Mary Cantell

Jan

15

An everlasting light

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Did you ever consider that without God in the world, there would be no light? The world would be void. As God provides the light, it’s a different story—both physically and even more so, spiritually.

With God’s light, our paths remain clear to travel. While in the light and as we draw nearer to Him, we can clearly see the obstacles in our way. When we walk in darkness, do we not stumble?

Even as we are sanctified, every day trials can get us off track, despite the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us. Our minds often race to quell the storms, and our immediate reactions to life’s situations can be fleshly and prideful.

We may not see eye-to-eye on issues or life’s problems with each other, but a civil, peaceful plan of disagreement is far more profitable than a civil war. We may not always agree, but disagreeing peacefully goes a long way…as “the battle belongs to the Lord.”

“Man’s anger cannot accomplish the righteousness of God” ~ James 1:20.

 In an effort to deal with what comes our way, the only thing that will steer us in the right direction and bring us peace is leaning on the everlasting arms. So, as the new year is upon us, let’s take our first steps of the year being fully clothed in the light of Christ.

Jan

02

Our time is in His hands

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On the cusp of the New Year, people make vows to change themselves. It’s the proverbial New Year’s resolution. Anything can be on the to-do list, including losing weight, quitting smoking, and cutting out carbs. Yet how many times have these pledges melted by the first snowfall?

It is an admirable goal to achieve these sweeping changes, yet by true grit and own strength, it’s often not enough. Sinners, as we all are, need not turn over a new leaf—but a new heart. We can’t use the stuff of flesh to make better flesh; we need the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work. It’s not about you or I becoming a better person. It’s about becoming more like the savior of the world. We can do “all things through Christ” who strengthens us by His spirit.

May this New Year be your opportunity to yield to God not just some but all of your heart’s goals, hopes, and dreams, so he may mold you into the image of his son.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” ~ Psalm 37:4

 That is…because they will be His desires, too, which are ultimately what is best for you.

Dec

28

A Child is Born

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The moment in time when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem as a baby, he was at the very beginning of a great mission. That he would leave heaven for earth boggles the mind, and to come in the humblest means possible to begin his life in a feeding trough in a lowly stable is unfathomable.

The baby Jesus grew to become prophet, priest, and King of Kings. His thirty-three years on earth created a mark in history that would be forever a turning point. For everything vile, despised, and eschewed by man, Jesus, our Emmanuel—God-with-us—gave his life. He became the sacrifice to bring all who believe in him into an everlasting fellowship with the Father. A gift to all men…and one that doesn’t stop giving.

We celebrate the savior’s birth this season and in our hearts all the year through. Like the angels sang in their celebration on that fateful, joyous day, we, too, rejoice. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

Dec

17

A great light dawned

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Though we’re all familiar with the Christmas story, it still remains difficult to fully comprehend. An infinite God who came to earth for our sakes, yet was born of a virgin and lived a human though Godly life? It defies all logic.

Jesus was tempted, hungry, and scripture says that he identified with man’s sufferings. But that he humbled himself to endure such a lowly existence for the years he walked the earth is such a study in contrasts for the human mind to fathom. For how can the limited mind of man claim with any authority the process of an infinite God?

With our finite minds, it’s hard to conceptualize the awesomeness of the nature of Jesus. That he always was and always will be the great God of all creation is too magnificent to fathom. It’s not so much a matter to consume and comprehend through logic but more of a respectful apprehending through our faith.

We celebrate the Lord’s birth this season as well as every day in our hearts because it’s the least we can do for the Lord who made us, loved us, and died for us.

Dec

11

His humble estate

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          Out of the lowly feeding trough in a Bethlehem stable, came to live the most lauded name in history. The moment when baby Jesus arrived, the people rejoiced on that holy night, and an incomparable joy filled the people.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord ~ Luke 2:10

That Jesus would condescend to earth to dwell with mortal men is beyond comprehension. Yet, he became our Immanuel (God with Us) and began a 33-year mission on earth to show humanity the purpose for life.

This tiny baby grew to become a prophet, priest, and the King of Kings. His presence on earth created a mark in history that would forever be a turning point. Jesus became the division between the pride of the proudful and the humility of the repentant. His life’s example paved the way for believers to emulate by and through his spirit into the way of truth and life.

On that quiet night, the angels sang in heaven and the world would be forever changed:  Christ is the Lord/Oh praise his name forever/His power and glory evermore proclaim!

Dec

06

The path for your feet

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So far, in America our path to worship is still protected. We may have our struggles and trials, but often our issues pale in comparison to what our brethren around the globe are facing.

