"Don't you realize how kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" Romans 2:4
365 days God gave you time.
Time to turn to Him
Time to trust Him
Time to know Him
Time to serve Him
Time to love Him
Time to spend with Him
Time to talk to others about Him
Time to repent
Time to confess
Time to grow closer to Him
Time to love others
Time to forgive
Time to heal
Time to be selfless
Time to laugh
Time to cry
Time for joy
Time to hope
Time to smile
Time to breathe
Time to worship
Time to give thanks
Time to fellowship
Time to give
Time to comfort
Time to learn
Time to change
Time to transform
Time to be with family
T-I-M-E! It's a gift from God, and He desires us to be good stewards with our time. As you close out this year, praise God for the time He has given you. And as You begin a New Year, make the resolution to be a better steward with your time.
Use it for His glory. His honor.
Happy New Year Sweet Ones!!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
The Gift of Commitment
Commitment...
A gift Christ gave us when He died for us. A gift that is required in a relationship. It's required in our relationship with Christ and in our marriage. It's one gift we are beginning to see less of. We see less commitment in our jobs, in our homes, in our Churches, in our devotion to Christ, in reading the Word, so on and so on. Commitment is required in our relationship with Christ. If we struggle to commit our life to Him, we will struggle to commit in others areas and relationships as well. Commitment is trusting God with everything we have and everything we are. Commitment is loving God more than we love ourselves.
Give Christ the gift of commitment this new year! Commit to Him and His Word wholeheartedly.
"Commit everything you do to the Lord." Psalm 37:5
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Altar Sunday
The Gift of giving and telling others about Christ doesn't end on December 25th. It actually begins.
Keep celebrating the life of Christ. Keep spreading His name, His love, His joy, His goodness, His faithfulness and the hope that is found in Him.
Meet Jesus at the Cross, He is there waiting to give you the path for which He desires you to take in 2014.
Keep celebrating the life of Christ. Keep spreading His name, His love, His joy, His goodness, His faithfulness and the hope that is found in Him.
Meet Jesus at the Cross, He is there waiting to give you the path for which He desires you to take in 2014.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
The Gift of Fruitfulness
Fruitfulness…
I love this gift. Fruitfulness is an abundance of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. It produces many gifts; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be exact. It is the gift that keeps on giving, day in and day out. Fruitfulness is not something we can obtain ourselves, it comes from the Holy Spirit and staying attached to the vine. As long as we stay attached to the vine fruit will be produced, which means more fruit to be given.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5
I love this gift. Fruitfulness is an abundance of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. It produces many gifts; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be exact. It is the gift that keeps on giving, day in and day out. Fruitfulness is not something we can obtain ourselves, it comes from the Holy Spirit and staying attached to the vine. As long as we stay attached to the vine fruit will be produced, which means more fruit to be given.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:4-5
Friday, December 27, 2013
The Gift of Trust
Trust…
It's the gift man must earn, but can only be found in God Almighty. His faithfulness proves true day in and day out.
It's the gift man must earn, but can only be found in God Almighty. His faithfulness proves true day in and day out.
He never lies, never goes back on His Word, He will never leave us not forsake us.
His character and integrity speak for themselves.
To find trust in man, is to find God in man. It's a gift that seems to be rare, but when found, Christ is there.
Seek to obtain this gift, its a daily search, but one worth searching for.
"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you." Psalm 9:10
Thursday, December 26, 2013
The Gift of God's Word
God's Word…
This is the most spectacular gift you could ever give someone. It is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. It straightens us out, it brings us life. It is a fresh of breath air. It is where our hope comes from, where peace is found, and is the prescription for healing. It is a gift that everyone needs no matter who they are or where they are. God's Word is the most beneficial gift there is. It's a needed gift in the worst of ways, and is available to all man, free of charge. It's the gift that should be found in EVERY home, every school, every hotel, every corner. Within it, knowledge, understanding and wisdom are found. Along with insight, good judgement, and guidance. It's full of the greatest love letters, written specifically to you, from God Himself. It will fill you up, lift you up, and draw you closer to Christ. I can't think of a greater gift to give than God's Word.
"Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise." Colossians 3:16
This is the most spectacular gift you could ever give someone. It is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. It straightens us out, it brings us life. It is a fresh of breath air. It is where our hope comes from, where peace is found, and is the prescription for healing. It is a gift that everyone needs no matter who they are or where they are. God's Word is the most beneficial gift there is. It's a needed gift in the worst of ways, and is available to all man, free of charge. It's the gift that should be found in EVERY home, every school, every hotel, every corner. Within it, knowledge, understanding and wisdom are found. Along with insight, good judgement, and guidance. It's full of the greatest love letters, written specifically to you, from God Himself. It will fill you up, lift you up, and draw you closer to Christ. I can't think of a greater gift to give than God's Word.
"Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise." Colossians 3:16
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The Gift of Thankfulness
Thankfulness…
Thankfulness is a gift Christ should receive daily. It's the acknowledgement of His goodness in our lives. Thankfulness, is not just a gift to be given during Thanksgiving, rather it's a gift that should be given 365 days a year. Thankfulness is appreciating God's richest mercies. This is a particular gift that should be shared, spread, and become contagious. When thankfulness overflows in our lives, it should become an outpouring onto the lives of others.
"Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7
Thankfulness is a gift Christ should receive daily. It's the acknowledgement of His goodness in our lives. Thankfulness, is not just a gift to be given during Thanksgiving, rather it's a gift that should be given 365 days a year. Thankfulness is appreciating God's richest mercies. This is a particular gift that should be shared, spread, and become contagious. When thankfulness overflows in our lives, it should become an outpouring onto the lives of others.
"Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done." Colossians 2:7
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The Gift of Humility
Humility…
More than a gift, humility is a reflection. A reflection of Christ. It is the state of not thinking of yourself or that you are better than others. Rather it's a state of selflessness. It's an attitude that does not demand it's own way or cling to it's own rights. Instead, it places others interests before its own. Humility, is the perfect description of Christ. Humility is what we should all desire and posses, especially this time of year.
"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross." Philippians 2:5-8
More than a gift, humility is a reflection. A reflection of Christ. It is the state of not thinking of yourself or that you are better than others. Rather it's a state of selflessness. It's an attitude that does not demand it's own way or cling to it's own rights. Instead, it places others interests before its own. Humility, is the perfect description of Christ. Humility is what we should all desire and posses, especially this time of year.
"Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross." Philippians 2:5-8
Monday, December 23, 2013
The Gift of Prayer
Prayer…
It's the greatest gift to give when you are at a loss for what to give. It's always needed, always welcomed, and is better than any human word given. Prayer, when given on behalf of others, is placed in the hands of the Most Holy God, the Creator and Ruler; the healer, comforter, protector, and Sovereign God. He will be able to give and do far more than any human word, or gift ever could.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:14-19
It's the greatest gift to give when you are at a loss for what to give. It's always needed, always welcomed, and is better than any human word given. Prayer, when given on behalf of others, is placed in the hands of the Most Holy God, the Creator and Ruler; the healer, comforter, protector, and Sovereign God. He will be able to give and do far more than any human word, or gift ever could.
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Altar Sunday
Join together and lift up your voices to the Lord. Rush to the altar together and kneel before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has come to set us free. He has come to show us the way. He has come to give us life. He has made the way.
Celebrate the goodness of Christ.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
The Gift Encouragement
Encouragement…
It's the gift, when given can build up even the saddest heart. It is the gift, that can be a source of strength for the weak. Hope for the hopeless. Confidence for the insecure. And even life-giving.
This is one gift we should not keep wrapped up. It should be given daily, especially in our homes.
"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12
It's the gift, when given can build up even the saddest heart. It is the gift, that can be a source of strength for the weak. Hope for the hopeless. Confidence for the insecure. And even life-giving.
This is one gift we should not keep wrapped up. It should be given daily, especially in our homes.
"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:12
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Gift of Service
Service…
Is not found wrapped in a gift, it is found in us; our hands and feet. We actually give the gift, by giving up our time to help and serve others.
