rich, poor, famous, unknown....He came as a simple servant, humbled himself to be a servant, to let us know He came for all of us....thank God!!
Lord, help me to realize that while your coming was simple, its magnitude changed our world forever. You sent Your Son, to live among us as an ordinary man, so He could save us from ourselves. You could have made it clear to all who He was, however, you continue to allow us the choice, life through faith in Jesus Christ, or death in sin. Thank you for giving me the choice and for opening my eyes to Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
FREE....best holiday deal of the season!!
"the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." --Romans 6:23b
As I look at all the ads for Christmas shoppers, I notice all these enticements to buy something and get something else for free. You can buy a suit and get another suit free. Or buy a pair of earrings and get a necklace free. Whatever it is, advertisers know shoppers love to get something for free and they will line up to get it.
Yet, how many of them are lining up to get the greatest gift of all, absolutely free?! Our awesome gift from God is salvation, freely given through His son Jesus Christ, who saved us from the death of sin and gave us eternal life in Heaven with Him. You don't have to get up before dawn, fight for a parking space, nor stand in line to receive this gift. All that is required to receive it is faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God doesn't ask us to buy the law and He will throw in salvation as a free gift. He tells us clearly, our gift of salvation is simply obtained through grace, His grace, not our deeds..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8.
So, if you find yourself scouring the advertisements for the best Christmas deal, remember, THE greatest Christmas gift of all is always free and never runs out. I don't know about you, it is the best deal I have ever found and if I have to pay full price for everything else the rest of my life, I won't mind.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11b
"to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves." -- Ephesians 1:6
Lord, help me to remember every day that I have already received the best bargain there is, salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
As I look at all the ads for Christmas shoppers, I notice all these enticements to buy something and get something else for free. You can buy a suit and get another suit free. Or buy a pair of earrings and get a necklace free. Whatever it is, advertisers know shoppers love to get something for free and they will line up to get it.
Yet, how many of them are lining up to get the greatest gift of all, absolutely free?! Our awesome gift from God is salvation, freely given through His son Jesus Christ, who saved us from the death of sin and gave us eternal life in Heaven with Him. You don't have to get up before dawn, fight for a parking space, nor stand in line to receive this gift. All that is required to receive it is faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God doesn't ask us to buy the law and He will throw in salvation as a free gift. He tells us clearly, our gift of salvation is simply obtained through grace, His grace, not our deeds..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8.
So, if you find yourself scouring the advertisements for the best Christmas deal, remember, THE greatest Christmas gift of all is always free and never runs out. I don't know about you, it is the best deal I have ever found and if I have to pay full price for everything else the rest of my life, I won't mind.
"God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11b
"to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves." -- Ephesians 1:6
Lord, help me to remember every day that I have already received the best bargain there is, salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Isn't Merry For Everyone
"The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4
With the commercialism of Christmas, we now rush around to spend some $450B on a holiday that has gotten far off track from the celebration of our Savior's birth. In the rush to get everything done, all the presents, food, lights, it easy to see why for many, this is not a joyful holiday. Many people suffer from disappointment, hurt, bad memories, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Last December 17, my Mother went into the hospital for a heart cath. During the procedure, she coded and they performed emergency open heart surgery which she barely survived. She made it out of surgery and we spent our holiday season with my Mother in ICU, not knowing from day to day if she would make it or not. She never woke up and died on New Years Eve.
I remember going through the motions of Christmas last year. I remember, at times, just wanting to yell out, stop this madness, my Mother is dying!! There was no holiday cheer for me or my family. I wonder just how many people are out there, feeling the same way. No holiday cheer for whatever reason. Maybe they lost a loved one during the holidays or they have lost their job or they just don't have the means to give the gifts expected. Whatever hurt or affliction, they aren't feeling the Joy of Christmas.
I am deeply saddened for those people. They are allowing something worldly to steal their Joy. The god of this world is working very hard to take away our Christ of Christmas. The god of this world looks to put hurt and despair in the hearts of God's children. ("the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" 1 John 5:19). I allowed it to happen to me.
For you see, if we remember what Christmas really is....remember the Christ of Christmas...we would know we are never alone, know there is no hurt He can't heal. If we let go of all the glitz and glamour of the commercial Christmas, and remembered the gift of our Lord and Savior, there is no pain, no sorrow, no disappointment, no memory, no loneliness, no depression and no anxiety we could not overcome. Jesus was born into our world to shine His light on all our darkness. If we believe that and have faith in His grace and our Salvation, then no god of this world could ever steal the Joy of Christmas.
