Confession is good for the soul

"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:4-11).

I opened my bible to this passage this morning. Then, as I often do, I flipped back to a reference in the footnotes. I picked up on the previous page and ended with this same passage - not even realizing I would re-read it. I am self-aware (and God-aware) enough to realize that it is important to God that I read and study this passage today.

I made that realization rather grudgingly, honestly. It's hard to admit I have been neither humble nor standing firm in my faith! Yes, I have gone through the motions, and on some mornings I do spend some quiet time, sometimes in the bible, other times not. But I have not devoted myself to God's word -- really dug in and studied, prayed about and reflected upon His Word that was presented to me each morning as I once did.

I did that for years - sometimes awakening in the wee hours of the morning, slipping downstairs to wrap up in a blanket and open my Bible. Those were truly holy times. Blessed. Amazing. I devoted myself to learning more about God's word. It was the central focus of my life. I share this not to point out how devout I had been (not even!). Rather to highlight that I am NOT at all devout now.

And that, my dear friends, explains much of how I go through each day, each week, each month. Each year--lacking the intimacy with God that is necessary to not just make it through the day, but rather to rise up each morning rejoicing! To thrive in the midst of adversity, to feel sustained and uplifted. I say feel because I know I am sustained and uplifted but fail to acknowledge it without a hint of resentment.

You see, as blessed as I am personally, and my life is generally, I'm not living the life I thought I would be living. There. I said it. My life is not bad, hard, sad. It's just not the life I had planned. Not much humility in that statement, is there? Not much room for God to do His will.

I'd like to make some sweeping statement like, "Beginning right now I commit to . . ." But I won't. I'm not sharing this to ask for accountability - though I welcome any time someone asks me about my faith life and its general condition. I share it because I am fairly certain I am not alone in this situation. I am pretty confident others feel the same say and (a) feel guilty for not being "happy" and/or (b) don't know why they don't feel "happy" and/or (c) would never admit to another living soul that this is the case.

So God's grace extends not only to me but to each of us. He loves us so much that He forgives the lack of attentiveness to our relationship with Him. He rejoices when we return to Him. For someone generally considered rather intillegent, intuitive, insightful and intentional, I have really allowed 'the adversary' to rob me of more sacred moments with my God! And I have failed to thank God properly for His grace.

No sweeping statements or promises . . . just a confession. Which is the starting point to heal a broken relationship.

the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

He Has Prepared a Place for You

Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him" (Isaiah 62:11 RSV).

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2:10-12 NASB).

The shepherds are the “them” in this passage from Luke. I would want reassurance if I looked up and saw a host of angels, too! They were the first to hear the good news! The shepherds in the field were told before any others! Of course, Jesus was descended from shepherds so it somehow seems fitting. Knowing what we know now about Jesus and his life and message, it’s not surprising his life and mission on earth would begin surrounded by the least and the lowliest.

These shepherds would have been very familiar with the verse from Isaiah, too. In some accounts they left their sheep and ran – ran – to find the baby in the manger. Shepherds never left their sheep unguarded—never. But then there were the angels . . . and of course the thousands of years of waiting for the Savior promised them in Isaiah . . .

What is the message for us today? The baby has been born. He’s already lived and died and risen into heaven. So what is the message for us today? The message is exactly the same! Behold! We still have the good news, but ours is even better than what the shepherds heard that night 2000 years ago!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:1-3 NIV).

Behold, Christ has prepared a place for us! That is the real reason we celebrate Christmas—not only to remember the birth of God made man, but to recall the promise of the man/God on the Cross. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Sort of sounds like, “Do not be afraid.” Do not let your hearts be troubled. The risen Christ waits in heaven for you. He has a special place for you, right next to Him.

Nothing on this earth can change that truth. Do not let your heart be troubled.

My prayer today is that you rest in the assurance that Christ has prepared a place for you in heaven. And that you will not allow your heart to be troubled while you wait for Christ’s coming.

Blessings on your journey,

Mary

Salt and Light

" "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" "(Matthew 5:13-16 NRSV).

Some time ago, I spent quite a bit of time researching salt and its significance during the time the gospels were written. The Greeks would have considered being called the “salt of the earth” a very high compliment. Salt was very labor-intensive to produce in a useable form and had to be transported long distances—it was extracted from salt water, so if you didn’t leave near an ocean or sea, it was costly to access it. In other words, it was costly, but highly valued. Not only was salt essential for consumption, and as a preservative for food, but also as an insulator in the stone ovens used to prepare food. Most often, dung or mud was formed into bricks and salt was pressed into the bricks so they would burn longer.