"Then the King will say to those on the right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:34-36
How can you and your family serve?
Is not found wrapped in a gift, it is found in us; our hands and feet. We actually give the gift, by giving up our time to help and serve others.
"Then the King will say to those on the right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:34-36
How can you and your family serve?
Thursday, December 19, 2013
The Gift of Giving
Giving…
Is what we do this time every year. We give so many things, but the greatest gift we could give, is Christ, our time, our selves, our tithes, our offerings, our homes, His Word and His love.
Giving goes way beyond a materialistic gift. Giving, is the giving up of self.
"If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small-it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
God gave the ultimate gift of giving. He gave His Son!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:16
Is what we do this time every year. We give so many things, but the greatest gift we could give, is Christ, our time, our selves, our tithes, our offerings, our homes, His Word and His love.
Giving goes way beyond a materialistic gift. Giving, is the giving up of self.
"If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small-it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38
God gave the ultimate gift of giving. He gave His Son!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:16
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
The Gift of Joy
Joy…
Is the gift often confused with happiness. Yet it is quite different. The gift of joy is given by God for all to take and receive. It's the gift that fills your heart with absolute confidence that you belong to Christ. This gift must be given with the gift of Christ, because they really do go together. Without Christ there is no joy! Give someone the gift of Christ's Word and watch Him give them the gift of joy when they receive Him.
"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yo will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15:9-11
Is the gift often confused with happiness. Yet it is quite different. The gift of joy is given by God for all to take and receive. It's the gift that fills your heart with absolute confidence that you belong to Christ. This gift must be given with the gift of Christ, because they really do go together. Without Christ there is no joy! Give someone the gift of Christ's Word and watch Him give them the gift of joy when they receive Him.
"I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yo will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" John 15:9-11
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Gift of Faithfulness
Faithfulness…
It's the gift Jesus deserves from us the most. It's the greatest gift we could give Him every single day. It's one given sporadically, but should be given always. He did not withhold His faithfulness from us. He has proven His faithfulness over and over again. He is the most faithful there is.
May our lives be wrapped in such faithfulness that others will see Him.
"Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lamentations 3:23
"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:14
It's the gift Jesus deserves from us the most. It's the greatest gift we could give Him every single day. It's one given sporadically, but should be given always. He did not withhold His faithfulness from us. He has proven His faithfulness over and over again. He is the most faithful there is.
May our lives be wrapped in such faithfulness that others will see Him.
"Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day." Lamentations 3:23
"For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ." Hebrews 3:14
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Gift of Goodness
Goodness…
It's the gift that can only be described this way. "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up." Romans 14:17-19
It's the gift that can only be described this way. "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up." Romans 14:17-19
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Altar Sunday
"Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girls, and now generation after generation will call me blessed. For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him. His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our ancestors-Abraham and his children-to be merciful to them forever." Luke 1:46-55
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Gift of Patience
Patience…
It's the gift we all need, but never want to ask for. It's the gift, if given will display self-control, love and gentleness all at the same time. It's the gift Jesus freely gives and displays for us every millisecond.
If you are able, give the gift, but also receive the gift, it will be life-transforming.
"Love is patient." 1 Corinthians 13:4
"Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness." 2 Peter 1:6
It's the gift we all need, but never want to ask for. It's the gift, if given will display self-control, love and gentleness all at the same time. It's the gift Jesus freely gives and displays for us every millisecond.
If you are able, give the gift, but also receive the gift, it will be life-transforming.
"Love is patient." 1 Corinthians 13:4
"Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness." 2 Peter 1:6
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Gift of Honesty
Honesty…
It's the gift that is desperately needed today. It's needed in our homes, our jobs, our schools, our nation, even within ourselves. It's one gift we should be more mindful of giving out. We will never understand the urgency and importance of this gift. Without it, there will be deception and misleading of every kind.
If there was ever a gift for us to give, it would be the gift of honesty.
"The Lord hates cheating, but he delights in honesty." Proverbs 11:1
It's the gift that is desperately needed today. It's needed in our homes, our jobs, our schools, our nation, even within ourselves. It's one gift we should be more mindful of giving out. We will never understand the urgency and importance of this gift. Without it, there will be deception and misleading of every kind.