I know many people think I should be sad this Christmas....since my Mother died during the holidays. I have had people very kindly ask if I am getting through it OK. I think perhaps they are taken aback when I say I am FANTASTIC!! For you see, this is my first real Christmas. The first Christmas when I truly get the story. My first Christmas as a born again Christian. I feel joy like a child. I can't be sad, this is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Savior. I want everyone to feel like I do....to know, really know and understand what this all means.
The only sadness I feel is for those people who don't get it yet. Who haven't accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the ones who are still stuck in the sadness and desperation of a holiday that doesn't make any sense to them. I would love to reach each and every one of them and give them the greatest gift I have ever received...Jesus Christ!!!
"God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness' is the One who was shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true joy of Christmas. Help me to shine brightly for You. To show others the true Christ of Christmas so they too can overcome their hurt and have a very merry Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen.
With the commercialism of Christmas, we now rush around to spend some $450B on a holiday that has gotten far off track from the celebration of our Savior's birth. In the rush to get everything done, all the presents, food, lights, it easy to see why for many, this is not a joyful holiday. Many people suffer from disappointment, hurt, bad memories, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Last December 17, my Mother went into the hospital for a heart cath. During the procedure, she coded and they performed emergency open heart surgery which she barely survived. She made it out of surgery and we spent our holiday season with my Mother in ICU, not knowing from day to day if she would make it or not. She never woke up and died on New Years Eve.
I remember going through the motions of Christmas last year. I remember, at times, just wanting to yell out, stop this madness, my Mother is dying!! There was no holiday cheer for me or my family. I wonder just how many people are out there, feeling the same way. No holiday cheer for whatever reason. Maybe they lost a loved one during the holidays or they have lost their job or they just don't have the means to give the gifts expected. Whatever hurt or affliction, they aren't feeling the Joy of Christmas.
I am deeply saddened for those people. They are allowing something worldly to steal their Joy. The god of this world is working very hard to take away our Christ of Christmas. The god of this world looks to put hurt and despair in the hearts of God's children. ("the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" 1 John 5:19). I allowed it to happen to me.
For you see, if we remember what Christmas really is....remember the Christ of Christmas...we would know we are never alone, know there is no hurt He can't heal. If we let go of all the glitz and glamour of the commercial Christmas, and remembered the gift of our Lord and Savior, there is no pain, no sorrow, no disappointment, no memory, no loneliness, no depression and no anxiety we could not overcome. Jesus was born into our world to shine His light on all our darkness. If we believe that and have faith in His grace and our Salvation, then no god of this world could ever steal the Joy of Christmas.
I know many people think I should be sad this Christmas....since my Mother died during the holidays. I have had people very kindly ask if I am getting through it OK. I think perhaps they are taken aback when I say I am FANTASTIC!! For you see, this is my first real Christmas. The first Christmas when I truly get the story. My first Christmas as a born again Christian. I feel joy like a child. I can't be sad, this is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Savior. I want everyone to feel like I do....to know, really know and understand what this all means.
The only sadness I feel is for those people who don't get it yet. Who haven't accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, the ones who are still stuck in the sadness and desperation of a holiday that doesn't make any sense to them. I would love to reach each and every one of them and give them the greatest gift I have ever received...Jesus Christ!!!
"God, who said, 'Light shall shine out of darkness' is the One who was shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." -- 2 Corinthians 4:4-6
Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes to the true joy of Christmas. Help me to shine brightly for You. To show others the true Christ of Christmas so they too can overcome their hurt and have a very merry Christmas. In Jesus name, Amen.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? Part 4
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She rapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -- Luke 2:6-7
THIS is the Christ of Christmas most of us are familiar with. The baby born and placed in a manger. The star, the shepherds, the kings....yes, that is the image most Christians think of when they think of Christmas.
Has it become so familiar, to Christians and non-Christians alike that we forget the utter magnitude of it?
I am awestruck at the thought of our Sovereign God, ruler of ALL creation, reigning supreme in Heaven one minute, stepping off His mighty throne to be born a helpless baby the next. And not a baby born in a castle fit for Him, but born in a stable, placed in a manger. Our awesome Lord and Savior, humbling Himself to this and for what? TO SAVE YOU AND ME FROM OUR OWN SIN AND DEATH!!
God sent His Son to live as an ordinary man among the very people who had broken His heart and turned from Him. He sent Him to fulfill a promise He made to us centuries before. He sent Him to save us from our unrighteousness.
He could have come as anyone, a King, a Prince, a Noble. He could have been born in a much nicer place. He could have lived a more opulent life. However, God chose to humble himself as a servant for our benefit....
"Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" -- Philippians 2:6-8
But that my friends isn't the end of the story....yes, Jesus humbled himself as a servant and came into this world as an ordinary man. But because He was obedient to the Father, He didn't end that way....
