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Jan

05

New Year musings…

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Where does the time go? Again, another year has come. A new beginning. A fresh start. Out with the old and in with the new. Happy to say, we’re one year closer to Jesus’ promised return to the earth.

This time of year leads many to make a New Year’s resolution. Yet, how many times have these pledges dissolved by the first snowfall? Our spirits are willing though our flesh is weak.

There are some who vow to become a better person in the New Year. They’re committed to turning over a new leaf. Start anew. Change. This is an admirable goal to achieve, yet by true grit and strength, can the mark be met?

For those who want to be a better person, turning over a new leaf is seldom enough. Before we were born again into the Lord’s family—sinners as we all are—we didn’t only 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 us becoming a better Joe, Jane, or John; 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 our opportunity to yield to God not just some but all of our heart’s goals, hopes, and dreams, so he may mold us into the image of his son. When we “delight in the Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart.” That is…because they will be His desires, too, and, ultimately, what is best for us.

 

 

 

Dec

27

A holy night

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On a special night in Bethlehem while shepherds were out in the field keeping an eye on their sheep, the shepherds witnessed the Angel of the Lord, who told them:

“Fear not. For, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” ~ Luke 2:10-11

While the three wise men came from afar and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for Jesus, little did anyone know at the time that the child had gifts of his own—for them.

The joy of his presence that came that night would forever change the course of history. By his love and sacrifice on the cross, years later, many would come to believe and receive the peace of God, and everlasting life would be theirs.

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us” ~ Romans 5:1

While the world ceremoniously unwraps gifts that will, in time, perish, the Lord brought himself…the greatest gift that is wrapped in love, eternally.

“For this is how God loved the world:  He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” ~ John 3:16

May the gifts of joy, peace, and love of the Lord be yours this holiday season and always.

Dec

13

For unto you is born a savior

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The moment in time when baby Jesus arrived in Bethlehem, he was on a mission. That he would leave heaven for earth boggles the mind. To come though the humblest means possible to begin his life in a feeding trough in a lowly stable is unfathomable.

Out of his humble estate, the baby 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 keeps on 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.”

Nov

29

Who’s your best friend forever?

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A “best friend forever” is great. Their support in our lives is lovely and much appreciated. Sometimes, though, our friends desert us and fall away.

As believers, there is nothing more valuable than our faith…the faith to believe there is a God and that he loves us. He created our bodies, has a plan to fulfill a glorious future for us, and then he died for all, so that we could inherit an eternal glory on the coattails of his blood sacrifice.

What’s comforting to know is that Jesus is both our savior and our eternal best friend, and he will never depart from our lives. Even if we forsake him, he’s always true to remain faithful to us.

How many names does Jesus have? Prince of Peace, Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega…the list goes on. But with all of the titles Jesus owns, we can also add friend.

We may ask what has the Lord done for me, lately? As it stands, what he accomplished on the cross while doing his father’s will is all we need. The rest of his bounty is just gravy.

“My grace is sufficient” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

His grace of an eternal pardon and payment for our sin, which lends to the gift of our salvation, is the most valuable treasure we’ll ever receive, courtesy of our only true BFF, Jesus!

Nov

22

The Bounty Is Christ

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In America, our blessings are so abundant that even the poor are considered rich compared with many other nations around the globe.

While gathered together with family and friends to enjoy food and fellowship this Thanksgiving holiday, 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.

With thanksgiving in their hearts, the early settlers gave praise and honor to the Lord for many things, most notably, a liberal harvest. William Bradford wrote:

“…And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair, warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving… By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine, now God gave them plenty … for which they blessed God.” 

When we stop to think about all that we’ve been blessed with as believers, having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is at the top of our list as he is our fruitful bounty. Everything else is but a garnish. The word tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that if we have food and raiment, we should be content.

May your Thanksgiving be a joyous reminder of all that is Jesus!

Nov

15

A time for everything

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The book of Ecclesiastes speaks about the seasons of life. With everything under the sun, there is a time—a time to reap and a time to sow; a time to mourn and a time to laugh; a time to gather and a time to cast away.