In “The Power of Intention,” Dr. Dyer talks about how we can influence the “energy” that encompasses and enfolds our lives. He contends we have the power to choose light or dark—and that when we choose light, we make a decision to live within the most power. The depiction he gives is to think about walking into a pitch black room and turning on the light switch. The light absorbs the dark and overcomes and overwhelms it. Since we believe Christ is the light of the world, and as His disciples we are to spread His light to the world, we can think about our spreading the Good News as eliminating and absorbing all the darkness/evil in the world!

While we’re busy insulating others from the forces of evil, and sustaining them with the life-giving Good News, we are also to remember that it is the Good News of Jesus Christ that should be our focus! The glory is His. The light emanates and originates from Him. A handwritten note in my bible, from who-knows-when states: the moon has no light of its own—rather it reflects the light of the sun. And we are to reflect the light of the Son.

We are to be the salt and the light for all the lost of the world. We are to offer an alternative to sin and suffering to God’s children. We are to light the way to the Cross for those who have not heard the message of salvation. We are to be the salt of the earth and the light on the hill for all the world. It’s a big job. It’s an important job. But if we think about the job that Christ came to earth to do, it doesn’t seem so difficult. Rather, it feels more like and honor and a privilege to be valued and desired enough to be a disciple of our blessed Savior!

I hope today you shine the light of Christ for everyone you meet. And that you savor the saltiness of God’s word for your life.

Blessings on your journey,
Mary


This devotion was originally posted at Worship for the Weekday, where over 650 devotional messages are available for reprint or republication. Just leave me a message and I'll contact you with details.

Because of the Cross

A number of years ago I attend an Emmaus Weekend. An Emmaus Walk is challenging to explain because the preference is that future participants not know everything that will take place throughout the Friday night-Sunday afternoon over which the experience takes place.

The weekend is planned to allow the "traveller" to experience Christ at a deep, personal level. It is a time of complete seclusion but for other Emmaus participants and the team of volunteers who serve as guides/servants/small group leaders. Every learning style is addressed and catered to. Music, food, study, small group sessions, large group sessions, personal testimonies, and so much more are intermingled with time to be alone, pray, reflect, walk or socialize and relax with others.

One of the two women "assigned" to my group of 5 women displayed seemingly boundless energy. She also was a deeply committed to making the experience as meaningful as possible for each of us. Each team member has been on the Walk themselves and then receive extensive training to become a team member for others. She was a true servant in that she continually brought us soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, snacks during sessions.

She prayed with and for each us indvidually and as a group. I know the team got almost no sleep throughout the course of the weekend, buy this woman never wavered in her willingness to jump up and be sure we were catered to like royalty.

I cried many tears that weekend. In fact I'm wellng up as I type this just recalling the experience. My tears then were for my sinfulness; for my abject grief and shame. My tears were due to my absolute inability to grasp why and how God could love me enough to send Christ.

I lost any perception of composure when this young woman prayed over me after one of our small group discussions came to a close. This was her prayer: "Lord we know that you died for us. But Lord, today I need Mary to know that you would have died just for her. If she had been the only one in need of your gift, you would have died just for her."

I had never and have never been one who said I was "born again." I am blessed that even during the years I did not go to church as a young adult, that I knew Christ and His love for me. This day, though, the magnitude of the gift washed over me. The vestiges of unworthiness and self-loathing began to erode. My tears and the tears I have cried since began to wash away the past - the life I lived before I knew and fully accepted that Jesus would have died JUST FOR ME.

He would have died JUST FOR YOU, too. That's called grace. We don't deserve it - you and me - your OR me. But He did it anyway--and he would have just for you; just for me.

Because of the Cross I long for eternity in heaven. Because of the Cross I live for Christ. Because of Christ I am free and whole and worthy. Because of Easter I am like those women at the empty tomb 2000 years ago - awed, amazed, full of hope and joy!

"Because of the Cross" is the answer to every question in my life.

Because of the Cross.

If you have a post about the true meaning of Easter, please visit Becoming Me to let others know about it.

Lord Prepare Me To Be A Sanctuary

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You

It is you, Lord
Who came to save
The heart and soul
Of every man
It is you Lord
who knows my weakness
Who gives me strength,
With thine own hand.

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and Holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for you

Lead Me on Lord
From temptation
Purify me
From within
Fill my heart with
Your holy spirit
Take away all my sin

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving,
I'll be a living
Sanctuary for You
(John Thompson, Randy Scruggs)

I woke up with the words to this song running through my mind. I devoted my prayer time to singing this song over and over. God revealed several very powerful words that I am compelled to share. I am sure the words were meant for me and apply to my own life and yet I know that so often others are touched when we share God's word.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

I thought about how man can distort and disrupt God's word and His plan for His people so easily. We can be wooed by Satan because He is so wily and has had thousands of years to perfect his techniques. Because He was once with God in heaven he had intimate access to our phyches. That is how he knows when we are at our weakest, our most vulnerable; when we are the easiest to lure away from the Truth.

dictionary.com variably defines Sanctuary: a sacred or holy place; a church or other sacred place where fugitives were formerly entitled to immunity from arrest; a house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people.

