I Corinthians 9:15 (God's Word Translation) "I thank God for his gift that words can not describe."
Paul has just spent many verses describing all the wonderful ways that God shows that He is God by taking care of His people. He showers us all with gifts that only He can give; the most amazing of all is the gift of His son, Baby Jesus! As I spend time, effort, and gas this holiday season diligently trying to find that perfect gift for everyone on my list, I am stilled by the realization that nothing I can purchase will ever come close to the gift that our Lord and Savior poured out for us. As much as I love my family, I know that love pales next to the love our precious Jesus extends to us. Sweet Jesus fill us up with that love so that we might be worthy of your gifts this Christmas season. Come Lord Jesus!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
December 15, 2014
Luke 2:10-11 (God's Word Translation) The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David's city".
Can you imagine getting that message from a host of angels? First, I think it would be terrifying to be in the field, minding my own business, and having the sky fill with angels. And if that is not scary enough, then they begin to talk and praise God. Don't be afraid.......yeh right! But the grace of God covered the shepherds and they believed. Then, they had to have been filled with anticipation and excitement. How they must have laughed and cheered, and I am sure they rushed to tell others. I so wish that we would respond today to the good news of Jesus Christ they way the shepherds did so long ago. Wouldn't it be something if we were so full of joy that we had to run around and tell everyone we met? We have a few days left in December before Christmas arrives, how about we find ways to share Jesus with all we encounter?
Can you imagine getting that message from a host of angels? First, I think it would be terrifying to be in the field, minding my own business, and having the sky fill with angels. And if that is not scary enough, then they begin to talk and praise God. Don't be afraid.......yeh right! But the grace of God covered the shepherds and they believed. Then, they had to have been filled with anticipation and excitement. How they must have laughed and cheered, and I am sure they rushed to tell others. I so wish that we would respond today to the good news of Jesus Christ they way the shepherds did so long ago. Wouldn't it be something if we were so full of joy that we had to run around and tell everyone we met? We have a few days left in December before Christmas arrives, how about we find ways to share Jesus with all we encounter?
Sunday, December 14, 2014
December 14, 2014
Proverbs 10:12 (ESV) Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
I am so glad that God has offered me His love so that I may also extend that love to others. Sometimes this world gets ugly and my emotions want to lash out in hate. Thankfully, God has showered me with so much love that I remember that even in the midst of my hurt and anger, love needs to prevail. This is not always easy. In fact, it is just down right hard! But our gracious God will provide the grace and the path. As I stumble along this rocky road I wonder if you need to take my hand and join me. Is there someone you need to forgive and love on a bit this holiday season? Ask God to give you the tools to do that and then trust that God will give you enough love to share with another. Thank you, God!
I am so glad that God has offered me His love so that I may also extend that love to others. Sometimes this world gets ugly and my emotions want to lash out in hate. Thankfully, God has showered me with so much love that I remember that even in the midst of my hurt and anger, love needs to prevail. This is not always easy. In fact, it is just down right hard! But our gracious God will provide the grace and the path. As I stumble along this rocky road I wonder if you need to take my hand and join me. Is there someone you need to forgive and love on a bit this holiday season? Ask God to give you the tools to do that and then trust that God will give you enough love to share with another. Thank you, God!
Friday, December 12, 2014
December 12, 2014
Matthew 1:23 (ESV) Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).
Can you imagine a more powerful way to send Jesus to dwell on Earth? A virgin birth? A lonely stable? Wise men? Shepherds? Only God could plan and orchestrate such a scenario. How amazing that He could love us so much that He would go to such extremes to save our souls! Thank you, Jesus! We should all be about the business of loving God back. Can you find a way to do that this Holiday season?
Can you imagine a more powerful way to send Jesus to dwell on Earth? A virgin birth? A lonely stable? Wise men? Shepherds? Only God could plan and orchestrate such a scenario. How amazing that He could love us so much that He would go to such extremes to save our souls! Thank you, Jesus! We should all be about the business of loving God back. Can you find a way to do that this Holiday season?