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -- Philippians 2:9-11
That is the Christ of Christmas!!
THIS is the Christ of Christmas most of us are familiar with. The baby born and placed in a manger. The star, the shepherds, the kings....yes, that is the image most Christians think of when they think of Christmas.
Has it become so familiar, to Christians and non-Christians alike that we forget the utter magnitude of it?
I am awestruck at the thought of our Sovereign God, ruler of ALL creation, reigning supreme in Heaven one minute, stepping off His mighty throne to be born a helpless baby the next. And not a baby born in a castle fit for Him, but born in a stable, placed in a manger. Our awesome Lord and Savior, humbling Himself to this and for what? TO SAVE YOU AND ME FROM OUR OWN SIN AND DEATH!!
God sent His Son to live as an ordinary man among the very people who had broken His heart and turned from Him. He sent Him to fulfill a promise He made to us centuries before. He sent Him to save us from our unrighteousness.
He could have come as anyone, a King, a Prince, a Noble. He could have been born in a much nicer place. He could have lived a more opulent life. However, God chose to humble himself as a servant for our benefit....
"Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" -- Philippians 2:6-8
But that my friends isn't the end of the story....yes, Jesus humbled himself as a servant and came into this world as an ordinary man. But because He was obedient to the Father, He didn't end that way....
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." -- Philippians 2:9-11
That is the Christ of Christmas!!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 3
Acts 7:54-59
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Have you ever wondered or been asked as a Christian, if Jesus is real, where is he when bad things happen to innocent people? I will admit is isn't an easy question and one I think many people avoid or simply glaze over. Let's look at the scripture for our answer.
Stephen was murdered in the most brutal kind of attack. As bad as anything we see on the news in our day. He was stoned to death. Can you imagine the horror? Can you imagine the pain, the fear? I can't and that is how I feel when I see a news report of someone brutally murdered. A child taken and found in a trash dump. How awful there last moments on this earth must have been? Where was Jesus, why did he not protect them?
Well, take a closer look and you will discover the miracle in the horror....Jesus WAS right there!! He made SURE Stephen could see him. He made SURE Stephen knew he was not alone. He wasn't sitting at the right hand of God. He was standing, not a passive gesture, but a protective posture. The scripture doesn't say it, but knowing my Christ of Christmas, I know He was weeping as well, his heart breaking at the horror befalling Stephen.
You see, Jesus, God, doesn't leave us alone in our darkest hour. He is there, and he let's us know he is there, giving us comfort to withstand the pain, the horror, the fear. He wraps His arms around that child in those most frightening moments, weeping with them and for them. Ready to take them home to His house where there will be no more pain.
God didn't put sin and death into this world. He created us to live with Him in peace and harmony. God doesn't do bad things. God is kind. God is loving. God is merciful. God created a world free of sin and death. However, he gave us the free choice to love. In that free choice, WE brought sin and death into the world and broke God's original design.
Because of our choice to sin, God willing sent his own Son to suffer a horrific death, to suffer the most painful death, so we could have eternal life.So, never forget this gem, God knows the pain of horrible loss just as the parents of the child brutally murdered. He knows what it is like to see His innocent Son suffer and die a tragic death. But he also knew the resurrection would follow and THAT my friend, is the Christ of Christmas.
Those of us who chose to believe, have faith in our Risen Lord, the true Christ of Christmas have been saved from the world of death and sin. So, no matter what horrible things may happen to us, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus will be right there with us, to take us home to His Heavenly Kingdom, where death and suffering live no more.
John 11:32-33
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)
John 11:35
"Jesus wept." (NIV)
Dear Lord, it is so hard to understand the horrific events that happen. Thank You for this reminder in Stephen's story. Even though we may never have answers on this side of eternity we can still stand on the truth that You are good even when life isn't. But Lord Jesus, please pour out Your loving comfort and reassurances. Be our Christ of Christmas everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Stoning of Stephen
When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."
At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Have you ever wondered or been asked as a Christian, if Jesus is real, where is he when bad things happen to innocent people? I will admit is isn't an easy question and one I think many people avoid or simply glaze over. Let's look at the scripture for our answer.
Stephen was murdered in the most brutal kind of attack. As bad as anything we see on the news in our day. He was stoned to death. Can you imagine the horror? Can you imagine the pain, the fear? I can't and that is how I feel when I see a news report of someone brutally murdered. A child taken and found in a trash dump. How awful there last moments on this earth must have been? Where was Jesus, why did he not protect them?
Well, take a closer look and you will discover the miracle in the horror....Jesus WAS right there!! He made SURE Stephen could see him. He made SURE Stephen knew he was not alone. He wasn't sitting at the right hand of God. He was standing, not a passive gesture, but a protective posture. The scripture doesn't say it, but knowing my Christ of Christmas, I know He was weeping as well, his heart breaking at the horror befalling Stephen.
