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