"I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." ~Rom 12:1~
What is my reasonable service? To love God, to keep Him first, to obey all His commandments, not just those I choose. How well do I do any of these?
As we approach the new year, we all will be filled with resolutions to do better, to be better...I just want to be closer. To live closer to God in 2010 than I did in 2009. I want to touch twice as many lives for Christ, 3 times as many. I just want to dwell in His presense, live in His favor, hover under His covering. I owe Him my life, I owe Him everything.
My devotion this morning had the following quote from Joni Erikson Tada:
"You are about to turn the corner into a brand new year. It is my prayer that the plans, decisions, and choices you make, the way you will spend your time, the thoughts you entertain and the company you keep, the manner in which you live before others, all of it will point to Jesus. May His glory go before you in the new year, friend!"
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Journey Back
"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered...So all that went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child" ~Luke 2:1-4~
As we watched the movie The Nativity, I thought so much about the journey Joseph and Mary made together. They knew each other, but had not spent much time alone. It was a difficult journey, long in travel, especially for a pregnant girl. I'm sure she was self-conscious of all her body changes in front of this man she was to marry, and she probably wondered how she would deliver a baby with this man she barely knew. I imagine this was a great time of bonding for them, learning each other, seeing what it would be like to dwell together as life partners.
The journey back for all of us can be filled with unknowns. But it can be an intimate time of bonding with our Heavenly Father, our partner for life. Take the journey set before you. Embrace the challenge. Trust the One who holds your future in His hands.
As we watched the movie The Nativity, I thought so much about the journey Joseph and Mary made together. They knew each other, but had not spent much time alone. It was a difficult journey, long in travel, especially for a pregnant girl. I'm sure she was self-conscious of all her body changes in front of this man she was to marry, and she probably wondered how she would deliver a baby with this man she barely knew. I imagine this was a great time of bonding for them, learning each other, seeing what it would be like to dwell together as life partners.
The journey back for all of us can be filled with unknowns. But it can be an intimate time of bonding with our Heavenly Father, our partner for life. Take the journey set before you. Embrace the challenge. Trust the One who holds your future in His hands.
Monday, December 21, 2009
At Any State
"So the men said to her: 'We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear unless, when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you bring your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father's household to your own home" ~Josh 2:17-18~
This is the story of Rahab. And oh what a powerful story it is! Our pastor preached an awesome message on it recently and the Lord led me back there tonight.
Joshua was the new leader of the Israelite people. God promised him that they could overtake the land as an inheritance. So, Joshua sends two spies into the land. He wanted man's opinion to be sure it could be done!
You have to remember, this is the same promised land that Moses led the children of Israel searching for in the wilderness for 40 years--40 years searching! Now, with Moses passed away, and a new leader in command, God reinforces the promise. I can certainly understand the hesitation!
So, the spies go to the home of Rahab the harlot. She recognizes that these men belong to the God of Israel. She takes them in, hides them, and bargains with them to spare her family in the process.
Up to this point, Rahab was not a child of God. But she was a believer! She had heard how God's hand of protection was always with the children of Israel. She knew their God to be all powerful, always victorious. Something in her spirit was drawn toward God. She knew He had the power to save her and her entire family. And she was willing to step out in faith to request salvation. The story of the scarlet cord she tied in the window would forever be a symbol of her faith. That faith transformed her life forever, so much that she would become the great-great grandmother to a king named David, a man after God's own heart.
God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, because she was so pure, so humble. Yet He chose Rahab to be in the lineage of Christ too(Matt 1:5-6)...a harlot, saved by faith. God chooses you, God chooses me. We can be used by Him at any stage of life, regardless what state our life is in. The moment He can begin using us is the moment we surrender to let Him take over.
This is the story of Rahab. And oh what a powerful story it is! Our pastor preached an awesome message on it recently and the Lord led me back there tonight.
Joshua was the new leader of the Israelite people. God promised him that they could overtake the land as an inheritance. So, Joshua sends two spies into the land. He wanted man's opinion to be sure it could be done!
You have to remember, this is the same promised land that Moses led the children of Israel searching for in the wilderness for 40 years--40 years searching! Now, with Moses passed away, and a new leader in command, God reinforces the promise. I can certainly understand the hesitation!
So, the spies go to the home of Rahab the harlot. She recognizes that these men belong to the God of Israel. She takes them in, hides them, and bargains with them to spare her family in the process.
