Merry Christmas!

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirnius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveld there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancee, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about."

They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.

Luke 2.1-20

Wishing you a Merry Christmas--filled with God's blessings

and may your new year be filled with God's presence.

Celebrating the birth of our Savior--Jesus--the Messiah!

Be blessed!

[I will not be writing another blog until January 7th]

Life Journal December 19, 2007
Today's readings: John 5-6

"Do You Want to Be Well?"

Scripture

Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesada, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people--blind, lame, or paralyzed--lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?"

"I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. While I am trying to get there, someone else always get in ahead of me."

Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!"

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up the mat and began walking!

John 5.1-9

Observation

Getting well often takes action on our part.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

"Would you like to get well?"

YES, Lord!

"Then do something!!"

Ouch!

I am just like the sick man--I have so many excuses why I can't do what I need to do to get well. So, I whine about being "sick." And Jesus says to me, just as He did to the man, "Stand up, pick up your sleeping mat, and walk!" In other words, do something about it!! He gives the power and the strength to take that first step--but we have to be willing to take it . . . we have to trust enough to take it.

So, the question comes down to--Do I really want to be well???? If I truly do, then I will do the hard work that is required [trusting Christ to give me the strength and power] to take a step . . . . and then another . . . . and then another. But, nothing will happen or change if I don't do my part!!!! (Other than getting sicker and sicker!)

Prayer

Jesus, I do want to get well. I am powerless without You. I cannot even take the first step without You there. Like a baby taking it's first step, I need Your loving arms open so I can have a safe place to walk to. I know that if I fall, You will be there to pick me up, dust me off, and put me back on my feet. Lord, give me the strength I need. I am a mess without You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for healing me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for not allowing me to remain the same.

Life Journal December 15, 2007
Today's readings: James 1-5

Faith Enough to Act

Scripture

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless."

James 2.14-17

Observation

If we truly have faith in God it will show in what we say and do. . . . it is more than mere words.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I hear it often--I am saved by grace not by works. As if that gives an excuse not to put our faith to work and let it show through good deeds. It is especially true here in IF, afterall we do not want to be confused with the mormons--who believe that good works are essential to their salvation and placement in heaven. So, we have an excuse to not live it out.

I have gotten in trouble more than once for suggesting that if we truly believe that it will show itself through our actions not just some of our words. How can I claim that God lives in me and not show it???

The biggest challenge for me is to show it when I don't want to--to those I judge as not necessarily "worthy" of receiving my good works, my kind deeds. Who am I to judge who I should help and who I shouldn't?? Yet I do. I see someone on the side of the road and make a quick decision as to whether I will give them a couple of dollars or not--and it is all based on my mood and my judgement at that moment.

Jesus taught that when we help feed the hungry, give a drink, invite folks into our homes, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison that we are doing it to Him. [Matthew 25.31-46] He did not teach that we were to judge who was worthy--we are called to love and live out our faith in His name.

How different the world would be if I live out my faith--if I allow it to be more than just words. If I share the love of Jesus Christ through action. Love must be an action if it is really going to make a difference and change the world.

Prayer

Father God, thank You that I am called to action--not to just sit by and watch others at work. But I am called to work and serve You. May everything I do always point to You. May I see others through Your eyes and serve them as if I was serving You. Not just tossing a couple of dollars their way so I can feel good about helping someone--but may I actually make myself uncomfortable and inconvenienced for the sake of others. You did it for me . . . may I do it for others. Thank You Father!!

Life Journal December 12, 2007
Today's readings: Hebrews 5-8

Experienced

Scripture

Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered. And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped]. He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him.

Hebrews 5.8-9

Observation

The experience we receive through our sufferings equips us to be who God has called us to be.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I would generally like to be able to move around the suffering piece. I don't like suffering. And yet, God makes it clear that it is part of how God shapes me and equips me to be the person He wants me to be. . . . the person He has called me to be.

It is amazing to me how God can use everything in my life [the good, the bad, and the ugly] to equip me to serve Him. Through it I learn obedience and am shaped.

I need to look at how God is using the tough stuff in my life--or how He might want to use it. But, again, that requires me dying to myself and living in Him. . . . a daily challenge.