The type of sanctuary the song refers to, I believe is the one that is defined: the Holy of Holies. This place within the structure of the sanctuary was so holy that only a select few - the holiest of the ordained - were allowed access to it. That's the place where God dwells. Because of Christ we now not only have access to the intimate most sacred part of God, we have the privilege of creating a space within us where God dwells.

Actually the space already exists. The problem is that sometimes we fill that "God-shaped" space up with other things--wordly things. We yield to Satan's lure and begin to believe the lies of the world. We choose to take the 'easy' way, the immediate way, to fill up that space. Before long, we forget how it feels to have that sacred space filled up with the light and love of God.

The triune God consists of the Holy Spirit as well. This is the part of God that intercedes for us. The original idea was that the people were so unclean and sin-filled that they were not worthy to be in the presence of God, so someone who was ritually (and hopefully spirtually) clean interceded for all of mankind. That person (or perhaps several persons) were the only ones worthy/clean/pure enough to approach God's presence. Christ changed all that and through His death and resurrection, afforded us access to God in a way never even conceived of before by man!

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.' "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:5-10)

This scripture does not mean God doesn't want sacrifice! It shares with us the type of sacrifice God wants and desires. Christ showed us what absolute obedience looks like! How then can we say we don't know what Go wants from us? How then can we pretend not to understand the kind of life God desires us to live? How then can we believe that living "of the world" is acceptable?

We were conceived as sacred and holy. That is God's vision for us. That is how He thought of us at the beginning of time when He decided we would become His most beloved creations. Just as God prepared a body for Jesus, He prepared one for each of us. Are we caring for this gift God gave to us? Are we using it to honor Him in every way?

How are we to know the direction for our lives? By calling out to God as Christ did: "Here I am, I have come to do your will." Jesus became the great high priest for us. Through Him we are all allowed access to God's divine will and plan for our lives. The Holy Spirit is what feeds and nourishes that plan and helps us to stay in line with God's will. The Spirit is who helps us fend off Satan and his influences in our lives.

For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)

Sometimes it is just too much for me to grasp that God would use me for His purpose on the earth. I often have trouble wrapping my head around being so loved and valued that God would desire an intimate and loving relationship with me. I am always in awe of His grace--which is extended to all of us; lost, sin-filled and broken. It is just too much to bear that honor sometimes. It is too lofty for me to grasp.

But God remind us: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:7-9 NIV)

We are all called to divine service. God sent His Son to show us how and sent the Spirit to help keep us on track and guard us from sin's influence. I cannot imagine a more grace-filled, loving and generous gift.

Victory Won On The Cross

I could start out my post by saying that I really love Hebrews in the New Testament, but then I really love the entire bible in all its richness, history and wisdom. Looking back over about 4 years of devotional posts at Worship for the Weekday the very first blog I ever had, back when blogging was still fairly new, I indicated that many of the books of the bible were "my favorite"! This one really strikes me today.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

I'm physically almost fully recovered from the sinus infection I had for over two weeks. I think I may also have been suffering from a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had thought I would not be afflicted with SAD this winter, but I have a suspicion that explains the funk I've been in for a while.

I received this verse via an email service to which I subscribe. I just took a deep breath and felt my whole body relax when I read these words. They are stunningly beautiful and I appreciate they don't give me a checklist, but rather offer a promise and a hope that is unimaginable to the human mind.

I really have much about which to rejoice. So I'm going to share those things and then I'm going to get out of this funk and get busy with my writing and my housework and the other things I have been putting off.

First, some time ago we discovered we needed to find a new primary care physician when our insurance changed the list of approved practitioners. We were a little sorry, but had been feeling we needed to make a change anyway, so it has worked out well. The new relatively young, very personable and bright doctor we now go to is kind and very polite, but he is also, as he puts it "aggressive" about treating and/or preventing health issues, both current and potential future ones. (Sorry, that was a really long sentence:-)

I like him a lot and he ordered a bunch of blood work, etc., as all good doctors do when you're a new patient. Anyone who knows me know I am overweight and have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was not surprised when the report came back: high cholesterol, high blood pressure; borderline vitamin D level, and some other issues. The one that caught my attention was my blood sugar level. In other words, if I keep my current lifestyle and eating habits, I'll be a diabetic within a year.

THAT got my attention! My weight is really one of the last strongholds I have previously refused to relenquish to God. I have done a great deal of deep spiritual work to overcome some other issues and I have given over a lot to my Lord, but food has just continued to win out. Oh, I've lost weight before - sometimes in the past even quite a bit of weight, but I've always gained it back. Part of it is I guess a self-esteem issue, a lack of feeling valued or valuable. Part of it is spiritual and all of it is mental!