If there was ever a gift for us to give, it would be the gift of honesty.
"The Lord hates cheating, but he delights in honesty." Proverbs 11:1
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Gift of Selflessness
Selflessness…
It's the gift that is found in Christ. It's the giving up of one's self in order to put others first. It is the gift God gave us when He sent Christ to die for us. It's the gift, that if used, will change lives, homes, even nations. It's the sweetest gift you can give Christ and others.
Christ's birth, death, and resurrection is the perfect example of selflessness.
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24
"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want." John 6:38
It's the gift that is found in Christ. It's the giving up of one's self in order to put others first. It is the gift God gave us when He sent Christ to die for us. It's the gift, that if used, will change lives, homes, even nations. It's the sweetest gift you can give Christ and others.
Christ's birth, death, and resurrection is the perfect example of selflessness.
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24
"For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want." John 6:38
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
The Gift of Gentleness
Gentleness…
It's the gift that should grace our homes daily and our lives always. It's the prettiest gift you could wrap yourself in. Nothing speaks God's grace more than a kind, mild-mannered heart.
"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4
It's the gift that should grace our homes daily and our lives always. It's the prettiest gift you could wrap yourself in. Nothing speaks God's grace more than a kind, mild-mannered heart.
"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Gift of Love
Love…
It's the gift that is requested by all and required by Him.
You can never go wrong in giving the gift of love. It quiets angry hearts. It restores broken hearts. It brings joy to the joyless. It brings comfort and hope and is the greatest reflection of Christ.
Give the gift of love with all your heart! Jesus did.
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sen his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friend, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:9-12
"God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect." 1 John 4:16-17
It's the gift that is requested by all and required by Him.
You can never go wrong in giving the gift of love. It quiets angry hearts. It restores broken hearts. It brings joy to the joyless. It brings comfort and hope and is the greatest reflection of Christ.
Give the gift of love with all your heart! Jesus did.
"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sen his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friend, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:9-12
"God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect." 1 John 4:16-17
Monday, December 9, 2013
The Gift of Peace
Peace…
It's a gift we all desire, yet one that is given the least. If given it produces a harvest of blessing and righteousness. Let's give the gift of peace.
"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:18
It's a gift we all desire, yet one that is given the least. If given it produces a harvest of blessing and righteousness. Let's give the gift of peace.
"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:18
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Altar Sunday
How will you find me
What will you see
Will it be a heart devoted to thee
As I kneel at your feet
I give all to thee
Leaving none to be found
I will walk away
hearing the only sound
Give it all to Me
Saturday, December 7, 2013
The Gift of Hope
Hope…
It's one of the most needed gifts today and is found in Christ alone.
"Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:18-21
It's one of the most needed gifts today and is found in Christ alone.
"Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:18-21
Friday, December 6, 2013
The Gift of Kindness
Kindness…
It's the gift that keeps on giving.
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Psalm 3:3
It's the gift that keeps on giving.
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Psalm 3:3
Thursday, December 5, 2013
The Gift of Forgiveness
Forgiveness…
It's a gift we all could use and one we could all afford to give.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
It's a gift we all could use and one we could all afford to give.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
It Is these that need the Gift of Christ
7stead,
She entered our office with a sweet and gentle smile.
Her gentle spirit radiated through out the entire meeting.
As it came to a close she said something I wasn't quite prepared for.
Her heart opened and she began to express her brokenness.
"On July 30th my husband died while running on the treadmill. He had just recently seen a cardiologist who had given him a good report. On July 1st, we both decided we wanted and needed to lose weight. He was always all in with everything. I wasn't there when it happened. Every since then my life has been a little off."
My heart broke for her. God's timing is amazing in all things. I had just spent time with Him the day before, praying for those who have lost loved ones. And then today a complete stranger, now sister, sharing her loss.
In that moment it seemed as though I had no mouth to speak words, just arms; arms that grabbed hold of her and hugged her.
The moment she walked out the door, I immediately went to the foot of the cross grabbed a hold of Jesus and cried out for His presence to surround her, comfort her, and encourage her.