Up to this point, Rahab was not a child of God. But she was a believer! She had heard how God's hand of protection was always with the children of Israel. She knew their God to be all powerful, always victorious. Something in her spirit was drawn toward God. She knew He had the power to save her and her entire family. And she was willing to step out in faith to request salvation. The story of the scarlet cord she tied in the window would forever be a symbol of her faith. That faith transformed her life forever, so much that she would become the great-great grandmother to a king named David, a man after God's own heart.
God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus, because she was so pure, so humble. Yet He chose Rahab to be in the lineage of Christ too(Matt 1:5-6)...a harlot, saved by faith. God chooses you, God chooses me. We can be used by Him at any stage of life, regardless what state our life is in. The moment He can begin using us is the moment we surrender to let Him take over.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Likeminded
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" ~Phil 2:5~
Lord, give me Your mind! When life is busy, and when there isn't enough rest, give me Your mind! When trouble comes and my heart searches for peace, give me Your mind! When satan attacks, and others persecute us, give me Your mind! When I need help, but there is no help to be found, give me Your mind! When the devil reminds me of all my past, and wants me to believe the worst, give me Your mind! When everything seems too urgent to let go, and I need more time to gaze into my kids faces, give me Your mind! When my life becomes out of balance, too focused on job or the world, give me Your mind!
Open my mind to see all the good. Remind me of every single blessing. Show me Your strength in every situation of my weakness. Let me feel the covering of Your peace. Let me feel the lift of Your forgiveness. Lay me down in sweet rest when I need it, and refresh me with courage in the morning light. Draw me into Your presence every day. Give me Your mind, I pray.
Lord, give me Your mind! When life is busy, and when there isn't enough rest, give me Your mind! When trouble comes and my heart searches for peace, give me Your mind! When satan attacks, and others persecute us, give me Your mind! When I need help, but there is no help to be found, give me Your mind! When the devil reminds me of all my past, and wants me to believe the worst, give me Your mind! When everything seems too urgent to let go, and I need more time to gaze into my kids faces, give me Your mind! When my life becomes out of balance, too focused on job or the world, give me Your mind!
Open my mind to see all the good. Remind me of every single blessing. Show me Your strength in every situation of my weakness. Let me feel the covering of Your peace. Let me feel the lift of Your forgiveness. Lay me down in sweet rest when I need it, and refresh me with courage in the morning light. Draw me into Your presence every day. Give me Your mind, I pray.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Mainstream
"...be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh...in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men" ~Eph 6:5-7~
It's very easy to get caught up in reputation, in other's opinion of us. It's easy to feel pressure to be more socially, to have more, to out-perform others. The need to fit in often makes us cowardly quiet regarding our faith. Yet the other end of extreme is to be defiantly different, to go against common rules, or to think yourself in a league more holy than others and thereby withdraw from society. No matter how faithful we think we are being, we can be unapproachable, unwelcoming, and never close enough to share our faith with anyone.
God never intended either one. Listen to Him leading your heart, and follow it with all sincerity. He wants us to be decent obedient people, the very best employees, desirable to have on the work team, setting a positive role model in our environment. He wants us to be bold, strong, rooted and grounded, natural leaders. He also wants us to be humble, real, easy for others to get close to, so they can see Him closer thru our lives. He wants us to enjoy our lives, and then be a joy to everyone around us. He calls us to be mainstream, so we can make Him the Main Scene.
It's very easy to get caught up in reputation, in other's opinion of us. It's easy to feel pressure to be more socially, to have more, to out-perform others. The need to fit in often makes us cowardly quiet regarding our faith. Yet the other end of extreme is to be defiantly different, to go against common rules, or to think yourself in a league more holy than others and thereby withdraw from society. No matter how faithful we think we are being, we can be unapproachable, unwelcoming, and never close enough to share our faith with anyone.
God never intended either one. Listen to Him leading your heart, and follow it with all sincerity. He wants us to be decent obedient people, the very best employees, desirable to have on the work team, setting a positive role model in our environment. He wants us to be bold, strong, rooted and grounded, natural leaders. He also wants us to be humble, real, easy for others to get close to, so they can see Him closer thru our lives. He wants us to enjoy our lives, and then be a joy to everyone around us. He calls us to be mainstream, so we can make Him the Main Scene.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Whatever!
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things" ~Phil 4:8~
Ever noticed how you feel after time in conversation with someone? Some close friends leave you with a smile, a laugh, a warm fuzzy-yellow feeling, like you've just been hugged by the sun. Other times, you may leave the company of a friend or acquaintance feeling uneasy, heavy, or burdened. It's likely that the way you feel is a direct result of what your conversation has been.