So 5 weeks ago after I received these distressing numbers I made a breakthrough. Yep, I gave it to God! He is blessing me right now with opportunities I never imagined I would have as a writer, a mother, a wife, a friend and a disciple of Christ. I gave myself a good swift kick in the pants and decided that I have had enough. I want to be healthy and whole so that I can do all that God is calling me to do. I want to be healthy and whole for my family as well. They need me and I love my role as caretaker for them. I can't do anything well if I'm not at my best mentally, spiritually and physically.

So . . . I've lost 12 pounds. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know at this point some will say, "Yeah, but you've lost 12 pounds before. . ." Actually, no, that would be Satan! He's attacking me in other areas of my life right now, because he's not winning this battle! I'm not going crazy dieting up a storm. I'm making better, healthier food choices, learning to pray through times I eat out of habit or stress and God has taken away my craving for unhealthy foods!

I've reread several times the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness before he began his ministry. . . Satan isn't happy about that either:-)

So how do we win the battles in our lives? How can we be victorious against the world, against Satan and even against our own stubborn will? Well . . . let's get back to this verse:

1) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Don't watch the ads on television, don't listen to the negative, sad, angry people in your life who are bringing you down. Fix your eyes on JESUS.

2) the author and perfecter of our faith, We don't need any guide books, how-to-manuals or expensive programs or plans to hear God's word and then figure out how to carry it out. Why? Because Jesus is the AUTHOR AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH.

3) who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, There is nothing we will endure in this life that we can't get through. The reason that is true is because of the Savior, who hung on the Cross for us. He suffered so we would have the ULTIMATE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE.

4) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The sacrifice of Christ won us ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN.

So, whatever stronghold has a hold of your body, your mind, your heart or your soul, look to the Cross, my brothers and sisters. Look to the Cross.

Don't consider any setback a failure! Look at it as a chance to return again to the foot of the Cross. Rejoice that you have yet another opportunity to offer up a part of your life to God and His will for your life.

but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. (Psalm 44:7)

You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. (Psalm 18:35)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Psalm 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

MONDAY MANNA

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

This morning I was able to sleep in. Usually I wake up anyway by 6:30 but this morning I needed to catch up on sleep and didn't get up until the alarm went off at 7:15. The world just weighs me down sometimes and the weight of it wears me out. I realized during my prayer time this morning that I needed to give my burden to my Savior.

Here is the verse of the day: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

There are so many people and situations on my prayer list these days, I sometimes feel tempted to rush through the list. Then I remember a comment that a dear friend shared with me about her daughter, Katherine. Katherine has multiple physical and mental challenges, but she has a heart for Christ. Her mom shared that every night Katherine insists on going through her prayer list before she goes to bed. If she recites the names out of order or forgets a name, she goes back and starts from the beginning.

Her mom shared that sometimes she just really wanted to "get it over with" and felt bad about that. I understand! Moms get tired, and this mom has long days and a busy life. But she shared this with us because she hoped we would remember, as dear Katherine reminded her, that Christ died for us. HE was crushed for our iniquities; HE was pierced for our transgressions. The punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM. BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED.

I confess I felt the burden of prayer this morning until I remembered Katherine. I added to my list of prayers that God would allow me to have Katherine's single-minded heart as I lifted up the names and situations of everyone and everything on my prayer list. When I finished praying I felt that peace that transcends understanding. And I thanked God for sending His Son to die for me and for everyone on my prayer list.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

Christmas Letter from Jesus

One of my best friends forwarded this to me last year and I must admit, much of these suggestions resonated with me -- and applied to me! Enjoy! Oh . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered any time.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me continue:

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can & may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you & what each of our tasks is. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love & Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals & whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army, your church, or some other charity which believes in Me & they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine. Just love Me & do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. I'll help you. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love,and remember, I LOVE YOU!"

Thankful Thursday Rich Gifts Graphics & Blog Design


Sonya at Truth for the Journey started listing 5 things she is thankful for on Thursdays some time ago and invited others to join her. So, here goes:

1) I am thankful first and foremost for Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made to afford me eternity in heaven.

2) I am thankful for God's grace - which He extends to me in abundance - because I need it abundantly:-)

3) I am ever thankful for my husband, whose faith and strength are an inspiration to me.

4) I am thankful for my children, and all that they have become and everything they are becoming.

5) I am thankful for the people God has placed in my path - as a human being, a Christian, a writer, a member of church family.