Sweet one, it is these precious ones that we should be grabbing a hold of; loving on, surrounding, praying over them, and giving them the precious and perfect gift of Jesus.
He is the Light that penetrates the darkest darkness. He is the comfort that allows you to take a breath. He is the one who wipes away your tears. He is the strength you need to get out of bed and keep serving Him.
He is your every and only need.
Wrap your arms around someone hurting.
And whatever you do, trust Christ and complain less.
Give more and take less.
Love more. Encourage more. Pray more, and focus less on yourself and more on Christ.
Jesus was selfless when He came to earth to save us. Let's follow that example.
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to
Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are
your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing
wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with
one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble,
thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own
interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus
had.
Though he was God, he
did not think of equality with God as
something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he
took the humble position of a slave and
was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he
humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8
cross.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The Best Gift-The Perfect Gift
"Don't be afraid! He said. I bring you good news of great joy for everyone!" Luke 2:10
Wrap Him up and send Him out.
There will never be a more life changing gift.
It's the one gift that will always keep on giving from generation to generation.
It's the gift that brings joy, love, hope and peace.
So stop searching for the perfect gift, Jesus is the perfect gift!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Remember the Reason
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." Luke 2:14
Father, it's so easy to get caught up in the list making, the shopping, the wrapping, even the decorating. So much so, we begin to lose sight of why we even celebrate Christmas.
How have we fallen so far away from you?
How have we gone from what is all about You, to being all about ourselves, our wants?
Slipping You in doesn't suffice.
For some, this time of year brings a mixture of joy and deep sadness. It's a reminder of the emptiness they feel for their loved ones.
Yet in the midst of their sorrow, may they lift their eyes to You and realize that You fill the void, You heal their brokenness, You restore their joy.
Remind us of the price You paid. Remind us of the reason You came.
Jesus draw us back to You, now and forever.
Fill us with hunger pains that only subside when we feed on Your very Word.
Father it seems we have made this Season about the worldliness, the getting rather than the giving. Oh yes Lord, their are many who give of themselves for Your sake. Bless them with spiritual blessings.
Ignite a fire within the Body of Christ that cries out Your holiness to the nations. Ignite a burning passion within the Body of Christ that brings unity, boldness, and proclamation of Your first coming and second coming!
May we not gather around the tree to open the presents of materialism. May we gather around the tree on our knees to open the present of life-Your life.
Jesus slow us down to savor this time, this occasion. May all our preparing be for You. May our focus be on doing for the least of these rather than for the selfishness of our flesh.
Show us how to honor You in a way that brings millions to the Cross.
Father, it's so easy to get caught up in the list making, the shopping, the wrapping, even the decorating. So much so, we begin to lose sight of why we even celebrate Christmas.
How have we fallen so far away from you?
How have we gone from what is all about You, to being all about ourselves, our wants?
Slipping You in doesn't suffice.
For some, this time of year brings a mixture of joy and deep sadness. It's a reminder of the emptiness they feel for their loved ones.
Yet in the midst of their sorrow, may they lift their eyes to You and realize that You fill the void, You heal their brokenness, You restore their joy.
Remind us of the price You paid. Remind us of the reason You came.
Jesus draw us back to You, now and forever.
Fill us with hunger pains that only subside when we feed on Your very Word.
Father it seems we have made this Season about the worldliness, the getting rather than the giving. Oh yes Lord, their are many who give of themselves for Your sake. Bless them with spiritual blessings.
Ignite a fire within the Body of Christ that cries out Your holiness to the nations. Ignite a burning passion within the Body of Christ that brings unity, boldness, and proclamation of Your first coming and second coming!
May we not gather around the tree to open the presents of materialism. May we gather around the tree on our knees to open the present of life-Your life.
Jesus slow us down to savor this time, this occasion. May all our preparing be for You. May our focus be on doing for the least of these rather than for the selfishness of our flesh.
Show us how to honor You in a way that brings millions to the Cross.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Altar Sunday
As you make your way to the altar, may your heart be full of praise and little of self.
Happy December!!
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