"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.
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