I could keep going, probably up to about #100 but I think I'll stop here and make this an every Thursday habit. It's a good exercise and a great way to stay focused on my blessings.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 1:14 NIV]

Incontrovertible Faith

I adore words! The love of words is in my genetic code, I think. My mom is a crossword puzzle “genius” and my paternal grandmother used to solve crossword puzzles in pen! I think my interest in words was fed and nurtured through all the years of my childhood when my mom told us to “look it up” every time we asked her how to spell a word! Those were the days (waay back in history!) when a dictionary – a book with a cover and many hundreds of actual pages – were our resource for word spellings and meanings.

This love affair with words explains why I became a writer, I imagine – it’s just a natural progression. To that end, I subscribe to a “word a day” through ezines@arcamax.com. Yes, I actually have a “word” emailed to me every day. Today’s word is incontrovertible. It means “impossible to dispute; unquestionable.”

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. [1 John 4:15 NIV]. My faith in Christ as Savior, the Promised One in history, the Messiah is incontrovertible! It is just not something I argue about. I don’t argue because for me there is no debate! I don’t argue or debate it because to engage in an argument or debate means that one party convinces the other of their point of view.

I know!!! What about discipleship? What about broadcasting the Good News to the ends of the earth? That’s not the same as arguing! You see, debate and argument are matters of the head—the mind. Faith is a matter of the heart. My faith is incontrovertible. And it’s not something I argue about with others. I will never be convinced that Christianity is a lie or that the Bible is fiction.

That doesn’t mean I deny my faith or try to cover up the fact that I am a Christian. I am who and what I am because I AM a Christian. My faith defines how I live my life – every aspect of my life. I have lost free-lance writing jobs – and even a nanny job – because when the potential employer visited my website it was obvious to them that I am a Christian.

I’m not even going to call those situations persecution. They are not at all! But I won’t change the information on my website in order to get more work or to be thought of in a certain way either. My Christianity is important to me but more than that, it defines how I would be and am as an employee, contractor and a person. I have a great deal of integrity; I am honest and fair to a fault. I have an impeccable work ethic and expect the same of others. I am kind and generous, loving and compassionate. I always try to do the right thing.

Ah . . . but don’t think I’ve listed anywhere on my website or in any biographical or demographic information about myself that I am a sinner. I won’t document the numerous ways I sin on a regular basis, but suffice it to say I am flawed, broken and imperfect. That truth is also incontrovertible. That is why I try very, very hard to be as good a Christian as I can. My sinfulness is also what keeps me very humble and deters me from judging others.

My life, like my faith, is pretty straightforward.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:37-39 NIV]

"I DID IT!!!" and "I Want"

The twin boys I nanny for 3-4 days a week are at a remarkable age! They are 21 months and both of them have tremendous vocabularies! I love to hear them say new words almost daily and watch their faces as they make connections with words and objects - and even some letters of the alphabet - thanks to the shows their almost-4-year-old sister likes to watch.

For the past few weeks they've been really blossoming and learning new skills at what seems like lightning speed. One of the oft-repeated exclamations these days is "I DID IT" and yes, it should be in all caps with multiple exclamation points. They get so excited and gain self-confidence with each new task mastered.

Today I notice one of the boys has learned, "I want" followed by either cup, book, more and a host of unintelligible (to me!) expressed wants.

I couldn't help but think that we never really do outgrow those two phrases. Our wants become more grand and usually more expensive or precious when we become adults, but we still often live with an "I want" mentality, don't we?

How often I have felt proud of myself for accomplishing a goal - large or small - as if I, of my own volition, could accomplish anything without God's purpose and plan for it to be accomplished. I'm not saying I'm helpless, powerless and/or without skill or talent 'on my own'. What I'm saying is that I need to remind myself often of the source of my abilities, skills, talents, and yes, my accomplishments.

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. [Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV]

All the creative musings of my mind and touching and inspiring words of my hands are wrought from the heart and mind of God. All things I want and all the goals I wish to achieve are best measured in relation to how they will help me accomplish the specific and divine purpose for which I was created.

Examined in that light there is really very little I need on this earth outside of the bare essentials to sustain my physical body and an on-going, intentional and ardent desire to be in relationship with my God.

I was reminded of these truths on Saturday night when I attended the Richmond Christians Who Write annual dinner/holiday celebration. So many lovers of the Lord, seeking His truth to share with a broken and sin-filled world! All of us readily admit that we are equally as broken and sin-filled as those to whom we reach out -- but the difference is that we rejoice in the knowledge that our sin has been forgiven and we will be made whole at the end of time when Christ comes again.

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. [1 Chronicles 29:17]

So, my "I want" is to glorify God with every word I write and every thought I think. My every "I DID IT" will, I pray, be a declaration that I have done the best I could to share the Good News with the world.

The Power of Prayer in a Time of Spiritual Warfare

I am almost spent this evening but I didn’t want to let the opportunity for some powerful testimony to slip by. Earlier in the week I was asked to preach at an area church. That is one of the joys and responsibilities I agreed to accept when I became a Certified Lay Speaker through the United Methodist Church.