When we dig up the past, brew over past hurts, & dissect the thing that God has already healed and forgiven in our lives, it brings all those old feelings of bondage back again. If we bring them up, it should only be as a brief testimony of what God has healed us from...not in detail. Otherwise, if we linger too long there, the enemy will try to enslave us once more.
Make a purposeful attempt to engage in new, exciting conversations. The conversations I enjoy most are with my best friend. She calls them our "meaningless chit-chat". We discuss sales on meat, share recipes, vent our frustrations at the check-out line. But we also pray for each other's deepest requests. We share praise reports of what we just saw God do in someones life, often our own. We have both been through our share of storms--we praise God for His mighty deliverance! But now, we keep moving forward, engaged & enjoying daily life!
If any of you have been held by satan's tightest strings to a past God desperately wants to free you from, cut the strings! Make the first move by changing your conversation habits. It will be mind over matter in the beginning, but with time, it will become second nature. Let your mind meditate on all the lovely, true goodness that the Lord wants to open your eyes to every morning.
Ever noticed how you feel after time in conversation with someone? Some close friends leave you with a smile, a laugh, a warm fuzzy-yellow feeling, like you've just been hugged by the sun. Other times, you may leave the company of a friend or acquaintance feeling uneasy, heavy, or burdened. It's likely that the way you feel is a direct result of what your conversation has been.
When we dig up the past, brew over past hurts, & dissect the thing that God has already healed and forgiven in our lives, it brings all those old feelings of bondage back again. If we bring them up, it should only be as a brief testimony of what God has healed us from...not in detail. Otherwise, if we linger too long there, the enemy will try to enslave us once more.
Make a purposeful attempt to engage in new, exciting conversations. The conversations I enjoy most are with my best friend. She calls them our "meaningless chit-chat". We discuss sales on meat, share recipes, vent our frustrations at the check-out line. But we also pray for each other's deepest requests. We share praise reports of what we just saw God do in someones life, often our own. We have both been through our share of storms--we praise God for His mighty deliverance! But now, we keep moving forward, engaged & enjoying daily life!
If any of you have been held by satan's tightest strings to a past God desperately wants to free you from, cut the strings! Make the first move by changing your conversation habits. It will be mind over matter in the beginning, but with time, it will become second nature. Let your mind meditate on all the lovely, true goodness that the Lord wants to open your eyes to every morning.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Postcard from Heaven
"Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter..." ~II Thes 2:1-2~
There are so many things that can trouble our spirit and rob us of our peace! The enemy loves to torment us, to remind us of our past, to worry us of our future, to steal the joy of our present. He loves to entertain our minds with fear...fear of death, fear of disease, fear of tragedy, loss or the unknown. Fear of the end of time.
But we have a letter from Heaven reminding us that we never have to fear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is The Wonderful, Counselor, our friend. Anything from our past, can be confessed and is under the blood of Jesus our Redeemer. Anything in our future is in the hands of the all-knowing, ever-present, Creator of the universe Almighty God. And we can rest in our present with The Holy Spirit, our personal Comforter.
Shield, protector, defender, mighty fortress. Close to Him is the safest place to be.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ~Ps 18:2~
There are so many things that can trouble our spirit and rob us of our peace! The enemy loves to torment us, to remind us of our past, to worry us of our future, to steal the joy of our present. He loves to entertain our minds with fear...fear of death, fear of disease, fear of tragedy, loss or the unknown. Fear of the end of time.
But we have a letter from Heaven reminding us that we never have to fear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is The Wonderful, Counselor, our friend. Anything from our past, can be confessed and is under the blood of Jesus our Redeemer. Anything in our future is in the hands of the all-knowing, ever-present, Creator of the universe Almighty God. And we can rest in our present with The Holy Spirit, our personal Comforter.
Shield, protector, defender, mighty fortress. Close to Him is the safest place to be.