Thursday, December 11, 2014
December 11, 2014
John 1:17 (KJV) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
I am so grateful that Jesus came to us and brought us His grace because I am not a very obedient person. It is not so much that I do not want to follow rules and regulations. Rather, if there are too many I find it hard to remember them all and I really need to know the rationale behind the rules before I see a need to adhere to certain ones. I am certain that I would have constantly been in trouble if I had been an Old Testament believer. Thankfully, Jesus came to us and said "follow me". He assures all of us that He loves us and that if we ask Him to be our personal Savior we will spend eternity with Him. This does not give us carte blanche to behave as we wish. Rather, it should cause us to desire to emulate Jesus as we live to serve Him. Christmas season would be a terrific time to come to Jesus in a bold way. Won't you renew your relationship with Him or maybe start a brand new relationship? Merry Christmas, my friend!
I am so grateful that Jesus came to us and brought us His grace because I am not a very obedient person. It is not so much that I do not want to follow rules and regulations. Rather, if there are too many I find it hard to remember them all and I really need to know the rationale behind the rules before I see a need to adhere to certain ones. I am certain that I would have constantly been in trouble if I had been an Old Testament believer. Thankfully, Jesus came to us and said "follow me". He assures all of us that He loves us and that if we ask Him to be our personal Savior we will spend eternity with Him. This does not give us carte blanche to behave as we wish. Rather, it should cause us to desire to emulate Jesus as we live to serve Him. Christmas season would be a terrific time to come to Jesus in a bold way. Won't you renew your relationship with Him or maybe start a brand new relationship? Merry Christmas, my friend!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
December 9, 2014
John 1:29 (God's Word Translation) John saw Yeshua coming towards him the next day and said,
'Look! This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".
Clearly Jesus has moved beyond his childhood years as this scripture was recorded. He has grown up to begin fulfilling His Father's plan. John the Baptist recognizes this in this great man, even as many others are skeptical or even deny Jesus as the Messiah. Why was it so difficult for so many to believe? Why is it still so difficult for so many of us to believe? John's words should echo in our ears. "This is the Lamb of God!" Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for taking on the role handed down to you so that all of us can find that eternal salvation. What a fabulous thing to celebrate!
'Look! This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".
Clearly Jesus has moved beyond his childhood years as this scripture was recorded. He has grown up to begin fulfilling His Father's plan. John the Baptist recognizes this in this great man, even as many others are skeptical or even deny Jesus as the Messiah. Why was it so difficult for so many to believe? Why is it still so difficult for so many of us to believe? John's words should echo in our ears. "This is the Lamb of God!" Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for taking on the role handed down to you so that all of us can find that eternal salvation. What a fabulous thing to celebrate!
Monday, December 8, 2014
December 8, 2014
Luke 4:8 (God's Word Translation) Yeshua answered him, "Scripture says, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him'."
Do you remember this story? Satan had taken Jesus to a high place and tempted him by saying that if Jesus would worship him, he would give Jesus all the power and glory in all the kingdoms. Of course, Jesus reminded Satan that only God is worthy of our worship. Do you remember this story?
During this time of preparation of our hearts for the coming of our Savior, do we worship and serve only our God? Our first immediate reaction is "of course!". We are somewhat taken back that anyone would even question that! Then our conscience gently nudges us to rethink our quick answer. Opps! Maybe I put shopping before Jesus today. Maybe I put decorating before Jesus today. Maybe I put busyness before Jesus today. Maybe I forgot to put the Babe in the center of my Christmas. Thank you, Jesus for reminding us to Worship and serve ONLY our God!
Do you remember this story? Satan had taken Jesus to a high place and tempted him by saying that if Jesus would worship him, he would give Jesus all the power and glory in all the kingdoms. Of course, Jesus reminded Satan that only God is worthy of our worship. Do you remember this story?
During this time of preparation of our hearts for the coming of our Savior, do we worship and serve only our God? Our first immediate reaction is "of course!". We are somewhat taken back that anyone would even question that! Then our conscience gently nudges us to rethink our quick answer. Opps! Maybe I put shopping before Jesus today. Maybe I put decorating before Jesus today. Maybe I put busyness before Jesus today. Maybe I forgot to put the Babe in the center of my Christmas. Thank you, Jesus for reminding us to Worship and serve ONLY our God!
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