I was quite excited as I had not delivered a sermon in some time and my Sunday School “team teacher” was very pleased for me and said he didn’t mind taking on my week to teach on Sunday. I didn’t really mind his taking the lesson as it was one that had never really resonated with me. I had never understood it and really never had or took the opportunity to study it in more detail. Well . . . guess which scripture was in the Lectionary (the suggested scripture readings for each Sunday of the year) for this Sunday? OK, that’s a rhetorical question.

I clearly got the message that God intended me to glean some of His wisdom from this parable: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish bridesmaids. If you’re not that familiar with it, perhaps it is for the same reasons I was not.

I set about diligently and with great intention reading as much as I could find on this parable, including commentary by some noted Jewish experts. I was pretty fired up and developed an outline by midweek, as well as what the central theme would be.

Then on Thursday night I got sick. I mean, laying on the floor of the shower stall on and off for 12-15 hours sick. Then I fell into some type of semi-conscious state throughout all of Friday. I hallucinated, fought off bouts of nausea and diarrhea and could not even keep water in. Thursday night as I lay on the floor of the shower I prayed – like I have never prayed before that God would heal me. He alone sustained me throughout Friday, but in the end He was, of course, victorious!

It was not about my personal well-being that I was praying but rather about the words He had revealed to me. He clearly wanted me to learn what he taught me and he just as clearly wanted me to say whatever it was He planned for me to say on Sunday. Because of the short notice of the need for someone to fill the pulpit, I understood that it would probably be impossible to find a substitute for me. And I knew with all my being that someone in that church on Sunday needed to hear what He gave me to say.

Saturday morning. . . I am weak and tired and very, very sore but healed. I was able to eat toast and drink hot tea. And I’ve been working on the sermon all day. I have been planning to meet a friend this evening for a couple of hours so we could talk about her website and make some plans about a project we will collaborate on. That, of course, was cast by the wayside – more because I didn’t want to take a chance of her passing along whatever I had to her young children – or herself! Also, though ,I knew I would be spent.

We talked on the phone for a few minutes and we agreed that I had been engaged in some type of spiritual warfare. I have been struggling with some issues in the spiritual realm for a while but have felt lately that I was overcoming them with God’s help. I imagine when Satan was unable to conquer me on a spiritual level, he resorted to the physical realm. I am absolutely certain that Satan did not want me exposed to that scripture, and especially did not want words of encouragement, hope and warning to fall on the ears of those who needed to hear it. My friend asked if she could pray over me and what a beautiful, powerful prayer it was!

After her prayer I was able to pull the sermon together and still have time to relax for a few hours before bed.

What was the message? This parable tells us that we need not be afraid in a world so full of fear and uncertainty. Rather we are to rejoice! We are to celebrate! We are to feast! Christ is coming! Nothing else in this world or of this world matters! We wait with bated breath, with deep longing and with unspeakable awe the coming of the bridegroom! And we are to be ready when the bridegroom comes -- don't wait until the last minute! Be ready!

Revelation 22:7 [ Jesus Is Coming ] "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book.

Revelation 22:12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.

Is God Faithful?

That's a rather provacative question, I realize! It's one that many are probably asking in light of the current economic situation in our country and around the world. Perhaps you're not saying it out loud to anyone, but certainly you must wonder . . . Or perhaps you are in good financial shape and will be able to weather the next couple of years pretty handily, but you have health issues, or a loved one is dying, or your child is involved in risky behaviors--or you are.

Whatever is going on in the world -- or in your little part of it, this question looms large at some point for each of us. I know that God is, indeed faithful! Throughout the last two years, my husband and I have learned to live on about 1/2 of our previous salary. It has been a struggle at times, because while we were comfortable at our former income level, we didn't live at all extravagantly or one penny beyond our means. So, to now have half of what was not exhorbitant . . .

And yet each month, especially in the months we thought we might need to put an expense on a credit card or figure out some other way to pay an unexpected bill or expenditure, the money came, just in time. Really!! I'm not kidding! Some months it meant that I received free lance writing work with an "ASAP" deadline that was over and above the work I had planned to be paid for. Sometimes it meant we received a refund for a bill we had double-paid months ago without realizing it.

One month, my husband's car was due for inspection. He asked me before he left, what should I do if the bill is $500 or so? You guessed it: his car passed inspection without the need for the expensive repair he had anticipated. Our health insurance does not cover many common medications. One medication I take is expensive and is one that is not covered. My doctor asked me about the prescription on a recent visit and I mentioned that it cost a lot, but that I felt it was effective. She gave me a 10-week supply of samples from her office.