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" ~Ps 18:2~
Monday, December 7, 2009
Broken Vessels
Broken vessels, broken cups
Broken people, of not enough
He has heard your cry for help
He has answered with love's greatest depth
He has known you all along
He has seen the path you traveled on
He walked beside, carried you some
You never have walked this path alone
The nights you cried yourself to sleep
It was in His chest you buried deep
The things no one could love you for
He gave His life to take away those scars
The nights you couldn't find relief
He laid you down in sweet peace
Then He woke you with morning light
And rallied hope to help you fight
He stayed beside you thru the day
Nursed you gently, each hour of the way
He sent others to lift you up
He knew your load was more than enough
But He knew His plans ahead
To heal you, each and every thread
For wounds of the deepest kind
It takes His perfect healing time
You thought those feelings would never change
Then suddenly one morning, He stopped the rain
The holes and gaps that used to be
Now were filled so suddenly
You'd grown so used to life this way
Now, it's just a normal day
Like quick desert sand filling an open crack
Healing poured out in the quickest act
So complete, no evidence of what has passed
Only a testimony of His love that lasts
From inside out, made brand new
This vessel has kingdom work to do
"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." ~Ecc 3:11~
Broken people, of not enough
He has heard your cry for help
He has answered with love's greatest depth
He has known you all along
He has seen the path you traveled on
He walked beside, carried you some
You never have walked this path alone
The nights you cried yourself to sleep
It was in His chest you buried deep
The things no one could love you for
He gave His life to take away those scars
The nights you couldn't find relief
He laid you down in sweet peace
Then He woke you with morning light
And rallied hope to help you fight
He stayed beside you thru the day
Nursed you gently, each hour of the way
He sent others to lift you up
He knew your load was more than enough
But He knew His plans ahead
To heal you, each and every thread
For wounds of the deepest kind
It takes His perfect healing time
You thought those feelings would never change
Then suddenly one morning, He stopped the rain
The holes and gaps that used to be
Now were filled so suddenly
You'd grown so used to life this way
Now, it's just a normal day
Like quick desert sand filling an open crack
Healing poured out in the quickest act
So complete, no evidence of what has passed
Only a testimony of His love that lasts
From inside out, made brand new
This vessel has kingdom work to do
"He has made everything beautiful in its time..." ~Ecc 3:11~
Sunday, December 6, 2009
No Room
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" ~Luke 2:7~
Uh-oh, it's Sunday morning...I really meant to read my Bible this week, but it's just been so busy....(No room)
I meant to set aside my tithes, but that sale at the mall was too good to pass up...I'll catch them up next week...(No room)u
That family really is having a tough time right now, somebody needs to help them...I've just got my hands full with my own life though...(No room)
I know all the guys in the locker room where sharing some pretty rough, graphic things, it did make me uncomfortable but I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb so I just kept my mouth shut...(No room)
Everybody was laughing at the new girl's clothes, and I couldn't help but laugh a little myself, but I felt really bad when I heard her crying in the bathroom later...(No room)
I know everybody at church has a good point, people have to know their proper place. And after all that she has done in her past, she has no business volunteering for anything...(No room)
I'm so uncomfortable with the environment at my job, but I don't want anyone to think I'm just a "goody-two shoes", so I just keep quiet...(No room)
Oh, yes, I'm a member of the First Baptist Church. And it's just great! Well, no I wasn't there Sunday, but it had been such a hard week and Sunday was the only day I could get some rest! Well, no, I don't usually make it to Sunday school...they start it too early! Um, I'm not sure what that discipleship class is about on Sunday night, I don't usually make it for that. I'm not sure what time Wednesday night service is....Yes, we had a great time at the lake this weekend!...(No room)
I know, it's a good idea to have those family devotions, but it's so late by the time we get homework done, and supper, and baths, and laundry. I might start doing it when the new year comes...I know, I've been saying that since the kids were little and now, well, I'm not so sure how they will take me "preaching" at them, you know teenagers!...(No room)
I know many of my family isn't in church, I'm not sure if they are saved or not. It's not an easy conversation in our household! I'd hate to offend someone...Yea, we always watch the football game, about half of us are MSU fans and about half are Rebels all the way! Somebody always gets their feathers ruffled before the evening's done! haha....(No room)
Well, I'm going to work things out with the Lord, one day, I really am. I mean, I believe in God, and I'm a really good person. I'm still young and trying to get my education, my career, my future lined up. I figure there will be time to sort all that out later. God understands how it is to live in 2009!...(No room)
"And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement" ~Heb 9:27~
"But there shall by no means enter it (heaven)anything that defiles...but only those whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life" ~Rev 21:27~
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity" ...(No ROOM)...
~Matt 7:21-23~...