To be one with God and walk the straight and narrow path is the opposite of what the world endorses. Live your best life today for tomorrow you may die is their mantra. As believers, we attempt to walk a path that is pleasing to the Lord.

As we walk, we’ll find the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life do not stop once we are saved. In fact, these temptations often appear stronger when we’re walking with the Lord.  There are so many choices to take and distractions that that beckon:  Come this way. But do we know what awaits at the end of the road? If not, why go there?

Walking with the Lord is not a set of arbitrary rules and regulations to keep us boxed in; rather, it is relationship tethered by a mutual love and bond fostered through the power of the Holy Spirit—our helper. It’s a commitment to God, and out of our love for him, we walk according to his precepts.

If you’re ever in doubt as to which way to go, remember, the road map is as close as your faith walk with God.

My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside – Job 23:11

Dec

06

The bounty is Christ

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While gathered together with family and friends to enjoy food and fellowship this holiday season, let’s also take time to remember the ones who are suffering for their beliefs and pray God would abundantly bless them with his peace and provision.

In America, our blessings are so abundant that even the poor are considered rich compared with others around the globe. The word tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that if we have food and raiment, we should be content.

When we stop to think about all that we’ve been blessed with as believers, the list should begin and end with Christ. Having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is our fruitful bounty. Everything else is but a garnish. For the Lord is our everything, and all that we have stems from his never-ending supply of love and mercy—his grace!

May this holiday season be a joyous reminder of all that is Jesus!

Dec

06

A heavenly gift for you

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Do you exchange gifts at the holidays? While it’s a tradition, it seems that some no longer find it necessary once they reach a certain age—preferring to leave the presents for the children—as they already have everything they need. While adults may or may not already have everything, it’s still nice to receive a gift but even nicer to be the one to give it.

Giving is a blessing in itself, but sometimes, it’s hard to accept another’s gift, and we get shy about it. Aw, you didn’t need to do that is sometimes the reaction. Though for the giver, it apparently is necessary—for them—so why not just say thank you with a smile? Unless, of course, they gave you a box of rocks or worms. (Then you probably don’t have to smile.)

God’s gift to mankind is an even lovelier offer. On a grander and more exponential scale, ever wonder how God feels when the world balks at the free gift of salvation offered by his only begotten son? Oh, that’s not necessary, God. I’m good. It’s free? Oh, no, I need to work for my stuff. No such thing as a free lunch, right?

 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” Have you accepted the priceless gift of Jesus? It’s wrapped with a shiny bow of eternal blessings, including peace, joy, hope, and a glorious future.

Nov

13

A glorious future

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One can only imagine the hardship of existence under the dominating command and control of foreign empires. That’s what the Jews were forced to endure before they were carried away from their homeland. Can you envision uprooting your lifestyle at the whim and fancy of dominating brutes and then be forced to move away from your home?

Jeremiah spoke to the Jews in the midst of their suffering and told them they would live in a place called Babylon for at least 70 years. He told them to settle down, build houses, marry, and even pray for the peace and prosperity of the city in which they now found themselves (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

Christ followers presently facing difficult life situations and struggles also can take comfort in the words spoken by this prophet. While God’s response is not always to provide immediate escape or rescue from difficult situations or bend to our inclinations…sometimes, he stirs things up in ways we don’t understand. Though it’s not in vain. He proclaims through Jeremiah that when you “call on me and come and pray to me… I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 19:12-13).

There is comfort in these words that God will not forsake us. God promises that He has a plan to prosper his people no matter the outcome as we foresee it. Walk by faith in His promises.

 

Nov

06

You’ve got a friend

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Friends are great. Without them, where would we be? These people are supportive, loving, and often go out of their way to come to our aid whenever we need them. A true friend sometimes sticks by even closer than a brother, the Bible says in Proverbs 18:24.

While we appreciate our friends, what’s even greater is that Jesus is so much more; he’s both our savior and our friend. He’s been called a prophet, a priest, and a king when he walked the earth. Today, he’s all of that—and more.

Prince of Peace, Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega…the list of Jesus’ names goes on…but with all of the titles Jesus owns, the fact that he is our friend, too, is stunning.

But what about the here and now? What’s Jesus done for me lately, you may ask?  If you have to consider that question, you may want to look no further than the book of John.

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life” ~ John 3:16

 What Jesus accomplished on the cross in doing his Father’s will is everything we’ll ever need. When we have a personal relationship with the Alpha and the Omega, we have it all!