So it sounds as if I say God is faithful because He has made financial provision for us over the past two years. But how would I respond to that question had our home been foreclosed on or had one of us become too ill to work? I like to think I would still feel the same way. I would hope that I would see the blessings I received in every situation. Like Paul, I would hope to rejoice in want and in plenty, in good health and in illness.

Some may believe that all of my examples are merely coincidences. Some may not believe that God acts so personally and precisely in our lives. I happen to disagree! I don't believe He's been providing for us financially because we are so faithful! I believe He is so faithful so that we learn to rely upon Him! I don't know about you, but that reliance does not come naturally to me. I am by nature a fairly industrious, self-sufficient individual. I'm not used to relying upon others for what I need or want.

Those are good qualities, but not when they are exclusive of dependence upon God! I believe that God is so faithful, so often, because I need to constantly be reminded of the source of everything in my life--everything! Christ died on the Cross to afford me eternal life! There is no other provision I can imagine needing or wanting.

Our challenge is to remember the Cross and to rejoice that no matter what happens to us in this life, God has already made provision for us in heaven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9 RSV]

Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. [Hebrews 2:17 RSV]

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from evil. [2 Thessalonians 3:3]

Whatsoever Things Are True

I have been experiencing quite a few changes in my life lately and more are on the way. Some of the changes are or will be rather painful and I find myself all tied up in knots from time to time, thinking and worrying about some things I believe I need to do in order to be obedient to God’s plan for me in the next stage of my life. The decisions are not necessarily any easier to make even believing they are in line with that plan! Situations like this call for peace of mind and heart. I came across the following verses this evening and I know I will re-read them often in the weeks to come.

Philippians 4:8,9 KJV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

This is really a tall order to my mind. Honesty, justice, purity, loveliness and being of good reputation: these are challenging qualities to live into and to live out. I don’t actually even know anyone who possesses or demonstrates all of them in one package even a majority of the time! Yet we are assured that in our striving for all that is honest, just, pure, lovely, positive and virtuous we will find peace. Even if our striving makes others uncomfortable, or may cause us to be shunned, we are to strive nonetheless.

The peace Paul speaks of is not just a quiet calm. He’s referring to a peace that surpasses anything we can create or bring about on our own—the peace that surpasses understanding. That kind of peace is only possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul’s not suggesting that we’re to walk around wearing “rose colored glasses.” He is simply pointing out that if we are to find genuine, true and lasting peace of mind and heart, we should focus on Jesus and the promise He fulfilled.

I’m one of those individuals who tends to mull things over, then turn them over, then break them down to the lowest common denominator, then mull some more! Paul chastises me that I am not being very wise in acting this way. My negativity impacts not only my own life, but the lives of everyone in my sphere of influence. Rather, He urges us to focus on those issues of eternal importance. This world will one day pass away and all the earthly woes we spent time and energy focusing on will pass away with it. That’s why we need to keep our eye on the Cross.

These verses also speak to the kind of people we are expected to be. Not only are we to think on things that are positive and good and life-affirming, we are to be positive and good and world-enhancing people. We are to be virtuous, just, honest, upright and “peace-bearers.” In other words, we are to be Christ to a world that is largely false, dishonest, unjust, ugly and lacking in virtue. That is very challenging! Speaking for myself, I fall short each and every day!

Paul is in prison when he pens these words! He is truly a source of inspirational words. His source is his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and the life Christ won for us on the Cross. If Paul can be so uplifting and Christ-focused from a prison cell, I don’t think many of us have very good excuses not to follow Paul’s teachings.

I pray, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in [Paul, you will] do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” And I pray He will also be with me.

Manifold Blessings

There have been times in my life when I felt tremendously blessed. My wedding day, the birth of my two children, my daughter's wedding day are all the "big" blessings that stand out and come easily to mind.

But as I spent some prayer time this evening I became aware of the many "small" blessings I have been granted lately. Then, of course, as I am in the habit of doing, I expanded my realization to the point of babbling to myself that if I am aware of two or three small blessings I received today, there must a thousand other small blessings I didn't count when they occurred or that I allowed to pass by without the appropriate gratitude . . . and on and on and on. That's how I operate and those who know me well will contest to that very readily!

From this point on, I am going to try to record my blessings as I receive them. I know it's a somewhat daunting task, but I just have to share God's abundance and grace evidenced in my life! So here goes. The blessings I received today:

1) I watched one of the 18-month old twin boys I nanny for "construct" a train by pushing together two of his trucks and then he called out "choo choo." We had finished watching a Thomas the Train episode about an hour earlier and clearly his brain clicked into a new developmental level today! It was so cute and I am so very fortunate to watch him and his brother and sister growing up.

2) I helped the 3 1/2 year old sister of the boys learn how to button and unbutton. Her mom bought some really neat wood puzzles the other day and one of them has a shirt with two big buttons/buttonholes, pants with a belt and buckle, etc. She sat next to me for the initial demonstration then on my lap, on the couch, back to my lap all afternoon.