Prayer

Lord, I don't like suffering and I don't like the tough stuff. I wish I could go around it all. But, You tell me in Your word that it helps in shaping me and making me who You want me to be. . . . So, I ask for Your presence, Your strength, Your wisdom in my life so that I can stand through it and grow and become more and more like Your Son, Jesus Christ. I have such a long way to go/grow. I know that it means I have to continue to die to myself, all the time, if I am to walk in the calling You have and are equipping me for. I recognize I cannot do this alone. I need You to come and fill me and take over my life completely. Come Lord Jesus.

Life Journal December 11, 2007
Today's Readings: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

Rest

Scripture

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God's rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world.

Hebrews 4.9-10 (NLT)

So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath rest reserved for the [true] people of God. For he who has once entered [God's] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.

Hebrews 4.9-10 (Amplified)

Observation

God set the example of resting--of a Sabbath rest--for us to follow.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I am not very good at resting--let alone taking a true Sabbath rest. I cannot tell you the last time I actually did nothing but spend a day in the presence of God--in His Word, in prayer and listening, . . . . just being. I find that I feel guilty if I do that--I have convinced myself that I need to always be busy.

But, that's not God's plan for my life. We are called to spend a day a week (if we follow God's model) to do nothing but rest and renew in the Lord. That doesn't just mean not physically doing anything, but to also mentally set aside all that we are carrying.

How different my life would be if I would be faithful to this. I need to do it for myself and for others.

So, with that said, what day this week will I take as my Sabbath? It has to start somewhere and sometime . . . and there is no better time than the present!

Prayer

Father God, how much better my life would be if I lived the life You created me to live . . . with the appropriate periods of rest. . . . . resting completely in You. I confess I'm not very good at that, so

I need Your help. I'm not very good at just "being." But, I know I really need it. So, Lord, help me learn to say no to busyness and YES to You! Thank You!!

Life Journal December 8, 2007
Today's Readings: 1 Timothy 1-4

God Filled

Scripture

The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.

1 Timothy 1.5

Observation

The kind of love that we should have--as believers--is the type that comes from God filling our lives with His presence.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

To be filled with love that comes from--a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. That can only happen when God fills my life . . . . and I allow Him to take over my life. This can't happen any other way. I cannot have a pure heart or a clear conscience or even a sincere faith unless I allow God to completely permeate my life . . . . to so fill it that there isn't room for anything else. How wonderful that would be . . . . but, in reality . . . . it is a constant struggle. I want that to be my life. I want to be so filled with God's love that there is no room for anything else. But, it seems, that there are so many other things that get in the way of that happening.

So, how can I be different?? I have to be intentional (once again) at allowing God into all parts of my life. I have to continually die to myself so that He can have more and more of me. I have to be willing to let go of all those things I hold on to so tightly and just cling to Him.

It is going to require a lot of work on my part . . . . but God and I can do it--one step, one prayer, one outstretched hand at a time.

Prayer

Lord, make me into the person You want me to be. That's a scary thing to pray. . . . because I don't know exactly what that means. But, I want to be the child You want me to be. I want to love as You want me to love. But, I can only do it with You taking over my life. . . . . all of it. It's Yours Lord. Do with me as You please.

Life Journal December 7, 2007
Today's readings: Colossians 1-4

Underwear of Love

Scripture

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3.12-15

Observation

We must put on love first if we are going to clothe ourselves with the other things. Otherwise, none of it will matter.

Application

I need to be more intentional at remembering to clothe myself with the fruits of the Spirit. And it all starts with love--hence the underwear of love. First thing I put on and the last thing I take off. If I don't put it on first the rest just won't happen. Without love I won't have tenderhearted mercy, I won't be kind or humble or gentle or patient. And, without love, there will be no harmony--no peace.

If I want to live the life that I have been chosen for and called to live--then I must dress myself [intentionally] everyday with love.

Prayer

Father God, we wonder why we don't have harmony and peace within Your Church--it's because we don't love each other as You have called us to. Lord, help me to love others better--love them with Your love. I can't do it by myself--it just doesn't work. I need You to love through me. Thank You for Your love for me!!

Life Journal December 6, 2007
Today's reading: Philippians 1-4

Shining Brightly

Scripture

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose.

Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. . . .

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.

Philippians 2.2-2-4, 13-15

Observation

It's not about me.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

These verses to the Philippians reminds me, yet once again, to put others first--to work at getting along--to quit complaining and arguing--and to be a bright light in a dark world.