Uh-oh, it's Sunday morning...I really meant to read my Bible this week, but it's just been so busy....(No room)
I meant to set aside my tithes, but that sale at the mall was too good to pass up...I'll catch them up next week...(No room)u
That family really is having a tough time right now, somebody needs to help them...I've just got my hands full with my own life though...(No room)
I know all the guys in the locker room where sharing some pretty rough, graphic things, it did make me uncomfortable but I didn't want to stick out like a sore thumb so I just kept my mouth shut...(No room)
Everybody was laughing at the new girl's clothes, and I couldn't help but laugh a little myself, but I felt really bad when I heard her crying in the bathroom later...(No room)
I know everybody at church has a good point, people have to know their proper place. And after all that she has done in her past, she has no business volunteering for anything...(No room)
I'm so uncomfortable with the environment at my job, but I don't want anyone to think I'm just a "goody-two shoes", so I just keep quiet...(No room)
Oh, yes, I'm a member of the First Baptist Church. And it's just great! Well, no I wasn't there Sunday, but it had been such a hard week and Sunday was the only day I could get some rest! Well, no, I don't usually make it to Sunday school...they start it too early! Um, I'm not sure what that discipleship class is about on Sunday night, I don't usually make it for that. I'm not sure what time Wednesday night service is....Yes, we had a great time at the lake this weekend!...(No room)
I know, it's a good idea to have those family devotions, but it's so late by the time we get homework done, and supper, and baths, and laundry. I might start doing it when the new year comes...I know, I've been saying that since the kids were little and now, well, I'm not so sure how they will take me "preaching" at them, you know teenagers!...(No room)
I know many of my family isn't in church, I'm not sure if they are saved or not. It's not an easy conversation in our household! I'd hate to offend someone...Yea, we always watch the football game, about half of us are MSU fans and about half are Rebels all the way! Somebody always gets their feathers ruffled before the evening's done! haha....(No room)
Well, I'm going to work things out with the Lord, one day, I really am. I mean, I believe in God, and I'm a really good person. I'm still young and trying to get my education, my career, my future lined up. I figure there will be time to sort all that out later. God understands how it is to live in 2009!...(No room)
"And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement" ~Heb 9:27~
"But there shall by no means enter it (heaven)anything that defiles...but only those whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life" ~Rev 21:27~
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not...done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity" ...(No ROOM)...
~Matt 7:21-23~...
Friday, December 4, 2009
I Need You Savior
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, WITH WHOM THERE IS NO VARIATION OR SHADOW OF TURNING" ~Jam 1:17~
One of my favorite verses over the last 3 years...."no variation or shadow of turning"...He doesn't change His mind about loving me! He's always the same!
There is a song I'm singing Sunday by the group Among The Thirsty you've gotta hear...it is an awesome worship song, your heart will soar with praise to our Father! And it contains one of my favorite phrases from the verse above..."You're always the same"
I'd Need a Savior
How many names
Can I use to explain
The love of my Jesus
The life that He gave
And so many times
Will I praise You today
I lift up my life
Cause You're always the same
And my offering
To You I bring
Chorus
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
How many songs
Can I sing to proclaim
Your wondrous love
Oh and beauty so great
Oh and what would I say
If You brought down the rain
And everyday I walked through the pain
My heart would still say
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
I need You Savior
One of my favorite verses over the last 3 years...."no variation or shadow of turning"...He doesn't change His mind about loving me! He's always the same!
There is a song I'm singing Sunday by the group Among The Thirsty you've gotta hear...it is an awesome worship song, your heart will soar with praise to our Father! And it contains one of my favorite phrases from the verse above..."You're always the same"
I'd Need a Savior
How many names
Can I use to explain
The love of my Jesus
The life that He gave
And so many times
Will I praise You today
I lift up my life
Cause You're always the same
And my offering
To You I bring
Chorus
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
How many songs
Can I sing to proclaim
Your wondrous love
Oh and beauty so great
Oh and what would I say
If You brought down the rain
And everyday I walked through the pain
My heart would still say
Your name is Jesus
Your name is Jesus
You're the wonderful, counselor, my friend
You're what I hold on to
I know that You brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross, You knew
I'd need a Savior
I need You Savior
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Call to Worship
"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save the people from their sins" ~Matt 1:21~
No matter how much you've been thinking about the kids wish list for this holiday season, few things will re-focus your gaze on the Christ of Christmas like this verse.
"She will bring forth a Son..." Every mother, and every woman holds dear the event of childbirth. It's an awesome experience like no other, to be used by God to give life to a baby.
"...and you shall call His name Jesus" THE Christ child, foretold for so many generations, here, now, finally on the earth.