You see, Jesus, God, doesn't leave us alone in our darkest hour. He is there, and he let's us know he is there, giving us comfort to withstand the pain, the horror, the fear. He wraps His arms around that child in those most frightening moments, weeping with them and for them. Ready to take them home to His house where there will be no more pain.
God didn't put sin and death into this world. He created us to live with Him in peace and harmony. God doesn't do bad things. God is kind. God is loving. God is merciful. God created a world free of sin and death. However, he gave us the free choice to love. In that free choice, WE brought sin and death into the world and broke God's original design.
Because of our choice to sin, God willing sent his own Son to suffer a horrific death, to suffer the most painful death, so we could have eternal life.So, never forget this gem, God knows the pain of horrible loss just as the parents of the child brutally murdered. He knows what it is like to see His innocent Son suffer and die a tragic death. But he also knew the resurrection would follow and THAT my friend, is the Christ of Christmas.
Those of us who chose to believe, have faith in our Risen Lord, the true Christ of Christmas have been saved from the world of death and sin. So, no matter what horrible things may happen to us, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus will be right there with us, to take us home to His Heavenly Kingdom, where death and suffering live no more.
John 11:32-33
"When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, 'Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.' When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." (NIV)
John 11:35
"Jesus wept." (NIV)
Dear Lord, it is so hard to understand the horrific events that happen. Thank You for this reminder in Stephen's story. Even though we may never have answers on this side of eternity we can still stand on the truth that You are good even when life isn't. But Lord Jesus, please pour out Your loving comfort and reassurances. Be our Christ of Christmas everyday. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 2
John 1:4-14
4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God spoke through his prophets for centuries laying out the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of his covenant to save the world for the darkness of sin. The signs of his coming where everywhere. Daniel had laid out the reign of the rules prior to his coming, for 400 years the prophets were silent, but the prophecies where being fulfilled. John the Baptist appeared, proclaiming his arrival, just as the prophets had foretold. Wow, the time of salvation had arrived....their should have been huge celebration....right?
Well, as we know, Jesus was not received with open arms or celebration. God sent his son to a world that did not recognize him. He sent Christ to His own, but they did not receive him. Where they CRAZY!! He was the Messiah, all the signs pointed to it, the prophecies where revealed.....what were they thinking!!
Well, as John so eloquently writes in John 3:19-20 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
How true is that today. How many people still refuse to truly believe in the Christ of Christmas because they think it means they have to become a prude, give up all their "fun", live like a monk? Too many people I know are what I call "convenient Christians", let me be honest, I was one too. Sure, I was baptized and confirmed. I had my children baptized. I would have told anyone who asked I was a Christian, I believed Jesus was born, died and I would have even told you he rose again on the third day. Sounds great, I was "in" right.
Oh how wrong I was!!
If you refuse to see the light of God, the light he sent into the world in His son Jesus Christ, then you really aren't a Christian. What does that mean? Light is good, it is God. If you truly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you allow His light to shine in every nook and cranny of your life. You allow it to expose all the sin and bad things you were hanging on to...all those "fun" things you thought you never wanted to give up. I won't get into the specifics, you know what I am talking about. The sin you liked to do and didn't want anyone to take away from you, not God, not Jesus not anyone.
You see, the Christ of Christmas came to shine his light and snuff out the darkness (sin) once and for all. He offers us salvation from our sin, the light of eternal glory in his kingdom. All we are required to do is accept Him as the Messiah, believe He is the fulfillment of the prophecy, the light of the world. And in so doing, we gain the right to become children of God, receiving all the gifts that wonderful distinction entails. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't trade the gifts of my new life in Jesus for that so called "fun" life I was leading before for anything in this world (or beyond). How about you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for shining Your light into my life and exposing it for what it really was. Thank You for leading me out of temptation and delivering me from the evil of the dark world. I am so much happier with the light shining on me, warming my heart and my soul. This Christmas allow me to share the light of Your Son, our gifted Savior, with the world. Amen
4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.[b]
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent,[c] nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God spoke through his prophets for centuries laying out the coming of the Messiah, the fulfillment of his covenant to save the world for the darkness of sin. The signs of his coming where everywhere. Daniel had laid out the reign of the rules prior to his coming, for 400 years the prophets were silent, but the prophecies where being fulfilled. John the Baptist appeared, proclaiming his arrival, just as the prophets had foretold. Wow, the time of salvation had arrived....their should have been huge celebration....right?