I began caring for the three children 17 months ago. The boys were practically newborns and their sister had just turned 2. Some days I forget how lucky I am to share their lives.

3) We have our son back. This is the greatest blessing of all! Since we received an accurate diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (which I share with his permission) we have been able to seek out the appropriate medications and other therapies that will benefit him in his quest to become an independent adult. He has been adrift due to some emotional issues over the past year and 1/2 or so and we have grown more and more concerned that we might not get him back - that he might not know how to find his way back, but he's starting down the right path now! His eyes are bright, he looks and sounds hopeful and excited about his upcoming stay at Woodrow Wilson in Fishersville. He will attend 10 weeks of Independent Living/Transitional Living intensive training. I fully expect an alert, enthusiastic young man will retun to us in November. He (and we) now feel he has a bright and promising future!

God is so very good that I could never begin to thank Him or express my gratitude appropriately. All I can do is recognize and rejoice in my blessings every day, and share them with others. I believe He wants me to spread the Good News of the supernatural hope and healing, peace and joy, comfort and care that is avialable through Christ, "Jehovah saves", "Anointed One", "Son of God", "Emmanuel" (God with us), "Savior", "Lamb of God" (sacrificial offering), "Comforter."

How incredible that Christ the King is known by so many names! That is because He is a personal savior. He is to me exactly what I need and to you exactly what you need in order to be saved, comforted, cared for and cared about, loved and forgiven. A God too big to imagine came to earth just for me; just for you.

How then can I not declare my manifold blessings?

New Year’s Resolutions for Christian Men and Women

He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:7-9 NASB]

Statistics tell us that almost 90% of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution. I, however, don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. On the surface it seems like such a great idea. As Christians we do believe in repentance, so the dawning of a new year should be a joyous thing to anticipate. However, as humans, we know our own failings. If we’re really honest with ourselves, most resolutions we’ve made in the past were already broken by Valentine’s Day, as were those of a majority of resolution-makers.

There is something flawed though with the concept of a New Year’s resolution on several levels, especially if we are Christians. First of all, waiting until a particular date to change really doesn’t make much sense. As Christians, we have an opportunity to repent and begin anew every single day. Doesn’t it seem like a better idea to make the change at the time it’s recognized as a need? Waiting only further ingrains in us the undesirable behavior while we’re waiting to make a change.

Read the rest of New Year's Resolutions for Christian Men and Women.

Fearless!

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Romans 8:38-39

38. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39. nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 4:6-7

6. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Well . . . do I really need to add anything to these two hopeful and uplifting passages? No matter what is going on in our lives, we have the assurance that God is in it; He is with us and walks through every moment with us. That’s not always easy to remember when we are in pain, experiencing a difficult time in our lives, or have lost a loved one. To my mind, those are the times we need the reassurance of these verses the most.

I read the Philippians to mean that once we have prayed and presented our supplications to God, we need to let it go. Once we give it our Heavenly Father, we can be assured that everything will happen as he has planned out of his wisdom and grace. In a time of tragedy, mourning, struggle or fear we may not feel very close to God. Those are the times we actually need to seek Him out. That’s when we need to read and pray upon the Romans verses.

Because of Christ, we have assurance that God has our present and our future in his hands. There is nothing we can do, nothing we can experience that is stronger than God’s love. Think about that for a minute! Beyond our own daily lives and our personal future lives, He holds the world! No war or revolt, no acts of genocide, no words of hatred, no earthquake, volcano, tsunami, drought or flood is beyond the depth and breadth, the height or the power of God!

More, in spite of our own sins and the sins of the world, God values us tremendously. He jealously oversees our actions and knows our thoughts. He loves us anyway—individually as his precious ones, and as a people. We are all His Own, his beloved. Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Cross won for us eternity in heaven. That’s why we are not to be anxious, to fret, to be afraid. No traffic light color of alert level will change our future. We’re going to heaven!

I think it helps to step back and reframe our own little lives, and all the things going on in the world from that perspective. Since we are going to heaven, all we need to really be concerned about is taking as many with us as we can, and being the best person we can possibly be. It’s a cliché, I know. But it is true, and it is the answer to how to have the best life possible—a grace-filled life of abundance and blessings. Death is not the final word. Nor is warfare, natural disasters, hatred, military power or living in fear.

Because of Christ we are fearless! We are not afraid, and so we are free to share the Good News and to live abundantly and fully into the promise sealed for us 2000 years ago on Calvary. Rejoice! We have nothing to fear! We are God’s beloved and His precious creations. He waits for us!

My prayer today is that you fearlessly go out into the world intending to be Christ to the world. And that you live the rest of your life with reckless abandon!

Mary