"...for He will save the people from their sins" The magnitude of this delivery, the power of this one single birth. The majesty of His presence, God the Son, here on earth with us, here only to save us. All creation had waited for this birth. All creation will forever marvel at this birth. Complete humility in His arrival, a servant's heart in the purest form. Yet, even kings bowed to worship this babe in a barn.
We are called to celebrate this season of His great arrival. We are called to worship the King of kings that chose human form to save us from our sins. We are called to worship our Savior.
No matter how much you've been thinking about the kids wish list for this holiday season, few things will re-focus your gaze on the Christ of Christmas like this verse.
"She will bring forth a Son..." Every mother, and every woman holds dear the event of childbirth. It's an awesome experience like no other, to be used by God to give life to a baby.
"...and you shall call His name Jesus" THE Christ child, foretold for so many generations, here, now, finally on the earth.
"...for He will save the people from their sins" The magnitude of this delivery, the power of this one single birth. The majesty of His presence, God the Son, here on earth with us, here only to save us. All creation had waited for this birth. All creation will forever marvel at this birth. Complete humility in His arrival, a servant's heart in the purest form. Yet, even kings bowed to worship this babe in a barn.
We are called to celebrate this season of His great arrival. We are called to worship the King of kings that chose human form to save us from our sins. We are called to worship our Savior.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Be Warmed & Filled
"If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,' but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" ~James 2:15-17~
We can't work our way to heaven. Jesus paid that ultimate price for my salvation on Calvary's hill over 2000 years ago. But He saved me for a purpose. If the only purpose was to spare me from hell, I would have been called to heaven the minute I accepted Him as Savior-Poof! Mission accomplished! But there is more...so much more.
It's very easy to become complacent. Several of my devotions lately have talked about the ebb & tide of emotions. Some days we are up, some we are down. Some days we feel motivated to conquer the world, other days we do good to crawl out of bed. That's just life. So what do we do on those hairy days? We still do what we know to do...serve others in Jesus' name. It does no good to only speak words, there is action required to be the hands & feet of Jesus to our friends, our neighbors, our community, our co-workers.
And busyness is another monster satan loves to use. This morning God brought me to the verse in Luke 16:13-"No servant can serve two masters..." We can't be loyal to both God and the world. We still have daily tasks to complete, but our mindset is to be on Christ first, and last, and all during the middle. Ouch! He is stepping on my toes! I've let busyness (recent job changes, ballgame schedules, holiday planning)rob me of more intimate times with Him.
I beg for God to speak to me, use me. But I have to be tuned in to hear His reply! I've got to be in a state of constant prayer(I Thes 5:17). He IS my best friend, and I have to invite His presence to be first in everything, every where, every time. I can have as much or as little of God as I desire. Oh, Lord, I want all of You! I want You to use me! Tug at my heart when my life is getting out of balance...nudge me until my eyes turn back to You. Warm my heart, fill me with Your Spirit. Let me warm the hearts of others, and fill the needs in their life in Your name.
We can't work our way to heaven. Jesus paid that ultimate price for my salvation on Calvary's hill over 2000 years ago. But He saved me for a purpose. If the only purpose was to spare me from hell, I would have been called to heaven the minute I accepted Him as Savior-Poof! Mission accomplished! But there is more...so much more.
It's very easy to become complacent. Several of my devotions lately have talked about the ebb & tide of emotions. Some days we are up, some we are down. Some days we feel motivated to conquer the world, other days we do good to crawl out of bed. That's just life. So what do we do on those hairy days? We still do what we know to do...serve others in Jesus' name. It does no good to only speak words, there is action required to be the hands & feet of Jesus to our friends, our neighbors, our community, our co-workers.
And busyness is another monster satan loves to use. This morning God brought me to the verse in Luke 16:13-"No servant can serve two masters..." We can't be loyal to both God and the world. We still have daily tasks to complete, but our mindset is to be on Christ first, and last, and all during the middle. Ouch! He is stepping on my toes! I've let busyness (recent job changes, ballgame schedules, holiday planning)rob me of more intimate times with Him.
I beg for God to speak to me, use me. But I have to be tuned in to hear His reply! I've got to be in a state of constant prayer(I Thes 5:17). He IS my best friend, and I have to invite His presence to be first in everything, every where, every time. I can have as much or as little of God as I desire. Oh, Lord, I want all of You! I want You to use me! Tug at my heart when my life is getting out of balance...nudge me until my eyes turn back to You. Warm my heart, fill me with Your Spirit. Let me warm the hearts of others, and fill the needs in their life in Your name.
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