Mary Cantell

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!

Oct

29

Got thanks?

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 Thanks. Just a word. Though it is short, it’s meaning encompasses so much. When we thank people, we’re expressing not only our appreciation but also our heart’s gratitude. If there’s anything that deserves our utmost thanks, appreciation, gratitude and, ultimately, our praise, it’s our blessed Lord.

When things go well for us, it’s easy to give thanks and praise, but when we are chastened or if God allows something to occur that is not of our choice, the thanking and praising may grow quiet.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” ~ 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

God is there and aware of all we’re enduring. Out of love for us, he works in ways that often are beyond our comprehension. We can thank and praise him for being in control of the storms that enter our lives and for sustaining us while in their midst—no matter the outcome. Just remember that it’s all to conform us more into the image of Christ. It’s for our holiness.

Science bears out that giving thanks and having gratitude lends positively to our lives. As Christians, we already know this. Giving thanks is rewarding not only to the recipient but also to the giver. Thanks and praise be to God!

 

Oct

22

Deep water

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Are you in deep water? Trials and fears beckoning at the door? The Bible is full of heroic accounts of men who faced more adversity than the average person in the way of personal struggles, and their stories are living examples of how each one endured with the help of God.

Like Job, David, Stephen, Paul, Daniel, Joseph and many other saints from old, they leave us examples of their individual trials that run from devastating hardship to temptation to even unjust persecution. Trapped in dire situations—even unto death—they maintained an abiding faith as they rested in the spiritual arms of God.

The faithful will sometimes be sifted and refined like choice silver and gold. It’s our test. Though like all of those before us, we are given hope that as they survived their trials to tell the tale–only through the power of God—we are able to as well.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters – 2 Samuel 22:17

But there’s more… The future is secure and lends much hope for Christ followers. A new kingdom is coming one day. Not like this present earth—no, it will far surpass it. There will no longer be any deep water to drown us. The only water will be the fount of living water that flows through Christ from whom all blessings flow to us both now and throughout eternity.

Oct

15

Be well in Him!

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If God is for us, who can possibly be against us?

When the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity for 70 years, the words of the prophet Isaiah tell us the Lord God of Israel was right there in their midst. He told them to fear not; he would help and strengthen them and uphold them with his righteous right hand.

In difficult times of trials and troubles, Jesus—and he alone—is the only healing balm we need. He directs the course of great rivers, and by his power, the very atoms in the nails that pierced his flesh while on the cross were held together with his own mighty strength! What is your life’s situation that he cannot handle, guide, or direct you into the place you should go?

Even on your worst day, the calming peace of Jesus can satisfy like no other. He leads us beside the still waters and restores our souls. His peace is like a river, and it flows as a fountain of blessings to his faithful followers, who put their trust fully in Him.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” ~ Isaiah 41:10

Oct

09

Safe in HIS arms!

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As believers in Christ, we are “safe and secure from all alarms…” so the hymn’s lyrics say. It’s true. We’re also, “under his wing…and safely abiding.” Even more amazing is that Christ’s love will be with us forever.

The Lord promises his children that he will never leave them nor forsake them. As small and insignificant as we sometimes feel, each of us is truly significant above and beyond measure in the eyes of our Creator, and his love for us will continue throughout eternity.

The Lord is always near and available for an early morning meeting or a late-night chat, as well as any time in between.  He can speak to us in various ways—through his Word and even in our dreams. Often, his communication comes in that still, small voice or prompting. It can come when we are alone or even in a crowd.

 It’s not always easy to hear his voice in a world filled with chatter and noise. With all that goes on in our lives, being still from all of the distractions is sometimes hard to come by. Though sifting through the muck and mire of every day concerns, his voice may be soft, but it’s always there—steady, sure, and powerful.

Even to your old age I will be the same,

And even to your graying years I will bear you!

I have done it, and I will carry you;

And I will bear you and I will deliver you ~ Isaiah 46:4