Well, as we know, Jesus was not received with open arms or celebration. God sent his son to a world that did not recognize him. He sent Christ to His own, but they did not receive him. Where they CRAZY!! He was the Messiah, all the signs pointed to it, the prophecies where revealed.....what were they thinking!!
Well, as John so eloquently writes in John 3:19-20 "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
How true is that today. How many people still refuse to truly believe in the Christ of Christmas because they think it means they have to become a prude, give up all their "fun", live like a monk? Too many people I know are what I call "convenient Christians", let me be honest, I was one too. Sure, I was baptized and confirmed. I had my children baptized. I would have told anyone who asked I was a Christian, I believed Jesus was born, died and I would have even told you he rose again on the third day. Sounds great, I was "in" right.
Oh how wrong I was!!
If you refuse to see the light of God, the light he sent into the world in His son Jesus Christ, then you really aren't a Christian. What does that mean? Light is good, it is God. If you truly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you allow His light to shine in every nook and cranny of your life. You allow it to expose all the sin and bad things you were hanging on to...all those "fun" things you thought you never wanted to give up. I won't get into the specifics, you know what I am talking about. The sin you liked to do and didn't want anyone to take away from you, not God, not Jesus not anyone.
You see, the Christ of Christmas came to shine his light and snuff out the darkness (sin) once and for all. He offers us salvation from our sin, the light of eternal glory in his kingdom. All we are required to do is accept Him as the Messiah, believe He is the fulfillment of the prophecy, the light of the world. And in so doing, we gain the right to become children of God, receiving all the gifts that wonderful distinction entails. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't trade the gifts of my new life in Jesus for that so called "fun" life I was leading before for anything in this world (or beyond). How about you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for shining Your light into my life and exposing it for what it really was. Thank You for leading me out of temptation and delivering me from the evil of the dark world. I am so much happier with the light shining on me, warming my heart and my soul. This Christmas allow me to share the light of Your Son, our gifted Savior, with the world. Amen
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Who is the Christ of Christmas? - Part 1
John 1:1-10
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Who is the Christ of Christmas? We all know the stories of the Angel appearing to Mary, the virgin birth, the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew, Mark and Luke begin their Gospels at the time just around and prior to Christ's birth as the Son of Man. John, however, tells us the whole story about the Messiah.
John's Gospel begins, interestingly enough, just as the Bible begins, "In the beginning"...
John, who to me is the most straight forward writers in the New Testament, tells it like it is. Jesus was with God, in the beginning. He was there before man was ever created!! I don't know about you, but that message is HUGE to me and it tells a much larger picture of who Jesus, my Lord and Savior, really is.
If you ever doubted the sovereignty of our God, then look at this text. Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, IN THE BEGINNING. God knew before he ever made us that we would sin and break his heart and need a Savior!! Even knowing that, he still created us...out of his incomprehensible love and his desire to have an intimate relationship with us. He knew, well before any hair was formed on any of our heads, that we would need Jesus to be made man, come to live among us and save us from our sin!
Jesus has always been with God, as has the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God and the Son of Man. God knew this and planned this before we were ever created!! Christ, a member of the Triune Godhead reigns supreme over all creation, and has since the beginning. He wasn't an afterthought of God, He IS God. Today, as you go about your daily routine, think about this message. The message of Christmas that is not the one usually told. Consider the profoundness of knowing that Jesus was with God from the beginning. I hope it brings you as much Joy as it does me.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
-- Colossians 1:15-17
Prayer:
Lord, I sit in awestruck wonder at your sovereignty. You are truly an awesome God. Help me to wrap my feeble little human brain around the glory of you as Father, Son and Holy Ghost...all one God, since the beginning, who loves us so much you created us even knowing the heart ache we would bring to you. In the knowledge that Jesus existed with you from the beginning, help me to find true appreciation in just who the Christ of Christmas is and celebrate it with more Joy and fervour than ever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.
3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Who is the Christ of Christmas? We all know the stories of the Angel appearing to Mary, the virgin birth, the Star of Bethlehem. Matthew, Mark and Luke begin their Gospels at the time just around and prior to Christ's birth as the Son of Man. John, however, tells us the whole story about the Messiah.
John's Gospel begins, interestingly enough, just as the Bible begins, "In the beginning"...
John, who to me is the most straight forward writers in the New Testament, tells it like it is. Jesus was with God, in the beginning. He was there before man was ever created!! I don't know about you, but that message is HUGE to me and it tells a much larger picture of who Jesus, my Lord and Savior, really is.
If you ever doubted the sovereignty of our God, then look at this text. Jesus was the Word, and the Word was with God, IN THE BEGINNING. God knew before he ever made us that we would sin and break his heart and need a Savior!! Even knowing that, he still created us...out of his incomprehensible love and his desire to have an intimate relationship with us. He knew, well before any hair was formed on any of our heads, that we would need Jesus to be made man, come to live among us and save us from our sin!