It is so easy to slip into a "me" mindset--wanting my way (because afterall, it is right), trying to make a good impression, be so engrossed with my own life that I don't see the hurting going on around me. And then I have the nerve to call myself a Christian . . . . a believer. No wonder the world wants less and less to do with organized religion. Who can blame them when we treat each other so poorly both within our walls and outside. And often doing it in the name of Christ. How that must hurt God's heart.

It is a matter of me being intentional about my actions. They cannot only be something I do--they must become a part of me, something that I live out everyday . . . with everyone I come into contact with. I cannot let my guard down--not even for a minute. I represent the Most High God. I cannot--I must not act in a way that does not bring Him glory and honor. There is too much at stake--the lives of the lost. And I am accountable for my heart and my actions. I must shine brightly!

Prayer

Good morning Father, Your Word cuts straight to the heart. I ask for Your forgiveness for all the ways that I let you down through both action and deed. I am so sorry that I allow my own desires to get in the way of serving You. Lord, I want to be the person You have called me to be. I want to shine brightly for You. I don't want to complain and argue. Lord, Your Word says that You are working in me, giving me the desire to obey You and the power to do what pleases You--help me to listen to You and do what You ask! Lord, I pray that I might become a vessel through which You can shine brightly!

Life Journal December 5, 2007
Today's readings: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119.1-80

Living It Real

Scripture

Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. Don't participate in the things these people do. For though your hearts were once full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

Ephesians 5.1-9

Observation

If we say that we belong to God then we should act like it.

Application (How will I be different because of what I have just read?)

Do I live a life that is filled with love and light? That is the bottom line.

I wish I could say this is the way I live all the time . . . . but truthfully, I would have to say that I don't all the time. My life is not always filled with love for others. And, I don't think I always shine brightly with Christ's light. It's not that I don't want to--but I let down my guard and get pulled away--sometimes I don't even realize it is happening--other times, well, I know it and I don't do anything about it.

For me to live a life filled with love for others and to live a life filled with light, I have to be in the Word every day and in prayer always.

What is scary is the fact that sometimes I move away from these things and haven't even realized it. I get busy [often with church-related busyness] and next thing I know, I look at what's going on in my life and wonder how I got so far removed from where I am suppose to be.

The end of the Ephesians reading, today, reminds me what I need to do. . . . "Put on all of God's armor so that I will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil." [Ephesians 6.10-18]

Prayer

Lord, thank You for loving me enough that You point out the painful truths in my life. Lord, I want to live a life filled with loving others and being a light all the time. . . . even when I don't feel like it. So, I pray that You will continue to strengthen me, continue to fill me, continue to remind me, and continue to fill me with Your love and Your light. I know that I cannot do it on my own. Remind me in the morning before I crawl out of bed to put on the full armor of God so that I will be able to withstand all that comes against me. And, Lord, I pray for discernment . . . . that I know what "battles" are worth fighting, which ones are distractions, and which ones I need to lose. . . . Not an easy thing! Thank You for loving me enough that You don't give up on me!

Life Journal December 3, 2007
Today's readings: Romans 13-16

Kingdom Living

Scripture

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up."

Romans 14.17-19

Observation

It is the way we live out our faith and our attitude towards God and others that is important--not the little petty things that we often get distracted with.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

How do I spend my time--looking at others and judging them based on petty differences--or walking and serving Christ with a life of goodness and peace and joy? Do I work toward harmony in the church and building others up--or looking for little things to get upset about?

It is so easy to get distracted by the unimportant and not live the life I am called to live. My focus needs to be on what is truly important. I need to ask myself--over and over--is it a Kingdom issue? I must focus on my service to Christ, my attitude toward others, and my part in bringing harmony to the church. The enemy works at keeping me distracted by the petty things. I must keep my focus on Christ and the life He has called me to.

Prayer

Father God, forgive me for how easily distracted I am--how quick I am to focus on the petty stuff. Help me to stay focused only on Kingdom issues--those things that move Your Kingdom forward. Help me to discern what is important and what I need to just let go. Sometimes I think I am getting better to only catch myself in the midst of the petty stuff . . . . sucked in by the agenda of others. And, Lord, please help me to be an encourager and be a peacemaker--bringing harmony to your church. Help me to demonstrate to others that bringing harmony is not giving in to what others want necessarily. But, relinquishing our will to You and those things that are important to You. Thank You for Your patience with me! I want to be pleasing to You.