With everything the Lord brings to us as believers, whether to our delight or adversity, it’s for his purposes. Whether it pleases or not, there is really nothing to lose or gain compared to the fulfillment of a God-centered life as only God brings us true contentment even apart from our circumstances.

Whether in good times or bad, the blessing of his hand in our lives is what sustains us. The surpassing joys or sorrows will fade in time, and our spirits are sustained through it all as we remain focused on the power of his presence in our lives.

As with anything earthly, it passes. Though the riches of the spiritual gifts designed by God for us are meant to be life sustaining and everlasting.

To everything there is a season…winter, spring, summer and fall. Each is part of the pattern of life which God has established on earth.

Nov

08

Freedom in Jesus

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This Veteran’s Day, we salute the courageous men and women who fought to preserve our nation and its sovereignty. America is fortunate to have a unique position in the world through the sacrifice of so many patriots who’ve bled and died defending America’s liberty. One nation, under God, indivisible. The land of the free and home of the brave is the only one of its kind and was established first and foremost on the principle that only God holds the reins of power. This nation was established to be under God always.

There’s another who gave up his life sacrificially and shed his blood for our liberty. Jesus committed the highest act of sacrificial love for not just America but for the world. He came to earth from his heavenly home to bridge the gap between his father and sinful man. His battlefield was the cross, and he died there to pay the high cost of our sins in order that we may have freedom and liberty in Him forever.

Thank you, Vets, for your strength and bravery. Thank you, Lord, for your selflessness in battling the war we could never fight alone. To God be the glory.

Nov

01

By His side

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We all want God to be on our side. The question to ask ourselves is:  Are we on God’s side?

In times of fear or uncertainty, it should be comforting to know that God has always remained close to his people. Though the Israelites did not always follow the Lord every step of the way, while they traveled through the desert for 40 years, he remained faithful to them. He kept them sheltered and fed through his mighty hand. He has always kept his eye on them and has wooed them like the great Father he is.

Though the social fabric of society may be coming apart at the seams, do not be alarmed. When we are abiding in Christ, there is nothing to fear because we are held in the palm of his hand. We are as close as marrow is to bone. He remains with us always. He is faithful to fulfill his promises to us. May we always remain faithful to him.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult ~ Psalm 46:1-3

Oct

24

Be acceptable to God

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Inside the depths of our souls lies stuff only God can restore—the hidden parts of our heart that need spiritual cleansing and renewal. We can put on appearances, but the Lord knows our heart.

In the Old Testament, David had a problem with lust. Rather than admit his sin publicly, he kept it hidden until the web he’d woven to conceal his weakness strangled him. He paid a big price for his sins. But all was not lost for David.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word ~ Psalm 119:67

In dealing with his sin problem, David was convicted and wanted the Lord to make him clean. He knew how much the Lord loved him, even while a sinner, and trusted that God would restore their fellowship that sin had tarnished.

David, the man after God’s own heart, has become one of many examples of restored fellowship with God. May we, like David, share this mindset continually as we contemplate our own ways before the Lord.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting ~ Psalm 139: 33-34

Oct

19

What time is it?

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The Lord gives us time while on the earth. It’s a precious gift. As stewards, it’s our choice how we use it. With the 86,400 seconds in each day, the way we prioritize those moments is important to getting the best out of life that is offered. We can be distracted with the unimportant, or we can live each day as though it were our last.

God has given each of us a pre-determined number of days. What are we to do with them?

“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” ~ Psalm 90:12

Our time is a God-given gift, and with it we can choose to honor him through what we spend our time on or dishonor him. It’s our choice. For the saved, we’ve come to know that seeking his face in all we do is better than doing things on our own. Let it be our resolution to seek His kingdom rather than possessions and Godliness rather than selfishness.

Some would define God as a great clockmaker, who set the world up and then walked away to let the clock run on its own time. But God is anything but negligent of His creation. No, he’s playing an active role in the world even though he lives outside of time.

Always remember our days are numbered by God for a purpose. Make the best use of the time he has given. It’s a gift, and each day on earth—our time—is in his loving hands.