Jesus has always been with God, as has the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the Son of God and the Son of Man. God knew this and planned this before we were ever created!! Christ, a member of the Triune Godhead reigns supreme over all creation, and has since the beginning. He wasn't an afterthought of God, He IS God. Today, as you go about your daily routine, think about this message. The message of Christmas that is not the one usually told. Consider the profoundness of knowing that Jesus was with God from the beginning. I hope it brings you as much Joy as it does me.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
-- Colossians 1:15-17
Prayer:
Lord, I sit in awestruck wonder at your sovereignty. You are truly an awesome God. Help me to wrap my feeble little human brain around the glory of you as Father, Son and Holy Ghost...all one God, since the beginning, who loves us so much you created us even knowing the heart ache we would bring to you. In the knowledge that Jesus existed with you from the beginning, help me to find true appreciation in just who the Christ of Christmas is and celebrate it with more Joy and fervour than ever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It IS this simple....
"The righteous will live by faith." -- Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38
Someone asked me yesterday, "How do you know you are right? People have been getting God wrong for centuries, so how do you know you are doing it right now?" Well, that is an honest question. One I used to ask a lot before I truly figured out the answer. And it isn't complicated.
I think throughout history people have tried to over complicate the true meaning of being a Christian. It seems beneficial to organized religion and Churches to over complicate the issue. Because if it was really simple would we need religious leaders, would they somehow become less powerful.
That one line from the Old Testament, which God felt was so important it was repeated three times in the New Testament, is a line that changed the face of Religion as we know it. For that is the line of scripture which hit Martin Luther with such force as to bring about the Protestant Reformation!!
Luther, who had spent many, many years trying to be righteous and please God but always falling short, was in the depths of despair in front of God. And what did God do, he brought to his remembrance a line of scripture Luther had been lucky enough to see once in a bible chained in a library. You see, in those days, the bible was not readily available to be read by the average human. They relied on the teachings of the church to figure out Christianity. I won't go into the corruption which ensued through humans being entrusted with that responsibility, that is for another time.
However, the light which was turned on for Martin Luther in the simplicity of this scripture "The righteous live by faith" would forever change him and in turn the course of Christianity. For in those five words, Christianity is summed up. It isn't about you or me or our good deeds. It is about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It IS that simple. We are Christians because we have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have faith that God sent his only Son to become sin and shed his blood for our salvation. Period. The good works and righteous living come out of that, not the other way around. It isn't complicated. We don't need scholars to interpret it for us.
In this time of Christmas, try to remember the simplicity of it all. Jesus was born to take away the sin of the world. Period. As I said yesterday, He was born, so He could die and we could live. Let the simplicity take hold of your heart and change the way you live today!!
And don't forget, share this message with someone today. You never know who's life could be changed forever!
"For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - " -- Ephesians 2:8
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand, I am not saved by my works, this is not about me, I am saved through Your grace and Your grace alone. I have done nothing to deserve salvation but through the blessed gift of Your Son, my Savior. Keep those five words "The righteous live by faith" always in my mind, so I never forget the awesome gift I have been given. In Jesus name, Amen.
Someone asked me yesterday, "How do you know you are right? People have been getting God wrong for centuries, so how do you know you are doing it right now?" Well, that is an honest question. One I used to ask a lot before I truly figured out the answer. And it isn't complicated.
I think throughout history people have tried to over complicate the true meaning of being a Christian. It seems beneficial to organized religion and Churches to over complicate the issue. Because if it was really simple would we need religious leaders, would they somehow become less powerful.
That one line from the Old Testament, which God felt was so important it was repeated three times in the New Testament, is a line that changed the face of Religion as we know it. For that is the line of scripture which hit Martin Luther with such force as to bring about the Protestant Reformation!!
Luther, who had spent many, many years trying to be righteous and please God but always falling short, was in the depths of despair in front of God. And what did God do, he brought to his remembrance a line of scripture Luther had been lucky enough to see once in a bible chained in a library. You see, in those days, the bible was not readily available to be read by the average human. They relied on the teachings of the church to figure out Christianity. I won't go into the corruption which ensued through humans being entrusted with that responsibility, that is for another time.
However, the light which was turned on for Martin Luther in the simplicity of this scripture "The righteous live by faith" would forever change him and in turn the course of Christianity. For in those five words, Christianity is summed up. It isn't about you or me or our good deeds. It is about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It IS that simple. We are Christians because we have faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have faith that God sent his only Son to become sin and shed his blood for our salvation. Period. The good works and righteous living come out of that, not the other way around. It isn't complicated. We don't need scholars to interpret it for us.
In this time of Christmas, try to remember the simplicity of it all. Jesus was born to take away the sin of the world. Period. As I said yesterday, He was born, so He could die and we could live. Let the simplicity take hold of your heart and change the way you live today!!
And don't forget, share this message with someone today. You never know who's life could be changed forever!
"For it is by grace your have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - " -- Ephesians 2:8
Prayer:
Lord, help me to understand, I am not saved by my works, this is not about me, I am saved through Your grace and Your grace alone. I have done nothing to deserve salvation but through the blessed gift of Your Son, my Savior. Keep those five words "The righteous live by faith" always in my mind, so I never forget the awesome gift I have been given. In Jesus name, Amen.
Friday, December 4, 2009
What does putting Christ back in Christmas really mean?
"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." -- Deuteronomy 15:11
"Jesus answered, "if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -- Matthew 19:21
In this time of Christmas, many of us get wrapped up in the secular world. We think it important to get our children everything they ask for. We want to have the best and the brightest decorations on the street. We stress over getting everything done, fighting crowds to get the best bargain around. We spend more than we have to try and make it the "happiest time of the year".
What do you think God feels about all of this. Is the kind of celebration he would condone for His Son's birth. I read something this morning which made me stop in my tracks and think hard about what we are doing...."Jesus was born to die, so that we could live." Wow, what a simplified yet profound message of Christmas.
I think Jesus would be more pleased to see us celebrate His birth by giving to those who are in need. Not to our own families who already have way too much, but to all those in our society who are struggling just to put food on the table. God didn't just ask us to help the poor, he commanded it. Jesus' message on this earth was for us to help out neighbors, to love them as ourselves, to give of ourselves for the good of others.
I ask each one of you to examine, in total honesty, your celebration of Christmas. We are all fighting to keep Christ in Christmas, holding fast to the "Merry Christmas" so many want to take away from us. But are we doing it in word only? Keeping Christ in Christmas means living as Christ commanded us, giving of ourselves not to those who have but to those who need. Would it be so awful if your children got only three small gifts this year and you spent the rest of the money helping those who need food. Would it be so awful if you spent those hours you usually devoted to getting ready for Christmas, shopping, decorating, cooking, volunteering for a worthy cause.
We all have something to give, time, money, both.....Consider if every one of us truly dedicated ourselves to putting Christ back into Christmas, in both word and action. The benefit would far surpass just helping those in need, but also would project the true spirit of Christmas to a world of non-believers who could not help but stop and say "Wow, look at those Christians, perhaps they have something worth looking into." Wouldn't that be the most awesome gift of all.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand what putting Christ back into Christmas really means. Help us to celebrate the awesome birth of Your Son in a manner pleasing to You, befitting the magnitude of the blessing You bestowed on us. Lord, I am sorry for missing it all these years, for putting the "things" of the holiday before You. Help us to show the world what we are truly celebrating, the birth of our Lord and Savior, a God who wants us to love our neighbor, to help those in need and to be a beacon of light in the world.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
"Jesus answered, "if you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -- Matthew 19:21
In this time of Christmas, many of us get wrapped up in the secular world. We think it important to get our children everything they ask for. We want to have the best and the brightest decorations on the street. We stress over getting everything done, fighting crowds to get the best bargain around. We spend more than we have to try and make it the "happiest time of the year".
What do you think God feels about all of this. Is the kind of celebration he would condone for His Son's birth. I read something this morning which made me stop in my tracks and think hard about what we are doing...."Jesus was born to die, so that we could live." Wow, what a simplified yet profound message of Christmas.
I think Jesus would be more pleased to see us celebrate His birth by giving to those who are in need. Not to our own families who already have way too much, but to all those in our society who are struggling just to put food on the table. God didn't just ask us to help the poor, he commanded it. Jesus' message on this earth was for us to help out neighbors, to love them as ourselves, to give of ourselves for the good of others.
I ask each one of you to examine, in total honesty, your celebration of Christmas. We are all fighting to keep Christ in Christmas, holding fast to the "Merry Christmas" so many want to take away from us. But are we doing it in word only? Keeping Christ in Christmas means living as Christ commanded us, giving of ourselves not to those who have but to those who need. Would it be so awful if your children got only three small gifts this year and you spent the rest of the money helping those who need food. Would it be so awful if you spent those hours you usually devoted to getting ready for Christmas, shopping, decorating, cooking, volunteering for a worthy cause.
We all have something to give, time, money, both.....Consider if every one of us truly dedicated ourselves to putting Christ back into Christmas, in both word and action. The benefit would far surpass just helping those in need, but also would project the true spirit of Christmas to a world of non-believers who could not help but stop and say "Wow, look at those Christians, perhaps they have something worth looking into." Wouldn't that be the most awesome gift of all.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand what putting Christ back into Christmas really means. Help us to celebrate the awesome birth of Your Son in a manner pleasing to You, befitting the magnitude of the blessing You bestowed on us. Lord, I am sorry for missing it all these years, for putting the "things" of the holiday before You. Help us to show the world what we are truly celebrating, the birth of our Lord and Savior, a God who wants us to love our neighbor, to help those in need and to be a beacon of light in the world.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
He already has....
Romans 8: 37-38
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As I stated yesterday, the one question we need to answer in order to obtain salvation from God is "I am....Do you believe this?" And really, what does that mean? My husband made a comment to me the other day. We are facing some persecutions that seem relentless and like they will never end. He, in a heated moment, said "Jesus is not going to save you from this!" Do you know how I responded to his outburst....very calmly I said, "He already has."
My husband is consumed with worry, fear and anger in the situation and sees my calm as "not caring" or "rolling over" and letting someone walk all over us, but as he is not a true Christ Follower. He doesn't understand the peace you receive when you believe in Christ Jesus. Some people think of it as a false sense of security and a careless attitude that is not productive in times of struggles.
Many of you may recall a recent attack on Sarah Palin about her faith. She made a comment about "putting her faith in God's will". This led some in the media to insinuate that she left everything up to God and couldn't make her own decisions. It makes me sad when people don't get it. It isn't about giving up the fight. It is about that extra power and strength you get from knowing you are never alone in your fight. The power of the Holy Spirit living within you.
You know David was scared when he went out to fight Goliath. He was human. But he did not allow the fear to consume him. He was not anxious. In fact, fear paralized the army, who had no faith. David, on the other hand, knew he was not fighting alone. He had faith in God.
So, as I explained to my husband, it isn't that I sit back and think God will fix everything. It is simply that I have faith. Faith in a God who will never leave me and who works everything for good. Yes, I will stand and fight, but I will not allow the fight to cripple me with fear and anxiety, because if I do, then I am not truly faithful and evil wins. My faith and love are with a God who has already taken care of it all....I know how the story ends.... and WE WIN .
Does someone you know need this message today? I have shared it with my husband, who do you know who needs to find strength in God today....share it with them too.
"Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:9
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." -- Psalm 69:32
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember always that You are by my side in every battle. You will never leave me to fight alone. Also, Lord, help me to remain faithful to You, leaving anxiety and fear at Your feet. I do believe "I am", and that knowledge means I have already won. In Jesus name, Amen.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
As I stated yesterday, the one question we need to answer in order to obtain salvation from God is "I am....Do you believe this?" And really, what does that mean? My husband made a comment to me the other day. We are facing some persecutions that seem relentless and like they will never end. He, in a heated moment, said "Jesus is not going to save you from this!" Do you know how I responded to his outburst....very calmly I said, "He already has."
My husband is consumed with worry, fear and anger in the situation and sees my calm as "not caring" or "rolling over" and letting someone walk all over us, but as he is not a true Christ Follower. He doesn't understand the peace you receive when you believe in Christ Jesus. Some people think of it as a false sense of security and a careless attitude that is not productive in times of struggles.
Many of you may recall a recent attack on Sarah Palin about her faith. She made a comment about "putting her faith in God's will". This led some in the media to insinuate that she left everything up to God and couldn't make her own decisions. It makes me sad when people don't get it. It isn't about giving up the fight. It is about that extra power and strength you get from knowing you are never alone in your fight. The power of the Holy Spirit living within you.
You know David was scared when he went out to fight Goliath. He was human. But he did not allow the fear to consume him. He was not anxious. In fact, fear paralized the army, who had no faith. David, on the other hand, knew he was not fighting alone. He had faith in God.
So, as I explained to my husband, it isn't that I sit back and think God will fix everything. It is simply that I have faith. Faith in a God who will never leave me and who works everything for good. Yes, I will stand and fight, but I will not allow the fight to cripple me with fear and anxiety, because if I do, then I am not truly faithful and evil wins. My faith and love are with a God who has already taken care of it all....I know how the story ends.... and WE WIN .
Does someone you know need this message today? I have shared it with my husband, who do you know who needs to find strength in God today....share it with them too.
"Blessed is the man who persevers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -- James 1:12
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:9
"The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." -- Psalm 69:32
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember always that You are by my side in every battle. You will never leave me to fight alone. Also, Lord, help me to remain faithful to You, leaving anxiety and fear at Your feet. I do believe "I am", and that knowledge means I have already won. In Jesus name, Amen.
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